Hey Skinny

Don't forget to................

2008-09-18T10:28:00.001-04:00

Eat your veggies
Drink your water
Exercise
Eat "real" food
Use moderation
Read motivational weight loss stories
Shop smart
Choose the restaurant that best works for you
Make changes you and can live with
Hang around with Skinny people
Smile
Get rid of the fat clothes already
Stop saying, start doing
Cook
Try new foods often

And most importantly say hi to Rich occasionally.

This concludes Rich's writing of the Hey Skinny blog.

You can follow his antics at the Fun Motivational Speaker Blog

Last Chance to get in on The Gift of Weight Loss

2008-09-17T12:45:00.000-04:00

http://heyskinny.blogspot.com/2008/09/you-deserve-gift-of-weight-loss.html

A free gift

2008-09-16T08:36:00.000-04:00

So what do you do when you unpack your Peapod order and there is a free box of Wasa crackers.

Throw them out?
Gag?
Make Wasa Brei

I should have chosen #1. I chose number 3 and then I number 2'd. Thank god I didn't pay for them. But I do get an A for trying something new.

What's Wasa Brei? Look up Matzo Brei and replace the matzo with the Wasa. Except in this case, DO NOT!!!!!

Speaking of Obesity.............

2008-09-15T08:41:00.001-04:00

I was invited to a South African dinner party the other night. Pumpkin fritters were served as hors d'oeuvres . They were quite good; they were also quite greasy. Yes, one woman started wiping grease on her legs and shared that she was moisturizing.

Well we got into this discussion about that awful show The Biggest Loser; and how motivational it is.

Motivational!!! Are you people nuts? These people are losing record amounts of weight - rapidly. Some people would even say it is neither safe nor healthy.

Motivational? Their job is to lose weight. Anyone reading this post could lose weight in record numbers if you had no responsibilities, like work or family, and could just focus your day on weight loss.

Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that to spend 24 hours per day on your weight loss takes commitment, dedication and courage; and I applaud those contestants for that, but I would hardly call this reality. It seems to me that we shifted an addiction from eating to starving or exercise?

I'm sticking to my guns here. I have been speaking and working with obese folks since 1993, and here is what I know, the most successful do not go from one extreme to another. The most successful make changes that are real and they can live with. The most successful surround themselves with people who understand that rapid weight loss is dumb, stupid and unsafe. Wanna meet some of those people? Don’t forget; three days until The Gift of Weight Loss Begins!

I'll tell you what is motivational. When you see someone who you know is working on their waistline, eat 1/2 of a pumpkin fritter and ask someone if they would like to share an Amarula ice cream coffee drink with shaved chocolate; while spending several hours overlooking the Boston Skyline laughing. That's motivational.

I want a snack!

2008-09-11T09:49:00.000-04:00

Go ahead snack!

Eat those empty 100 calorie packs of things; several at a time.
Eat those foods that have "added fiber" to make you feel like you're making a better choice.
Snack on those veggies with an open jar of dressing sitting right next to you (yes, I've seen people do this; they probably had 40,000 calories of dressing by the time they finished the cucumber slices.)

Go ahead snack!

Or try this....................

Open three cans of beans (black, red, garbanzo); drain them and store them in the fridge. Then when that urge occurs to snack, grab some with your favorite seasoning, some low-cal Italian dressing or saute them quickly in a tsp or two of olive oil.

Much better for you. Much healthier for you.

Now you can go feel good about yourself?

Try It! You'll Like It!

2008-09-10T09:40:00.004-04:00

Yes, it's another Try It You'll Like It post.

Breakfast this morning was a Brown Rice Scramble.

A couple of eggs,
1/2 Cup of Brown Rice,
Some chopped up peppers and onions
and a bit of salt and pepper.

It's a scramble. Do you need further directions? Please tell me no.

Delicious. I even think Tricia the Nutritionist would like this one.

Who is Tricia?

She'll be my first guest/expert to appear in The Gift Of Weigh Loss teleseminar series beginning on September 18th. It's not too late for you and two friends to give yourself a gift. Check it out at: http://heyskinny.blogspot.com/2008/09/you-deserve-gift-of-weight-loss.html

Oh and yes, the rice was cooked already.

Here's a little bit of a challenge

2008-09-09T13:19:00.003-04:00

Okay, here's a challenge for you...................

As we head into the fall a lot of you reading this will be packing away the spring and summer clothes. In some cases it is your hope/desire/dream to not be wearing these garments next year; that this is going to be the year you lose the weight once and for all.

Here's a thought - throw them out right now. Or give them to a worthy charitable organization. Your dream will come true! You won't be wearing them next year.

Now go do what you have to do to be certain that the replacements are the right styles and sizes.

The comforts of being Skinny

2008-09-08T08:19:00.000-04:00

There are so many comforts of being Skinny - or knowing that you're working towards being Skinny. Clothes fit better. Clothing options are greater. You feel a bit more comfortable looking in the mirror, having conversations with people, and walking down the street not feeling all self-conscious about what you look like. It's a good feeling knowing that running in to old friends and colleagues is not going to be an awful, painful experience. It's nice when someone in the seat next to you on the plane is hanging over into your seat and you are not angry but proud that you can share your space with that person because you no longer need it. Maybe you can even move over a bit to offer them some more room rather than pushing back with that "get out of my space" attitude.

How about you? Have you noticed the comforts of being Skinny? Because remember, the comforts of being Skinny are in our mind, in our emotions and in our physical presence. If you're not seeing all three, you're missing out on one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

If you're not experiencing this gift, don't you think it is time?

Are they looking at your size?

2008-09-06T06:54:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I had an interesting conversation regarding whether or not people take notice of your size when they meet you. Are they thinking how fat you got, that you put on a few, that you look like an anorexic, that you've let yourself go to the crapper?

It was an interesting conversation which I ended with two questions, the two questions that I will leave you with today.........................

If the people you spend your life with are worried about taking notice of your size, why are they in your life?
Is it your own unhappiness with how you look and you're trying to transfer the blame?

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

Only 12 days until the Gift Of Weight Loss Begins! Register you and two friends today. Get Skinny together for the holidays

Try It! You'll Like It!

2008-09-04T08:34:00.000-04:00

What do you do when you have Diet Ginger Ale, about 1/2 cup of Raspberry Sorbet and a can of pears in its own juice?

You stick it in the Magic Bullet or blender, silly! It makes a great frozen treat, gets you a few fruit selections and takes the edge off the fact that your neighbors are all standing around drinking fruity hi-calorie alcoholic drinks!

Try it. You'll Like It!

Only 14 days until the Gift Of Weight Loss Begins! Register you and two friends today. Get Skinny together for the holidays

You Deserve The Gift of Weight Loss!

2008-09-03T07:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, you still miss me. I am flattered. I keep getting emails from people asking if I am coming back to WW (that answer is no) or telling me you cannot find a leader you connect with. You like the blog, but I am thinking you want more. So...........................

Let's do something new and different

Let's take or add a different approach to your weight loss efforts; an approach where you don't have to leave the comfort of your home or office. Are you ready for The Gift of Weight Loss?

The Gift of Weight Loss
The motivation and straight-talk you need right from the privacy of your own home – for you and a couple of your friends!

This 30 minutes per month just might change your waist size,your attitude and the looks you get when you go visiting this holiday season! Join Rich DiGirolamo for a 30-minute teleseminar that will motivate you to achieve all your weight loss dreams for the 2008 Holiday Season. You’ll get ideas, pointers and advice. There will be a guest speaker segment each month; I'll have an emotional eating expert, a nutritionist, a behavior specialist.

The price: $149.95 allows you to bring along two of your friends.

There will be 4 thirty minute teleseminars; one per month; all begin at 7:30PM EST

September 18th;
October 16th
November 13th
December 11th

All Teleseminars will be recorded, so if you cannot make the call, an MP3 file will be made available for your listening pleasure. And if you are on the call, you will get to listen to it over and over.

Each session will build on the success of the previous - with a graduation of sorts at the end. Sign up for all four sessions and get three copies of Rich’s Self-Help Book and One Set of Rich’s Weight Loss Audio Program; a $100 value.

Register for THE GIFT OF WEIGHT LOSS today

Still not convinced. Let's do the math.

Four Teleseminars for you and two friends. So right there, if you split the cost, it is just under $50 per person or $12.50 per teleseminar; and that will also get you an MP3 that you can listen to again and again.
But then you add in the copies of Rich's Self-Help Book and his Yes You're Fat I Like You Anyway audio program (about a $100 value) and now the sessions are costing you $12.50 per session or just over $4 per person.
Now let's talk about what your time is worth. You can do this all in the privacy of your own home or listen later in your car. I can't put a value on your time; but maybe it is time for you to start putting more value on you, your time, your money and your self-worth.

Now is your time to Register for THE GIFT OF WEIGHT LOSS today

Note: No food will be served at the Teleseminars.

The Gift of Weight Loss

2008-08-31T07:58:00.000-04:00

It's coming. Soon. Very soon. The gift of weight loss.

Your mission right now is to identify two people you wish you could give the gift of weight loss. If you could give two people the gift of weight loss, who would they be?

Stay tuned..............the details are coming.

Chocolate versus the Mango. And the winner is........

2008-08-27T20:54:00.000-04:00

Chocolate I was craving
There was none to be found
I could go drive down to the mall
They sell it by the pound

This sweet tooth needed some relief
I cannot take no more
There is a mango rotting dead
on the refrigerator door

Chocolate would really hit the spot
Some say the mango would too!
Dark chocolate is a good choice, right?
And tomorrow I'll start anew

I grab my wallet, head to the door
The pups are looking at me
I'm just moments away from chocolate bliss
except I cannot find my car key.

I think there is a message here
So I grab a knife instead
I take that mango off the door
and peel it before it's dead.

The sweetness of that mango sure
was an unexpected treat
I did not really need that chocolate
and can celebrate the feat!

What's Your One Skinny Thing Today?

2008-08-26T07:36:00.002-04:00

Inquiring minds want to know.

And if you're not sure what I'm talking about, keep reading the posts below. And don't tell yourself there is nothing you can do. I'll bet money on it! Lots of money.

Mine is to drink water at a dinner I am attending tonite.

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

And don't forget to Read Rich's Other Blog Regularly as well

Is ice cream really what it is all about?

2008-08-25T08:02:00.002-04:00

All summer long Carl has talked about driving to the town of Oxford, CT for the supposed best ice cream in the world. Everyone has ignored his request. I can pull out of my neighborhood and find several sources of ice cream within a 4 mile radius. I've got Dairy Queen, Pralines, Scooples, Ying Yang, the IGA, Cumberland Farms, and from the looks of some of the neighbors I am sure there is plenty of ice cream to be found in freezers nearby.

Well the other day we humored Carl; and he, Robin and I got in the car and drove 20 miles to this farm in Oxford. We arrived to a line of people about 15 deep. This is insane I thought. But it was about being with friends, not the ice cream, so I stood in line. This ice cream must be the jewel of ice cream.

I turned around at one point and the line must have been 50 deep, waiting to get to the one of three windows being operated by happy college kids who were earning tips for college, booze, pot, or gas.

So the three of us are talking and laughing and next thing I know my shoulder is being tapped and I am being yelled at by the woman behind me. I guess we weren't paying attention and we were next at the far end of the counter. We were holding up the line. Now let me just tell you that the woman behind me was not going to die if she missed ice cream or any sort of nutrition probably until 2025! But I digress.

So Robin and I share a small cake batter ice cream sundae. Yes, not cookie dough but cake batter; I didn't know there was a difference. Small could have fed the entire town of Oxford, whose population I think is about 13,000, but might swell to 1,000,000 when this place is open for the season. The line keeps extending down the gravel lot.

Cake batter was okay, just okay; not this orgasmic experience I was hoping to finally encounter. Carl threw out half of his toasted almond sundae as he is lactose intolerant. We hopped back in the car and drove home the back roads blasting disco with the top down. At least we had thirty minutes of great music.

Good friends. Good music. That's what it's all about.

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

Are you reading Rich's Other Blog?

I'm watching my weight

2008-08-24T09:12:00.000-04:00

Are you watching your weight?

Are you watching it go up? Are you watching it go down? Are you watching it like the Coney Island Cyclone, meaning it is roller coastering up and down with a start and end at the same point? Are you watching it go nowhere?

Watching means to look at, observe, or wait attentively. Not a whole lot of action going on there. Not a whole lot of weight loss at all. Unless of course you're just trying to maintain your weight. Then watching might be a good option. But I am not so sure about that either.

So for those people who are watching their weight and hoping it will miraculously jump into your next door neighbor's underwear...........Stop watching your weight. Instead, become intimately involved with your weight and get moving.

Now go take a walk, a power walk.

Calories on Menus. Nah, I have a better idea.

2008-08-22T07:20:00.002-04:00

So I've been in NYC quite a bit over the last few weeks and eating isn't quite the same anymore. You see, the major chain type establishments, like Hard Rock Cafe and Au Bon Pain, are now required to put the calorie count on the menu items.

Well after looking at some of the calories listed on certain menu items, I think a much more fun approach would be to label things accordingly:

Good for your ass
Will grow your ass
Your ass will become as wide as Texas

And considering the size of some of the hotel rooms I have been in, the last option is not advisable!

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

So what's your Skinny Thing today? I'm doing a watermelon smoothie for breakfast instead of my oatmeal pancakes.

OneThing ---------------> Fat Thing ----------> Skinny Thing

2008-08-21T14:54:00.001-04:00

if you live here in CT you might be familiar with Governor Rell's One Thing energy campaign. She is encouraging people to do one thing each to day to save money, save energy and protect the environment.

A couple of days ago I heard someone call someone else a Fat Thing and suggested all she needed to do was give up one cookie per day and she'd see a difference.

Well this got me thinking

So from this day forward I am going to ask you to take such an approach with your weight loss.............Take the Skinny Thing approach. What Skinny Thing can you do each day in the name of better health or weight management.

Are you ready for the challenge?

I just grabbed a container of raspberries instead of a few crackers.

Size Matters!

2008-08-19T20:39:00.000-04:00

Hey it's true................Size Matters.

Size of your vegetables that is?

I seemed to have come upon something when it comes to people who grow their own veggies this time of year.

It seems that the veggies which are the size of the State of California end up with no taste and in the garbage disposal (and then we eat cake) while the veggies which are the size of Rhode Island are flavorful and delicious.

So yes, size does matter. Your zucchini does not have to be the size of the Washington Monument.

Fiber in Yogurt? Oh, please!

2008-08-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

I don't know about the rest of you but I have been questioning the "fiber" in yogurt, ice cream and what appear to be fiberless products for a long time; well before that ridiculous commercial with the woman eating all those yogurts to get her daily dose of fiber.

I knew it had to be a ploy. Well it just might be. It's called chemicals - as I just finished reading in the latest action of Nutrition Action Newsletter. Yep, it seems that the "fiber" in your favorite ice cream may very well have no health benefits at all, probably does not act/react the way real fiber does, but it sure as hell is giving people the impression that they're doing something good for themselves. Once again, the cat is out of the bag.

So if you really want fiber, real fiber that is; fiber that absolutely has the benefits we're looking for...................Eat a piece of fruit or some whole grains for Pete's Sake!

I Know What I Need To Do

2008-08-13T11:01:00.002-04:00

I Know What I Need To Do
A twenty-step simple weight loss formula- By Rich DiGirolamo

I need to:

Make better choices (almost all the time)
Keep a piece of fruit with me at all times
Take a walk with my best friend(s) today
Shop for Better Foods; regularly
Dress to feel proud
Eat at home more often
Buy fruit, not fruit fillings
Take an exercise class or exercise with a group
Keep myself hydrated
Read about nutrition
Ask for help
Hire a coach
Form a support group
Drink less alcohol
Learn to cook; experiment with food
Get off the damn computer already and go have some fun
Quit looking for the easy way out
Say No
Stop telling people how fat you are
Love and respect myself

That's it. It's simple. Can you do it?

What happened to the cookies?

2008-08-12T20:30:00.005-04:00

Sunday was the family (and a few assorted neighbors) picnic. What I love about the family picnic is they descend, eat, make a lot of noise, make a huge mess, clean up and leave. It is great.

Well this time they did not do such a great job cleaning up. They left me a container of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Yesterday my neighbor popped in; looking for a cookie. They were nowhere to be found.

"Where are the cookies?" he asked.

I just looked at him.

So........................

Did I eat them?
Did I toss them?
What would you have done?

I tossed them. My attitude is that they were not there seven hours earlier; life was okay without them; life will be fine if I toss them. What I do know is life will be crappy if I eat them............ that old guilt shame and disgust thing kicks in.

Are you with me?

Anything in your home need to be given the ole heave-ho right now. Go do it!

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

Enjoy Rich's Writings?

How about donating to his caffeine addiction?

Click below and buy Rich a Starbuck's Skinny Vanilla Latte?

What a difference a day makes?

2008-08-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

Saturday I'm eating barbecued pork loin, lemon pepper chicken, salad, salmon, chicken sausage, corn, fruit, hummus, brownies, and grilled green and yellow squash. Okay, I am not eating all of that, but those are my choices.

Sunday my choices are hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage patties, all kinds of mayonnaise salads, taco salad-dip surprise, cupcakes that could feed six, chips, chips, chips and dips.

I like it much better when I am in control of the menu. Makes it so much easier to stay in control.

Don't you agree?

Asking TO Help

2008-08-10T07:33:00.001-04:00

Please note the title of this post - asking TO help, not asking for help.

Yesterday I was hosting a picnic for a professional group to which I belong. Twenty-sex of my colleagues were here to network, socialize and of course, eat. It was a great day.

Now normally when I play host I do not accept help, but it was one of those days; I was a bit overwhelmed; I think a couple of people realized it. So this time, when people asked TO help, I stepped completely out of my character - and said yes.

I mean let's face it, we have all been offered help and should have taken it, but our pride or some other ridiculous insecurity or self-righteous attitude turned it down. Stupid us, huh? I realized yesterday that people asking to help means they want to ensure success, be it for you, the group or the situation.

So next time someone asks to help you in your journey to thinner thighs, say yes instead of telling them you've got it under control. Yesterday I did not have it under control; I realized it the minute I looked at the number of people standing on my deck and how twenty-six people were waiting for food that needed to be cooked on one grill.

I remember when I was losing my weight all those years ago, some people asked to help me; my attitude was I had to do it myself. Yes, you do have to do it yourself, but perhaps it is time to start thinking how doing it yourself means allowing others in to ensure your success.

Next opportunity someone gives you, figure out a way for them to help you! Deal?

and speaking of help.......................................

Do you have a home office? A friend/colleague of mine is offering to help you make that space someplace you look forward to being - and she is doing it for free. I bought Linda's services a few years ago and after doing a little Feng Shui of my office I had one of the most productive work periods in a long time. What she is offering is not about Feng Shui, but something much cooler - and again it is Free; so check out what Linda Varone is offering by clicking here. I am planning on being there!

While out walking the dogs..............

2008-08-08T07:17:00.002-04:00

While out walking the dogs this morning a neighbor pulled up alongside of me. We where chit-chatting for a few minutes. She asked if I lost more weight. "Nope, still the same" I answered.

She started telling me she needed to do something about her weight, none of her clothes fit any longer.

My response.........................

"We have had this conversation once too many times. When are you going to do something about it instead of talking about doing something about it?"

She said I know and told me to have a great day.

How about you...........Do you think people are tired of hearing what you need to do and would love to see you do it already?

So what's the first step you can take right now, a step that makes sense for you, not what others think you should do?

Is it a walk with the dogs?
A healthy meal?
Pack your lunch?
Dress to the nines so you feel like a million bucks?

What's it gonna be?

I think I'll be a good neighbor and drop a copy of My New Self-Help Book in her mailbox today.

Junior's Cheesecake........The Best!

2008-08-07T13:32:00.003-04:00

So there I was at the Marriott Marquis for 6 nights. Directly across the street is Junior's. Junior's has by far some of the best cheesecake on the planet.

Thursday: Arrive NY. I eat dinner, go see the Dark Knight, and on the way back to the hotel Steve asks if I want my cheesecake. I wasn't hungry. I passed. I still have 5 nights.

Friday, lunch at Junior's. Dessert is offered. Well considering the potato pancake I had for lunch was the size of a Frisbee, I declined. I still have 4 nights.

Saturday day no cheesecake. Saturday night no cheesecake. 3 nights; plenty of time.

Sunday: Attending convention all day; never left building. Dinner out with colleagues. I don't order dessert; I'm going to Junior's. I end up in stimulating conversation and a walk that didn't end until 1:00AM. Junior's had closed. I've still got time.

Monday: Never walked out of hotel as convention activities and "networking" (drinking) was too much fun. Friends are asking me if I want cheesecake. I'll get it tomorrow; or after the formal banquet tonight. Formal banquet leads to dancing. Yep, no cheesecake.

Tuesday: Convention ends. Spend the rest of the afternoon with Scott and Jess doing one of my favorite things in NY - shoe shopping on 8th street. Got a great new pair. Shopping becomes dinner; dinner becomes coffee in Chelsea. I'll stop at Junior's on the way back. Arrive back at hotel; forgot about Junior's. I'll get it on the way to bus station tomorrow.

Wednesday: Time to go home. I head over to pick up a slice for the bus ride. Client calls as I am walking to Port Authority to discuss employee program I am delivering next month. Time is ticking away. She is rambling; I am stalling my walk. She is rambling. I am going to miss my bus if I want this cheesecake.

Do I hang up?
Do I take the next bus two hours later?
How do I get this chick off the phone?

Six nights later, with cheesecake literally in my reach, not one piece. AARRGHHH!!!

Or maybe it is just not important any longer???

How about you..............Any old favorites less important in your world? I sure hope so.

Sometimes things are just too beautiful to eat

2008-08-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

And if you believe that!

Do You Want To Sit Here or There

2008-07-31T10:13:00.000-04:00

Last night I celebrated a friend's birthday; there were five of us.

When we arrived at the restaurant he turned to the other four and asked us if we wanted to sit in the big corner booth or at a table. The response from all four of us was we did not care where we sat. The host said he would clear the booth; it would take him a few minutes to clean it and set it. Two of the others suggested we just sit at the table. So we did.

Well it seems the birthday boy really wanted to sit at the booth; he let us know several times in the first fifteen minutes at our table.

I finally got tired of hearing the booth comments and said,"If you wanted to sit at the booth you should have just told us that was your preference and not given us a choice. We would have all been fine with it."

End of conversation.

But it did get me thinking about how often we don't get what we want because we're not firm in our message. In the early days of my weight loss I remember specifically telling people, I Want To Eat Here, I Prefer Not To Go There, I'd Feel More In Control If..............

Are there situations you could be handling a little bit better or smarter; situations that you could turn into great successes.

Now for the slower ones who cannot connect dots: This is not about how table choices impact your dieting approach; it is about asking for what you want in order to enjoy your journey.

100,000 pounds lost

2008-07-30T07:53:00.002-04:00

I'm looking for 100,000 pounds lost.

I've lost 32.

I need 99,968 more pounds.

What is your current weight loss? Please click on the comments below and leave your name (it can be first name only) and amount lost.

Let's do it! Make sure you tell your skinny friends to visit this site and add theirs.

So here goes.....................

Rich DiGirolamo 32

The Wedding

2008-07-28T08:29:00.001-04:00

My neighbor's daughter got married yesterday. It was quite an event and a heck of a lot of fun. I spent as much of the night as possible on the dance floor. So this morning, I thought I would amuse you with some of the observations/comments/thoughts that I walked away with:

Comment: I'm so uncomfortable, I'm stuffed
My Response to him: Well you inhaled plates of appetizers
His Response: Well you have to try the appetizers here. They're known for it.
My Thought: Then you deserve to be stuffed and uncomfortable

Comment: You're dripping wet. You must have lost 5 lbs. dancing tonight.
My response: Just a chuckle. My thought: While I knew she was joking it got me thinking about how clueless people can be and how they really do think that weight will just peel off by doing a minimal amount of movement; or those silly strolls that they call walking.

Comment: If I don't stay out here dancing, I will just eat.
My Response: I hear ya on that one. (as I continued to drip some more)

Comment: I can't believe they ate all their food. These portions are GIGANTIC.
My response: Maybe they didn't eat all those appetizers?

But my favorite comment of the evening: You really shouldn't be eating carbs this late in the day (as he inhaled his second piece of wedding cake)
My response: I asked his mother to dance.

My message to you today once again is to listen and watch the actions of those around you. It's a great way to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Now go drink a glass of water.

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

Have you got your copy of The Only Self-Help Book You'll Ever Need?

How about a recipe today?

2008-07-26T08:18:00.001-04:00

You'll have to visit my other blog...................

http://funmotivationalspeaker.com/

So you're stuck....................

2008-07-25T07:23:00.001-04:00

Wow seems like the little server error reconnected me with a lot of people. It was nice to hear from you. It is also nice to be missed. However, it is also time to accept the fact that Rich is not coming back to WW; but I still continue to write on the subject of weight loss and weight management.

Now with that, the underlying theme to so many of the emails I received was.......................

You're stuck. Hit a wall. Can't get over a hump.

Question: What do you do?

Answer: You go around it.

Now for those of you who need the long version of that answer here you go................

I'm talking about taking a different approach. Such as

change your foods
change up your meals; larger breakfasts and lunches
exercise more
exercise less
buy yourself a new tool to motivate yourself (Click here for a good idea if i don't say so myself); a new book, exercise accessory, kitchen tool
Get involved in a new activity - join a club of some sort
Start hanging around with new people
Go to a different WW meeting; get the perspective of a new leader and new people
Tighten the belt for 5 days and act a bit irresponsible on the weekend; that works for many; I know it did for me when I lost my weight
Take a break. Yes, can you maintain just for now and pick it up when you're ready
Get the crap out of the house - I know it is there. I know all.
Try a new food
Have a little talk with yourself, an honest one; and ask why things have changed all of a sudden. Look in the mirror while you have this conversation. I am serious. I am sure some stuff will come out. Yes, the truth will hurt. Get over it . Or should I say the truth will help you get over it - the hump that is.
Find an online peer group to complement your existing weight loss approach

And always remember getting stuck is like constipation. However, if you were constipated would you make the decision that you would never crap again? No, you would do something. So if you're stuck, go do something.

And let me know when you're unstuck. And please leave comments and your ideas here as well. We can all get skinny, healthy and happy by helping each other.

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

Want this 31 day e-workbook for free?

CLICK HERE RIGHT NOW

Stress Makes You Eat? What a Crock!

2008-07-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

So last night and this morning I have been dealing with a server nightmare. Seems that my web host had a malfunction and two of my mailing lists got tangled up; all kinds of strange emails and responses are going everywhere. Some of you reading this were victims.

And what does this have to do with getting Skinny?

Simple. Not once have I thought of running to the kitchen for food. I've got a problem and I'm resolving it. Food is not going to stop all the email bouncing. Food is not going to untangle the lists. Food is not going to get my web hosts to make things better in a shorter amount of time. Food cannot fix a problem, bring back a loved one, stop your spouse from being an ass or your kids from getting out of control. Food is not an answer.

So here's a great solution to those problems that you have; the ones where you turn to food................... How about solving the problem instead.

Then you can eat a nice healthy meal to celebrate two successes. Perhaps a crock of healthy chili?

Eating in front of the TV

2008-07-23T08:41:00.000-04:00

I am changing my position on eating in front of the TV!

I used to tell people to sit and enjoy their meal. But now I am not so sure.........................

When the waiter dropped dinner off at the table last night my bowl was enough to feed the three of us dining. I started eating. We were seated in the bar. On the screen was this television show Wipeout. The three of us were laughing so hard that our meal became secondary.

I've got lunch today and maybe dinner and maybe breakfast tomorrow.............All because I decided to enjoy the dining out experience not for the food but for the friendship and fun.

Moral of the story.................When dining out where large portions are served, eat at the bar.

Cooking is like an adventure.....................

2008-07-21T08:44:00.002-04:00

I remember the day I bought my first cookbook. I figured if I wanted to lose weight I better learn how to cook. I remember that first recipe...........Beef Pie Mexicali. It was awesome.

I bought another cookbook.

And another.

And another.

Then people started giving me cookbooks.

And they gave me more cookbooks.

I soon learned how to cook; and impressed a lot of people - it's really easy to impress people who eat out all the time. It's even easier to follow a recipe.

As part of my cooking process I started asking myself questions........... What if I substituted this for that? I wonder if the sauce used in that recipe can be used in _____? Hey, that's a great low fat and low calorie stuffing; besides a turkey what else can I stuff?

Do you get my point. Cooking started to become an adventure. Sometimes I reached the top of Mount Everest. Other times I plummeted to my death (like the time I made a lasagna with whole wheat noodles, 93% fat free beef and all those fat free cheeses. Can you spell puke!) But I digress.

I rarely use a cookbook anymore, the kitchen has become a place to play and experiment. So when my neighbor decided to have a tag sale I figured I would get a return on my investment. I dropped about 40 cookbooks off in his yard the other day.

I made $4

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Rich's New Book is due out this week. Order Yours Today

It's Raining It's Pouring

2008-07-19T15:47:00.001-04:00

Then:
It's raining, it's pouring
The old man is snoring
He went to bed and he bumped his head
And couldn't get up in the morning

Now:
It's Raining, It's Pouring
The kitchen is calling
There's nothing to do since the sun went away
So I'll eat and drink; it's appalling

From Now On:
It's Raining, It's Pouring
The kitchen is calling
I'm tired of that, feeling of being so fat
so I'll hop in the car and go malling

Get the point?

And why did I buy that?

2008-07-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

Oh c'mon, you know you've bought tofu and ended up throwing it out. You had the intention of doing something with it.................After all it is healthy and good for you.

Well another food item I have bought and tossed (after they turned a lovely shade of green) is wonton wrappers. So there they were this morning staring at me; asking me to be eaten, rather than left to decay like the dead chipmunk my pups were trying to devour this morning.

So I pulled out the wontons, cream cheese, cottage cheese and blueberries, and pan-fried me up a variety of little breakfast raviolis by following the directions on the package. The whole extravaganza including eating was under fifteen minutes.

Awesome - which is a good thing since there are about 800 wrappers in this little package.

Have you got fifteen minutes to create something new?

Create Your Own Pancake

2008-07-14T09:35:00.000-04:00

Given all of the following options to create your own pancake, what would yours look like:

M&M's
Blueberry
Chocolate Chip
Marshmallow
Strawberry
Sprinkles

Please leave a response.

To Walk or Not To Walk

2008-07-11T10:42:00.003-04:00

So, I'm on my stomach with needles in my back the other day (acupuncture) and I hear the doctor talking with another patient about walking as her form of exercise.

He basically tells her that walking, as she does it, is useless. He told her unless you're really increasing your heart rate, you're probably not doing much good. So he encourages her to raise and elevate her heart rate by power walking then slowing down for a bit, then power walking. You get the point. He went on to tell her that most people don't walk that way; they keep it at one pace the whole time and that is why they don't see the weight loss benefits or increased strength they are looking for.

Hmm..........I guess it makes sense.

Yesterday I'm reading an article where some exercise physiologist lady is trashing walking for the exact same reasons as the doctor.

Then I started thinking.............The way I became a stronger cyclist, with more endurance, was by doing periodic sprints and not just riding at the same speed all the time.

So while both of these people are not discouraging people from walking, they are basically saying you better move your ass a bit harder, faster and longer if you want to see the results.

I couldn't agree more.
------------

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Donna Summer can't dance - maybe she should?

2008-07-10T08:13:00.000-04:00

I went to see Donna Summer last night - live in concert. She was awesome. The QUEEN IS BACK!!!!

She belted out old and new songs and had me and several thousand others on our feet for almost 90 minutes.

But here is an oddity...............Donna Summer, The Queen of Disco, doesn't dance when she performs. I've seen her many times over the years, but she does not dance. Other people on the stage dance, but not her.

Now she has put a "few" pounds on over the years; but I can't help wonder what would happen if she Shook Her Booty, Hustled, did the Continental or the Bus Stop?

I've always been a strong proponent of dancing as a form of exercise. I remember my nights at the Funhouse (W. 26th St); gaining admission while underage; dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Gee, coincidentally, it was after I stopped dancing all night that all hell broke loose in my waist.

Hmmm............... Maybe it's time for you to Get Up and Boogie!!!
--------------

To read more Donna Summer observations, visit my other blog at www.funmotivationalspeaker.com

The Names Have Been Changed To Protect The Innocent

2008-07-09T08:36:00.007-04:00

When this little incident was shared with me by "Mary", I couldn't resist but get her okay to post. So here goes (with a little editing, just in case Mary's friend is reading).......................

We had visitors, a high school friend of Bob’s, and his wife. We haven’t seen them for over 20 years. Andy’s okay, even though he talks a lot, but his wife.....! She talks non-stop, primarily on three topics: medical, food, and their frequent trips to exotic places where they seem to have gained not much except frequent flyer miles to take more trips . She’s 5’3”, maybe 5’4” and weighs maybe 100 pounds. On Saturday, she had a reasonably large hotel breakfast. Then we had an early lunch. She had a large order of mussels in broth with butter and garlic bread, followed by a double ice cream cone. She bought a huge-shaped lollipop to eat on the road. Our next stop was a souvenir shop near a point of land with spectacular views. Forget the views. She walked in the door, bought a box of salt-water taffy (not a huge one, I grant you) and ate all but 4 pieces while walking around the shop. I had 2 pieces, her husband had 1, Bob had none. She consumed ALL the rest, but for 4 pieces – maybe a 12-15 in all. Then we had to stop downtown to make a reservation for dinner. While downtown, she insisted that we stop at a bakery where she bought and consumed a bar concoction with caramel, nuts, etc. Understand, while she was on this eating marathon, the three of us were pretty much bystanders, although Gary and I had small cups of ice cream after lunch and we did have a bit of taffy.

By 3:00 Bob & I were exhausted from all the talking (they tend to talk simultaneously so you can’t catch a break) and observing the ferocious eating, so we dropped them at their hotel and went home for naps. They went on to to a few other coastal towns, where I think she may have had another small snack. At 7:15, we had nice three-course dinners (their treat), including dessert. She literally asks the waiter which is biggest dessert and orders that. In this case, it was chocolate layer cake with ice cream.

By the time we got home, I was feeling stuffed and not so good. In the morning, I weighed 145.5 – my high for the week – and neither Bob nor I could face anything but melon and toast for breakfast. Gary & Michelle arrived around 11:15 on their way back to the city after another hearty hotel breakfast and we all walked up the hill to Dairy Queen where they had Blizzards for the road while Bob and I watched in utter astonishment.

They’re both skinny, he because he had to lose a lot of weight after a heart scare and she – I suppose – because of some insane metabolism. Michelle claims that they eat healthy all week – no fat; single, measured portions; no desserts – and then they eat what they want on the weekends and on their trips – he in moderation, she with no restraint whatsoever.

If I ate like that, I’d be soooooo sick. Too much rich food and I seem to spend half my time in the bathroom. I just don’t get it.

Rich's Comments: I'll bet the little witch thinks she's fat at times too! AARRGGHH!!!!

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Could your next conference use a humorous speaker on weight and obesity? Visit Rich DiGirolamo at http://www.obesityspeaker.com/ today.

A new weight loss plan!!!

2008-07-08T14:15:00.001-04:00

I walked into a local business today and nearly passed out from the heat. I inquired if the air conditioning was broken. The owner informed me it is his summer weight loss program - sweat if off.

I replied "How about putting on the A/C and eating less?"

--------------
Could your next conference use a humorous speaker on weight and obesity? Visit http://www.obesityspeaker.com/ today.

She'll (Probably) Always Be Fat!

2008-07-07T09:49:00.002-04:00

So I'm having a chocolate attack the other day. Now conveniently I'm right outside the Brewster Sweets shop. I walk in. The smell was enough to add 30 lbs to my body.

I decide I want some of those gourmet malted milk balls. I grab a dozen - three dark chocolate, three mint chocolate, three caramel and three cappuccino; figuring my friends are going to have a taste. I am waiting for the clerk to weigh them; but she is helping another customer.

The other customer is conversing on the phone while the young clerk is trying to service her. She is telling her friend how she can't do Weight Watchers this week; she is on vacation; and there is just too much food here. She proceeds to tell her friend where she is and that she is getting a few pieces of candy for herself before she goes back on her diet next week.

$22.53 was the cost of her few pieces or chocolate. Mine was $3.32

Can't do Weight Watchers? More like she hasn't figured out how Weight Watchers works. You buy $3.00 worth of candy Stupid; not $22.00!

Like I said, she'll probably always be fat.

------
Looking for a humorous speaker on weight loss, weight management and obesity; contact Rich DiGirolamo at http://www.obesityspeaker.com/

How To Get Back On Your Diet!

2008-07-05T09:46:00.002-04:00

Here's a simple approach to getting back on your diet after a fun holiday weekend which may have included one too many hot dogs, two too many ice creams and way too many alcoholic beverages:

Throw out all the crap in your house that somehow mysteriously found its way into your kitchen during the weekend. Now of course you had nothing to do with its arrival, I know that. Please use a garbage can as the receptacle of the crap, not your mouth.
Throw away all the sad and evil thoughts about having "blown it" this weekend. You did it. No, you're not weak; you're normal - as frightening as that may seem. Now is time to focus on moving on, not wondering why you did whatever.
Throw your workout gear in your car or put it someplace visible - hopefully it still fits. On Monday, USE IT!
Throw a healthy lunch together Sunday night to take with you on Monday morning. Healthy does not mean boring, unsatisfying, depriving or prepared from the standpoint of punishment. You take that approach and next weekend you'll once again be dealing with one too many hot dogs, two too many ice creams and way too many alcoholic beverages.

That's it; four easy simple steps.

Well for most people.

Looking for a humorous speaker on weight loss, weight management and obesity; contact Rich DiGirolamo at http://www.obesityspeaker.com/

Weight Loss For a Price?

2008-07-04T08:34:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

Don't eat too many hot dogs - even the fat free ones.

Take this survey:

http://foreverfightingfat.com/

Air Travel To be Priced by Weight

2008-07-03T06:56:00.001-04:00

So here is comes...................You knew it would only be a matter of time.....................

It started out with obese people needing to buy a second airline seat; but have you heard about these upcoming changes to air travel............

Fares will be priced by weight; the lowest prices starting for people who weigh less than 150 lbs and increasing $50 for each 50 lb increment. The assumption is heavier people are using more fuel. Random weights will be taken at the gate; so don't lie when purchasing your ticket
A total weight limit for you and your baggage will be imposed and strictly adhered to. Want to bring more clothing, you better get off your butt today and start jogging before that next vacation or business trip
Extender belts will now cost $5. Feel free to bring your own.
Obese people will be required to drink diet soda, water or black coffee
Overweight people will not be offered the traditional snack of peanuts, pretzels, biscoff cookies or cheese and crackers. You will be required to buy carrots or celery
Larger and wider rows, with two, not three seats, will be put towards the back of the plane. People over a certain weight will be required to purchase them. They will not be cheap.

Now you have two choices here if you travel and you're a bit heavier.

Get angry with these changes
Go do something about it

Is this for real? What do you think?

Observations made at the beach...............

2008-07-02T07:33:00.000-04:00

I made the following observations at the beach yesterday.................

The skinny kids were running around laughing and screaming
The skinny kids were playing on those skim boards
The fat kids were sitting on the sides eating chips and cookies
The skinny adults were reading, and playing Frisbee and other beach games
The fat adults were sitting on their fat butts eating chips and cookies

Oh how I wish I had names and addresses of all the kids and could follow them through life to see who ends up fat. My gut feeling is I know the answer.

My other thought is there really should be a test before you're allowed to become a parent.

Okay remember that comment you made...........

2008-07-01T07:13:00.001-04:00

that summer would easier because of all the fresh fruit and you're outdoors doing more things and it is time for grilling..............................

Well it is summer.

Why not start right now by dropping some of that fruit into a blender with some ice; and a splash of juice.

Oh and P.S. Six months of the year has passed. Back in January you also told yourself you would lose "x" number of pounds this year. Are you halfway there?

What Should I Bring?

2008-06-27T16:40:00.000-04:00

What should I bring?

It's a question we ask this time of year when invited to a picnic or BBQ. (And if you're not bringing something you must have been raised by wolves.)

Well here's an idea..............don't ask what to bring, just bring something that will support your efforts.

How to Make the Perfect Turkey Burger

2008-06-26T07:51:00.002-04:00

Get a package of already prepared Turkey Burgers or 1 lb of ground Turkey. (yes, that might require you going to a grocery store; or use Peapod - it will save you gas and money in the end. But let me refer you - then we both get free food. (email me to be referred)
Cook some Turkey Bacon on the grill until crisp (I used six slices for four burgers).
Cut up the pieces of Turkey Bacon into smaller pieces.
If you bought the patties turn them all into one giant ball.
Add the bacon pieces to the ground meat.
Toss some reduced fat shredded cheese into the mix.
Add salt and pepper
Make four burgers.
Grill. I went 3 - 4 mins on each side. I like mine medium rare.
Eat.

Have you been reading my new blog

Are you sure you don't want a ride?

2008-06-25T21:49:00.000-04:00

That's what Anita asked me as we walked towards the car.

It was a mile from the Palazzo back to my hotel. One mile. One stinking mile. I walked there at 5:00 PM to meet her for dinner; in the 105 degree heat. But it's a dry heat they say. I say its %#&$# HOT!

It was 10:00 PM and I think the temperature dropped a bit; maybe to 103. But I thought the walk would do me good. I would have some time to reflect on the show I just saw (Jersey Boys), get a bit of exercise, and plan for my presentation the next morning.

The whole time I was walking I was hating it. My hotel seemed to be getting further away with each step. I wanted this to be over - AND NOW!

Well before I knew it, it was over. I was at the hotel. I reflected, got a bit of exercise and came up with a quick last minute idea for my program the next day.

Sometimes we do things not because we want to, but because they're good for us. What should you consider doing that might be good for you - good for your butt, boobs or belly? Give it some thought.

Once again.................I'm right

2008-06-23T09:34:00.001-04:00

I love breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day. I've been pushing breakfast eating for years.

Well.................a study is in..................and guess what...................

You want to lose weight and keep it off......................Eat Breakfast. A Big One! And it can even be carbs!!!

So while you read this article (click here), I'm heading off to find the biggest and best breakfast in Las Vegas. There's a pancake with my name on it.

Free Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

2008-06-22T19:03:00.000-04:00

They're giving free chocolate dipped strawberries at the Palazzo today.
I can get free candy at Chocolate Heaven in the Riviera.
There is also free candy being given away at the Venetian.

Ah, Las Vegas, the land of buffets and free chocolate. But the fat people are only found on The Strip. Hiking and biking around Red Rock Canyon this morning were thin people drinking water and eating bananas and energy drinks.

Of course, one of those people enjoyed that strawberry this afternoon - guilt free.

Time Magazine June 23rd

2008-06-18T08:59:00.001-04:00

If you can get yourself a copy of the June 23rd issue of Time Magazine, do it. There's a plethora of information and ideas about obesity, diet, moving more, being a good role model, being a straight-forward doctor, etc.

I could go on and on and tell you all about it, but why do I have to do everything.

How To Live With A Skinny Friend

2008-06-16T07:18:00.004-04:00

So, your friend is Skinny. She drives you absolutely crazy. She worries about every little morsel that goes into her mouth. Let's face it, her world would end if her size two was just a bit snug for about thirty seconds.

Be patient with her. Empathize with her feelings. Recognize that she needs your help. Perhaps share a bottle of water with her; or even a piece of fruit. Perhaps you can suggest that the two of you take a walk; or better yet a jog. You'll be supporting a friend. And we all know that a friend in need..........

Living with Skinny friends is a skill. It requires work. You just never know when she will go off the deep end; but you need to be prepared. You need to get into her mind and ask what the heck is going on. You need to recognize that at that very moment it is all about her, and not you. Come to think of it, it is never about you, only about her. But that is okay, her self-esteem and self-worth are much worse than yours. Inside that perfect little body is the feeling of imperfection. Be proud of the fact that you are not her; but be kind at the same time.

So in conclusion, always remember this ......Skinny people are more screwed up than fat people. Hmmm............. Maybe tackling this obesity problem might not be such a good thing after all; then an even greater percentage of people would be screwed up.

__________________
Looking for a humorous health and wellness speaker for your next conference? Rich DiGirolamo might be what you're looking for. Check him out at http://www.obesityspeaker.com/

How To Take A Walk

2008-06-13T07:36:00.003-04:00

Okay you know you should be moving. You know you should be exercising. Why not start with the most simplest of exercises.................walking.

Now just in case you're not sure how to do this it is pretty simple.

Move your right leg forward.
Now move your left forward.
Then your right.
Then your left.

There you go, you're walking. You're burning calories and perhaps losing weight. It is that simple.

Tomorrow you can shake it up a bit and start with you left leg.

And once you've mastered the forward motion you can try moving the legs backwards and possibly even to the sides. Have fun with it. Find new routes. Call a friend and share with them what you have just learned.

How to cook a hard boiled egg

2008-06-11T08:25:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered how to cook a hard boiled egg? Don't want it to be too soft. Don't want the shells to crack - especially at Easter for fear of that dye getting inside and then you die.

Here are simple easy to follow instructions.

1. Fill a pot with water enough to cover your eggs.
2. When water starts to boil turn off and let stand for 15 minutes.

Perfect hard boiled eggs every time!

You Always End Up At The Grill

2008-06-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

"You always end up at the grill" commented one of my neighbors last night. "I didn't ask you here to cook; I invited you over to have fun."

"I am having fun" I told her. "And you know me, I'm not one just to sit around and gossip."

There were also platters of chips, two tasty dips, salads that had enough mayo and oil to feed the state of Rhode Island; enough alcoholic selections to refill Lake Huron and those cute little grocery store mini-cupcakes with the vanilla and chocolate frosting that are so yummy.

So I grilled. I picked while grilling on pork loin, sausage and chicken; ate some fruit and corn when I got back inside the house and popped two of those little suckers in my mouth when I went inside to pee. I left feeling satisfied and in control; and got caught up on all that is going on in the neighborhood in a couple of hours.

As we enter summer............What's your strategy to stay in control at a picnic or BBQ? Mine is to be a good little helper.

My trip to the bookstore

2008-06-05T06:43:00.002-04:00

I made a stop at the bookstore yesterday and just happened to wander over to the diet and weight loss section. Here is what I found:

There were books promising long term weight loss, easy weight loss, and simple weight loss.
You could learn how to eat by blood type, by food type and by personality type.
You can eat drink and be merry or stop whining and lose weight.
There are cookbooks; cookbook-lets and books for people who have no clue how to cook.
You can lose weight in 7 days, 30 days or 90 days. (Who has 90 days?)
You can read about how your mother got you fat, society got you fat or your job got you fat?
You can lose weight the way Wall Street does, the way the gorgeous people on South Beach do or the way the lady down the street does
You can be thin, pretty, and happy in 7 steps or push yourself to take a few steps every day

So with all this information, why in the world is this planet so damn fat?

Did you ever stop and think about all the resources available to you? And did you ever stop and think about how pieces of one weight loss approach can probably fit into your current weight loss approach i.e. using WW recipes on your South Beach plan or vice versa.

When was the last time you looked at an alternate resource, a different resource, to complement your existing approach to weight loss? You can; and perhaps should. Start thinking about it.

But my favorite part of the day was when I walked over to the cafe area and saw a woman shoveling a big ole pastry in her face while perusing over a book showing you how to lose weight like the Hollywood stars. Perhaps she was heading to the bathroom when she finished!

Two weeks until Recess At Work Day. Do you have your Official Hat?

GET YOURS TODAY

Was That You I Saw in that Video?

2008-06-02T18:20:00.001-04:00

I think I saw some of you in this video!!!

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/new_wearable_feedbags_let?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

I Could Have Driven You

2008-06-02T16:14:00.000-04:00

I just picked up my car from the repair shop. I walked there. It is about a 1/2 mile walk.

As I arrived one of my neighbors was pulling out.

"Why did you drive here? I could have driven you" he said.

I replied "I always walk here; that's how I keep my flat tummy."

"You shouldn't be walking when there are motorized options" he said to me.

"Maybe you should have walked with me" I responded as I stared at his tummy almost reaching the steering wheel.

Live Vicariously Through Others Getting Fat!

2008-05-31T08:28:00.001-04:00

My new Mantra!

Live Vicariously Through Others Getting Fat!

So when I caught this show on the Travel Channel last night, World's Best Places To Pig Out, I couldn't resist sharing this information with you. I was getting grossed out watching other people attempt to consume a pizza that could feed a planet, an ice cream sundae fit for California and enough oysters to deplete the world's supply.

People say that living vicariously through others is a bad thing..........well here is an example when it's a good thing!

Have a Skinny, healthy, happy weekend.

THEY say eat breakfast!

2008-05-30T06:40:00.002-04:00

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

They.

Who the heck are "they" anyway?

The Egg Council? The Dairy Council? Your first grade teacher? The doctor? Mom? Grandma? The weight loss gurus? All of the aforementioned? None?

I've known breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a long time; not because they told me, not because my doctor told me, but because it is my favorite meal of the day. I could eat breakfast foods all day long. As a matter of fact there are days when I do. Heck if it wasn't for a breakfast mentality I would probably get no dairy in my body - I would probably also be a big fat cow.

So I think today I'll start off with

a nice banana smoothie (banana, yogurt, splash of OJ and ice).
At some point during the day I'll make a veggie sausage scramble and stuff it in a pita or a wrap - veggie sausage!
And dinner, ice cold milk, my favorite cereal and some blueberries.
A snack might be some cottage cheese mixed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and horseradish.

Ah, nothing like breakfast.......for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack.

After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day..............

SAYS ME!

A lesson learned from Marcie

2008-05-29T10:15:00.004-04:00

"I noticed the meetings have changed and my leader spends a lot of the meeting time trying to sell us products" said Sandy as she asked me what WW meetings I am now leading. She was thinking of switching or trusting her success that she could do the last ten pounds on her own.

I informed Sandy that I left WW about six months ago; the main reason being a philosophical difference - that I could no longer support the push to sell, sell, sell.

While I still wholeheartedly believe in the two food programs as a great way of life for many people, I could no longer have my success or effectiveness as a leader be measured on how much money people spent when they walked through the door. I still measure success on weight loss, on behavior change, on belief in yourself to make changes, on recognizing the power of listening and sharing experiences. I acknowledge success even when you realize that you have graduated from WW and are ready to move on and continue to persevere on your own and in a manner that seems to make sense to you.

About a month ago I was facilitating a board retreat for a professional association; one of the members, Marcie, mentioned that she was leaving the association; it was time to move on. The association was there for her at a point in her career when the education and learning was critical; but her life and her business were in a different place now and she needed a new group; and that she always knows she has her colleagues and friends here if and when she needs them. She was excited and sad at the same time; more excited than sad.

So why am I writing this?

In the last few weeks I have had several people contact me asking if they should stop attending WW. It is for varied reasons, but they seem to be looking for guidance. Here is my initial thought...........Most likely you've checked out if you're asking that question. Most likely you're looking for a different approach; at least right now. WW will always be there. They are not going away and you can always go back. They offer a valuable service and "some" valuable products (processed foods are not valuable products). But please have some sort of a plan for your health; something that will ensure you take care of the only person that matters - YOU!

And yet another use for Bailey's

2008-05-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

Okay, this is probably one of the lowest calorie desserts around - mainly because you don't need much.

Buy some chocolate licorice candy (one piece is like 40 calories).
Marinade it in Bailey's Irish Creme for a couple of hours.

That's it. Another two ingredient hit!

My suggestion is to go buy one of those airline size bottles of Bailey's. After you're done marinading, pour the stuff back in the bottle to be used again.

And this has what to do with getting/being Skinny you might ask?

Here goes.............

I'm not giving up sweets. I'm not giving up alcohol. I'm not; and I still think all of those crazies who say they are going to give up white flour, sugar, and alcohol are going to have a meltdown some day. I still believe in moderation, substitution and portion control. Sometimes it has to do with bread and white pasta; other times it has to do with candy and alcohol.

And almost twenty years later I am proof in the bottle that it works - if you're willing to work on it.

You can take control of a perceived problem food; if you would start using your noodle a bit more - and not a whole wheat one.

We used to whine about the food

2008-05-26T08:05:00.001-04:00

"We used to whine about the good food and all the vegetables you barbecued" Ginger said to me as we were catching up the other day. "Now it's like all we eat. We hardly ever eat burgers and dogs."

She's lost 40 lbs, is eating right, exercising, and looks (my observation) and feels like a million bucks.

Like I've always said...............dare to be different; dare not to cave in; some day they'll thank you!

Happy Memorial Day!

And the fight begins................

2008-05-23T07:42:00.005-04:00

I'm a co-organizer of a little Picnic/BBQ this weekend. Yep, me and another control freak. (Hey, at least I admit my faults - what are yours?)

So here is what is happening............

I don't do burgers and dogs at a picnic/BBQ; he does.

I don't do salads swimming in mayo and oil; he does.

I suggest we doing something different; something that people won't be getting all summer. He likes to take the easy way out.

He is concerned that certain people coming won't be willing to eat some of my ideas. My response is that there is a Burger King and a Dairy Queen less than two miles away. I also assure him that from experience, they will.

He likes to tell me all the things that need to get done for the party; I just go about doing things and getting them done.

When I have the opportunity to offer people a different experience, I do. In this particular case that different experience might also keep my waistline in check; it also gives me an opportunity to hone my cooking abilities a bit more; which I know has helped me with my twenty year battle of the waistline.

So it looks like this control freak won the battle of the food. But it will be interesting to see what is "smuggled" into the picnic. But that's okay, because when there is enough food around to keep you in check, you usually stay in check. And I'll bet that the "different" stuff goes first anyway, it always does.

How about you? Are you willing to offer a different picnic experience this year?

Pork Loin in Raspberry Syrup Marinade anyone?

P.S. Happy Birthday to my babies! They're two today!

It's time......................

2008-05-21T09:54:00.001-04:00

Yep, the unofficial beginning of summer is here. Perhaps you're getting together with people this weekend. Well it's time for everyone to see what you did this winter.

Will you be showing off a new body?
Will you be showing more leg or less leg?
Will you be showing more cleavage as a result of buttons popping open or less cleavage because your body decided to lose the weight in all the wrong places?
Will you be modeling new eating and socializing habits?
Will you be sharing your love of a new exercise you found this year?
Will you be sharing food?
Will you be noticing which of your family and/or friends got fatter this year?

It's time to share your success.

Or is it time to go "Oh crap, I've got three days to fix the mess?"

And none of that soy or veggie crap

2008-05-19T06:37:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I spent the day repairing my dock with some neighbors. (Okay, they were repairing; I was for the most part watching - as I am nursing an injury)

Well it was lunch time; and time to feed them.

"Fire up the BBQ" one of them said.

I asked what they wanted.

The response.........."Burgers. Dogs. And none of that soy or veggie crap you eat."

I chuckled. Guess I have a reputation.

But when people make comments like that, it does get me thinking......................

I'm glad I've been willing to try new and healthier foods. I'm glad that I've broadened my horizons when it comes to eating; and still left with a feeling of being satisfied. I'm glad that I've learned that it is all about choices; making better ones most of the time and not so good ones some of the time - and being able to enjoy that high fat flame shooting six-feet up in the air cheeseburger without guilt.

How about you? Do your better eating and health habits have people talking about you? Do they have you feeling better about yourself?

A few favorites might lead to a new favorite

2008-05-16T09:03:00.002-04:00

I wanted something warm this morning.
I wanted something different this morning.
I wanted something comforting this morning.

So I followed a piece of my own advice..............

I took three favorites:

a whole wheat pita
peanut butter
shredded cheddar

Staring down at them I was having second thoughts; but I took the plunge.

Spread the peanut butter on the pita; sprinkled the cheese on the peanut butter; rolled up the pita and popped it on the George Forman Grill.

The result...............................

Just a Bit More; You're Almost There

2008-05-15T07:42:00.002-04:00

I was tired of tossing and turning and watching the clock go nowhere at 4:00 this morning; so at 4:15 I found myself warp speeding through the 900 channels of nothingness that Comcast calls television. Some movie caught my attention. I tuned in right at the moment when three people were crossing a log over an endless black hole. Two of the people had made it across safely; one was nervous, scared and frozen. The other two kept telling her Just a Bit More; You're Almost There.

Just a bit more; you're almost there. Hmmmm.................

Seems to me there were three options. Do nothing. Jump off the log and die a tragic death, or move at a snail's pace to success.

You with me?

If so, read on. If not, go eat a donut.

Can you move just a bit more today? Walk an extra 5 minutes, 1/4 mile or a bit faster?

Can you make a better decision today; just a little bit better than the one you're about to make; the one you made yesterday?

Can you do anything that is just a bit better, smarter, or faster in the name of better health today?

Never Shop On An Empty Stomach????

2008-05-14T07:55:00.001-04:00

There is this thought that you should never grocery shop on an empty stomach; that you will end up impulse shopping and buying things that might not be so good for you.

The thought continues that if you are not hungry you'll shop appropriately for your weight loss or weight management strategy. Seems to make sense, right?

So if logic prevails, it would lead me to believe that if I eat until it hurts and then go shopping I'll probably just buy grass and sticks out of desperation to make up for my eating sins.

Your thoughts?

_____________
Hey have you checked out the Recess At Work Day Blog?

Lose Weight! Gain Self-Esteem

2008-05-13T08:16:00.002-04:00

I was pulling onto my street the other day and saw my neighbor's nephew walking towards me.

Rich: Hey Josh, haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?

Josh: Good.

Rich: Where you heading.

Josh: To the grocery store.

Rich: You're walking; good for you.

Josh: I need to.

Rich: We all do.

Now it is less than 1/2 mile from my house to the grocery store, but you have no idea what a big deal this was. My neighbor has been trying for several years to get Josh to change his unhealthy eating and inactive ways. Josh's family are those "roll" models, not role models I have talked about in the past. Two summers ago Josh spent some time here with his uncle. Several of us tried to "make him into a man." We did a makeover. We dragged him out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to get him walking or to go to the gym with his uncle; took away his donuts and cut his scary hair off. It was actually fun.

So to see this kid walking to a new tune; about 30 lbs thinner; was a great thing. To see him smiling and happy was a pretty cool thing.

Amazing what losing a bit of weight, getting a bit active and changing your hair can do for one's self-esteem - even a guy!

_____________
There's something free over on the right!

She joined a gym

2008-05-10T20:45:00.001-04:00

She joined a gym
to look at him
to look at Tim
and look at Jim

She joined a gym
to lose her fanny
she also got to
look at Manny

She joined a gym
she found it handy
to replace her sweet tooth
with eye candy

Yes, this story
of Alisa is true
Perhaps this motivation
will work for you

NOW GO EXERCISE!

Today I'll focus on.............

2008-05-07T11:51:00.001-04:00

No fat
or maybe low fat
or maybe fat free
or maybe trans fats
or maybe caffeine
or getting some wine
or high fiber
or low fiber
maybe high fat
maybe I'll watch cholesterol
perhaps I should monitor salt
but what about sugar
Vitamin C?
A?
D?
K?
Glucosamine?
Niacin?
The B groups?
What about water?
Does exercise really matter?
Red wine is good
Chocolate is good if it is dark
Butter? Margarine?
Omega-3's?
I heard strength training leads to weight loss, not cardio?
What about potassium?
Vitamin E?
Is diet soda really bad?
Can one eat too much salad?
Do I really need oil?
And which of the good ones is the best?
Tea?
Green Tea?
Iced Tea?
Coffee?
Caffeine?
Decaf?
Half-caf?
Is red meat bad?
All of it?
Should I eat small meals or large meals?
When should I eat?
When should I exercise?
When should I stop eating?
Maybe Oprah doesn't have a clue?
Fergie looks good
Valerie Bertinelli looks hot
Queen Latifah wants me to join her
Richard Simmons is having a cruise; should I go?
Rich is having a retreat ; should I go?
Will this ever get easier?
What am I having for dinner tonight?
I don't want fruit for dessert
The chart says I'm supposed to weigh this
The ad says I can lose 30 lbs by tomorrow
Tomorrow never comes. Hmm.
I'm really not that fat
I could lose it any time I want
But most people don't keep it off
What if that is me
What is the right weight for me?
Who decides?
What about zinc? Is that important?
I hate water
I hate carrots
I hate oatmeal
5 servings of fruits and veggies per day
or is it 7
Someone told me it was 9
Do I really need milk?
Seems the milk society thinks so
And the egg society has had some great findings too in support of eggs
White pasta
White bread
White anything is no good for me
Potatoes are bad
Rice is bad

Enjoy the rest of your day of Dieting Mixed Messages

I'll bet she'd show up if I had pizza

2008-05-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

My friend was trying to rope me into helping him with some boring mundane (volunteer) project today. Having done my fair share of volunteer work, I declined; asking where his committee was?

He told me nowhere to be found and he proceeded to trash "the big fat thing" on his committee and commented on how she was probably stuffing her face at some buffet and how she would "definitely" show up and help if he told her pizza was being served.

Ouch!

But it got me thinking about who may have been talking about me 32 lbs ago; and what they were possibly saying. It got me thinking about the prejudice that is still out there. It got me thinking about how mean people can be.

But then it got me thinking about how glad I am to have taken control of my weight before it was 100 lbs. It also got me thinking about how much food was a part of my life years ago; and how it is not as important any longer.

Of course it got me thinking about pizza too!

But I am curious...................what are your thoughts on this post?

Now before you say gross.............

2008-05-04T16:14:00.000-04:00

Here's one from Rich's two ingredient recipe file (watch for the book someday soon):

Ingredients:
Beef Liver
Ginger Teriyaki Marinade

Destructions:
Marinade the liver for 1 - 2 hours. Grill.

DELICIOUS!!!!!

That's it; unless you want to add some sauteed onions to the concoction.

Rethink Fiber. (do not) Think Fiber One.

2008-05-02T08:45:00.002-04:00

So when my Peapod order arrived last week the Thomas' Multi Grain English Muffins were substituted with the Fiber One brand.

Well this morning I tossed that little sucker into the toaster. I topped it with some Cottage Cheese with Pineapple.

Gag. The cardboard taste was coming through.

I topped it with some more cottage cheese.

Gag. I could still taste cardboard.

More cottage cheese. Okay, this is defeating the purpose. This is a surefire way to blow portion control to hell.

Scrape off the cottage cheese; silly to waste it; especially when it is so good!

Where are the dogs? They'll eat anything.

Nowhere to be found.

The one time I need to be tripping over them; having them at my heels while in the kitchen they are nowhere to be found. Hmm........... maybe they know something I don't about these awful muffins.

On the package it reads...........Rethink Fiber. Think Fiber One. I'm all for a high fiber low-fat diet, but in this case....................

I THINK NOT!

Wow, that was delicious!

2008-04-30T08:06:00.000-04:00

It was chicken broth, escarole, beans and some carrots. Yep, that's it; a few ingredients that made a simple soup. A simple soup that everyone at last night's Dine Off The Pounds found delicious. A simple soup that anyone can prepare at home - anyone. Even a moron. A simple soup that might be the difference between satisfaction and feeling like you're on a diet. A simple soup that...........well you get my point.

They were the most awesome black beans I have ever eaten. They were cooked with onions, garlic and some chicken broth. A simple bean dish that anyone can prepare at home - anyone. Even a moron; even me. I have a can of black beans in the house. I have some garlic, some onions and even some chicken broth. I think I have lunch today?

Remember the last time you were at a restaurant and said, "wow, that was delicious?" I'll bet you can create that same experience in your own kitchen.

I know you can; because remember.................even a moron can do it!

Do you believe how many she ate?

2008-04-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

So there I am eavesdropping; something I do regularly; and I hear one woman say to the other..........Do you believe how many she ate. Yes, the public trashing had begun as one woman left her two friends to go off to the ladies room. I heard words like diet and weight as the trashing continued.

As a quick aside, why are women so ruthless to each other; especially when you have men to beat on you?

But I digress.

So in a voice as loud as I knew would be overheard I made the following comment: "She hasn't had enough to catch up to looking like you yet."

The woman returned to the table. I returned to my conversation with friends. One asked what that was all about. I just responded a blog entry.

I'm Afraid To Get On The Scale!

2008-04-28T16:29:00.000-04:00

Yes, you know what I'm talking about. You had a week from hell. It was dining out, running here and there, meetings, parties, birthday dinners and everyone you know holding a social event all within in a 72 hour period.

You're now afraid to get on the scale. You know you have gained at least 20 lbs this week.

Then don't.

You know what you did. You know the decisions you made. The scale is either going to confirm what you did and then you get to relive the pain and agony all over; or it is going to surprise you and perhaps give you a license to do it again.

Except next time it will be that 20 lbs.

So forget the scale and go back to doing what you need to do not only to lose weight, but to feel a whole lot better about your actions.

Scales only confirm what you did or did not do; and even they can be wrong. The only person who knows the truth is reading this right now.

Snacking should be fun, right?

2008-04-25T07:58:00.000-04:00

I guess it should be fun.

But don't you think that snacking should also be smart?

I've always thought of snacking as a way to fill in the gaps between meals; and by that I mean to balance out my day. So yesterday afternoon I grabbed two slices of Light Rye Bread, some lettuce and tomato slices, a teaspoon of olive oil, and some salt and pepper; a great sandwich was created. This was at 3:00 PM. Got some healthy oil, got some veggies.

But then the other day I was reminded about dehydration. Why can't snacking be about hydrating myself? And I'm not talking water. Soup can be a great hydrator; as can a smoothie. So yesterday mid-morning I took a yogurt, some strawberries and a splash of OJ and tossed it in the Magic Bullet. Hydration, satisfaction and nutrition.

Last night I tossed a fudgesicle into a glass of diet chocolate soda. Hey, snacking should be fun, right!?

That bike seat can be a pain in the..............

2008-04-24T08:12:00.003-04:00

Had a few interesting conversations with people this week regarding the Retreat From Your Weight Loss in June. June's retreat is a bicycling weekend (February's was snowshoeing).

One person told me she doesn't own a bike. She takes a spin class; but doesn't own a bike. She said she could probably borrow a bike. She said she might even see if she can rent a bike for the weekend.

Another person was concerned that she would slow everyone down. I told her I am not looking for athletes. Retreat From Your Weight Loss is about something totally different; about pushing yourself to a new level; about trying something new; having a new experience; sharing time with new friends who are trying to change their lives at the same time; spending time with people who want to have fun that doesn't always include calories. Now I did tell her she needed to have some experience riding; that I would be pushing people to experience the pain you feel in your ass after sitting on a bicycle seat for 20 or 30 miles.

And then I got thinking.................................

About how comfortable we all get...................

Spring is here. People are excited; they're out walking again; they're out gardening again; they're out jogging again. Let's ramp it up this year.....................

Is it time to start covering more distance on that hour walk? Or finishing that three mile walk in shorter time? Is it time to add some hills to that run - uphills that is? Is it time to move that big rock from one side of the garden to the other; to a place where it looks a whole lot nicer - and then maybe painting it some cool colors? I've made a commitment to skate for about an hour every Friday in May. Care to join me? See all the neat things the CT Social Lites have and will be doing by clicking here

Comfortable is an awful place to be. Comfortable is what has helped lead to a life of being fat, unfit and unhealthy. Comfortable is not for people who care about their body.

Is it time to push yourself? Is it time to get uncomfortable again?

Is it time to experience the pain and glory of sitting on a bicycle seat for a few hours?

The ultimate in being lazy?????

2008-04-23T10:05:00.001-04:00

Chatting with a friend yesterday morning I told her I was waiting for the Peapod truck to arrive with my groceries.

She made a comment to me about that being the ultimate in lazy.

I responded with why would I want to waste an hour and a half of my time going to the grocery store when I could hop on my bike for that 1 1/2 instead.

She's fat.

Once again, I'll ask the question............... What are you wasting your time doing when you could be doing something to be a bit more active and having a bit more fun?

A Trip to the Buffet

2008-04-21T09:45:00.002-04:00

Well for those of you who have been hanging with me for a while, you know my thoughts on buffets. If you need a refresher; the following have been found on a Buffet:

Bacteria
Urine
Feces
Fungus
E.coli
Trash

Refer to my book, Yes You're Fat I Like You Anyway if you need a refresher.

Well I just returned from speaking at a conference in Mississippi, (I Love You Clarksdale!); on Friday night I dined with the conference planners and other presenters at a.................guess what....................... you know it's coming......................yes...............................brace yourself..................

RICH ATE AT A BUFFET!!!!!!!

Well I found out something......................

In addition to fried catfish, hush puppies, mac and cheese, and ribs slathered in grease, there was fruit, salad, soup, veggies, crab legs, and sweet potatoes. Yes, there were healthier choices - even in Mississippi - the fattest state in the US.

My point:

There is always a better choice if you open your eyes and look
Look out West Virginia...........Mississippi will not be number one next year; they're coming after you. Alabama, you're next!
Sugar free coconut custard pie goes on my top 10 list of the most vile desserts I have ever eaten

Does Eating Healthy Cost More? (Part 2)

2008-04-17T07:26:00.000-04:00

And let's not forget that larger size clothes now cost more. And what about fewer trips to the doc; meaning fewer/lower co-pays, less money being spent on prescriptions and over-the-counter acid reflux and indigestion medications. And what about time and money lost from being sick because you can't go to work and you've used up all of your sick AND vacation time? And maybe you won't need to go to a shrink because your self-esteem is in the toilet (again, fewer/lower co-pays).

Does Eating Healthy Cost More?

I think not. And I'm sticking with my story!!!

So get in your kitchen and whip up a healthy meal today. Your body deserves it.

Does Eating Healthy Cost More? (Part 1)

2008-04-16T08:01:00.001-04:00

It's a question/comment that pops up a lot.............Eating healthy cost more?

Some say yes. I say no - or it doesn't have to. Here are my thoughts:

First of all you should be cooking smaller amounts, so that should be savings
Grains like oatmeal, rice and corn meal should go a long way
Shop the discount stores
Shop the warehouse stores with a friend and share the savings on the humongous packages of things like cereal and meat
Beans also go a long way, can be quite delicious and are relatively inexpensive
Stews don't have to be high priced
Make things from scratch rather than buying those $3 and $4 convenience foods. The only person you're conveniencing is the CEO of that food company collecting that fat salary
Buy fruit and veggies in season
Consider buying day old fruit and veggies; but only if you're going to use them that day
Brown bag your lunch
Peanut Butter is less expensive than luncheon meats; and it is good for you
Buy frozen versus fresh produce. Canned should be your last resort
Will all the leftovers make a funky new meatloaf? Think outside the stomach!
Prepared, Prepackaged and Precut means Premium priced. Stop being lazy.

Well that's just a few ideas. How about contributing an idea or two by clicking the comments below.

And what do you do with the savings? Put some gas in the car and join some new and old friends at Dine Off The Pounds, buy yourself a present, buy a new smaller-sized spring outfit, or save it for a rainy day.

And stay tuned for Part 2.

I can relate!

2008-04-15T09:42:00.001-04:00

One of my pups spent the night at the animal hospital. She spent yesterday morning puking. By noon I was a concerned dad, and with her brother we sped off to the vet.

Driving home from the vet I was talking with my friend Jacki. I was sharing how the vet is pretty sure it is an intestinal virus, but who knows with all the crap these two dogs of mine eat. If it's not tied down they eat it. Basically, they eat anything and everything they can find.

And without missing a beat, Jacki responds............"I can relate!"

How about you....... Can you relate?

Banana Splits for Breakfast!

2008-04-14T07:21:00.002-04:00

I love banana splits. Can't remember the last time I had one, but I love banana splits.

Well I got a little creative this morning for breakfast; so here you go....................

Banana Split Smoothie
1 cup milk (I used 1% milk)
1 banana
1/2 cup Cocoa Krispies

Tossed it all in the Magic Bullet and in just four seconds.................... a Banana Split for Breakfast. Tomorrow I'll try tossing it in the nuclear wave oven for a minute and pretend it's a banana split with hot fudge sauce.

Oh, and before you start going "yuk", "gross" etc.............. Remember I've been at my desired goal weight for 19 years! And I attribute much of that success to a willingness to "play" with food. When was the last time you played/experimented with food? Try it. Soon. Like Today.

My hat is off to the restaurant industry today!

2008-04-12T07:02:00.000-04:00

Have you ever dined out with weight/nutrition conscious people? (As if who is not these days)

One is on a low-cal diet; another a no-cal diet. No sugar for her. No white flour for him. This one doesn't eat bread. That one doesn't do alcohol. No caffeine down the other side of the table. No butter for him. No dressing for her. Please leave the cream sauce off. Can they put the sauce on the side? No potato with the fish, can you replace it with extra string beans? One double order of salad please! Well I guess one piece of bread won't matter, I did get two veggies.

Yep, that was the scene at dinner last night with 6 colleagues; most who look like they are at a perfect weight..............................

I guess you know why.

And my hat is off to our waiter and the chefs. Every order came out as requested.

A Shift in Mindset is Happening!

2008-04-10T15:31:00.000-04:00

The NYS Thruway has rest areas every 20 or 30 miles. At each one you can find some combination of Starbucks, McDonald's, Roy Rogers, Dunkin Donuts, Sbarro and assorted other options to increase the size of your thighs, add some jelly to your belly, or use lots of cream to lower your self-esteem.

The NYS Thruway also has TravelMarts. TravelMarts sell the typical stuff; candy, cookies, newspapers, books, souvenirs and gum. But what they also have is a refrigerator case full of yogurts, fruit, sandwiches, and small pieces of cheese; just to name a few things. Yes, they have better options, healthier options; smarter options.

In the past week I've reported to you about the WaWa and now the TravelMart. Looks to me as if people are finally getting a clue. Yes, I'll pay $1.50 for a yogurt. I'll pay $.99 for a small piece of cheese. I'll pay $3.00 for three bites of fruit.

It's beats the price paid for being fat and unhappy. Don't you agree?

But more importantly, where have you noticed more and more better choices being offered? Inquiring minds want to know. Click the comments button below and let us know.

The Honor of Getting Fat!

2008-04-08T18:22:00.002-04:00

Does your credit card give you points? Miles? Rewards? Are you a frequent traveler, stayer or car renter? Do you have points earned everywhere?

Years ago I remember my American Express bill arriving and inside I learned that for 25,000 points I could get Junior's Cheesecake delivered to me. Cheesecake is a favorite; Junior's is one of the Rulers of the Cheesecake Kingdom. It was tough to resist cashing in those points; after all at the time I had 200,000 points; what's 25,000.

Today I checked in to a Hilton. I gave them my Hilton Honors number. The lovely woman who registered me informed me that fresh cookies would be available at 8:00 tonight and as a Hilton Honors member I get a bottle of water and a snack; it is has already been placed in my room.

When I arrived to my room the water and snack was there; the snack was a bag of Mini Fudge Stripe Cookies.

Snack!

Honor!

I guess Hilton Honors you by helping you get fat and unhealthy! AARRGGHH!! Doesn't the Hilton family know that everyone is not as anorexic as their darling Ding-Dong Paris?

Anyway............... a little while ago I opened the cookies; not because I was hungry; because they were there. I ate one. I ate a second.

Not Good.

I emptied the bag in the toilet.

Next time I stay at the Marriott! And right now I'm heading out to eat a healthy dinner with someone I picked up in the lobby this afternoon. But more about that another time.

Did I Tell You I (may no longer) Hate The Gym?

2008-04-07T17:47:00.004-04:00

I hate the gym!

But I've been on the road for a week; not returning for 4 more days and needed to do some exercise. So I dragged my sorry butt down to the gym this morning. I told myself I would spend 30 minutes there even if it killed me (thanks for the inspiring words Susan).

Below are the pictures; I figured this was a monumental event. Yes they are blurry, I was moving.

This is me on the stair climber. I lasted 1:47; this totally sucked; i was never so miserable in my life.

This is me on the exercise bike. I lasted 15:22; the longest 15:22 of my life; even with disco music.

Okay I'll try the DREADMILL; I lasted 13:08; the time it took me to listen to the extended 12" version of Viola Wills; "If You Could Read My Mind"

I think I made the 30 minutes; and I did three different machines. Not so bad. Maybe I'll do it again tomorrow. Although my client has invited me to their Luau tonight; maybe I'll just dance.

How about you? Would breaking an exercise routine down into smaller chunks be the motivator to get you moving?

WAAAAAAH!

2008-04-05T08:03:00.002-04:00

Or should I say WA?

Or should I say WAWA?

The WAWA is one of my favorite convenience stores. They are the Mid-Atlantic's answer to 7-11 or Mobil On-The-Run..............But so much better.

So yesterday was one of those days of fitting in food between driving to a destination, presenting an employee morale program, and having to get to another destination for today. I am sure you have all had similar days.

I came to a traffic light. McDonald's on one corner; Wendy's behind McDonald's. So what's it gonna be I thought? Hamburger? Baked Potato and chili? I looked to my right. And there it was, just across the street, set back a bit from the road, a WAWA. JACKPOT!

Now my first evil thought (yes, I still have them) was that WAWA carries one of my favorite foods....................

Yes, even as I celebrate (this month) 19 years of losing 30+ pounds, the little fat boy inside tries to sneak out every so often.

Well when I walked into the WAWA I was blown away immediately. It was if someone was watching over me. I have never seen a selection of fresh fruit, salads that were not brown, and an attractive yogurt display like this. The deli inside was offering gourmet healthy sandwiches. There were containers of sliced apples and cheese; more apples than cheese.

So I grabbed a yogurt, a 32 oz diet fountain soda and a quart of cut-up melon and pineapple. Out the door I went. No Krimpets.

No problem, I always travel with Peeps.

Today's point (for the slower ones): There is always a better choice; sometimes we are presented with it; sometimes we have to search it out.

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It's 2 months until the next Retreat From Your Weight Loss. Is it time for you to put the fun before the food? Click the link above to learn more and see what others have said about the last retreat.

Have you ever tried Gefilte Fish!

2008-04-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

Swung by mom's house yesterday to say a quick hello as I headed to the Land of Cheese Steak.

And there in the fridge was a jar of Gefilte Fish. I love Gefilte Fish! It's popular around Passover; but available year round.

A kiss, a hug, two pieces of Gefilte Fish with horseradish, a hard boiled egg and I was on my way.

But here is the weird thing.................. it's available all year round, it's good for me, it's about 50 calories a piece, I love the stuff; yet I never buy it. Why is that?

And if you're with me here and connecting the dots.................What's your Gefilte Fish? Pick some up this weekend.

Are you looking for food or solutions?

2008-04-02T05:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, all that could go wrong did..................

The new online printing company screwed up my order; the order that was supposed to arrive to my office yesterday was not going to; nor was I going to have it by this morning; nor could they promise delivery to my hotel by today. I needed it for a keynote tomorrow.
You know that little prong on your laptop; the one where you plug your electric cord in to juice the battery..........it broke..............again. I am leaving today for ten days. I call the guy who fixed it the last time; the phone just kept ringing and ringing. I had my friend Michelle swing by the store (she lives nearby); they packed up and left town! (No this was not an April Fool's Day joke.) I tried one more time to call; someone picked up. Hooray!! They had moved; but Neil was there! I brought it over to him; he said he could fix it in a few days. I told him I am leaving in the morning. He said he would fix it.
Upon returning home from the laptop repair man; I turned on my desktop. Hard drive fried. (At least my system is backed-up online. If you're not regularly backing up, click on the following link; you'd be foolish not to and it is very inexpensive:
I picked up my laptop later in the day, turned it on and it was telling me my password was wrong. I am now locked out of my own computer. I called computer man at 7:30 PM; he was still there; he was a bit befuddled; said they didn't touch anything; only changed prong. He had me log on to the guest account and start typing the alphabet. Okay, keyboard not working. I'm panicking; remember I'm leaving in the morning. He tells me to go get a small Philips heads screw driver and proceeds to walk me through fixing my laptop on the telephone.

And this has to do with what you may ask????

Okay folks, with each of these turns I found myself in the kitchen; looking for food; not looking for solutions. Then it dawned on me; I can get fat and feel horrible about my actions or I can find solutions. Yet even though I knew that, I kept going to the kitchen. You with me?

Well, to make a long story short I am picking up the cards this morning on my way out of town from a vendor I use regularly, I borrowed a friend's computer during the day yesterday and my laptop is working again. As for the desktop........it's time for a new one anyway.

So from this day forth I leave you with the following...................

"Got problems? Look for solutions, not food." - Rich DiGirolamo

(feel free to pass that little quote along to the chunky ones in your life)

Oh, at the end of the day I had eaten 3 cups of New England Clam Chowder. Could have been worse; a lot worse.

Drink Your Water!

2008-04-01T07:38:00.000-04:00

I'll get back on my diet Monday

2008-03-30T07:11:00.000-04:00

Okay it is Sunday. Perhaps you are thinking you will get back on your diet tomorrow morning. It's been a weekend of a little too much partying; perhaps a little too much leftover Easter crap.

Well here are some tips for getting back on track tomorrow; except you do them today!

Throw out the crap already. It just triggers you into mass chaos and hysteria
Plan out your meals for the next two or three days
Prepare your lunch for tomorrow
Put the gym clothes in the car; on the seat next to you instead of the trunk. Yes, I know you only too well; out of sight out of mind. No, in your case "Out of sight equals huge behind!"
Place some anchor on your counter to remind you that it is time to get back in control - I usually make one of my cookbooks visible.
Put a pitcher of water in the fridge. Drop some slices of cucumber and oranges into the water. Don't go yuk; just try it.
Tonight, while you're winding down, cut up those veggies that went bad while you were eating cream eggs, spray them with some olive oil; season them up and roast them. You're set for the week!
Send an email out to your entire address book that you are getting back in control tomorrow morning and please ask for their love, support and good wishes. (Hey, I'd rather receive that from you than one of those I-will-die-if-I-don't-forward-this-to-600,000-of-my-closest-friend-chain-letters)
Figure out how you're going to ease back into your diet. Going from drinking and candy and high fat meals to salad and bran turds is the reason so many have failed in the first place
And finally................embrace tomorrow about the possibilities and results; not an attitude of "oh well, time to get back on the diet!

Now go get Skinny, Healthy and Happy!

And speaking of tips................... Here's 250 Tips for a better life put together by me and a few of my friends

It's the Weekend..............

2008-03-29T07:20:00.002-04:00

You can do all the things you dream about doing all week................

Things like:

playing outdoors
working in the garden
taking a walk
taking a bike ride
taing a hike
exploring a new location
watching the sun rise or set at a beach or on top of a mountain
counting stars
making love all day long

Or you can stay at home and make endless trips to the kitchen looking for "something" to eat.

Have an adventure this weekend; that's why they were given to you.

You're Not a Screw-Up

2008-03-27T06:26:00.001-04:00

My friend is going through a breakup. Well actually they have broken up; now the sorrow is occurring. I might add that from the stories she shared with me, she is a gazillion times better off without this controlling loser.

Well the other day I reminded her that “Today was one more day you were not told you were a screw-up” (screw-up has been replaced for the real phrase; and yes that is what the controlling loser was calling her). We laughed. For the past few days I have been sending her text messages telling her she is not a “screw-up”.

I don’t know about the rest of you but every day I make some better choices; every day I move a bit more; every day I take small steps towards better health is a good day as far as I am concerned. Every day I have an opportunity to make it the best day I possibly can. Some days I screw up and some days I am successful. There is always tomorrow. And with each tomorrow I can build on the successes of the day before.

When I ride my bike I keep my eyes just ahead of me; to make sure I don’t ride over any foreign objects, potholes, small children or worms. I’m not looking ahead into the distance to see how far I need to ride to reach my destination. But with each little bit of road I ride over, I move further away from my starting point and closer to my destination. With each small step you move further away from being fat and unhealthy and closer to being healthy and happy.

You’re not a screw-up when you don’t live up to expectations – be they your own or someone else’s; and as you continue to build upon, take note of, and celebrate all the small successes occurring in your life, you will realize that.

Now go get Skinny!

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And the verdict is in......................the table setup at Tuesday Night's Dine Off The Pounds was the key to another successful evening. I'll be working with Juniper's to keep it that way. See you at the next one on April 29th.