Tuesday, February 28, 2006

mixed up

Don't you just love it when you are reading information about eating healthier and you find they contradict each other? Make sure you eat your chicken breast, without skin of course, instead of beef. Where's the beef? Don't take away all of our good tasting foods in our quest to weight less. It is only one more gram of saturated fat then the skinless chicken breast. An average 3 oz. serving of trimmed beef cut compared to the same ounces of white meat chicken has more nutritional value including six times more zinc, three times more iron, and eight times more vitamin B12. Now that's what I'm talking about! Yum. (Don't forget if you are counting calories there is a difference.)

If you want to shape up and have lasting success there are three essentials: psychological, lifestyle, and physiological. The best way to manage your weight long term is to eat better and exercise more. What else is new? It is the same old, same old. Just keep working it! CHEERS.

Monday, February 27, 2006

damper

Two days ago I was so jazzed about being on the right track. Then I stepped out of my comfort zone into the real world of temptations. I stayed pretty strong in the beginning. Each little slip took me farther down into the pit of self destruction and mindless eating. My ride exposed my delicate weight matter to vulnerable situations. Let's see there was the pizza shop sports party, a birthday cake, her home to a monster 6 oz barbecued hamburger with everything stacked on piled five inches high, chocolate candies that kept calling to me, a grand slam breakfast the next morning, high calorie drinks, and last but not least three boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to take home to my no-fail environment! Did I backslide? Not in the beginning, but every bite I took made me weaker. Yes, last night I did away with two whole boxes of the cookies into my stomach. When I woke up this morning, I felt like I had an eating binge hangover with dry mouth caused by all of the sugar (borderline diabetic.) Self talk here, learn from your mistakes, don't give up, pump up the exercise for two extra days, and remind yourself you've lost weight before and your going to do it again follow your proposed guidelines! This is not the end..........

Sunday, February 26, 2006

dairy products

If you are watching your carbohydrates here is a breakdown of dairy products:
DAIRY PRODUCTS WITHOUT CARBOHYDRATES
butter
cheese
cream
creme fraiche
sour cream

DAIRY PRODUCTS WITH CARBOHYDRATES AND NO FAT
nonfat cheese
nonfat milk
nonfat yogurt

DAIRY PRODUCTS WITH CARBOHYDRATES AND FAT
low-fat milk
whole milk
low-fat yogurt
whole-milk yogurt

Saturday, February 25, 2006

exercise

Wow, I had a chance to go to Curves yesterday. Without a car, I get there about once every six months. I sure missed that loud motivational music. I saw it as a piece of cake, after all I do the weight room now. That cake had my pulse pumping and there was sweat! Since I started there in the year 2002, I've only lost 6.90 pounds with 3.45 pounds of it as body fat. The body fat calculator doesn't register for me yet because my body fat is way over the limit, around 65. According to the measurements, I gained one pound in my stomach and I hadn't eaten yet that day. That's okay though, I have lost 40 pounds since the year 2000. There's a kicker coming up. I just have to tell you although I do the weight room about three times a week for the last eight months, I am a tiny bit soar with the muscles in my body. That tells me I am not utilizing all of my muscles. It is always good to vary your exercise routines. That will keep it interesting and give you a whole body workout for the maximum results. At my weight, don't think I do the kind of workouts you see on TV. What I do, constitutes a moderately active life style. I was sedentary for about eight years. See what I mean when I say every little thing you do to change and improve your life, with even now-and-then consistency, will all add up to improvements. Don't believe your scale totally, just see it as a sliding scale. It gives you an idea of possibilities. According to the Curves scales, I have gained 20 pounds since 12/02. Here is my example of "always keep the big picture in mind," The print out of my measurements reads I have sofar lost 44.50 inches. Tell my clothes that! When I buy a smaller size, then I'll know I'm on my way and there will be no turning back. This will probably be my last diet. No more of that yoyo stuff for me. I don't believe my heart literally could take it anymore! I think I like this exercise stuff. If only I could master the food problem. Have a happy day, I am!



Friday, February 24, 2006

perk up

1. Use the energy spice: nutmeg affects blood sugar, helping keep levels consistent all day. Better control of your blood sugar levels leads to higher levels of physical and mental functioning.

2. Eat soup: it fills you up and reduces fat cravings, which can slow you down.

3. Stretch: when your favorite show takes a commercial break, get up and touch your toes it'll boost your circulation and get your blood flowing, leaving you feeling revitalized in just minutes.

4. Take tyrosine: this amino acid fights fatigue by pumping up your levels of energizing brain chemicals. Open a 500 mg capsule, place the powder under your tongue and let it dissolve.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

salt

Diet or no diet salt is a good thing to cut back on, health-wise. Check labels for sodium levels.
The following sodium descriptors may appear on labels:

Reduced Sodium:
At least 75% less sodium than the original product

Low Sodium:
140 mg or less a serving

Very Low Sodium:
35 mg or less a serving

Sodium Free:
Less than 5 mg a serving

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

exercising

I only had time today for ten minutes on the cycle. I thought if I moved it from level one to level five it would be more effective. Yesterday I squeezed in thirty minutes and upped the level on the two machines I rode. I know I haven't done an hour in a long time but I thought something was always better than nothing. Seven pound gain at my weigh-in last night, what's up with that? (Self help here.) Now don't let that scale debase your intent, hold your ground, the weight loss is coming around! I'm too busy lately to take up my little motivational jewels, and incorporate them back into my daily good habits. Such as journal my exercises, jot down what crosses my lips, count up tally marks, and go over some of my lists of reasons for me to get healthy and how my life will change when I reach my goal. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record to myself. I wish there was something new to learn about losing weight in a healthy manner. Not! Food in = calories burned out or + fat. See ya.

Does anybody know anything new to add to that equation? I can't help it I am QUIDNUNC (kwid' nunk). One who is curious to know everything that is going on.

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

fruit exchange

The serving size for one fruit exchange varies. One fruit exchange averages 60 calories.

1/2 cup :
apple juice (58 calories)
grapefruit juice (47 calories)
orange juice (56 calories)
pineapple juice (70 calories)

1/3 cup :
cranberry juice cocktail (48 calories)
grape juice (50 calories)
prune juice (59 calories)

1 cup :
cranberry juice, low-calorie (40 calories)

Package and container shapes can make us pour and consume more than we think. When observing shapes, people tend to focus more on height then width. As a result, they tend to overestimate how much is in a tall, slender container. Because they also underestimate how much is in a short, wide container, they pour more to compensate. It's always best to measure servings. A short, wide glass that holds more than 8 ounces could help us drink more water daily. A taller, slender glass can work as a more satisfying choice for liquids with calories because we would consume less while visually tricking our minds into thinking we are drinking more.
BOTTOMS UP you all.

Monday, February 20, 2006

heart wise

Losing weight is good for so many reasons if you are more than 10 pounds above your normal weight, according to the height, age chart. I agree with all of the known reasons. I think it is also good for the mind set. Don't forget it is heart wise too. Heavy meals make heavy demands on the heart and circulatory system. Eating light meals more often during the day is better than eating too much at one time. Try to avoid rushing through meals. Try to rest one hour before engaging in further activity. This is because the digestive process requires increased amounts of circulation to the stomach area. Ask your doctor if alcohol is allowed. It supplies excess calories without nutrients and can raise the blood fat content. Avoid excess caffeine. Recent studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack in people who drink more than six cups of coffee a day. Caffeine is also found in Excederine, tea, most cola beverages, Dr.Pepper, Mountain Dew, and in one orange and one root beer type of soda. It all boils down to reading the labels, which we all should get in the habit of doing anyway. Don't get me started on the MSG, additives, and artificial colorings. I feel a rant coming on. Run for your life! Hey that's always good exercise.*

Sunday, February 19, 2006

computer tears

I'm not going to say I cried for my computer but I sure did miss it since yesterday morning. It's not bad enough I am addicted to food but I am addicted to talking about it also. Back home today, at last. It's a scary world out there amongst the restaurants, the birthday parties, the desserts, the pizza parlors, the late night movies with snacks, the chocolate candies all in my face and mouth, and people with their celebrations in food form! I managed to do all of that within a span of only 27 hours. Not happy with myself at all. I wish I was a hermit. Wait a minute here, I know it is not the first time I succumb to temptations and certainly won't be the last, even though I wish it would be. Move on forward and count the good that has come from trying to be diligent in my quest to get healthier. I've changed my old sedentary life style. I have lost some weight. I do the vitamins and minerals, eight glasses of water, journal, joined a support group, read labels when food shopping, and work toward a no-fail environment at home. There a few others so far but I think I'm on my way. Farewell.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

why read this blog

To stop the monotony of diet on and off again. Make a change and things "will" change, for you. List what kind of changes you would like to happen. Pick one and work on it. Identify your bad eating habits, recognize mistakes, know your eating triggers, and you will find control.

Have an informed weekend!

Friday, February 17, 2006

down sizing

I chose this title to remind me to try and keep this shorter. It is the accumulation of small changes in eating, exercising, and mood management that shows up eventually on the scale or first in your clothes. Consistency is your strongest tool, even after a slip up, stay on track. Someone told me if I am a right handed eater use my left hand to eat and that will slow down my calorie consumption. I am a fast eater. Chew gum while making dinner to prevent taste testing. Make the kitchen off limits for yourself after dinner hours, preferably 7:30 pm. Keep track because people who monitor their food intake tend to be more successful than those who do not. Forgive yourself and don't beat yourself up it takes 3,500 calories over your 1,500 calorie intake for the day, to gain just one pound and that is easy to deal with. It is the five or more pounds a week that become stick-to-it fat. (Now self, get out of here so you can claim success in today's down sizing!)

Thursday, February 16, 2006

can't sleep

I'm pretty in tune to my inner clock. I usually require at least six hours of sleep. It is 3:30 am and I've only had about five hours of sleep. I feel somewhat tired. I guess I'll get up and analyze what is bothering me. Yesterday I was able to squeeze in 40 minutes at the weight room. I heard there will be a meeting next Wednesday on how much they are going to charge for the usage of the machines because it is to full all of the time and not everyone can get in that wants to. That fact will interrupt with my usual schedule. Volunteer in the morning, exercise, and then hit the lunch room with a balanced and portion controlled meal, which I have a need for all of that to keep my day in the right direction. I don't want to go back to staying sedentary at home daily in front of the TV with my ever lovin' food in my face. I was just learning to eat sensibly and be moderately active. I did miss my weigh in this past Tuesday because I had an appointment else where. I didn't like that fact either. I don't know why when I have things that I don't agree with, I don't feel anxious, but I am aware It is an unforeseen change. Is this complaining, that I'm never sure of? One thing I am sure of is I need a reminder of something to keep me in line just In case I go on one of my "disappointed" eating binges for my emotional comfort. I'll do a satisfying move for my body today. I think when I arrive home I will turn on the music of my choice and blast it. That simple gesture has been a longtime band aid for my emotions.

Always check with your physician, but this has helped me. Get moving everyday, do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. It's the key to improving insulin sensitivity. Add strength-training 3-4 times a week to double the benefits.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

misc.

FACT: Stretching three times a day will keep the doctor away and promote good posture and digestion. The simplest of all physical activities, stretching is the perfect antidote for long periods of inactivity and holding still. Regular stretching throughout the day will reduce muscle tension, anxiety, stress and fatigue; improve circulation and alertness, decrease the risk of injury, make your work easier, tune your mind into your body and make you feel better!

JOKE: You may want to consider restricting your future calorie intake if your street seems to have more potholes than any other streets.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: All relationships are in need of nourishment or they begin to breakdown. Take time and delight in honoring each other.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

exercise

WEll HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY everyone! After volunteering at the center this morning, I had a chance to hit the weight room. It was for only thirty minutes but, hello, I am alive again. At my own pace of course, but I found I do have a heart. I finally felt it beating at a nice steady pace, there was breath coming in through my nose and out of my mouth. I felt like I just had a cup of coffee. My engine is all reved up and ready to go, too bad I had to leave early. I didn't even think of food for one second. Nor did I realize I was hungry because I missed breakfast and lunch. What a great way to lose weight, gain strength, minimize pain in my knees and back, and get a natural high, all in place of eating, yet still enjoying myself. Now back to earth. Since I missed my meals and I am at home, I am getting a craving for sugar only because it is low. Now I really am feeling the hunger, I will be picked up pretty soon. Have to wait till I reach my intended journey for the evening before I will have a good chance to eat. Let's hope I don't cancel out the benefits earned for today, by overeating, because I waited too too long to eat.

Monday, February 13, 2006

lose weight

Why is it so hard when the answers are so clear? Who doesn't know the amount and kind of food in, has to be less than the activity that burns up the calories daily. It is not that simple, it requires 25% of your knowledge about food and its content and the requirements for your age and needs, always read the labels! Know the new food pyramid with the daily activity levels. 75% is interpersonal skills. Your ability to learn control, say no when necessary, make informed decisions, learn to plan ahead, your stick to tenacity, being consistent, positive attitude, a sense of self worth, doing the exercise regardless and in any form, set up a program, set small goals, and incorporate a buddy system for support. Self management skills are necessary know your body cues, bad habits, triggers, weak spots, be resilient, forgiving of yourself, be patient, and accepting responsibility for the position you put your body in. A diary is not silly, it helps motivate you to be accountable, easy to review what works for you and what hinders your efforts, encouraging to see how far you have come, a super visual aid, and a little therapeutic when you have to complain it serves like a release when you write it down. Things on paper aren't as magnified as they are in our heads. Last but not least is maintenance, try to keep off the pounds you worked hard to lose at least within a couple of pounds. See how easy it all is? Believe that and I'll tell you another one. I know all of this and even incorporate the steps pretty often myself but here I sit bluging over my chair and dying to get up and go eat! Oh yea, don't beat yourself up. I weigh less this year than I did last year, look at the big picture. (Excuse the pun.) Beam me up Scotty......

Sunday, February 12, 2006

calories

Most respectful dieters wouldn't plan on indulging on sweets to sabotage their dieting efforts. However, some of us dieters have a sweet tooth and it screams to be noticed. If I give in once in a while and eat it, I don't feel too restricted and enjoy the occasional pleasure it gives me to have what I want. Being informed with the knowledge of the content always puts me one a step ahead of the game. Choose among equally appealing treats. If you can't make a decision, it is better to take into consideration the calorie and fat count, that will help you make up your mind quickly!

MOVIE CONCESSION TREATS:
(*1/2 cup movie theater popped in coconut oil)
**Small popcorn with butter
630 calories, 50 g fat, 29 g saturated fat
3 oz of Milk Duds
340 calories, 12 g fat, 5 g saturated fat
6 oz of Strawberry Twizzlers
600 calories, 50 g fat, 29 g saturated fat

SCOOP OF BEN & JERRY'S
Peanut Butter Cup
380 calories, 26 g fat, 13 g saturated fat
Chubby Hubby
330 calories, 21 g fat, 12 g saturated fat
Cherry Garcia
250 calories, 15 g fat, 11 g saturated fat

SNACKS
11 onion rings
900 calories, 64 g fat, 30 g saturated fat
2 cups of french fries
590 calories, 31 g fat, 12 g saturated fat
20 Lay's potato chips
150 calories, 10 g fat, 3 g saturated fat

DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS
Boston Kreme doughnut
240 calories, 9 g fat, 2 g saturated fat
Chocolate Frosted Cake doughnut
360 calories, 20 g fat, 5 g saturated fat
Chocolate Chip muffin
590 calories, 23 g fat, 10 g saturated fat

SLICE OF HOMEMADE PIE
Pecan pie
503 calories, 27 g fat, 5 g saturated fat
Apple pie
411 calories, 19 g fat, 5 g saturated fat
Sweet potato pie
243 calories, 13 g fat, 5 g saturated fat

Talk about the power of suggestion, I'm dying for something sweet to eat and I'm at home right now in a no-fail environment. I am counting on the saying, "out of sight, out of mind" helps me get out of this triggered thought! I know Valentine's Day is coming up and I can always count on my family to feed the fat lady candy, even if she is a borderline Diabetic. They have a tendency to push stuff on me instead of encouraging me to lose weight. I have said no many times but I'm only human. You know me by now the queen of excuses, although, I call them reasons. Chow.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

diet pitfalls

We all have our different reasons why we can't stay on a diet long enough to reach our final goal. Since I have way too many to list, I assume a lot of them may just be excuses. My main drawback is my trigger foods that I can't resist. I am an instant gratification person (immature) and need to see results quicker. That's why I keep a lot of visuals on paper for me to compare with. I love graphs and journals. Diet foods, diet aids, and gyms are too expensive to keep up with. They also are very restrictive depending what diet you try. Some of us have to eat and drink what is served or available, especially if at a function. What if we don't even do our own shopping? A paid cruise, vacation, or travel is not time to feel held back in anything, as to stay on track and say no to polite offers. I personally am not, but I know a lot of people who burn the candle at both ends and don't have time for anything. It rushes and stresses me out to even be fitted in their crunched schedule. A new lifetime change of eating and exercising to be healthier takes a plan or program that needs to be followed consistently without juggling it in when possible. There are so many diets available with so many claims. It can be confusing. Who has time to review, calculate, research, or try out a few to see which one fits and works well and is doable for you? Support from other people and family members is really important, but it is not on a continual basis, or always positive. Sometimes you will have people who don't like or agree with your decision. I'm the type of person that needs a buddy system, someone to keep me from slipping, congratulate my successes, help point out what I don't see, understand my struggles, be there if I feel weak, listen when I have a complaint, and a little competition to spur me on the race to lose weight. Am I asking for too much from the world? Or is it all too simple and boils down to how much you put into your mouth should be in proportion to how much energy (calories) you use up in your daily activity??? Don't answer that, I know I'm not going to like the theory. Anything worth having is worth working for. Yea, I think dieting is hard work! It's just the pay off is soooooooo far away. See you lighter, you and me both, I hope. The end to the means. (Of being fat)

Friday, February 10, 2006

cooped-up

Don't believe this, but at this moment I feel at a lost for words, what to write about? Being cooped-up for two weeks has prevented me from getting fresh air, sunshine for vitamin D, stimulating activity, interaction with people, and a desire to change or do something constructive. I love being at home and can't wait to get back when away but there is more to life than being in a comfort zone and doing nothing. That type of life style helped me get heavier. I must get back in the ring and fight the battle of the bulge! I must confess I have been trying to finish off all of my white flour carbohydrates to get them out of the house for another no-fail environment. That kind of consumption has caused me to be very lethargic because I am insulin resistant. I find myself taking naps in the afternoon after the meal or in the evening after dinner. As I sit at the computer in the evening I can fall asleep because carbs always, always, makes me sleepy. Funny how the body automatically gives you a signal when you feed it something it doesn't think is good for you. Test yourself and see how your body will talk to you. If you can give up one thing for a week that you feel you shouldn't be consuming, when you go back to it again, it doesn't hit the spot the first day, that's your sign. It could be salt, sugar, coffee, cola, alcohol, cigarettes, saturated fats, simple carbohydrates, eating late at night, not getting enough of sleep, drinking too little water, and cutting out the reruns on TV; those are things we all do and abuse that really does not enriching our lives. I've been there, done that, and gone back and forth reluctantly. This time when the bad carbs are gone I hope it is for good. Can't leave the screen without saying something beneficial to losing weight.

Liquid calories are less satisfying and easier to overlook. Keep these numbers in mind before you order appetizers at happy hour.
PINA COLADS, 4.5 oz is 245 calories
MARTINI, 3 oz is 207 calories
GIN AND TONIC, 3.5 oz is 131 calories
LIGHT BEER, 12 oz is 103 calories
RUM AND COKE, 3.5 oz is 97 calories
WINE, 3.5 oz is 79 calories

Thursday, February 09, 2006

longing after

Nothing can be more motivating than to see yourself in a picture the way you would want to look. I can't even find any pictures left of me when I was younger and had a decent figure. I can't help it I am a totally visual person. I like to see results. Even when I walk, I have a tendency to turn around and look back to see how far I have gone. I count blocks, if I have ten blocks to walk, after each street crossed I tell myself, one block down and nine more to go. I can feel the success coming on when I reach five blocks down and five blocks to go. But to say 40 pounds down and 148 pounds to go, just doesn't cut it. Don't tell me about those short term goals, one pound or five, what's the difference? Using a band-aid doesn't make me forget about my big boo boo or the scar it will leave. When I look at some pictures from a couple of years ago I have them marked "before" but in essence I wish I weighed now what I weighed then. Blah blah blah~~~~

Note, daily nutrient needs for a 1,500-calorie diet are:
Total Fat_ less than 50 g.
Saturated Fat_ less than 15 g.
Cholesterol_ less than 300 mg.
Sodium_ less than 2,400 mg.
Total Carbohydrates_ 225 g.
Dietary Fiber_ 20 g.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

I want my mtf

I need my motivational training facility! It's been over a week since I have had the opportunity to use the weight room three miles away. I truly miss it like one misses their morning cup of coffee. I tried walking, which is painful and short timed. Nothing does it for me in the realm of motivational exercise like an hour spent doing the circuit, at my pace, at my facility. I guess you can say I'm making some progress if I am craving a particular exercise. I know a variety of exercises is best for all over wellness but you can't refute cardio vascular pumping. When I do that activity these are my benefits: the day goes smoother, my attitude is positive, the adrenalin pumps evenly, I accomplish many small things that needed done ( which all adds up to decluttering my life), my appetite is in a normal range, the burning-fat switch is in the on position, the cobwebs are out of my brain waves, my sleeping patterns return to normal, and being around like-minded people helps to stimulate my purpose. If I sit and ponder any longer I might come up with a few more benefits I get from the weight room, but you get the idea.

If it's exercise that I like, I feel it is like fuel for my brain to keep my machine (body) in good running condition. Of all the organs in the body, the brain may be the most sensitive to its own health. Every aspect of he brains molecular composition must be correct for it to function properly. And a healthy, well-nourished brain is essential to a healthy mind.

Hippocrates, a Greek Physician who was born in 460 BC and who became known as the founder of medicine, said, "If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health."

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

article

Adequate levels of vitamin C each day could help fight the battle of the bulge. Registered dietician Carol Johnson of Arizona State University says that even small deficiencies of vitamin C may contribute to obesity as vitamin C makes carnitine, a substance that helps cells burn fat. She found that people with adequate vitamin C, found in oranges and kiwis, break down 30 percent more fat than those with low amounts of vitamin C.

Inform your doctor if you're taking large amounts of vitamin C. C can change results of lab tests for sugar in the blood and urine and give false negative results in tests for blood in stool specimens.

It is possible that large amounts of vitamin C might reverse the anticoagulant activity of the blood thinner warfarin, commonly prescribed as Coumadin.

A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to loss of vitamin C.

Foods high in vitamin C can boost your level of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Doses of vitamin C exceeding 2,000 mg a day may cause diarrhea.

Vitamin C helps keep your immune system, gums, and capillaries healthy.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are important because they protect our bodies against free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells by stealing electrons.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR ORANGE TODAY?


Monday, February 06, 2006

night owl

I have so many bad habits. One of them is staying up past my usual bedtime. That is my most vulnerable time to eat more than my share of food, in terms of calories, in a 24 hour day span. I ate a large bowl of vegetable soup with lamb. I thought when I rose in the morning, I would still feel somewhat full. I was hungry as usual. My weigh-in is coming up and same old, same old. I am always willing to scrutinize my eating habits for a couple of days but hardly ever ready to take it to the limit of 24/7. I do have a lot of success stories of 60 pounds lost at one time, but I fall back into one more taste, one more function, one more reward of food, nobody else cares about my weight so why should I, and I am at a happy place with contentment why try to change a comfy zone, and then there's the really silly rationalization. That mere 60 pounds did not get me where I needed to go (160#) so why even bother? If only I could have saved or banked that loss, I would have had to do it three times to reach my goal. Then I would have an easier time at maintaining instead of trying to constantly lose. I have heard, though, maintaining or trying to lose the last ten pounds is a struggle also if you never use behavior modification and change all of the bad habits that got you fat in the first place. I don't feel hungry when I am at the computer and doing an entry, if only I could do this forever. I didn't say it would make sense, I just like to talk. Is that a cry for attention? Sometimes I don't understand myself. I thought I shunned away from crowds and people using their peepers at me.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

good game

I wore my yellow and black clothes, put Jerome Bettis bobble-head at my place setting, and suggested to those around me we root for the Steelers! Whooya, I love a good game! I'm all jazzed about the Championship! It's good to see the Bus, #36 Jerome Bettis, go out on a RING!!!

eating out

I'm on one of those eating out binges. Not by choice, I don't like putting myself in a position where I have to continue to stretch my areas of temptations. It is like setting myself up for a possible failure in controlling my portions and saying no to desserts. I do have a tendency to eat what's in front of me. In the past week I have been involved in four occasions. Today is the (extra large day) Super Bowl 40, XL! I can't wait for the big game. I am from PA, needless to say go "STEELERS!" I will be at a party glued to the set. Got to run, time is wasting, don't want to be late, want to see and hear all of the pre-game hype!!!

Saturday, February 04, 2006

snacking

Is there mindless food tasting that adds pounds because we forget to register in our brains we are eating calories? Somehow we think it only counts if it is considered a meal. Cooking foods for good flavor encounters taste testing. Always at a restaurant we are offered at a hungry time and maybe even an impatient time too, the great looking appetizers. How about the constant refill of our drinks, chips & dips, and hot bread & butter? What's a little tea party with tiny tea one bite tea sandwiches? Browsing a market with free taste testing is always fun. A function including hors d'oeuvres might be preceded or followed by a real meal or something to hold us over. What about all of the condiments added for our taste buds? Who ever eats a little more than usual only because it is fat-free, sugar-free, low-calorie, low- salt, and baked instead of fried? Last but not least, the finger-foods. Studies show that finger-food eaters have a difficult time losing weight because they eat more than their utensil-using counterparts. The manner in which we eat, the area we are in or room, the car, the position of our stature, the way a food is fixed or cooked, servings not being proportioned, uninformed about the nutrient content, and being bombarded by food from peers, that all sounds like sabotage to me a would be dieter. Well, being aware has its rewards now I can put all of that so called snacking in its place! Vamoose.

Friday, February 03, 2006

trigger

I feel like a loaded cannon. I know what my trigger foods are so I try not to buy them any more. That keeps me safe from myself at home. With no outside interference I even acted in a healthy way at the restaurant this afternoon. What probably helped me was I did a fifteen minute walk in place video prior to lunch. I didn't want to cancel out that small exercise benefit. I skipped the hot bread and butter on the table and ordered a small side salad. Water to drink, no potato, double vegetables, and broiled chicken breast laid on the plate in front of me. It must have been my alter-ego that ordered it. I eyed the veggies and wondered why I didn't order the baked potato with everything on it instead, it didn't look as if It would be enough to fill me up. I tried to eat and chew slowly and savor the flavors. It worked, I was satiated with no desire or thought of dessert. All of a sudden someone starts talking about the pies on sale at Marie Calendar's. It bent my ears and triggered a sweet craving. I gave in to the haunting desire, searching every nook and cranny at someone's house hoping to score. I should invest in a pair of ear plugs. Now I have to be leary of the wrong kinds of food and the wrong kinds of words. Oh it's a constant struggle and battle, not to let my guard down again. I guess I'll mosey along.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

picky eater

I was like a garbage disposal, I ate everything and every bite. I must be changing without even realizing it. I food shopped today for some lady, bought her two candy bars, doughnuts, Little Debbie Cakes, a type of chips, and ice cream, along with all of her food and had no desire for any of it. I hadn't eaten dinner yet and was on the hungry side. I don't often go to the store and leave without a candy bar for myself. When I got home for dinner, I felt like I had to eat right away. My body dictated to me my vitamin need by craving tunafish. Other cravings I have had were, mixed vegetables, an orange, pasta, eggs, and soups? I guess in tuned to the body, you will crave what you are short of in terms of vitamins for that day. Where did my sweet tooth go? I just know it will creep up on me again when I least expect it. Being too busy I missed my exercise for today. I thought I was doing good. At least I got something out of this day in the form of personal strength which will give me more confidence to continue to follow though with healthier eating habits. Au revoir!

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

boot

I had a half of a pound gain last night. Time to boot myself again. I need a swift kick right out of my comfort zone. O f course I have my excuses for the fraction gain. The scale was teeter- tottering and I just accepted the first number seen instead of waiting for a complete stand still to see if it would stop and I did survive the two birthday parties and dinners in five days without a significant gain. I get so defensive with excuses about a lot of things. I heard something new in analyzing my eating disorders, per say, at the meeting. Nothing like blaming someone else to ease the guilt off of ones self. People with a guilty or "bigger is better" eating style can usually find the root of it in their childhood and the attitudes toward food that developed when they were young. "You have to eat everything on your plate because children in some countries are starving." "Clean the plate because it is a sin to waste food." "Eat some more it will make you healthy and strong." Did that instructions really stick with me? Is that why I eat everything on my plate whether I am hungry or not? I must remember what I eat or don't eat doesn't affect anyone but myself! Speaking of eating has made me think of eating, I guess I'll go have breakfast. I'll make only one piece of toast this time with butter ( I'm sorry, self, butter is hard to give up right now.)