Today was my weekly weigh in for BLBE and I was down one measly pound. I was a bit discouraged because I thought it would be more. Still, it’s a loss.
B & I went for a 45 minute walk this morning, and I spent most of the rest of the day doing chores. So I feel my activity level was quite good. But…
I kind of went off my food program today. I stayed on most of the day...yogurt for breakfast, a turkey sandwich, carrots and fruit for lunch.
Then late afternoon, I got a bit compulsive. About 4 p.m., I was hungry so I ate a “Think Thin” lo-carb bar, then a bag of single serving popcorn. For dinner, hubby suggested delivery pizza. I will say that only had 2 pieces (rather than my usual 4) and 2 glasses of wine. So it wasn’t the best day, but at least I’m more aware of what I’m eating when I get off my program.
Oh well, it’s Friday, after a hard week, it feels good to relax and enjoy my life a bit. Otherwise, what's the point of living? But…I’ll get right back into it tomorrow! Buster & I have a BIG walk planned for tomorrow with a friend who has 2 dogs of the same breed as B. We always have the best time!
I hope everyone is having a good Friday…and by the way, thanks for all your support. You all keep me sane.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Early Friday weigh in... 177
One more pound gone. Boy, it sure does seem to be taking a long time. It is a bit frustrating. I feel like I'm working so hard, yet progress is SO slow. Still, I'm going in the right direction. Yay.
My goal is 160 lbs. If I keep losing a pound a week, it will take me until June to get there. Sigh.
Well, I'm off to report my results to BLBE. More later...
My goal is 160 lbs. If I keep losing a pound a week, it will take me until June to get there. Sigh.
Well, I'm off to report my results to BLBE. More later...
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Words of Wisdom
First of all, thank you to everyone who left comments regarding yesterday’s post. I really needed some wisdom, and so many folks came through for me. You were right…I did need a day off, that’s what my body was telling me!
I went to bed an hour early, and slept in an extra half hour. Today I felt SOOOO much better. In fact, I felt great. I was excited to work out and I worked out hard…40 minutes on the treadmill and 40 minutes of weights.
Another interesting thing… I had no food cravings today! Yesterday, I had an incredible craving for ice cream. So, it got me to thinking… maybe sometimes my binge eating and food cravings are related to being tired. It never occurred to me before that the two might have some direct correlation.
So, I’m going to keep track of this… I’ll take note if my tiredness level as it relates to my desire to eat unhealthy foods.
Wouldn’t it be great if a lot of my crazy eating could be controlled by getting enough sleep?
I went to bed an hour early, and slept in an extra half hour. Today I felt SOOOO much better. In fact, I felt great. I was excited to work out and I worked out hard…40 minutes on the treadmill and 40 minutes of weights.
Another interesting thing… I had no food cravings today! Yesterday, I had an incredible craving for ice cream. So, it got me to thinking… maybe sometimes my binge eating and food cravings are related to being tired. It never occurred to me before that the two might have some direct correlation.
So, I’m going to keep track of this… I’ll take note if my tiredness level as it relates to my desire to eat unhealthy foods.
Wouldn’t it be great if a lot of my crazy eating could be controlled by getting enough sleep?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tired...
I’m just tired today. And I really wanted to eat ice cream all day. It was all I could do to keep from stopping at Baskin Robbins on the way home.
I think I’m tired from working out every day for the last week (except for Sunday), being really busy at work for the last 3 days (for 10-hour days) plus being up late last night at my community meeting. As my mother reminded me tonight, “You’re no spring chicken.” Gee, thanks, Mom.
The good news is, in spite of my craving for ice cream, I did stick to my eating program. The bad news is I just couldn’t get motivated to work out today. In my mind, I rationalized that I needed a day off from working out because I was tired. The question is…did I really need a day off? Or am I just being a wimp? What’s the normal workout schedule for a 55-year-old woman? I watch Biggest Loser and they work out for hours every day. I think I should be able to work out at least one hour a day every day.
Does anyone have any words of wisdom on this?
I think I’m tired from working out every day for the last week (except for Sunday), being really busy at work for the last 3 days (for 10-hour days) plus being up late last night at my community meeting. As my mother reminded me tonight, “You’re no spring chicken.” Gee, thanks, Mom.
The good news is, in spite of my craving for ice cream, I did stick to my eating program. The bad news is I just couldn’t get motivated to work out today. In my mind, I rationalized that I needed a day off from working out because I was tired. The question is…did I really need a day off? Or am I just being a wimp? What’s the normal workout schedule for a 55-year-old woman? I watch Biggest Loser and they work out for hours every day. I think I should be able to work out at least one hour a day every day.
Does anyone have any words of wisdom on this?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday & Tuesday wrap up
I’ve had a very busy Monday & Tuesday. I mostly ate on program, and I managed to squeeze in workouts both days; 40 minutes on the treadmill both days plus 40 minutes of weights yesterday. I had a late meeting tonight after work, so now I’m watching Biggest Loser, which my husband recorded for me.
I thought I was going to have time after work to go home for a quick bite of dinner before my meeting, but I ended up being delayed a bit and had to go directly there. I literally had 10 extra minutes during the drive from work to the meeting to find something to eat. So, of course, what else…FAST FOOD! I haven’t eaten fast food for a couple of months now, and I couldn’t even think of where I should go. I have a list at work on nutrition values for most fast food, but I didn’t have it with me.
I passed by a McDonalds and a Subway. I knew that what I would want at McDonalds would be way too many calories, and it was difficult to get into the Subway, so I kept going. At this point, I knew I had to take the next place whatever it was. It was a Wendy’s. Rather than go through the drive-through, which always causes me to order mindlessly, I ran inside to order.
Now, I don’t know if this is true for every Wendy’s, but they had the calorie counts for EVERY item on the menu! It was in big bold numbers next to the picture of the item on the big board. It was SO COOL! I had a crispy chicken sandwich for 330 calories and a diet Coke; both were from their Value Menu, and each item was only 99 cents. So I saved calories and money both!
Then, at my meeting, they always serve light refreshments… cookies, crackers & cheese, etc. I was still hungry so I did have 5 crackers & 3 small pieces of cheese, plus 4 small cookies from a Pepperidge Farms assortment. Out of curiosity, I've just checked the calories and all that was probably about 350 calories. So “dinner” was about 700 calories… pretty good, considering I would normally eat a burger & fries on the run, plus several cookies, crackers, and pieces of cheese at the meeting (when no one was paying attention, of course).
I just finished watching BL so it's time to go to bed. I'll try to catch up with everyone's blogs tomorrow. Good night!
I thought I was going to have time after work to go home for a quick bite of dinner before my meeting, but I ended up being delayed a bit and had to go directly there. I literally had 10 extra minutes during the drive from work to the meeting to find something to eat. So, of course, what else…FAST FOOD! I haven’t eaten fast food for a couple of months now, and I couldn’t even think of where I should go. I have a list at work on nutrition values for most fast food, but I didn’t have it with me.
I passed by a McDonalds and a Subway. I knew that what I would want at McDonalds would be way too many calories, and it was difficult to get into the Subway, so I kept going. At this point, I knew I had to take the next place whatever it was. It was a Wendy’s. Rather than go through the drive-through, which always causes me to order mindlessly, I ran inside to order.
Now, I don’t know if this is true for every Wendy’s, but they had the calorie counts for EVERY item on the menu! It was in big bold numbers next to the picture of the item on the big board. It was SO COOL! I had a crispy chicken sandwich for 330 calories and a diet Coke; both were from their Value Menu, and each item was only 99 cents. So I saved calories and money both!
Then, at my meeting, they always serve light refreshments… cookies, crackers & cheese, etc. I was still hungry so I did have 5 crackers & 3 small pieces of cheese, plus 4 small cookies from a Pepperidge Farms assortment. Out of curiosity, I've just checked the calories and all that was probably about 350 calories. So “dinner” was about 700 calories… pretty good, considering I would normally eat a burger & fries on the run, plus several cookies, crackers, and pieces of cheese at the meeting (when no one was paying attention, of course).
I just finished watching BL so it's time to go to bed. I'll try to catch up with everyone's blogs tomorrow. Good night!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday shopping and sampling
I got a good night’s sleep last night. My back is definitely on the mend. We had a nice, relaxing morning. We always watch the Sunday news shows…Meet the Press, McLaughlin Group, etc.
Hubby and I had been talking about having a small Superbowl party for the people in my husband's office, so we called them up to see who is available next Sunday. Right now we’ve got 3 other couples coming over, so it should be fun, but not too much work.
This afternoon, we went to Costco to pick up a few things for the party. I am a bit sheepish to admit that I sampled my way through Costco. In fact I circled around for seconds on a few items…the salami, clam chowder, and bleu cheese on a cracker.
After Costco, it was on to Top Foods for most of the rest of this week’s groceries. While we were there, I got 5 one-inch pieces of red licorice from the bulk food department (I figured I might as well get it out of my system after craving it for 3 days), and then Trader Joe’s.
My food has actually been very good today, in spite of the few little extra things at Costco and the red licorice. All total, the damage was probably no more than a couple hundred calories.
While we were gone, Buster apparently had a stomachache, because there was MAJOR poopie on the downstairs rug next to the door. He, of course, was humiliated, but I never yell at my dogs about this kind of thing. I figure it’s my own fault for not being here when he needed to go out. So we cleaned it up…no permanent damage done. At least he did it on the washable throw rug downstairs and not the room size wool rug upstairs. Good boy!
Speaking of Buster, Angie at Angie All the Way posted a
picture of her dog looking like a cat. I have a similar picture of Buster from last year…
click on the picture for an enlarged view of my adorable puppy.
I hope everyone had a good weekend…and that you’re ready for another exciting work week!
Hubby and I had been talking about having a small Superbowl party for the people in my husband's office, so we called them up to see who is available next Sunday. Right now we’ve got 3 other couples coming over, so it should be fun, but not too much work.
This afternoon, we went to Costco to pick up a few things for the party. I am a bit sheepish to admit that I sampled my way through Costco. In fact I circled around for seconds on a few items…the salami, clam chowder, and bleu cheese on a cracker.
After Costco, it was on to Top Foods for most of the rest of this week’s groceries. While we were there, I got 5 one-inch pieces of red licorice from the bulk food department (I figured I might as well get it out of my system after craving it for 3 days), and then Trader Joe’s.
My food has actually been very good today, in spite of the few little extra things at Costco and the red licorice. All total, the damage was probably no more than a couple hundred calories.
While we were gone, Buster apparently had a stomachache, because there was MAJOR poopie on the downstairs rug next to the door. He, of course, was humiliated, but I never yell at my dogs about this kind of thing. I figure it’s my own fault for not being here when he needed to go out. So we cleaned it up…no permanent damage done. At least he did it on the washable throw rug downstairs and not the room size wool rug upstairs. Good boy!
Speaking of Buster, Angie at Angie All the Way posted a
picture of her dog looking like a cat. I have a similar picture of Buster from last year…
click on the picture for an enlarged view of my adorable puppy.
I hope everyone had a good weekend…and that you’re ready for another exciting work week!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Pleasant Saturday
This morning I woke up still in quite a bit of pain in my back. My chiropractor (I call him Dr. J) is a really nice guy, and although he doesn’t usually work on Saturdays, he’d given me his cell number to call if I needed to see him today. I did.
This time, on the way to his office, I used a little heat pack to warm up the muscle that was in spasm. This time, the adjustment seems to have worked, and I’m feeling much better now. No need for pain pills today (other than a Tylenol), which is good.
Dr. J had said I should keep moving, rather than just sit around, so after I got home, B & I took a 40 minute walk. Not our usual hour (or more), but I figured I’d take it just a bit easy today. DJ had also said I really shouldn’t lift weights for a few days, so I’ll wait until Tuesday.
Hubby made a special pizza for lunch, out of besan flour (a gluten free flour made from chickpeas) with non-fat cheese, pizza sauce, and low fat sausage that he made himself. He's a real wizard when it comes to creative cooking.
Tonight we went to see Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. It was a great movie, so I am shocked that it didn’t get any Oscar nominations. I came "this close" to buying a package of Twizzlers red licorice (still craving) but I resisted. I did eat some popcorn, but instead of our usual large tub, hubby and I shared a medium. Small steps…
I hope everyone has had a nice Saturday night. See you Sunday.
This time, on the way to his office, I used a little heat pack to warm up the muscle that was in spasm. This time, the adjustment seems to have worked, and I’m feeling much better now. No need for pain pills today (other than a Tylenol), which is good.
Dr. J had said I should keep moving, rather than just sit around, so after I got home, B & I took a 40 minute walk. Not our usual hour (or more), but I figured I’d take it just a bit easy today. DJ had also said I really shouldn’t lift weights for a few days, so I’ll wait until Tuesday.
Hubby made a special pizza for lunch, out of besan flour (a gluten free flour made from chickpeas) with non-fat cheese, pizza sauce, and low fat sausage that he made himself. He's a real wizard when it comes to creative cooking.
Tonight we went to see Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. It was a great movie, so I am shocked that it didn’t get any Oscar nominations. I came "this close" to buying a package of Twizzlers red licorice (still craving) but I resisted. I did eat some popcorn, but instead of our usual large tub, hubby and I shared a medium. Small steps…
I hope everyone has had a nice Saturday night. See you Sunday.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Back pain, pills, and red candy
I woke up this morning with a pain in the middle of my back. Buster usually sleeps in his own bed on the floor. For some reason, last night he decided he wanted to sleep up on “the big bed” with hubby and me. No problem, but rather than sleeping in the middle of the bed, B slept on my feet. He’s only 15 lbs, but at night he’s just dead weight. Although I had a vague awareness that he was there, I couldn’t wake myself up enough to move him off me and I probably slept in a weird position.
After I weighed myself this morning and noted a loss from last week, I was feeling pretty happy and motivated. I figured I’d ignore the pain and take B for a walk. It was a beautiful day today, cold and crisp, and we walked for an hour. We both had a great time. But the pain in my back continued to get worse as the day went on. I finally went to my chiropractor this afternoon and got an adjustment. It will take a while for the muscle that is in spasm to relax. So in the meantime, I’ve got PAIN PILLS!!!
I hate taking pain pills for a variety of reasons, but sometimes you need to do what’s necessary to get through an episode like this. I had some hydrocodone left over from when I had my eye surgery in October. Since about 1 p.m. today I’ve taken 2 – 7.5/750 pills, and it hasn’t even touched the pain, but DAMN, I sure do want red licorice!!! For some reason, when I take pain pills, I always want candy, specifically red candy like red licorice or Swedish fish or cinnamon bears.
But, because I’m still feeling so good about my weigh in, I’m holding strong. I will not eat any candy! Well, it helps that I haven’t got a thing in the house that even resembles red candy! lol
One thing about pain pills, they sure make even stupid television more enjoyable! Right now, I’m icing my back and it is finally feeling a bit better. I’m hoping if I take it easy tonight and make sure I sleep with “good posture” tonight, I’ll be okay tomorrow.
After I weighed myself this morning and noted a loss from last week, I was feeling pretty happy and motivated. I figured I’d ignore the pain and take B for a walk. It was a beautiful day today, cold and crisp, and we walked for an hour. We both had a great time. But the pain in my back continued to get worse as the day went on. I finally went to my chiropractor this afternoon and got an adjustment. It will take a while for the muscle that is in spasm to relax. So in the meantime, I’ve got PAIN PILLS!!!
I hate taking pain pills for a variety of reasons, but sometimes you need to do what’s necessary to get through an episode like this. I had some hydrocodone left over from when I had my eye surgery in October. Since about 1 p.m. today I’ve taken 2 – 7.5/750 pills, and it hasn’t even touched the pain, but DAMN, I sure do want red licorice!!! For some reason, when I take pain pills, I always want candy, specifically red candy like red licorice or Swedish fish or cinnamon bears.
But, because I’m still feeling so good about my weigh in, I’m holding strong. I will not eat any candy! Well, it helps that I haven’t got a thing in the house that even resembles red candy! lol
One thing about pain pills, they sure make even stupid television more enjoyable! Right now, I’m icing my back and it is finally feeling a bit better. I’m hoping if I take it easy tonight and make sure I sleep with “good posture” tonight, I’ll be okay tomorrow.
178
Early morning weigh in...178. Yay! Just like last week, nothing spectacular, but continuing to trend in the right direction. That's all I care about. Go A-Team!
Thank you to everyone who left kind, encouraging, and insightful comments about Wednesday's post. I'm feeling much better today. The past is the past. I can learn from it and go forward.
More later...
Thank you to everyone who left kind, encouraging, and insightful comments about Wednesday's post. I'm feeling much better today. The past is the past. I can learn from it and go forward.
More later...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Food issues
I’m not much for eating in public. It makes me uncomfortable. I guess it’s because I worry people will be judging me for what or how much I eat. For years, I’ve brought my own (admittedly rather unhealthy) lunches to work, and I would often go and eat in my car just to be alone while I ate. I rarely go out to lunch with the gang at work. The reason I can always give for not participating is because I’ve been in lots of commercial kitchens in the course of doing fire inspections in restaurants. I always ask people: “Have you ever seen Gordon Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares”? Believe me, you don’t want to know some of the things I’ve seen!” Most people accept that as a reasonable excuse. And they might ask once or twice, but after that, they don't ask any more.
I also usually decline to participate in departmental birthday parties or pot lucks. I usually just make sure I have a meeting to attend, or too much work to do. Eating cake and ice cream, or any other fattening food for that matter, in the company of others is practically unthinkable to me. The fact is, until I started blogging in December, I was a frequent secret visitor to the candy machine down the hall. I don’t believe anyone at work has ever actually seen me eat a candy bar in the 20 years I’ve been doing this. But the fact is, I’ve spent a small fortune there.
Yes, friends, I have food issues.
The reason I bring all this up is…no one at work really has any reason to know that I’ve recently been trying to bring more healthy choices in my lunch, that I've stopped visiting the candy machine, and I've started to work out more. Trying to be more healthy is also something I've been doing in secret.
So today I was a little surprised when one of my coworkers said, “Wow, you look like you’ve lost weight!” I normally would not have shared what I was doing, but for some reason I told her that I was trying to be more careful about my food choices. She was genuinely shocked...she said, "Why, I’ve never seen you eat ANYTHING bad, not like the rest of us.” And I thought to myself, “She has no idea!” And the more I thought about it, the sadder I got. So, tonight I’ve been feeling very sad about this. I’m thinking about how I’ve isolated myself from so much fun and fellowship in my life. In many ways, my food issues are still as debilitating as my bulimia was. Am I fooling myself to think that I’m more normal now?
Anyway, I don’t know what the point is of telling this story. I’m just feeling kind of bad right now. That’s all.
I also usually decline to participate in departmental birthday parties or pot lucks. I usually just make sure I have a meeting to attend, or too much work to do. Eating cake and ice cream, or any other fattening food for that matter, in the company of others is practically unthinkable to me. The fact is, until I started blogging in December, I was a frequent secret visitor to the candy machine down the hall. I don’t believe anyone at work has ever actually seen me eat a candy bar in the 20 years I’ve been doing this. But the fact is, I’ve spent a small fortune there.
Yes, friends, I have food issues.
The reason I bring all this up is…no one at work really has any reason to know that I’ve recently been trying to bring more healthy choices in my lunch, that I've stopped visiting the candy machine, and I've started to work out more. Trying to be more healthy is also something I've been doing in secret.
So today I was a little surprised when one of my coworkers said, “Wow, you look like you’ve lost weight!” I normally would not have shared what I was doing, but for some reason I told her that I was trying to be more careful about my food choices. She was genuinely shocked...she said, "Why, I’ve never seen you eat ANYTHING bad, not like the rest of us.” And I thought to myself, “She has no idea!” And the more I thought about it, the sadder I got. So, tonight I’ve been feeling very sad about this. I’m thinking about how I’ve isolated myself from so much fun and fellowship in my life. In many ways, my food issues are still as debilitating as my bulimia was. Am I fooling myself to think that I’m more normal now?
Anyway, I don’t know what the point is of telling this story. I’m just feeling kind of bad right now. That’s all.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Resistance is (NOT) Futile...
I had major munchies today at work, all I wanted was to eat carbs. I’m proud to report that I resisted, but it was only by white knuckling it.
But I’m home now and I’m so hungry! Hubby is making a stir fry (mostly veggies, chicken, and a little rice). I’m half-way watching TV while I write this. A KFC commercial just came on for crispy hot wings. I’d kill for those right now. I love both hot wings and fried chicken. You put the two together and it’s like heroin to me.
I had an issue with one of my employees overstepping his bounds today. I had to take him to task, and that was pretty stressful. Maybe that’s the source of my carb cravings.
Dinner is served…
Okay I’m back. The stir fry was good. The only thing I don’t like is that baby corn that they put in all the Asian cooking these days. The bags of stir fry veggies from Costco are full of this weird stuff. I kno
w it’s real corn (for a while I didn’t even believe it was real corn), but I think it tastes like crap. I’m from Iowa, I know corn, and this corn is just not natural. I always pick it out and stack it up like tiny logs on the side of my plate. Yuk. Normally hubby gets a bit offended if I don’t eat all the veggies he cooks for me, but he understands why I don’t like this so-called corn so he even told me himself to pick it out of the dish. Even Buster won’t eat it.
During dinner, I watched some of the Inauguration coverage that my husband DVR'd. I’m ready to do as our new President says (paraphrased)… pick myself up, dust myself off, and begin again the work of remaking myself.
Now I'm watching some Inaugural Ball coverage. I think Michelle Obama is a tall, fit, attractive woman, but I hate that ball gown she is wearing. It seems to poof out and accentuate all the wrong places. I think it makes her look heavier than she is. Does everyone else out there like it? Is it just me? Maybe it IS just me and my crazy, judgmental, hypercritical (formerly anorexic/bulimic) mentality. I just think with her nice figure, she could have done better.
Now I’m watching Biggest Loser. They just showed a bit of Bob’s Big Blow Up from last week, which I missed because I was working late. I'm impressed...You go, Bob! Other than that, you'll get no spoilers from me.
Anyway I’ll post this and see you all tomorrow. Happy Inaugural Day!
But I’m home now and I’m so hungry! Hubby is making a stir fry (mostly veggies, chicken, and a little rice). I’m half-way watching TV while I write this. A KFC commercial just came on for crispy hot wings. I’d kill for those right now. I love both hot wings and fried chicken. You put the two together and it’s like heroin to me.
I had an issue with one of my employees overstepping his bounds today. I had to take him to task, and that was pretty stressful. Maybe that’s the source of my carb cravings.
Dinner is served…
Okay I’m back. The stir fry was good. The only thing I don’t like is that baby corn that they put in all the Asian cooking these days. The bags of stir fry veggies from Costco are full of this weird stuff. I kno
w it’s real corn (for a while I didn’t even believe it was real corn), but I think it tastes like crap. I’m from Iowa, I know corn, and this corn is just not natural. I always pick it out and stack it up like tiny logs on the side of my plate. Yuk. Normally hubby gets a bit offended if I don’t eat all the veggies he cooks for me, but he understands why I don’t like this so-called corn so he even told me himself to pick it out of the dish. Even Buster won’t eat it.During dinner, I watched some of the Inauguration coverage that my husband DVR'd. I’m ready to do as our new President says (paraphrased)… pick myself up, dust myself off, and begin again the work of remaking myself.
Now I'm watching some Inaugural Ball coverage. I think Michelle Obama is a tall, fit, attractive woman, but I hate that ball gown she is wearing. It seems to poof out and accentuate all the wrong places. I think it makes her look heavier than she is. Does everyone else out there like it? Is it just me? Maybe it IS just me and my crazy, judgmental, hypercritical (formerly anorexic/bulimic) mentality. I just think with her nice figure, she could have done better.
Now I’m watching Biggest Loser. They just showed a bit of Bob’s Big Blow Up from last week, which I missed because I was working late. I'm impressed...You go, Bob! Other than that, you'll get no spoilers from me.
Anyway I’ll post this and see you all tomorrow. Happy Inaugural Day!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Dinner party last night
I just read “Losing Waist”s post about perfectionism. Boy, did that hit home for me. I’m the ultimate perfectionist. I’m even competitive about how much of a perfectionist I am…I want to be more of a perfectionist than you are. Not really, but that’s how it feels some times.
Last night my hubby and I had a small dinner party. He spent the day cooking, and I spent the day cleaning. Once I got home from walking yesterday, I started cleaning. I cleaned up and straightened up and fussed over rooms that there was little to no chance that anyone would see...unless we had a tornado and we all had to take refuge in one of the downstairs bedrooms. I can't remember the last tornado we had around here. Ah, yes, the joys of perfectionism.
The dinner party was quite good. Of course, as logically could be expected, the only rooms anybody went into were the kitchen and dining room. No one even saw the rest of the house…after all that non-stop cleaning! Well, at least the whole house is clean now.
First we served a salad; then the main course, prepared by my husband, was gumbo with shrimp, crab, scallops, and sausage. For dessert I made a sweet potato pecan pie. Everything was delicious, and I ate the salad, one bowl of gumbo, and one piece of pie. That in and of itself wasn’t too bad...both salad and gumbo were fairly healthy and the piece of pie was quite small. But I also had 4 glasses of red wine, which was probably the worst thing I had last night; plus whipping cream in my coffee, even though there was non-fat half & half available (sorry, I don’t get how half & half can be non-fat; isn’t that an oxymoron?). Yes, I’m weak. But to be honest, I didn’t feel too bad about what I ate last night. I had exercised a bunch, plus I had hardly anything to eat all day... because I was too busy cleaning.
One annoying thing last night (which I can tell only you, my blogger buddies) was I put on a pair of jeans that I was wearing comfortably this time last year… I think I weighed about 7 lbs less then. They were very tight and uncomfortable last night, but I didn't have anything else to wear. While we were all standing around in the kitchen chatting, I caught a glimpse of myself in the oven door…all I could see was my stomach sticking out. Not good. I’ll know I’m doing well when those jeans fit comfortably again.
Today, I’m a bit tired out. I slept late, took B to the park today for just a couple of minutes, and then hubby & I went to the mall plus grocery shopping. So I did get a bit of exercise today although nothing too vigorous.
I’m glad I have 5 days until I have to weigh in again for BLBE! I have tomorrow off for MLK Day, so I’ll have time to get in a really good workout.
Last night my hubby and I had a small dinner party. He spent the day cooking, and I spent the day cleaning. Once I got home from walking yesterday, I started cleaning. I cleaned up and straightened up and fussed over rooms that there was little to no chance that anyone would see...unless we had a tornado and we all had to take refuge in one of the downstairs bedrooms. I can't remember the last tornado we had around here. Ah, yes, the joys of perfectionism.
The dinner party was quite good. Of course, as logically could be expected, the only rooms anybody went into were the kitchen and dining room. No one even saw the rest of the house…after all that non-stop cleaning! Well, at least the whole house is clean now.
First we served a salad; then the main course, prepared by my husband, was gumbo with shrimp, crab, scallops, and sausage. For dessert I made a sweet potato pecan pie. Everything was delicious, and I ate the salad, one bowl of gumbo, and one piece of pie. That in and of itself wasn’t too bad...both salad and gumbo were fairly healthy and the piece of pie was quite small. But I also had 4 glasses of red wine, which was probably the worst thing I had last night; plus whipping cream in my coffee, even though there was non-fat half & half available (sorry, I don’t get how half & half can be non-fat; isn’t that an oxymoron?). Yes, I’m weak. But to be honest, I didn’t feel too bad about what I ate last night. I had exercised a bunch, plus I had hardly anything to eat all day... because I was too busy cleaning.
One annoying thing last night (which I can tell only you, my blogger buddies) was I put on a pair of jeans that I was wearing comfortably this time last year… I think I weighed about 7 lbs less then. They were very tight and uncomfortable last night, but I didn't have anything else to wear. While we were all standing around in the kitchen chatting, I caught a glimpse of myself in the oven door…all I could see was my stomach sticking out. Not good. I’ll know I’m doing well when those jeans fit comfortably again.
Today, I’m a bit tired out. I slept late, took B to the park today for just a couple of minutes, and then hubby & I went to the mall plus grocery shopping. So I did get a bit of exercise today although nothing too vigorous.
I’m glad I have 5 days until I have to weigh in again for BLBE! I have tomorrow off for MLK Day, so I’ll have time to get in a really good workout.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Belly...be gone!!!
I hate my stomach. Not my inside stomach. I’m talking about my outside stomach. My belly, my love handles, my midsection, my tummy.
The rest of my body isn’t too bad for a somewhat chunky 55 year old lady. I walk a lot, so my legs are rather shapely, as is my behind. I do quite a bit of weight lifting so my arms and shoulders are also pretty good, for my age. My boobs are falling (a result of gravity, I guess), but at least I can hold them up with a good bra.
But I hate my belly. My belly is the first place I gain weight and the last place I lose it. The weird thing is I only have one love handle, on the right side. I can pretty much gauge how heavy I am by the size of that one love handle. I don’t have anything like that on my left. Does that sound normal?
Then, when I look at myself from the side, I see my Grandma’s figure. She was from sturdy Scottish stock. Physically, I take after her in many ways, especially as I’ve gotten older. I’m not quite as overweight as she was, but I’m recognizing in myself her tendency to get quite thick in the middle. As a proper lady, she used to wear a lace up corset. I don’t know how she wore that thing, it must have been horribly uncomfortable. But she did, even if it was 100 degrees outside, as it often was in Iowa (and we didn't have air conditioning). Too bad they didn’t have Spanx in the early 60’s.
I’m definitely trending toward being an apple rather than a pear. I don’t remember which is the more unhealthy between the two body types. Whichever it is, I need to get rid of my belly. I’d love to say “Goodbye, Tummy.” 20 lbs from now, I think I’ll be able to do that.
The rest of my body isn’t too bad for a somewhat chunky 55 year old lady. I walk a lot, so my legs are rather shapely, as is my behind. I do quite a bit of weight lifting so my arms and shoulders are also pretty good, for my age. My boobs are falling (a result of gravity, I guess), but at least I can hold them up with a good bra.
But I hate my belly. My belly is the first place I gain weight and the last place I lose it. The weird thing is I only have one love handle, on the right side. I can pretty much gauge how heavy I am by the size of that one love handle. I don’t have anything like that on my left. Does that sound normal?
Then, when I look at myself from the side, I see my Grandma’s figure. She was from sturdy Scottish stock. Physically, I take after her in many ways, especially as I’ve gotten older. I’m not quite as overweight as she was, but I’m recognizing in myself her tendency to get quite thick in the middle. As a proper lady, she used to wear a lace up corset. I don’t know how she wore that thing, it must have been horribly uncomfortable. But she did, even if it was 100 degrees outside, as it often was in Iowa (and we didn't have air conditioning). Too bad they didn’t have Spanx in the early 60’s.
I’m definitely trending toward being an apple rather than a pear. I don’t remember which is the more unhealthy between the two body types. Whichever it is, I need to get rid of my belly. I’d love to say “Goodbye, Tummy.” 20 lbs from now, I think I’ll be able to do that.
179.5
Early morning Friday...179.5 lbs. Whew!
Nothing spectacular but it's still a loss, so I'm happy. More later...
Nothing spectacular but it's still a loss, so I'm happy. More later...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Who's delusional?
I'm sitting here watching American Idol. It's a trip listening to some of these "singers..." (I'm talking about the truly awful ones, not the good ones or even the sort of mediocre ones). Are these people so delusional that they actually think they can sing? I'm watching people who appear to truly believe they are "all that," and yet it's so obvious to everyone else they're not (all that). Then they are over-the-top shocked and offended when the judges tell them that they are not good singers.
I think delusions can work both ways. I think many of us with weight issues have the opposite problem. We, in fact, may be "all that" yet we still don't think we are worthy of admiration, love, or kindness. We are talented, or funny, or smart, or hard working. Yet we put ourselves down. We are afraid to show others what we are good at for fear of rejection, or ridicule, or that we'll be accused of being arrogant...either that, or we just don't trust how good we are. We're afraid that those people who do admire us will find out that we don't deserve their admiration...that we're big frauds, with nothing behind the facade. We hide behind various layers of fat or baggy clothing, or we withdraw from our family and friends. We might allow others to treat us poorly, or we stay in abusive relationships. Or we try to fade into the background because we're afraid of...what?
I want to finally be rid of my self-hatred. I want to be comfortable with myself. I want to stop obsessing about my weight, which I currently do to the detriment of the other good things in my life. My weight is only one tiny part of who I am, and I've been making it a much bigger issue than it deserves to be.
I think delusions can work both ways. I think many of us with weight issues have the opposite problem. We, in fact, may be "all that" yet we still don't think we are worthy of admiration, love, or kindness. We are talented, or funny, or smart, or hard working. Yet we put ourselves down. We are afraid to show others what we are good at for fear of rejection, or ridicule, or that we'll be accused of being arrogant...either that, or we just don't trust how good we are. We're afraid that those people who do admire us will find out that we don't deserve their admiration...that we're big frauds, with nothing behind the facade. We hide behind various layers of fat or baggy clothing, or we withdraw from our family and friends. We might allow others to treat us poorly, or we stay in abusive relationships. Or we try to fade into the background because we're afraid of...what?
I want to finally be rid of my self-hatred. I want to be comfortable with myself. I want to stop obsessing about my weight, which I currently do to the detriment of the other good things in my life. My weight is only one tiny part of who I am, and I've been making it a much bigger issue than it deserves to be.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A New Vision
Buster and I had a great walk today, almost 1-1/2 hours. It rained a bit while we walked, but I enjoyed every minute. Most people might think that a walk in the rain is nothing special; but for me it was a miracle.
Washington State is a beautiful place, but there’s a reason they call it “the Evergreen State.” The official story of why it's called that is because of the abundance of evergreens here. But, ya know, I think it's because it's always green. And why is it green? Because it rains. Yes, it does rain. It rains a lot, especially in the winter.
If you want to exercise in the Pacific Northwest, you either do something inside, or you brave the elements. I’m okay with walking on the treadmill or using some other type of equipment like the elliptical trainer on occasion; but to be honest, I’d much rather walk outside even if it’s raining, as long as it’s not a downpour.
The sad thing is, I had stopped getting much enjoyment from walking in the rain because of a silly reason. I couldn’t see very well any more.
I had perfect eyesight until I was about 40, then it was as if a light switch flipped, and my vision started to deteriorate. I wore glasses for reading, or sometimes I wore contacts. As the years went by, my prescription got stronger; I also developed “dry eye syndrome” which meant that wearing contact lenses became almost unbearable after a short time. So I stopped wearing contacts and started wearing glasses all the time.
By the time I hit my early 50’s my vision was so bad that I'd put my glasses on first thing in the morning and take them off the last thing at night. I couldn’t read anything unless I was wearing my glasses. I couldn’t drive without them. I couldn't even do the laundry or dishes without them. I once almost ate a dead spider because I thought it was a blueberry until I started chewing it...YUCK! I started feeling unsafe without my glasses, especially while I was walking outside. I never knew if I was going to step into a hole, or trip over something. I started to worry about getting hit by a car, or mugged because I couldn’t see if someone was following me. So I had to wear them when I walked outside.
That was fine, as long as the weather was good and not too hot. If it was too hot, the glasses would constantly slide down my nose when I'd sweat. If the weather was rainy, my glasses would get covered with raindrops, and I might as well not wear them for all the good they would do me. Wearing glasses was really putting a damper on my fitness efforts.
I talked to my doctor for the last 4 years about getting laser surgery. My eye problem was astigmatism, in my case it was simply the result of getting older. He did not encourage my getting the surgery, because of the possibility of complications, especially for someone with dry eyes. Plus when I first discussed it with him, laser surgery for the type of correction I needed was not very common.
Each year, I’d bug him about it, but each year, he’d discourage me. I had resigned myself to wearing glasses forever. As the years went by, however, I kept researching. It appeared that the procedures were improving, and doctors were getting more experience with the vision correction called “monovision.” As weird as it sounds, monovision means you have one eye that sees up close and the other sees far away. For most people, the brain will adjust after a short time, and you won't perceive anything strange. My eye doctor started to realize that I wasn't going to forget the idea, so he finally sent me to an eye surgeon for a consultation.
I’m happy to report that I had the surgery 2-1/2 months ago, and without question it has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I didn’t have any of the bad side effects that could have occurred. I don't need glasses to read even the finest print. My vision is so good now, my husband says I have "magic eyes." When we went on vacation to Hawaii in November, I got to buy some cute, cheap, non-prescription sunglasses. But you want to know what the absolute best thing is about not wearing glasses? Walking my dog in the rain.
Washington State is a beautiful place, but there’s a reason they call it “the Evergreen State.” The official story of why it's called that is because of the abundance of evergreens here. But, ya know, I think it's because it's always green. And why is it green? Because it rains. Yes, it does rain. It rains a lot, especially in the winter.
If you want to exercise in the Pacific Northwest, you either do something inside, or you brave the elements. I’m okay with walking on the treadmill or using some other type of equipment like the elliptical trainer on occasion; but to be honest, I’d much rather walk outside even if it’s raining, as long as it’s not a downpour.
The sad thing is, I had stopped getting much enjoyment from walking in the rain because of a silly reason. I couldn’t see very well any more.
I had perfect eyesight until I was about 40, then it was as if a light switch flipped, and my vision started to deteriorate. I wore glasses for reading, or sometimes I wore contacts. As the years went by, my prescription got stronger; I also developed “dry eye syndrome” which meant that wearing contact lenses became almost unbearable after a short time. So I stopped wearing contacts and started wearing glasses all the time.
By the time I hit my early 50’s my vision was so bad that I'd put my glasses on first thing in the morning and take them off the last thing at night. I couldn’t read anything unless I was wearing my glasses. I couldn’t drive without them. I couldn't even do the laundry or dishes without them. I once almost ate a dead spider because I thought it was a blueberry until I started chewing it...YUCK! I started feeling unsafe without my glasses, especially while I was walking outside. I never knew if I was going to step into a hole, or trip over something. I started to worry about getting hit by a car, or mugged because I couldn’t see if someone was following me. So I had to wear them when I walked outside.
That was fine, as long as the weather was good and not too hot. If it was too hot, the glasses would constantly slide down my nose when I'd sweat. If the weather was rainy, my glasses would get covered with raindrops, and I might as well not wear them for all the good they would do me. Wearing glasses was really putting a damper on my fitness efforts.
I talked to my doctor for the last 4 years about getting laser surgery. My eye problem was astigmatism, in my case it was simply the result of getting older. He did not encourage my getting the surgery, because of the possibility of complications, especially for someone with dry eyes. Plus when I first discussed it with him, laser surgery for the type of correction I needed was not very common.
Each year, I’d bug him about it, but each year, he’d discourage me. I had resigned myself to wearing glasses forever. As the years went by, however, I kept researching. It appeared that the procedures were improving, and doctors were getting more experience with the vision correction called “monovision.” As weird as it sounds, monovision means you have one eye that sees up close and the other sees far away. For most people, the brain will adjust after a short time, and you won't perceive anything strange. My eye doctor started to realize that I wasn't going to forget the idea, so he finally sent me to an eye surgeon for a consultation.
I’m happy to report that I had the surgery 2-1/2 months ago, and without question it has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I didn’t have any of the bad side effects that could have occurred. I don't need glasses to read even the finest print. My vision is so good now, my husband says I have "magic eyes." When we went on vacation to Hawaii in November, I got to buy some cute, cheap, non-prescription sunglasses. But you want to know what the absolute best thing is about not wearing glasses? Walking my dog in the rain.
Friday, January 9, 2009
I handled it! Thank you!
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions on how to handle the stress of visiting my mother. In fact, I left for her house today before I got any comments, and I figured out on my own that I should do exactly what was suggested...take healthy snacks for the drive home.
As I was getting ready to leave for her house, I put some cheese and a pear and a bottle of water in a bag for the trip home. While I was at Mom's, we chatted while I was taking down her tree, I drank water, and then she fixed a nice lunch of salad, steamed vegetables, and salmon because I had told her I watching my calories. That was great... Then (typical Mom!) she had also baked a coconut cake so I did take a tiny piece. I didn't really feel bad about that, because she would have been offended if I hadn't tried it, and then we would have argued, and then I would have been upset, and then I probably would have binged on the way home....so with my mom, sometimes it's less stress to just go along.
The whole time I was there, for some reason I felt very calm rather than crazy. On the way home, I didn't even need the snacks I had brought! Maybe it's because since I've started this process I'm more aware of what triggers my emotional eating and binges. And the support I've received has made so much difference. You guys are awesome.
Oh, and at my weigh in this morning, I'm down to 181. Not a dramatic drop, but I'm on my way. (170's...here I come!)
As I was getting ready to leave for her house, I put some cheese and a pear and a bottle of water in a bag for the trip home. While I was at Mom's, we chatted while I was taking down her tree, I drank water, and then she fixed a nice lunch of salad, steamed vegetables, and salmon because I had told her I watching my calories. That was great... Then (typical Mom!) she had also baked a coconut cake so I did take a tiny piece. I didn't really feel bad about that, because she would have been offended if I hadn't tried it, and then we would have argued, and then I would have been upset, and then I probably would have binged on the way home....so with my mom, sometimes it's less stress to just go along.
The whole time I was there, for some reason I felt very calm rather than crazy. On the way home, I didn't even need the snacks I had brought! Maybe it's because since I've started this process I'm more aware of what triggers my emotional eating and binges. And the support I've received has made so much difference. You guys are awesome.
Oh, and at my weigh in this morning, I'm down to 181. Not a dramatic drop, but I'm on my way. (170's...here I come!)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Handling stress in a positive manner
I felt very happy and upbeat today. It was a crazy day at work, but in a good way. I’ve been working for the same department for 21 years next month. Even though I love my job, like any job, things can get a bit stale after that many years. Then again, there's potential everyday for the unexpected crisis. So when we had a small "challenge" today, we handled it as a team…that’s what makes my job so great.
I was supposed to go out after work with a girlfriend. We’d set this up a few weeks ago, but to be honest, I wasn’t really that excited to go. I had a lot of things on my mind...trying to stay on my program...my Biggest Loser team...how I wished I could work out instead of going out. I also worried about how many calories would be in whatever we would consume. But I’m not one to back out on a friend if we’ve made plans, unless I have an unavoidable conflict.
As luck would have it, she ended up having to cancel. So, I got my wish…I got to work out. I did about an hour of cardio on the treadmill and stationary bike at work. Yeah!
So, I’m feeling really good right now. My hubby cooked a delicious dinner (salad, roast chicken and potatoes) and we just finished watching a silly movie, "Eight Days/Seven Nights," on TV.
Tomorrow I get to go help my mom take down her Christmas tree, about an hour away. I realize now that, after I see her, I usually binge eat on the drive home because she stresses me out. Now that I'm aware of this as a trigger for a binge, I’m hoping I can handle the stress in a more positive way tomorrow...I just haven't figured out what that positive way will be. Any suggestions?
I was supposed to go out after work with a girlfriend. We’d set this up a few weeks ago, but to be honest, I wasn’t really that excited to go. I had a lot of things on my mind...trying to stay on my program...my Biggest Loser team...how I wished I could work out instead of going out. I also worried about how many calories would be in whatever we would consume. But I’m not one to back out on a friend if we’ve made plans, unless I have an unavoidable conflict.
As luck would have it, she ended up having to cancel. So, I got my wish…I got to work out. I did about an hour of cardio on the treadmill and stationary bike at work. Yeah!
So, I’m feeling really good right now. My hubby cooked a delicious dinner (salad, roast chicken and potatoes) and we just finished watching a silly movie, "Eight Days/Seven Nights," on TV.
Tomorrow I get to go help my mom take down her Christmas tree, about an hour away. I realize now that, after I see her, I usually binge eat on the drive home because she stresses me out. Now that I'm aware of this as a trigger for a binge, I’m hoping I can handle the stress in a more positive way tomorrow...I just haven't figured out what that positive way will be. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My Biggest Loser Blog - GO TEAM ANGIE
As many of you know, I've signed up for Biggest Loser Blog Edition. I'm on TEAM ANGIE...I like to think of us as the "A-TEAM. "
I've decided to keep a separate blog devoted just to this endeavor. On it, I'll keep track of things such as food, water, workouts, and thoughts just about BLBE.
So... all you A-TEAM folks, feel free to visit my new blog here, give me your thoughts and suggestions, and also give me a kick in the butt whenever you think I need it! I'll do the same for you!
I've decided to keep a separate blog devoted just to this endeavor. On it, I'll keep track of things such as food, water, workouts, and thoughts just about BLBE.
So... all you A-TEAM folks, feel free to visit my new blog here, give me your thoughts and suggestions, and also give me a kick in the butt whenever you think I need it! I'll do the same for you!
Freaking Out
I’ve been really sticking with my program for the past few weeks.
- The day after my first ever blog post (on December 17), I weighed 184.
- I declared at that time that I would wait until January 9 to weigh myself again.
- Against my own better judgment and own proclamations, I weighed myself on December 24…182 lbs.
- I had lost 2 lbs in a little over a week AND during the holidays!
- Feeling a bit smug, I was mentally back on track to wait until January 9 to weigh again.
This morning, as I was getting dressed for work, I chose a pair of pants which I was wearing quite comfortably in early November (pre-vacation). I presumed since I’ve been on my eating program pretty religiously since Christmas (even through New Year's) that they would fit me fine. I put them on but…uh oh…they were quite tight. My panty line was quite prominent...lovely.
I had taken them to the cleaners since last wearing them, so my first thought, honest to God, was that the cleaners had shrunk them. Damn cleaners! I hate, hate, hate wearing tight pants, so I went and got a different pair out of the closet. I had worn this particular pair on Monday (they’re one of my always faithful standby black pair that I can wear with many different tops) and they were fairly comfortable then…2 days ago. Of course, I’m thinking, they will be fine. Uh oh…again. These were tight too. I couldn’t believe it.
I had to know the truth. I took the pants back off and jumped on the scale…184. I’d gained back the 2 lbs I’d lost, in spite of my continued good efforts over the past 2 weeks.
By now, it was too late to change again, plus I didn’t really have anything else to wear, so I put the black pair back on…if these weren’t comfortable, nothing else would be either. So I am wearing this pair with the top button unbuttoned, under a baggy sweater.
What the HELL happened???
In retrospect, the logical explanation is probably that for dinner last night, hubby fixed a shrimp and veggie stir fry with wheat noodles. It was delicious, but as a rule we don’t eat much wheat only because we avoid things like white bread and pastries. Maybe I’m sensitive to wheat and never realized it before? Also, there was soy sauce in the sauce…too much salt?
Was it just the wheat and soy sauce? Is it because I haven’t been working out much because of being sick? Or is my post-menopausal body betraying me? Maybe I won’t ever be able to lose weight again. Maybe I'll just keep gaining weight in spite of whatever I do. I’m sitting here trying not to get crazy over this and do something stupid, like get back into self-destructive habits (bulimia, starvation…). I know what I should do… drink a ton of water today, eat my normal food, go to the gym, and weigh in this Friday as planned. But...what if... ?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Cookies or Poison...or Both?
Almost every day for work I pack my lunch. I usually take a stick of cheese; a yogurt; some soy crisps; one or two pieces of fruit or some raw veggies; and a no-sugar pudding cup. I’m not a daily "calorie counter," but when I’ve figured it out in the past, these items usually add up to about 700-800 calories. I also keep some “snack” bars in my desk for late in the afternoon when I’m so hungry I could eat my tape dispenser. I’m not too picky about what bar it is…it could be a South Beach cereal bar, or a Special K bar, or an Atkins bar or any of a dozen different brands as long as it’s between 100-200 calories and not too much sugar. If I stick to this eating regimen, and then eat a healthy dinner, I know I will lose weight consistently.
I’ll admit…I do get a bit weary of eating the same thing every day. It gets a bit monotonous. So, I will try different brands of yogurt, pudding cups, fruits, and bars, as long as they don’t have a lot of sugar. Whenever I see something new to try, I get a bit pumped up…some variety! Everyone needs a little variety.
Today I tried a new bar called POWER CRUNCH High Protein Bar which I got at the vitamin store. I was so excited. It looked a lot like my favorite vanilla crème filled wafer cookies. I love these so much I could eat the whole bag (and I have actually done so a few times):
My favorite cookie "Vanilla Creme Filled Wafers"
I had high hopes...
I was SO looking forward to eating my POWER CRUNCH bar, which was described in the advertisement as a “delicious” “crème filled” bar “bursting with…protein.” Fitness folks all over the internet raved about these bars…”awesome,” “I was wowed by the taste,” “my favorite bar.” I was looking forward to being wowed, too.
So, as the work day wore down, I began to get hungry. YAY, time to eat my POWER CRUNCH bar! I ripped the package open. So far so good…it was actually quite pretty…it looked like a white chocolate bar. I took a bite. It was…Absolutely Horrible. It was bitter with a revolting chemical taste. I spit out what was in my mouth and threw the whole thing into my waste can in disgust.
POWER CRUNCH must be one of those things that skinny people will eat (people like the ones in the advertisement)…there’s a reason they’re skinny…they apparently have no taste buds and will eat candy-coated cardboard just to stay alive.
“Power Crunch…the bar for Skinny People who can’t taste anything!”
It got me to wondering...Is this why skinny people are skinny? They can’t really taste anything so they’ll eat a "fake cookie" that tastes like rat poison; and conversely, since they can’t really taste anything, they stop eating "real cookies" after one or two?
Monday, January 5, 2009
Mojito Salmon
If you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe's in your area and you like salmon, one of their best items is Mojito salmon It's in their frozen section, and it's very healthy. If frozen, it takes about 40 minutes to cook in the oven. If it's defrosted, it takes about 18 minutes. Pair it up with a nice salad, and it makes a lovely dinner for two people.
Okay, that's it for now. To be honest, I just wanted to practice creating a link. I'm going to publish this and see if it works in real life.
YAY, I published this post and then checked to see if it worked...it did!!! Thank you thank you Ms. True Heart and Linda!!!
Okay, that's it for now. To be honest, I just wanted to practice creating a link. I'm going to publish this and see if it works in real life.
YAY, I published this post and then checked to see if it worked...it did!!! Thank you thank you Ms. True Heart and Linda!!!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Technical question
I'm technologically challenged. Could one of you experienced bloggers give me a quick lesson on how to add a link in my posts? Everyone seems to do it, so I guess it can't be that hard, right? Uh, right... Anyway, thanks in advance.
"Life is a series of choices..."
First of all, thanks for all the nice comments people left that they hoped I was feeling better! I so appreciate all the support and kind words.
I can’t believe I slept until 9:30 this morning! I went to bed about 11 p.m., then I got up around 5:30 to get a cough drop. I went back to bed thinking I’d get up in a little while, but I fell back asleep and woke up 4 hours later. As hubby said, “You must have needed to sleep that much.” But I feel much better today and felt good enough to take B to the park again for a brisk walk. I think I may even go to the gym tomorrow...I haven’t been in quite a while.
We had a light brunch, then went shopping at Costo this afternoon and bought some healthy items… huge bags of blueberries and stir-fry vegetables from the freezer case and 2 organic roasting chickens. Then we did the rest of our shopping at Safeway & Trader Joe’s for high fiber bread, yogurt, more fruit & veggies, no-sugar-added pudding cups, string cheese, soy chips, and WW giant latte ice cream bars (at only 90 calories, these are great for a late night snack). Again, all healthy items so I can pack a lunch for work; and we’ll have protein and veggies or salads for dinner the rest of the week.
After shopping, we went out to a Chinese buffet tonight. Usually I eat way too much, but tonight I was really careful about what I took. I stayed away from the noodles and fried rice, ate a few pieces of delicious steamed fish in chili sauce, a few shrimp, some green beans, and a piece of chicken with ginger & scallions. I really paid attention to enjoying every bite rather than just eating unconsciously. And I didn’t have a beer! (Usually I always have to have a Chinese beer with Chinese food). Then for dessert I had a tiny bowl of vanilla soft serve and a fortune cookie. My fortune said: “Life is a series of choices; today yours are good ones.” Confucius must have been watching me.
Back to work tomorrow…well, maybe I’m going back to work…It’s snowing like crazy again. Dang. I hope it doesn’t stick.
I can’t believe I slept until 9:30 this morning! I went to bed about 11 p.m., then I got up around 5:30 to get a cough drop. I went back to bed thinking I’d get up in a little while, but I fell back asleep and woke up 4 hours later. As hubby said, “You must have needed to sleep that much.” But I feel much better today and felt good enough to take B to the park again for a brisk walk. I think I may even go to the gym tomorrow...I haven’t been in quite a while.
We had a light brunch, then went shopping at Costo this afternoon and bought some healthy items… huge bags of blueberries and stir-fry vegetables from the freezer case and 2 organic roasting chickens. Then we did the rest of our shopping at Safeway & Trader Joe’s for high fiber bread, yogurt, more fruit & veggies, no-sugar-added pudding cups, string cheese, soy chips, and WW giant latte ice cream bars (at only 90 calories, these are great for a late night snack). Again, all healthy items so I can pack a lunch for work; and we’ll have protein and veggies or salads for dinner the rest of the week.
After shopping, we went out to a Chinese buffet tonight. Usually I eat way too much, but tonight I was really careful about what I took. I stayed away from the noodles and fried rice, ate a few pieces of delicious steamed fish in chili sauce, a few shrimp, some green beans, and a piece of chicken with ginger & scallions. I really paid attention to enjoying every bite rather than just eating unconsciously. And I didn’t have a beer! (Usually I always have to have a Chinese beer with Chinese food). Then for dessert I had a tiny bowl of vanilla soft serve and a fortune cookie. My fortune said: “Life is a series of choices; today yours are good ones.” Confucius must have been watching me.
Back to work tomorrow…well, maybe I’m going back to work…It’s snowing like crazy again. Dang. I hope it doesn’t stick.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Feeling better and doing better
I’m still feeling a bit under the weather today, but definitely better than yesterday. I called my mom yesterday and she didn’t even know who I was because my voice is so low; but it’s a bit more normal today.
I took B to the park again, today we walked around for about 45 minutes at a brisk pace…still not my normal power walking speed, but it felt good to be outside in the fresh air. I love walking with my iPod! I can listen to whatever suits my state of mind or body…if I don’t feel like walking fast (or if I can’t for some reason), I can listen to “talking” type podcasts; or if I’m really feeling good and want to pound the pavement, I listen to really up-tempo music. It makes the time fly by and before I know it, I’ve walked a couple of miles.
My food today was good. I really didn’t each much today: coffee, some eggs, fruit, and a piece of toast, then dinner tonight was half a burrito (with no sour cream or cheese) and a few chips from Baja Fresh. I’m still not able to taste much so my appetite has been a lot less than it usually is…I’ve never realized before how my appetite is tied to my sense of taste. I wish there was a way to keep this weird side effect of my recent illness…Well…I’m just kidding (I think!). I’d much rather be well and have more of an appetite, because there is something lacking in my general enjoyment of life when I can’t taste anything. I hope don’t have some kind of rebound Eat-a-Thon when I get my taste back…That could be disastrous! ☺
I took B to the park again, today we walked around for about 45 minutes at a brisk pace…still not my normal power walking speed, but it felt good to be outside in the fresh air. I love walking with my iPod! I can listen to whatever suits my state of mind or body…if I don’t feel like walking fast (or if I can’t for some reason), I can listen to “talking” type podcasts; or if I’m really feeling good and want to pound the pavement, I listen to really up-tempo music. It makes the time fly by and before I know it, I’ve walked a couple of miles.
My food today was good. I really didn’t each much today: coffee, some eggs, fruit, and a piece of toast, then dinner tonight was half a burrito (with no sour cream or cheese) and a few chips from Baja Fresh. I’m still not able to taste much so my appetite has been a lot less than it usually is…I’ve never realized before how my appetite is tied to my sense of taste. I wish there was a way to keep this weird side effect of my recent illness…Well…I’m just kidding (I think!). I’d much rather be well and have more of an appetite, because there is something lacking in my general enjoyment of life when I can’t taste anything. I hope don’t have some kind of rebound Eat-a-Thon when I get my taste back…That could be disastrous! ☺
Thanks...
Today, I signed up for the Biggest Loser Online competition at biggestloserblogedition.blogspot.com (I don't know how to create links yet, so please bear with me...if you're interested I think you can just copy and paste this in your browser). It looks like a lot of fun and I’m hoping that it will motivate me to finally lose the 20 or so lbs that I need to lose. So, I’m excited about that.
I’ve been finding that blogging is really a helpful activity for me, plus I’ve started following a lot of other blogs. It’s great to read about the struggles and different approaches that people are taking to weight loss and food issues and body image issues and day-to-day life.
I used to buy diet books that I would turn into a sort of temporary “Bible” for the time that I could stay on that particular diet. I’d read that book over and over and highlight parts that seemed to hold the secret. Unfortunately, after a while, any one book would lose its novelty or ability to inspire me. So, I’d give up whatever had worked for a while and I’d go back to my old ways. Well, now I’m finding that reading all the blogs are inspiring me, but since they change all the time, they are new and fresh and keep me constantly thinking about not just weight and food issues, but ways to deal with life in general. There are so many talented people out there who write fabulous blogs which are poignant and funny and thoughtful and encouraging. And in my own short blogging experience, I’ve gotten comments on some of my blog posts, which have been (variously) helpful, kind, observant, or just plain nice. I love it!
For the first time in a long time, I’m excited to take on my own weight loss and body hatred challenges because I feel like I’m connecting with a whole bunch of like-minded folks. Thanks to everyone for their blogs and for their comments. Let's do this together!
I’ve been finding that blogging is really a helpful activity for me, plus I’ve started following a lot of other blogs. It’s great to read about the struggles and different approaches that people are taking to weight loss and food issues and body image issues and day-to-day life.
I used to buy diet books that I would turn into a sort of temporary “Bible” for the time that I could stay on that particular diet. I’d read that book over and over and highlight parts that seemed to hold the secret. Unfortunately, after a while, any one book would lose its novelty or ability to inspire me. So, I’d give up whatever had worked for a while and I’d go back to my old ways. Well, now I’m finding that reading all the blogs are inspiring me, but since they change all the time, they are new and fresh and keep me constantly thinking about not just weight and food issues, but ways to deal with life in general. There are so many talented people out there who write fabulous blogs which are poignant and funny and thoughtful and encouraging. And in my own short blogging experience, I’ve gotten comments on some of my blog posts, which have been (variously) helpful, kind, observant, or just plain nice. I love it!
For the first time in a long time, I’m excited to take on my own weight loss and body hatred challenges because I feel like I’m connecting with a whole bunch of like-minded folks. Thanks to everyone for their blogs and for their comments. Let's do this together!
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Year's Resolution
Although I woke up last night coughing several times, after I was up for a while, I did feel a bit better today. So, I took sweet B to the park for about 30 minutes. I didn’t walk very fast…”strolled” would be a better description, because I didn’t want to get my lungs too cold. But B had the best time. I can always tell when he’s happy because he runs really fast to catch up, runs past me, and then runs back to me…he’s exuberant!
I think my walk with B is a good lesson. He isn’t worried about anything…he’s just having a blast. He’s not saying “Well, fine, you took me to the park today, but you didn’t the last 4 days, so I’m going to pout a bit before I allow myself to enjoy what we’re doing right now.” He’s not saying, “We usually go for a much longer walk, so I’m disappointed with today’s walk.” He doesn’t compare today with yesterday. He doesn’t worry about the past day, or week, or month. He’s just in the NOW.
Why can’t I be more like my dog…feeling lucky and happy to be alive and enjoying my life for what it is?
Right now, I’m looking at my Christmas tree and thinking how pretty it is. Maybe I don’t really hate Christmas so much as I hate what Christmas has become in my family, but much of the stress is self-imposed. It’s my own fault if I don’t enjoy all the good things that should be part of the holiday season.
My New Year’s Resolution for 2009 will be to live every day to its fullest, enjoy my blessings, and love my family and friends to the best of my ability.
I think my walk with B is a good lesson. He isn’t worried about anything…he’s just having a blast. He’s not saying “Well, fine, you took me to the park today, but you didn’t the last 4 days, so I’m going to pout a bit before I allow myself to enjoy what we’re doing right now.” He’s not saying, “We usually go for a much longer walk, so I’m disappointed with today’s walk.” He doesn’t compare today with yesterday. He doesn’t worry about the past day, or week, or month. He’s just in the NOW.
Why can’t I be more like my dog…feeling lucky and happy to be alive and enjoying my life for what it is?
Right now, I’m looking at my Christmas tree and thinking how pretty it is. Maybe I don’t really hate Christmas so much as I hate what Christmas has become in my family, but much of the stress is self-imposed. It’s my own fault if I don’t enjoy all the good things that should be part of the holiday season.
My New Year’s Resolution for 2009 will be to live every day to its fullest, enjoy my blessings, and love my family and friends to the best of my ability.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Exercise is important for everyone!
I've always tried to do what it takes to keep my dogs healthy, and that includes controlling their diets and making sure they get enough exercise. The last time we were at the vet, Buster was the perfect weight.
But I just noticed…I think B is getting fat! I was petting him today and it seems like he’s getting a bit thick around the middle. For the last two weeks, I’ve been sitting on my butt because of the snow and being sick. When I sit on my butt, so does B. Normally, we walk a lot, which we both love. But recently the extent of his exercise has been to go outside, do his business, and come back in. To make sure he won't run off (as terriers are prone to do), he usually gets a doggie treat every time he comes back in (just goes to show you, it's not just people who are addicted to food). Well, several extra doggie treats a day and not much exercise add up on a small dog.
I absolutely hate being sick (the only good thing is that I can’t taste anything so I haven’t been eating much). But I’ve been feeling better today, so I’m contemplating taking B for a good walk tomorrow. My husband says I should wait another few days before I start running around outside in the cold, and there is some wisdom there. I sure don't want to have another relapse like I did this time, but I’d really like to get back into exercising. We’ll see…
But I just noticed…I think B is getting fat! I was petting him today and it seems like he’s getting a bit thick around the middle. For the last two weeks, I’ve been sitting on my butt because of the snow and being sick. When I sit on my butt, so does B. Normally, we walk a lot, which we both love. But recently the extent of his exercise has been to go outside, do his business, and come back in. To make sure he won't run off (as terriers are prone to do), he usually gets a doggie treat every time he comes back in (just goes to show you, it's not just people who are addicted to food). Well, several extra doggie treats a day and not much exercise add up on a small dog.
I absolutely hate being sick (the only good thing is that I can’t taste anything so I haven’t been eating much). But I’ve been feeling better today, so I’m contemplating taking B for a good walk tomorrow. My husband says I should wait another few days before I start running around outside in the cold, and there is some wisdom there. I sure don't want to have another relapse like I did this time, but I’d really like to get back into exercising. We’ll see…
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