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.

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.

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!

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.)

comfort zone

I seem to be too much in a comfort zone all of the time. No wonder I talk about change but nothing surges me on. I only fasted for thirteen hours yesterday. It was time for my early night retirement, but I stayed up on the computer playing cards. If I had gone to bed like I was suppose to, I wouldn't have eaten in those last waking hours. I'm at the center right now and finished one hour in the weight room. I have noticed the more a machine gets used the lower the resistance feels. The ones with belts seem to stretch out like when a car belt occasionally needs changed. I know this doesn't sound like a diet blog.

How about this then? The wrong carbs are as bad as the wrong fats. That would include refined carbohydrates such as: white bread and rolls, crackers, candy, cookies, and sugary cereals. Overeating the bad refined kind of carb causes not only obesity but also heart disease and diabetes. Use whole grain carbohydrates. Doubling your fiber intake could reduce colon cancer risk by up to 40%. Skip those made from heart-damaging trans fats, called "partially hydrogenated" on the label. I'm off to my weigh-in, gulp!

fasting

I was away until today. I missed the chance to talk to myself about staying on a healthy program. I spent all day and night at that food function. Without a car, I am always subject to others schedules. No matter, I'm safe at home now and plan to do my weight room tomorrow. The only good thing I did do yesterday was go up and down the stairs a few times. The only way I can make up for yesterday is to do a one day fast to rid my system of the sugar items. I dread the weigh-in coming up on Tuesday! Someone suggested that I rant and whine too often about being morbidly obese but don't take the necessary steps available to make the change and stay consistent about my goal. Well! We'll see about that. Now I'm more determined. Sayonara!

impatient

Yesterday I did a point system and gave myself six tally marks. I managed in 15 minutes of exercise on the treadmill at the clubhouse and 45 to 60 minutes in the weight room three days prior. Come on scale move backwards, I get discouraged easily! Give me some encouragement to be able to face tomorrow's birthday party and dinner with no time for exercise. I don't want to blow it by rebelling and putting my life style change on hold again and again. You'd think at my age I'd act a little more mature, what can I say? I will try though to add some tally marks for today. I know what, the house has stairs, I'll go up and down the stairs a couple of times at a time, slowly as only I can do. I know the up coming weigh-in will show a gain but I will still try for the next three days to make a difference. I guess I'll shake the dust off my feet!

misc.

FACT: What determines how much muscle size and strength you gain, is the amount of weight you lift and the time you invest in it, not how fast you move the weight. Remember to control the movement up and down and not let gravity do the work for you.

JOKE: You've got bad eating habits if you use a grocery cart in a 7-Eleven.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If you care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it!

low-carb%

24% of all adults who have tried a low-carb diet since 2002

12% who are currently on one

20 average number of pounds study participants lost on a low-carb idet in 12 weeks

17 average number of pounds participants lost on a low-fat diet in 12 weeks

25,200 number of additional calories each low-carb dieter ate over the 12 weeks compared with the low-fat dieters

From a July/August 2004 magazine article but I don't remember which one of the mags I mangled.

Not much to say today except I did exercise at the weight room for 30 minutes. It's been three straight days in a row but I won't be returning for four days. That's not good. I don't want to lose the momentum! Maybe in between I'll do some progressive tally counting. This weekend is another family birthday party and a dinner. Here I go again. Instead of telling myself how wrong certain things are to eat, instead, I should try to remember all of the accumulating benefits that will be my reward and reinforcement towards my goal of a healthier life style, if I don't eat it. Lenvoy! (To say goodby.)

exercise

I arrived at the weight room at 8:15 am and it was packed. All twelve machines were being used with a limit of thirty minutes. I felt defeated at my efforts again to exercise as much as possible for me. I don't like hurdles when I'm still in a vulnerable place with my quest to improve my current life style. I started to return a half hour later and met up with my instructor who said it was still crowded but go ahead in, of course I did upon his request. I had to spend an hour there but I used ten of the twelve machines. I skipped the lunch and the birthday cake at the center there today. Sometimes I surprise myself.

exercise

In some slight pain and lethargic I tried to sneak past the weight room this afternoon. The instructor saw me through the window and came out to invite me in. I was on my way to the restroom. I joked and said, I was hoping you wouldn't see me my knees are soar. He offered the use of less resistant machines, accepting no excuses. I said I'll be back in a minute. I planned on disappearing. I followed through to the restroom and ended up on the treadmill, cycle, and sitting stairclimber. I only could do a combo of 27 minutes but had no regrets. Instead of lollygaging around tomorrow morning I will go straight to the cycle before my tired old body talks me out of it again. Thank you sir, for helping a misguided dieter.

slow aging

After 25 years of age our body's basal metabolism rate slows a little each year.

Don't expect twenty years of dietary neglect to be overcome in twenty days.

The middle age years are a constant battle of the bulge without proper dietary habits.

The most effecting anti-aging serum there is, is regular physical activity.

There is a steady decrease in physical and often mental performance as the years of youth go by through ignorance, bad habits, and learned prejudices.

Eating sensibly can add years to your life.

The preventive efforts of estrogen-replacement therapy for osteroporosis is negated in post menopausal women who smoke.

Omega 3-fatty acids found in fish and seafood can decrease cramps and other PMS symptoms.

Free radicals help bring on cataracts and muscular degeneration of the eyes in older people.

Taking a daily dose of calcium pantothenate can give you an unusual surge of enthusiasm.

Soy foods will slow bone loss, lower cholesterol, fight breast cancer, alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, may reduce the risk of cancer, and will work as an antioxidant.

Apples contain the water soluble fiber pectin, which can help lower blood cholesteol levels.

Two carotenoids found in spinach, leutin and zeaxanthin, appear to protect eyes more than beta carotenoids. Good sources are leafy greens like kale, collar greens, and romaine lettuce. Another source is red bell pepper and okra.

diet blahs

Busy and preoccupied the last three days with one more to go before I'm back to the weight room. I don't understand how I can be gung-ho one day and feel unaware the next couple of mindless eating days. I had some social obligations with family and just had a good old time. As I sit here to enter late in my blog, I don't even feel like supporting myself or to give any facts that will support others. Please forgive me, I know that is being selfish. Being busy has caused me to be surrounded by daily clutter that seems to weigh my mind down and drain me of enthusiasm. I am finally home for the night, if I can only declutter some areas, that always makes me feel lighter on my shoulders. Even pulling weeds makes me feel lighter, as if a load has been lifted. I'm so flaky right now, this doesn't even make sense to me. Up Up and away!!!!!!!!!!!!

article

The excess amount of salt in the American diet has been identified as a contributing factor to high blood pressure, kidney damage, premenstrual water retention and swelling, ringing in the ears, and heart disease. A teaspoon of salt contains approximately 2,000 milligrams of sodium, a level considered within the safe range (1,100 to 3,300 milligrams) by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. But current estimates of the daily sodium intake by most adults range from 2,300 milligrams to 6,900 milligrams--which means that some individuals get all the salt they need for a week in one day.

If you cut down on salt apparently you'll lose your taste for it, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania who report that "long-term reduction in dietary sodium alters the taste for salt." If you cut back on salt for only a short time, however, you will crave it; it's the long-term reduction that changes your taste buds so you can appreciate the natural flavor of food.

Even though it's sold in health food stores, sea salt has the same effect as regular table salt. (It is more potent in taste.) When you're reading labels at the supermarket, here's what to avoid:

Salt
Sodium chloride
Monosodium glutamate
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Any additive that contains sodium as part of its identification
by Robert M. Giller, M.D. "Medical Makeover"

appetite

I don't like it when my appetite wakes me up before the alarm in the morning, especially on a day off. I am aware it was not hunger, but my appetite, because I felt full in my stomach etc. I really didn't want to eat and I had my morning ritural to go through before I ate breakfast. My deeds were all in the back of my head. I was being led by a strong desire or inclination to whet (sharpen, excite) my appetite. I've made a discovery for myself. I had a good bit of chocolate before I went to bed. That had ignited a craving for sugar making me feel a strong desire to eat even though I was not hungry. To keep me from eating the wrong instant gratification foods or just from overeating in an addictive manner; I reluctantly microwaved two hot dogs, no buns, and fed the need, to stop the distraction of said appetite. The controlling feeling is gone. Now I feel as if I can get back into the drivers seat! When will I learn my lesson and stay completely away from sweets???

loser

In the scheme of things, I preferred not to be referred to as a loser. I don't like to see that thumb and index finger on anybodies forehead facing me. But I can be a humble loser in any game I play. Yet, somehow I look forward to the day I can be called the biggest loser to my fellow comrades in dieting. Losing weight has been a fleeting thought ever since my first weight gain that stayed after the birth of my child. On, and on, and on, and on again, it's way past the time to do something about it besides talking the talk. It's time to walk the talk. And that leads me right into the center's weight room onto the treadmill. I'm back again after six weeks of not exercising (according to my capabilities.) I thought it would be hard to get back into the swing of things. I didn't push it long or hard but I liked it, I really liked it! Of course, the music helps to put you in motion. Two days this week next week I want to increase it to three days. Oh, wish me luck. I've embarked on so many attempts. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!!! That reminds me of a children's nursery rhyme.

liposuction

Almost 400,000 men and women undergo liposuction every year to remove excess body fat from their bellies, buttocks, or wherever it happens to be deposited. This improves their looks, their self-image, and even their weight. Unfortunately, however, it does not correct the abnormal chemical profile associated with obesity that predisposes to other diseases. Diet and exercise remain the most effective ways to do so.

It's possible this procedure leaves too much body fat behind, the deeper fat not accessible to liposuction. It may be the dangerous kind, rather than that which is superficially located and surgically removable. It may also be fat cells must shrink in size, not just in number (dieting does make fat cells smaller to improve one's health.) The body needs to run an energy deficit through diet and exercise in order to result in better body chemistry profile. Whatever the reason, simply eliminating the fat tissue by liposuction doesn't really reduce vulnerability to disease, at least over a short term. Extra fat is a threat to our health. In a real and measurable way, being overweight predisposes us to diabetes (with all its complications), premature heart attack and stroke, and even cancer.
by Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. "2005 Breakthrough Health"

vulnerable

Okay dieters, let's pick our battlefields and go in fully armed! At the supermarket, never, never shop on an empty stomach. At mealtime, preplan. If you planned a healthy salad, you're more likely to follow through. If you didn't make plans, a hamburger will sound great. After a meal, pop a sugar-free mint or butterscotch candy into your mouth; resisting dessert will be easier. At a restaurant, order extra side dishes of rice and steamed vegetables. Eat more of those, less of the meat. At a buffet party, after a few hors d'oeuvres, sneak off into the bathroom and brush your teeth, You'll be less likely to eat more Swedish meatballs if they're going to taste like spearmint. At the office, visit the watercooler often or keep a carafe of water at your desk. Eight glasses of water a day keeps you more satisfied and prevents overeating. A lot of people overeat from thirst, mistaking it for hunger. After dinner, Clean up the kitchen, turn off the lights, and shut the kitchen down for the night so you don't keep going back for snacks. In front of the TV, put a thermos of ice water or hot tea on your TV table. Or lay out a preplanned healthy snack-like a measured amount of low-fat microwave popcorn. On weekends, Make firm plans to eat every four to six hours. If you're running errands and don't eat, the tendency is to get overly hungry and use your free time in a mall to grab high-calorie snacks instead of healthier choices. I knew that. I have even done one or more of those hints in one day. The trick is to do all you can everyday. It's not easy being green (or overweight!)

herbs

It's nice to know that there are things that titillate the palate that can be satisfying, calorie-free, and nutritious. We've all heard the healthy benefits of brown rice but by itself it is boring. Spice it up with herbs. Here are some herbs that are packed with flavor and have nutritional benefits:

Cilantro (Coriander) - Cilantro and its seed, coriander, are a source of vitamins A and K, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese and copper.

Thyme - Another antioxidant powerhouse, thyme contains vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Mint - A source of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron, mint also has traces of protein-building amino acids and disease fighting flavonoids.

Parsley - Good source of vitamin C filled with cancer-inhibiting carotenoids, vitamins A and K, iron, calcium and folate.

Another nice thing about herbs is they can be used in salads, soups, meats, vegetables, potatoes, breads, and desserts depending on the herb. Goodbye salt and butter a diet saboteur! These particular herbs are low-maintenance to grow on a sunny sill and water frequently if fresh is your bag. No need to start from scratch, buy seedlings at any garden center. Munga!

test

Being so over abundant with adapose I expected to fail the National Health Test on TV last night. The results was a "C" with concern for my health. It wasn't as bad as I expected the results to be. The only two questions that I answered that brought me down from healthy had to do with having 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night, which I do get but my snoring deducted from my points and made it a lower number for "D" instead of the "A." And of course 20 or more pounds overweight was my only bad fault. That is encouraging to me to think that all I needed to do was lose weight, and I possibly could live longer and be healthier. Along with a red glass of wine? I don't know if I want to start drinking, I'd much rather eat a grape. I also don't believe all tests are a definite indication or depiction of each individual person. Is that being a skeptic?

article

I read in the Reader's Digest by L.V. "Calorie-free Foods That Aren't." Here's a head-cathcer for you: Calorie free doesn't always mean zero calories. FDA regulations say companies can call foods "calorie-free" if they have fewer than 5 calories per serving. So calorie-free artificial sweeteners such as Equal and Sweet'N Low actually have about 4 calories in a packet. Sugar-free gum clocks in at 5 calories a stick. And the trickiest label? Cooking sprays such as Pam are composed almost entirely of fats, but are "calorie-free" because a serving size is so small. A one-second spray contains about 7 calories. But don't sweat these hidden calories: Coffee with Equal beats coffee with a doughnut; chewing gum appears to actually burn calories; and the 7 calories that you'll get from Pam are much better for your diet than butter is.

calorie 0

Selective hearing, selective seeing, can that be a pit fall? When you think fat-free do you forget the calories? When I see the word free anywhere in food my mind tricks me into thinking I can count it as a free food. If I am on a calorie-count tangent I seem to forget the calories in the minute items I may use. I'll list them today but go over the article I read tomorrow because I'm on my way to go somewhere this morning.

Artificial sweetener

Sugar-free gum

Cooking sprays

mad at me

I'm such a big (huge) baby. I need to grow up and mature. Forget the instant gratification. Always crying for that comfort zone. I started a low carb vigil. Not seeing the results fast enough I became discouraged. Up late at night, my most vulnerable time, I rebelled and ate four servings of dumb pudding. Not good, I would have rather had a cheeseburger! I threw a real tantrum for two days in the high carb zone. Today I get on the scale and have gained two pounds. Believe me if I named all of the no-nos for the last three days, you'd bet the odds would be in favor of a much higher weight gain. Twenty-nine sugar items, just because my stick wouldn't turn pink!!!!!!!!!!!

protein

Protein acts as a kind of metabolic catalyst.

Protein burns itself up very readily.

Protein stimulates the rapid metabolizing of other foods.

Protein provides for the body's perpetual manufacture of enzymes.

Protein daily can avoid hormone shortages.

calorie value

Calorie values per gram:

Fat/Oil - 9 Calories

Carbohydrate - 4 Calories

Protein - 4 Calories

Alcohol - 7 Calories

hooray

I lost 6.25 pounds. That helps keep me motivated to loose again next week. What did I do different from last week? I had too much salty food the week before and my feet and legs were swollen so I did take a water pill and I did do a cleansing with a fasting. Aside from that, I drank my eight glasses of water, took my vitamins, ate salad, went back to the weight room on the bike, stopped eating by 6:30 pm, and said no a couple of times to food and sweets when offered. I even wore my heavy shoes and clothes at weigh-in. What? Have I turned over a new leaf? Don't get over confident, self, there is still another week coming up with too too many temptations. I think it's time to add my food journal to my tally marks. I'll have to think of a few more modifications for this week to incorporate into my program. I even plan to post shorter blog entries.

stint

Well as usual, I only stuck to the fasting for one day instead of two. I prepared something to eat at 9:30 pm just waiting for the 10:30 pm internal alarm to go off so I could stuff my mouth. As I get older it is harder to fast for 24 hours. I did manage to lose five pounds with five more to lose before my weigh-in on Tuesday. I wanted to do the low carb for one week to give me that boost. As I review my food choices in the house, I see that they are limited and carby. Even my vitamin regimen is carb laden without the satisfaction of chewing food. That's okay, it is a slow start, but I'm in my resolution zone. I need to get a buddy system to keep me competitive and determined to be the Top Gun (I liked that movie.)

One of the most important factors influencing your weight-loss success is your belief in your ability to follow through and do it this time for sure. Perfection is not as important as perseverance! So long!

fasting

No sense in telling you how I managed to gain ten pounds in one week. I need for myself, to do now a quick body cleanse. In that way, I fast for at least one day or two if I can hold out. I did so well for the whole month of Novenber and December in keeping my weight at an even keel. I will drink all the water I can hold, which is hard to do for me. I'm always running to the ladies room. It takes four days for my body to digest meat, I am loaded down by sugar and salt, and I am slightly addicted again to caffeine and chocolate, and my feet and legs are swollen, and last but not least I have been bouting with headaches and very low plunges in energy. I think those are all good reasons to put myself in check right away and start over again this new year and get back on track with caring about my health, weight, and resolutions. I hope I don't get weak and funkify (to retreat fearfully) because I think I am always doomed to be fat. Till we meet again!

sugar

Sugar (which I love) is a link between fatigue, cholesterol, belly fat, and diabetes.

Fatigue: Sugar highs are inevitably followed by lows. "When blood sugar is low, you want to eat or take a nap," notes Dr. Pescatore.

Cholesterol: Studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin and elsewhere have linked excess insulin and high triglyceride levels.

Belly fat : A low-sugar diet helps reduce levels of the hormone insulin, a good thing since insulin had been linked time and again to excess abdominal fat.

Diabetes: In one famous study of nurses, those with the highest sugar intake were most likely to develop adult onset diabetes.

jaded/sleepless

Who hasn't had a night of less than six hours of sleep or even less than five? It's easy to become exhausted by overwork or just plain stressed, a real energy drainer. A tip for the following morning may help you make it through what seems to be a long day. Move around abit; (stairs, stretch, run in place, walk farther from car, skip, jump rope) anything to rev up circulation which will speed up your metabolism and trigger the release of adrenaline. Lunchtime have a chef's salad with meat and cheese for ample levels of tyrosine, an amino acid that increases alertness. The complex carbs in the vegetables provides a steady supply of glucose for energy. Midafternoon take five minutes to connect to the good in your life; (make a call, e-mail, meditate, listen to music you like, tell a family member how much you love them, get or give a hug to someone who looks like they need one) doing some good for others also will always have rewards and will boost your mood. That night don't short change yourself again with enough of zzzs, instead turn in an hour early! For me to work a diet it takes a lot of effort and concentration, therefore, not having enough of the proper sleep and rest will throw a monkey wrench in the whole program for the following day. A lot of times how I feel affects what I eat. Have you ever said out loud I don't know what I feel like eating. I rest my case! I'm going to skedaddle.

hurdle

It hasn't been a week yet since I've renewed my resolutions for this coming year. Already, there is a snag in my intentions. I went back to the small weight room to recapture my enthusiasm for being more active, to burn more calories in the form of fat. I stopped in yesterday and today to ride the cycle and it was so busy I was lucky to cram in 5 to 15 minutes. I felt the desire but the opportunities were very very limited and my patience was wearing thin. I'll try again next Tuesday but I feel I may have to find another source for activity that accommodates my limitations. Tonight is a meeting of people and goodies, here we go again. Same old, same old. How can I turn my life around when my surrounding circumstance are stagnant? I'm a firm believer that behavior modification will stop the monotony and cause one to make a change in their life styles. Something like this; ask yourself what kind of changes are doable for you, identify your bad eating habits, recognize mistakes, know your eating triggers, and use every trick in the book you've ever read about for diets until you come up with a healthy plan that works for you. Don't stay on a diet for more than two weeks that is only to give you the jump start with success, that we all seem to need. I guess I'll try, after the weekend of course, to cut way back on my carbs. That is something I should be doing anyway because I am a borderline diabetic. I also am a big (really big) fan of visual aids. I'm going back to listings, tally counts, journaling, graphs, pictures (of me that I hate), and little sticky note reminders all in view everywhere I look or go. Let there be no getting a break from it. It's do or die (sooner than later.) AVE!

facts

The hubbub in a nut shell, out there in the world around me, is all about losing weight to be healthy. How about the health of family members that have no need for that New Years Resolution? Good health is more than just losing weight to be within a normal range for a set group. Here are some facts about keeping the family healthy also.

Any addiction, such as; food, alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling, all can wound the body, mind, spirit, and family unity.

Cholesterol build up often begins in childhood.

A newborn may be mentally and physically affected if the mother was nutrient-deficient during her pregnancy.

Many children have been poisoned by taking an overdose of five iron supplements or iron-containing multivitamins made for their parents, which contains more than 30 mg of iron.

Fat fuels a baby's growth especially brain development under the age of 2.

In preparation for pregnancy prolonged high intake of fluorine may cause skeletal abnormalities.

Each time an obese man feels rejected or hurt, he needs "emotional food of love and admiration" to compensate for his enormous lack of self-respect. Often undervaluing himself, he immediately converts his needs to "oral food" as fulfillment.

Married women on a diet tend to feel that their goal weight should be what they weighed when they got married which is an imponderable expectation!

Secondhand smoke puts children at risk for ear infections, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and SIDS.

Our favorite dish to eat was influenced by our families and a man may ask his wife to continue to make it.

Obesity is not inherent. Leanness is a more likelihood of inherence.

Prolonged childhood obesity has a bad prognosis for lifelong weight problems.

The rule of thumb for the risk of diabetes doubles for each 20 pounds of fatness. Men and women with body fat concentrated around the waist, even a moderate amount, run a relatively high risk for contracting diabetes and heart disease.

When one knows nothing of nutrition, and eats merely from ignorance, habit, and learned predudices, there is a steady decrease in physical and often mental performance as the years of youth go by.

When people get past their twenties, the immune system begins to lose some of its effectiveness. Is starts slowly going downhill unless we take corrective measures. That includes multivitamins, proper nutrition, and exercise.

Children are sensitive to the harmfull effects of chemicals so don't give herbs or supplements to them because most of the research has been done on adults.

water

You can live longer without food than you can live without water. Water is like liquid gold in our bodies. What diet doesn't include the mainstay of at least eight glasses of water a day? Many successful weight managers share one common weight management secret--drinking plelnty of water, ie:

Water quenches your thirst without adding calories.

Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. A glass of water can sometimes make hunger pangs go away.

Drinking a glass of water before a meal helps fill you up so you eat less and still feel full.

Water helps improve metabolism, thereby increasing your body's ability to burn fat.

Water helps remove by-products created by the breakdown of fat tissue when you diet.

Water is necessary for optimal performance when exercising and helps keep your energy level up.

misc.

FACT: Plunger style expresso contains diterpenes, oil componds, that can raise blood cholesterol. Not found in American style filtered coffee.

JOKE: Diet time, if you've ever found you spend a significant amount of time going from the first to the second floor on an escalator.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Every temptation has a choice attatched to it.

safety zone

All last year I dabbled in losing weight and gaining and losing weight. I made my resolutions, I incorporated small changes, and now I will psych myself up for resistance. The last two days I stayed in my safety zone and avoided four opportunities to eat to my hearts content. Which for me is a self-indulgent pleasure, receiving instant gratification, and acting oblivious to consequences that are felt and seen in the near future; let's call that all, overeating with food amnesia. I love it and my mouth waters just thinking about food, junk, and second and third helpings. I need to think and speak thinner if I want to be thinner. If it works for me to be in control by staying away from the triggers that make me binge, then so be it! I am still on turkey and vegetables and international coffees. I haven't seen a drastic change in the scale's wavering arm but it will show up at my weigh-in on Tuesday. I am resilient, I have survived my past childhood adversities and my latter drawn-out occasions for situations of duress. In comparison this endeavor should be a piece of cake (oops) a slice of 7 grain sprouted bread. I can smell the success in the air. One step at a time, one day at a time, one pound at a time, one mistake to hurdle past, then, stay in the right direction by keeping it all doable! I'm on my way! Out, that is.

changes

I made my resolutions short sweet and easy to accomplish. I wish I had the tenacity to do a complete medical makeover. It would encounter the physical and psychological difficulties of making changes in my life, such as; eliminating caffeine, sugar, nutrition without colorings and additives, vitamin and mineral supplements, no alcohol, exercise, stress control, and no smoking! Well, who wants to be perfect by dramatically changing their lives, their health, their sense of well-being, and possibly their longevity? Speaking of longevity, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE, this New Year's Eve! I always have pork and saurkraut for good luck, I don't where that tradition came about in my family. I didn't go to the buffet last night, what a disappointment, but I surely shaved off a lot of calories for that day. I count it all good. Party hardy, you guys and have a good one! Auf Wiedersehen! HAPPY NEW YEAR to our troops and come home soon, we love and miss you all, Godspeed!

list for 06

One whole month to practice improving one chosen area in my life; 1. Fitness 2. Family 3. Finances 4. Faith 5. Grief Web 6. Diet Web 7. Visit family in PA. 8. Vacation w/my 2 girls 9. Visit my son in NV 10. Increase volunteer work 11. Back to Curves 12. Hair permed. I didn't elaborate on what each title encompassed, but you get the idea. It's all about making small goals to reach a better place.

This past two months of celebrating has been different for me more than ever before. I ate and ate but kept it to one plate at a meal. In the process I have also kept my weight away from the typical holiday seven pound gain. My mainstay for this up coming week is home made soup with turkey and mixed vegetables, not much fat in there. I just have to be careful with my breakfast and lunch. Maybe I should cut out the places I have to go to that have multiple choices of unhealthy foods. It would be easier to change my route than to ponder at a bridge I must cross and not look at the scenery. I am suppose to go for dinner at a buffet with some friends tonight for New Years. I never behave in places like that. The saga begins and so does the count down...........4..3..2..1.. H A P P Y N E W Y E A R T O A L L A N D T O A L L A G O O D N I G H T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

resolutions

Of course I will be talking about resolutions the next three days. I find it as exhilaration as rubbing on a magic lamp and wishing on a star, one for every wish granted. It's like a big deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, a real stress "reducer." (I like that word) I start out by allowing one request for every year I have been alive, on paper. Wow, the list is too long or have I been alive too long and not lived enough in satisfaction? Then I ask myself why haven't I pursued my hearts desires in life? It's as if I stopped caring about myself, or maybe just got way too busy to make time for me, myself, and I. That is what's enlightening about listing. Now I can see the tree from the forest. Wait a minute, it all seems to overwhelming to make that many changes or improvements on anything. Don't get in a tizzy it's only paper. How about three new chances in life? I look at the list and think what is my three dire needs? I put that on a separate notepad. Good choices, now add three more that you hated to leave behind, to the first three. I choose three wishes four times and end up with one whole month of the next year to work on that one particular change in my life. Even if I don't accomplish that change I move on to the next one for the next month. You can achieve more success when not under constant pressure. As I break the monotony of trying and failing over and over again on the same goal, I pick up some momentum and energy and success along the way. With success comes determination and nudging in the nicest way. No one ever completes their lists when it is long but it broadens your chances of getting what you've always wanted in life but never thought you would have the time to go for it. Yada, yada, yada, I lose control a lot. Have a safe, happy, prosperous, blessed, healthier, better New Year in three days! Tomorrow I will share my list of twelve new desires or changes for myself, which I know I usually only check off about three I achieved at the end of the year. But I think it's fun. PAX VOBISCUM!

trivia

I know it's all in the mind. Let's see if we can fool the psyche into believing we like ouselves. After all, that emotional eating is such a draw back and sometimes even a hidden excuse. This is not in any particular order.

We have to admit that we are weak before we can turn it all around and do a 360 into having a stronger character.

Never dwell on past diet failures, learn from them.

Emotional stress and physical stress can disturb normal metabolic functions.

Food not only feeds the body but also feeds the mind.

You're not necessarily fit or healthy, if you're just being thin.

An intense mental worker needs exercise to keep his mind clear.

A real lead sinker to any diet is the attitude that I've already blown it this time, I guess I'll just eat the rest of this and finish off the day in food exstasy because I will start again tomorrow on my diet.

In most cases overeating is the basic cause of everweight but before attempting any program for weight loss it's best to deterimine why you overeat. Certain emotions can send people to food for its physical solace.

Don't make things too difficult to take care of youself by over extending and volunteering your services. That leaves you with no time for yourself as a first priority.

It's difficult to succeed at anything, especially dieting, with a poor self-image.

Being on a diet constitutes a list of no-nos in relation to your old unconscious eating habits. With perserverance you will condition yourself to automatically eliminate those no-nos and develop an aversion toward the taste of such a distinctive class of foods such as; too sweet, salty, and fatty.

What you eat and what you don't eat, definitely affects your mind, your emotions, and the kind of person you are.

If a subliminal influence is inappropiate, an adult has a protective psychological defense.

People often relive past frustrations even though they can't undo what happened. Sometimes choosing to forgive others and yourself helps one to move on to better thoughts.

Pessimism and the lack of faith can be a major hindrance to healing and possibly interfer with your medications.

hooray

Weigh-in was a 1 1/2 pound loss. I'll take what ever I can get. It's been one month, no time for exercise, two big holiday celebrations, and not too much discretion in what I have been eating. I did cut down some in the amount of food and desserts, definetely no seconds of anything. Now if just a drop of change can result in a small loss, I assume a bigger change will equal a bigger loss. What do I choose? I will finish off this year with baby steps and resolve to increase gradually a healthier life style, a more active life style, and make better choices in the food I eat right after the New Year begins. We all make those many resolutions and never follow through with them all, don't we, or is it just me? Well, we'll see how determined I am this coming year. I must confess I have eaten so far a shoe box full of candy. That is one thing I definitely want to stop. Speaking of stop... Have a Happy Kawanzaa!

boot

Time to boot myself into reality. I still have five more days to end-out this year. I followed my own suggestions to keep the usual holiday gains at bay per say. Because of my lack of sleep these last couple of days I fell into an unexpected confrontation. Let's see, overtired and emotional, aren't those two situations that can trigger a mindless eating fix? I did respond by eating a whole box of cordial cherries before I went to bed last night. I jumped on the scale this morning to see a five pound shoeless gain. Everytime I get in a benevolent mode I begin to brag silently to myself. I get a boot from an experience that tells me that I am only one of the trees in the vast forest. I cannot undo a mistake, but I surely can make up for the damage. Today I slept pass 10:00 am and then I immediately apologized to the victims of my mouth, and began to think what a good girl am I. Wrong thing to do, after all self-pride causes a fall in your up lifted spirit. I then encountered an opportunity to feel my hidden defect of being biased and always denying that fact. I would explain what I mean by that but I don't want to offend anyone, anyway that's between me and GOD. Once more, I still have five more days of over-eating opportunities. Get back on track, it's never too late. So far I have at least stayed away from all second plates of food or desserts other than my cherry excursion last night. Happy Hanukkah!

poem#11

One step a day,
keeps fat at bay.
No ... No, you say,
Dessert, go away!
by magmem

misc.

FACTS: Sugar-rich foods supply calories, but are negligible in nutrients and have no fiber. It would be wise not to substitue with high-fat foods instead, that will boost calories even more and clog your arteries.

JOKE: Time to go on a diet when you're shoveling everything down in front of you, and you notice, your fork had come up missing.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us!

set to go

I will be changing servers, so don't think if there is not a current posting, that must mean I've given up. I'm all set to go on the excursion of a four day celebration with food food food food. I have my mind set by what I posted on the the 21st of this month and plan to follow through with my own tips for getting over this hurdle in a decent manner. I will as usual, use my tally count for every forward move I take in the right direction of healthy eating and a more active life style. I also count everytime I use some kind of control in the amount of food I consume or anytime I say no to something. I even count getting on the scale, that's like facing the music or being accountable for my actions. It keeps me on a long leash. Don't let a little gain deter you from your focus of reaching a healthy weight. Always look at the big (excuse the pun) picture. How much have I lost so far? There has been some ups and downs in between but I am still weighing less than I did seven months ago. I can't wait until I get back to using the weight room (according to my abilities) again then I will see the weight come off much quicker. I do not long to exercise but everytime I ever pushed myself to do it, I always felt better, had more energy, and detected a slight decrease in my appetite. I caught myself rambling again. HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS.

restraint

No animal likes restraint. Believe me, neither do humans when it comes to eating when hungry. Dieters incorpotate it into their life style with results. I still haven't reached that level yet to my satisfaction. This is the only holiday that lasts for over a week straight. It is festive sometimes to excess as far as indulging goodie gifts, family dinners, party goings, snacking on left overs, visiting friends, preparing meals, eatng out with friends, and just staying up too too late and giving yourself another chance to put more calories into your mouth for that day. However, a plan of some kind can at least limit how far one backslides. I am not going to list all of the diet tips we are all aware of. Nothing new has ever been suggested.

Coming up are my eccentric thoughts and tricks I will do to keep myself from feeling restrained during this season! Go ahead and enjoy yourself, you know you always make a New Years Resolution to diet and lose weight when it is all over. I like to say no to one goodie and allow myself the next. Everytime I say no, I get empowered. I will take one bite of one food at a time, put down my fork and think about it as I chew, chew, chew, and chew some more. Pick up the fork and repeat the process. This keeps you occupied for a longer time at one plate. With all of that chewing it feels like work and we all like to shorten our work load. Arrange your food on the dish in a spreading manner so your eyes see a fuller plate. If possible have someone else dish up your servings and pass it to you. Take a small drink of water to clear your palate for he next taste of another choice of food off of your plate. Don't mix the foods in your mouth. Always say, no thank you first, to everything, you can be sure there will be many times someone insists on asking you again if you want something special they have, then you can give in to the second or third offer. Sometimes they ask once and you end up with less calories, that's a good thing. Get up and offer to help clear the table that uses up a few calories. Set a cut off time with yourself about eating past a certain time at night, that is a powerful tool. Coincidently, I just gave 12 ideas to coping with the caloire laden holiday, to go along with the song 12 Days Of Christmas, which we are in. Feliz Navidad.

trivia

No diet drug is without its side effects.

Keeping a dieter's dairy or journal will help prevent calorie amnesia.

The yo-yo syndrome can make weight control a hurdle and may cause many health risks.

Exercise burns calories and releases spirit-lifting hormones known as endorphins.

To prevent sugar lows and minimize sugar highs, only eat sweets with a meal.

Good fats are found in; fish, olive oil, avocado, and nuts.

During a diet, the first several weeks weight loss is mostly a weight loss in body water.

Tomato and tomato juice low in salt, stimulates the kidneys to release more water and helps wash away loosened chunks of fat.

Vitamin A is light-sensitive. Skim milk in semiclear plastic jugs can lose 60 to 90 percent of vitamin A, in a 24 hour period under fluorescent lights in supermarkets.

Vitamin C is an important agent in wound healing.

gross

I know I'm always talking about myself in this blog but that's because, I have a problem, and problems are solved easier by brain storming and seeing it all in black and white. I am obese according to weight standards. I constantly am aware of a need for change if I want to be healthier, live longer, feel minimal pain, increase my energy, raise my endurance level, learn flexibility, extend my bone mass, and not have a "grossness" to my body. The dictionary has grossness and obesity in the same definition line. If I have to see one more time on television, that lady who lost around 275 pounds with extra pounds and mounds of skin that needed to be surgically removed, I'm going to pass out from the grotesqueness; maybe even stop dieting. What will I do with all of that excess skin and no money for op? The way I see it, I have a natural botox injection system built in my face. I even have a sister who had By-Pass surgery over a year ago and wishes she never had it done. Are we ever really satisfied? In my opinion, satisfaction to me is peace of mind in knowing who I am, where I am going, and what is my contribution to life. I have to remind myself not to look for satisfaction in the taste of food or the fullness there of. Instant gratification is fleeting and misleading. There can be times when I think I'm hungry but in a sense, I'm really thirsty. Feed the need? I have noticed when I am on an natural adrenalin high nothing matters to me at that moment but the activity that is stimulating the release of endorphines. That is something that food will never replace if you are an emotional eater. Pick and use your stimulating enjoyment anytime you feel the need to eat improperly. Oops, excuse me it seems like my obsessive compulsion has taken over my blog entry!!! Shalom!

safe

I chose to stay away from the party yesterday but the managers called and asked if I was going to attend. At their request, I went relunctly and ate I may as well; and that is one of my bad habits. Sometimes I eat just to please others more than myself. I made up my mind before I faced the table of assorted foods, to take no more than one tablespoon. I chose only foods I hardly ever get a chance to taste. I left out all of the usuals you see at any given spread. I never went back to add anything I really enjoyed tasting. I usually do have dessert, a piece of pie seemed to have less calories than a three layer cake loaded with yummy icing. Truthfully, I even have had more than one cake ect.. I stuck with one glass of punch unleaded. I didn't do too bad, I felt I cut back a lot. I dread the up coming week. I would rather stay away from temptation than to struggle with self control. I think food addiction is the hardest to deal with because you can't live without it. I stayed after the party to help clean up and that did burn off some calories. I turned down an offer today to eat dinner at my daughters house with all her candy dishes full and the cookie making endeavor they will be doing in the evening. I need a break from the eating frenzy. Arrivederci!

relative

I discovered new natural unfound energy yesterday. I utilized it in a manner that had me catching up on five unfinished projects at home. Let me try to analyze this so as to be able to tap into the surge again, when behind in something and bogged down by where to start. I made a monster pot of chicken vegetable soup. It looks like it will last me for about two weeks. I do love soup but also variety. Soup for me is a comforting food and physically filling. If I keep the salt level down how many calories can you really stuff into water? I ate yogurt for breakfast, I like it frozen only. I had two bowls for lunch and one bowl for dinner. It was all satisfying for me for the whole day. I was so jazzed with myself for eating healthy I stayed up late to enjoy the feeling. Now there's my first mistake. I thought about eating soup but I didn't want to bother getting it ready. I grabbed a fast yogurt and topped it of with a string cheese. I guess the sugar in the yogurt made me sleepy, I ran out of gas and hit the sack. Was my productive day due to eating nothing but healthy food and not slugging up my engine? Maybe it was because I had a sense of freedom knowing if I was hungry at anytime, instant gratification was available. Not only that, I didn't have to be on guard about being tempted with calorie laden foods. Actually, tonight is my club Christmas Party which I am debating about if I should go or not. I really want to and should but I know I will be out of control with eating buffet style. Decisions, decisions, they can be draining! Ciao.

facts

Increased risk of cancers for breast, colon, and prostate are caused by fats such as those found in red meats, oils, creams, salad dressings, butter, mayonnaise, and margarine.

Photochemical compounds through a mixture of fruits and vegetables are possible cancer fighters.

Protein daily can avoid hormone shortages.

Zinc is a mineral that aids the immune system in its efforts to prevent diseases.

Nicotine is known to raise blood pressure.

Eating common oat bran muffins or cereal everyday can slash dangerous cholesterol levels by as much as 19 percent.

Too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, kidney damage, premenstrual water retention and swelling , ringing in the ears, and heart disease.

eating out

When I eat out it's always a disaster story. Now that I am back to counting my tally marks, six so far today, I seem to be a little more in control of my situations. After shopping I stopped at my daughters for a few minutes. I was hungry, it was past lunch time. I reached for the candy for immediate gratification. I choose to wait a wee longer and eat out with my daughter as planned. Instead of my usual double bacon cheeseburger with fries, I ordered pasta with grilled chicken and one drink of soda only. I also asked for a box to take home part of my serving. For a change my head certainly was not in my stomach. By that I mean my stomach always says it's never enough, give me more. See ya!

changing

I went food shopping today after all of my earrands. Needless to say I was starved. I kept thinking what new fast food place should I hit today. No breakfast, no lunch, no shopping list with me, plenty of browsing time down all of the isles, and a charge card with spending room, that all sounds like I'm asking for trouble. I must be getting smarter or stronger. I only picked out four items I should not have. I did try to balance it by picking out ten items of food of good quality. I skipped the fast food and came home at 7:45 pm and finally ate something left over and quick. Let's see if I can stay away from the four no-nos, until I have a craving, so as not to feel deprived. Just remember don't eat it all at once! Oh yes, I did lose my ATM card, it was not in my purse when I arrived home. I looked for a solution instead of getting frustrated which can lead to eating mindlessly. It's been three days and I haven't yo-yoed yet. I think I'll try to go to bed earlier tonight to fend off any temptations. I bid you adieu.

wasted

Now don't jump on that word. I'm talking about my unproductive actions and time. I just did a 24 hour fasting the day before yesterday and finished it off late last night with a big supper before I went to bed. Today I went to a Christmas Party. I thought I would try to do better by not eating anything. Because I was hungry, I took a few pieces of candy, a sliver of cake, and just a few cookies. I was still hungry but didn't go for more of my sugar fixes. Who am I kidding? It's not how much I ate today at the party but it was the empty calories, not good! Yesterday it wasn't so much I broke down and ate a supper, it's eating before bed and not having a chance to burn off any calories, not good either! Why did I suffer through my fast to negate it? Well I did lose three pounds. Keep it off, keep it off, keep it off. It would have been more if I didn't make those two mistakes. I'm beginning to doubt my senses. I'm going to take leave for now.

fasting

Feed a cold, starve a fever? I've been feeding my cold for twenty days now, you get the picture. I thought all of the vitamins and nutrients would heal me but I got results from the calories instead. It's been five months since I tried my body cleansing of a fast. Let's see how strong I can be for this one day. At least even a partial fast will be of some value. I do have a lot to do today, maybe being so busy will keep my mind off of stuffing my face and away from the frig. I can hardly wait for Wensday to have my ear aches checked out by my doctor. I didn't go to my weigh-in last Tuesday. I know it will be touch and go this coming week. I should practice saying my excuses for the next day and a half. I wonder who or what I can blame for my gain if one shows up on their scale. Don't everybody yell at one time. Of course I know where any gaing comes from. But in my subconscious I always think my eating habits are "my little secrets" or should I say, BIG secrets. After all, my stomach is stretched out and much bigger than yours, therefore, I always need more to eat to feel satisfied. I think I'll use that one. I'm going to head for the hills.

step back

Continue to tally, but step back and ponder. I sat boldly in front of this computer and ate more than a dozen pieces of chocolate candy. This baggie of candy is for a lady on the bus that I give candy to everyday. I am so wishy washy about my temptations and cravings. Tomorrow I will give it all to her and tell her that I can't have it in my house anymore. I must go back to the no-fail environment. My house is bulging with food, even too much of the right kinds of food will put on the weight. I liked it when I never knew where the next meal was coming from. (No dealing with binging.) Maybe because that was what my life was like a lot of times. Sort of a learned condition response. (Eat when ever you can.) I should plan a strategy to avoid uncontrolled eating and stick to a set menue. I'm the kind of person that likes guide lines, that leaves little room for faillure. By Jove, I think I've got it!

herbs

Yesterday I had six tally marks.

On 11/18 I spoke on the cons of some herbs, now for the pros, all things must balance. The herb Echinacea is said to protect healthy cells from attack by viruses and bacteria and aids in the growth of healthy new cell tissue. Green Tea contains a chemical that possibly prevents cancer cells in the body from dividing and may lower your cholesterol and improve your HDL to LDL ratio. Garlic, a half of a clove daily, reduces cholesterol level an average of 9 percent and prevents "bad" LDL cholesterol from being oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol damages arteries. Cayenne Pepper may promote calorie burning, supporting your diet and exercise efforts, also aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients, and can reduce excess appetite that is due to malabsoption; a commom condition in overweight people.

Disclaimer: Herbs interact with each other and with many prescription drugs. Always check with your doctor, what you intend to take. Even garlic capsules; you may have to adjust doses of apirin or other anticoagulants, to prevent excess bleeding. When botanicals are used in large amounts or over a long period of time damage may occur in the kidneys, liver, and other organs. Just as pharmaceutical drugs can cause side effects, so can herbs that produce a therapeutic effect.

Moderation in everything sounds like a good balance to me, although I battle with food consumpton. It's good, it's bad, it's good, it's bad; no wonder there is so much confusion in life. The air you breath, the water you drink, the food you eat, your meds, the authority figures, and even your own mind can all be a hinderance to a persons good long healthy happy life! It's all ambiguous to me. How do you stand? Cheerio.

failure

I'm still sick. I feel like an underdog. Nobody comes over to the side of minority, unsuccessful, failure, ruin, defeat, perdition, flop, a constant gainer, and you get the picture. Believe me my fat is not catchy. The big "L" only has viewers when it represents losing weight. I don't want to do it for others, I don't want to do it for others, I need to do it for myself, I must do it for myself if I am unsatisfied with my statue and health or at least want to live longer; and I do the older I get. That's it, I am going back to counting tally marks of good behavior towards a healthier life stlye. It's so hard to get back on track when I let a long time span prevail. Time to review my own words on most of my entries, which I have been doing, but seeing is not enough, doing is what counts. Rally, rally, rah, rah, I'm in your corner self!

misc.

FACT: Overweight women who lost eleven pounds reduced arthritis in the knee by 50 percent.

JOKE: Consider restricting your calorie intake if, within the last month, you have burned out more than two refrigerator bulbs.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A motionless body or mind interferes with enthusiasm and motivation.

poem#10

The face is average, it's a shame,
to sit upon an obese frame.
My appetite I cannot tame,
food addiction is to blame.
by magmem

facts

In a weight conscious life style you should watch portions, preparations, and food selections.

A person can educate their palate to prefer low-fat foods.

When served foods with gravies or creamed sauces, brush toppings aside or ask for it separate.

When replacing a regular goodie with a fat-free goodie instead, remember to eat the same portion or amount that you normally eat.

Stuffing of food into the mouth can be an oral fixation along with the ritual of smoking hand to mouth motion. Any kind of handiwork provides a different kind of solace to the one trying to break this particular habit. Try crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, sewing, writing a letter or card, balancing your finances or checkbook, reading a magazine, clipping your nails, pulling weeds, etc, etc; keeping your hands busy in any of these manners will be a great substitute for eating at the wrong time but feeling the motions of consolation.

People need to find an acceptable means to fulfill their bodily needs for physical closeness.

The most important consideration with diet drugs is carefully weighing the risks and the benefits, and being supervised by a physician.

Other than calibrated scales, most scales are off a few pounds and need reset often. Don't look for accuracy or consistency in readings.

It is estimated that 20 percent of men and 40 percent of women are trying to lose weight.

In regards to gaining and losing fat, more fat cells can be created but not destroyed, they only shrink.

The condiments you use that you don't even count may sabotage all of your efforts to reach a healthy weight at the end of the year.

eating out again

What, eating out again, today? I just complained about being in a situation I had little say so over and there I go today with someone on purpose to a buffet. There was a reason this happened and it had very little to do with me being hungry. I have no trouble at all role playing. I could hear the people saying "I can see why she is so fat." Something has snapped and I am going in the wrong direction. I don't know what is wrong with me. Forget the tally marks I deserve no notches on my diet belt. Maybe I should take a respite. I will admit I am still sick, It's been over two weeks. Why do diary/journal posting if not to help others in their struggles with life changing suggestions? No more personal postings for me until I can straighten up and fly right. Back to just the facts that should be put into actions on paper or more specific, on screen. See you later gater, don't be a hater.

eating out

I'm not going to complain about the situation. I'm going to complain about myself. Just because I am a tally mark doer, I automatically assumed I could withstand any food festival. When I went to San Diego this past weekend I ended up in the presence of international food booths lined up one after another for blocks at a time. To make it even harder on myself I had to stay with my people there for over six hours and it was at no cost to me. I was strong for the first hour or so and the minute I let my guard down, I opened the door up to binge eating. My senses of smell and sight along with hunger pangs drove me to tasting some small portions here and there for the remaining five hours. I became oblivious to the fact I was full in my stomach. That was one day, but I still had one more day in a town of excitement to stimulate my digestive juices. Anyway, I thought walking around a lot, gave me the freedom to use that exercise as a catalyst to keeping my weight in check by burning off the extra calories. The bottom line is by Tuesday I will be suprised I didn't walk around enough to compensate for my consumption of foods in a continual snacking manner. I better practice these excuses to spout off when someone asks me " what happened to your seven pound weight loss the last two weeks?" Chow, goodbye, but chow down I sure did!!!

tips

Break the vicious cycle. Overeating for emotional reasons is the worst of all cycles. I overeat because I'm upset, I gain weight because I overeat and then I get upset because I've gained weight. Will it ever end?

Do not be discouraged when you go off of your diet and have a binge. this occasionally happens to most dieters.

When suffering with eating disorder tendencies getting professional help for direction and support is all well and good but the first step to recovery is to take responsibility for your own actions. No one else can do it for you.

Be satisfiied with a small victory and recognize that you are progressing with each little building block for long-term success.

Motivation and perception are two factors that are particularly pertinent to the shaping of food habits. Motivation stems from a primary biological drive, your needs and your goals. Perception is the process of adding meaning to what is taken in through the senses.

When an irresistible urge strikes try to resist momentairly. Most cravings willl pass in 10 minutes. Divert your attention to some activity. You can telephone a friend, click on the computer, balance your checkbook, take a walk outside, meditate, clean out your purse, read the sports page in the newspaper, turn up some good dance music and burn off a calorie or two, or give a hug and kiss to someone and tell them how much you love them. Time in life is never enough.

Help minimize your silhouette, use a thin or small purse; never add bulk where you are already bulky.

You can save 180 calories and 20 fat grams a day if you eat a sandwich with two tablespoons of mustard instead of mayonnaise.

Nutrition wise you can replace fruit servings with vegetables but do not replace vegetable servings with fruits.

Eating fat reduces the effectiveness of the immune system.

A contributing factor to peptic ulcers is often; worry, usually those things aren't as bad as the illness it can create.


I'm outta here, going to San Diego this weekend. I can't imagine missing the big football game tomorrow. Aloha.

hypocrite

Yesterday I got on the band wagon about the cons on caffeine. Last night I heard on the news that caffeine is good for you in moderation. I wish the Scientists would make up their minds. I do try very hard to stay away from caffeine because I have been addicted to it before with the headaches and withdrawals the whole nine yards. So what do I do after hearing the up-date, I go ahead and drink a cola. I'll be dragging for a couple of days when I come down from my little caffeine buzz.

I am a little jazzed about the victory I had today in control. At least two times I faced a long table with food and of course desserts. I looked it over and decided that's not good enough for me. I'm getting into the habit of passing on foods that are just fillers to me and not saliva producing temptations. I find that when I eat something I really enjoy very much a smaller portion is satiating. When I eat whatever is available I still feel hungry even though my stomach feels full. Of course I have to mention my tally count for each day has increased from one a day to seven for now. I wonder how high I will go. Too bad fat doesn't melt in the rain. I have been thinking I did something wrong on my template for this blog. I haven't received a comment in a very long time not even any spam that is very strange. Adios.......

urges

Do you have any compelling cravings that you always give in to? I do with food, caffeine, sugars, spending, and gambling, when I have the chance, they all are too hard to give up. The Department of Health, Education and Welfare lists calleine as addictive, along with nicotine and heroin, and admits that if caffeine were a new drug, the manufacturer would have great difficulty in getting a licnse to sell it, and it would no doubt be available only by prescription. Three distinct signs of addiction are: tolerance for the so called drug, withdrawal symptoms when it is removed, and a craving after being deprived. Data increasingly shows that caffeine is implicated in several types of cancer, including leukemia and pancreatic cancer,etc. That's what I read a very long time ago. If food is an ever-present temptation to which we constantly yield----then it is clear we are in bondage. The addiction of compulsive eating tends to be chronic and progressive. Food cravings are often triggered by sharp swings in blood sugar. Poor frustration and anxiety tolerance is usually associated with food addicits. Shame and scare tatics will not motivate anyone to change their eating habits.

I certainly am changing mine a little at a time, and one day at a time. Yesterday I was given a carmel apple pie the size of a very very large pizza. I took it home had one piece it was so good I knew I would eat the whole thing. When I got up in the morning, the very first thing I did was get out enough of containers to hold the rest of the temptating pie. I gave away about twelve servings to the people I spend time with during the day. It made me feel good, it made my friends happy, and it gave me a sense of freedom from the overeating goblin. Today at the lunch room there was a birthday party I ate nothing there, but I did sing happy birthday. I gave myself a tally mark for each control I had. There I go again making this a long page!

hooray

I lost three more pounds, every little bit counts. If it works for you keep with the program until there is no more success. From there you try other variables that jerk your body out of the doldrums. Don't be complacent anymore about an unhealthy body, mind, or soul. What good is a ship without a destination? I set my goal for now, to count any positive action in the direction of adding new good habits and dropping old bad habits. I mark down a tally slash each time and try to increase a little daily. So far in eight days I have earned 52 marks. One pound here and there is good for me, 45# this year. Most important is to relieve the stress in your life. Chill out, remember no matter what, this too shall pass. In stress, the body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol increases insulin resistance, in which cells don't use insulin efficiently. Yada yada I find it hard to even control my words. On a lighter note: why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them.......

emotions

If you let your emotions run your life you're in deep trouble. I blame my weight on all of my maladies instead of my eating habits. I have been sick for over a week now and I heard that when you are sick you don't feel like eating. Not! I do agree you don't feel like moving around as much, rest can be very important, but there goes the moving theory to burn off calories. Hardly any visitors here have a weight problem or concern. Although, no one person ever is completely in control of their emotions. I keep a reminder handy on how to walk through any issue that can control my mind or body (weight) without my full consent. I just need to review it more often. Mental anguish over situations? I try to walk through the pain and peal back the layers of emotions until I find the layer of self love. I Begin to think about how to deal with the issues, one at a time, for me right now it is weight. What makes me (you) happy? Use that happy thing as a catalyst to help jump start you to a better place. For me it should be listen to loud music when I feel like overeating, that will help me reduce my calorie intake. For everyone else and me at times it is best to increase the energy output by moving around or exercising because it increases the chemical in your brain that is called beta-endorphins that makes for a natural high in the body, a feel good emotion. Confession is good for the soul admit to yourself the problem. Surrender your nemesis, obsession, addiction, whatever it is that holds you back from improving, to a Higher Power (for me that's God). We all need help in life. Treat the bad stuff as if it were a desease that will cost you your life. Keep in mind there is always hope!!! I express a disclaimer that I am not telling anyone how to live through any problems in life per say I am only sharing what works for me at difficult times. Anyway I thought I would change my whining tune about being fat which no one wants to hear about and get really heavy in discussion. I promise no more. Thanks, that felt good to plow off some steam.

misc.

FACT: (GI) Glycemic Index indicates how fast a carbohydrate containing food is digested and how much it causes blood glucose to rise, this is called the glycemic response.

JOKE: "Why is your cousin trying to lose weight again? She's already the skinniest girl in town." "Some people are afraid of heights. She's afraid of widths."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The pase is history, the future is a mystery, and all we have is the present and that is a gift.

poem#9

Why remember only the fat years?
Look to the future thin ones,
so exercise those buns!
No more hidden tears.
by magmem

scale tale

I've had 31/2 hours of sleep so far and couldn't wait to jump on the scale to see how good I am doing. I'm disappointed and should go back to bed and and sleep off the debilitating motivational block. I have this fixation for the scale to validate me. My oc has me sharing time with the scale about six times a day. One time I decided to put the scale in the trunk of the car for awhile to wean myself off. It was like the "Whit Elephant Thought" in psychology. I made it through that day but just couldn't sleep until I went outside in my bed clothes to the car and brought in my pet. I know I said to give myself one week of good health tally marks before the results will show up in some manner. I have noticed about myself when I weigh-lite I allow myself a little cheating. When I weigh-more I cut back a bit. When I weigh the same I feel secure. I never claimed to be totally sensible. This does make sense though, the scale is no indication of your true success. It's not only how you look but how you feel and what's your body composition. Besides it's the clothes that tell the tale. I am thankful I don't have all of those good left overs to tempt me the rest of the week. Come to think of it I did not eat one piece of chocolate candy yesterday at my daughters house that's another first!

tally count

Three cheers for "football"!!! Counting today it has been three days and 24 tally marks. Just thinking about those steps forward makes me even, feel lighter. I knew I should, I thought I could, I said I would, and I am keeping track. I took some of everything but didn't stack my plate as usual. For the first time in my life, I did not go back for seconds. I ate the dessert and walked slowly up and down the stairway a couple of times. I decided to go home early so as not to be tempted to overeat for the next coming meal that evening. Or the usual, all day long grazing that follows this particular holiday meal. I even said no emphatically to taking home any food or leftovers. I've always been known as the human garabage disposal. I'm no angel though. I always cover my bottom. Instead of kicking myself later because I said no again and again. I did bring home a piece of pie. After I consumed it, I felt like I didn't really enjoy it. That was my only mistake for today. I mean I straight-up turned down soda pop too. Whoo-Yah!!!

hooray

Gosh I haven't had a hooray for myself in a while. I had a 4 pound loss at my weigh-in last night. I guess it's about time I take my own advise and continue for a week doing my tally marks for any good action I take toward a healthier life style. Beware mr gobble gobble you're not going to mesmerize me at the table this time and make me stay until all the available food disappears. I may even walk up and down my daughter's stairway a couple of times after dessert. See you lighter when? Happy Thanksgiving! I know I have plenty in my life to be thankful for!!!!!!!!!!!

tip

After making a mistake, create a new plan and stay on your program faithfully and in one week you will begin to see a difference. Simple carbohydrates only provide calories! I like to give myself points for doing something constructive towards any goal I set. For instance if I take my vitamins and minerals for that day I tally one mark on paper. If I do some type of exercise, eat a salad, drink 8 glasses of water, eat nothing after 7:30 pm, deny myself a sweet, review anything on nutrition or diets or motivation, seek out support in a weak moment, eat my three meals for that day, or do whatever helps me toward my health improvement each day gets a tally mark. I try to increase my total of tallies everyday. Adding new and different tasks keeps things from being monotonous and boring. I don't feel too bad when I see only one or two tally marks because that represents I have not given up I still have a chance. It's been a while, and the bottom of this page says only 35# loss but it's still a sweet victory. Chow.

excuses

My dumb scale just doesn't want to cooperate with me! I think all of those salty pickles I ate last week have made my feet, ankles, and calves swell up with excess water again. I only had two meals yesterday, they both had pasta in it. I wonder if my insulin resistant metabolism refused to burn any calories. Maybe that all slowed me down and made me feel those sugar lows that contributed to my sedentary day. I know I worked on the computer about six hours combined. I ended up frustrated because I wasn't getting any results or cooperation from the dumb computer either. I poured too much sea salt in the spaghetti sauce I made yesterday but didn't want to waste it and throw it out so I ate it and still have enough for the rest of the week. It made me so thirsty that the middle of my tongue was dry all day and night no matter how much water I drank to hydrate it. My o/c twisted my arm this past weekend to attend the club buffet for the Thanksgiving feast. I'm not myself this past month, I don't know what's wrong with me!!! Oh yes, I am full of excuses. Someone slap my face I'm in a stupor. {(I>:)~

facts

Calcium diminishes the effectiveness of iron. It's better to take iron supplements with a glass of juice rather than with a glass of milk.

Mega doses of vitamins and minerals can suppress normal immune functioning.

Anabolic steroids does promote muscle growth but in large doses can; produce acne, thinning of hair, liver damage, menstrual irregularity, heart problems, smaller testicles, low-sperm count, and diminished libido.

The common sit-up is not a good exercise because it can strain the back. It is best to isolate specific muscle groups; the upper abdominal, the external oblique, and the middle abdominal region.

Most husbands agree that having a wife with a perfect body is not that important, it's how self-accepting she is of herself and how enthusiastically she responds to their togetherness that really counts.

If in your heart you are not willing to do what is necessary to be thinner, than accept yourself the way you are. Quit browbeating yourself with half hearted diet attempts, failure, and guilt. Use the energy to live the way you want to. (May as well die full and happy.) Sometimes just stopping from putting your life on hold has a way in turning things around for a change.

spurt

Take it when the spurt of motivation hits you don't put it off for one second! Start your new plan and realize you will never succeed in anything without experiencing some failures. I am going to the club buffet tonight, etc, etc. I dissent my declaration yesterday of taking a hiatus for the holidays. You can't reach a goal by standing still and doing nothing or putting it off till another time because something always comes up (S... happens.) I just wanted to thank reneegetsfit.com. She put on some graphic of fat representation in my blog for me and I'm lovin' it. Now if I can't feel it and others can't see it, I will still know the statistics don't lie. I'm all into visual stimulation to where I am at a given moment, or should I say in the last four years? Here's to not giving up.

herbs

I read in "Good Health" magazine; Herb Alert, 5 to avoid. The products listed below, which are usually sold in tea, tablet, capsul or extract form, are considered potentially dangerous by the Food and Drug Administration because they have been linked to serious health consesquences including liver failure, respiratory problems and , in some cases, death. The health claims are unproven.
CHAPARRAL is touted as an antioxidant, cancer cure and acne treatment.
JIN BU HUAN is touted as a sleep aid and pain reliever.
COMFREY is touted as an arthritis cure, healing agent and mood enhancer.
LOBELIA is touted as a sedative and nicotine replacement.
MA HUANG (ephedra) is touted as a weight-loss aid and energy booster.

Very interesting, now to find someting (pros and cons) good to say about herbs. Anything, just to avoid talking over and over again about eating and gaining as usual. I'm in a rut, time to step away and get a new perspective. I'm not going to fight all of the up coming holidays. I'm not bailing-out, I'm on hiatus. I will continue with nutritional statements that are beneficial for all to hear.

stay in check

I always greet my club members on the phone with "this is you're conscience speaking are you watching what you're eat?" Well at the weigh-in, which I don't want to talk about, someone woke me up with a question also. Why do you call me and ask such, when you aren't asking yourself the same thing, therefore the gain? Funny how the truth hurts. I became vigil again for a couple of days. Then last night I knew I was hungry but I continued to stay up way past my bedtime. Actually it was four and a half hours longer than usual. At 2:30 am I lost control and ate a plate full of lunch meat, cream cheese, and pickles. As usual I didn't stop there. Then came the dessert, a bowl full of apple sauce with 3/4 cup of whipped cream and lots of cherries. I was in a feeding frenzy. Why did I waste my two day vigil and stay up past another (every four hours) feeding time? Stay in check girl!!!!!!!!!!

trivia

In dealing with addictions, partial withdrawals are a lot harder than complete abstinence. They are as such: tabacco, alcoholl, drugs, caffeine, sex, gambling, sugar, and food to name a few. We may feel as if we can't live without our addictions, but in essence food is he only substance we will die without! All of our maladies are more of a psychological need with uncomfortable symptomatic withdrawals.

Cigarettes are addicting in the same sense as heroin.

Alcoholism is frequently asociated with poor nutrition.

Women who are trying to conceive would be wise to forgo caffeine. One cup of coffee daily can lower fertility.

Appetite depressant medications can become addictive especially if misused, they're only a crutch not a solution.

As with other addictions, eating disorders takes a person's emotional health and twists them into a knot. The spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak.

yuck

I don't feel like talking today I am so up set with myself. In the past week I have split open and torn three pairs of slacks that cannot be repaired. Don't tell me I now have to go completely into all stretch or polyester materials. The scale must be hiding something from me. I only see a few pounds gain which goes up and down all of the time. That's nothing new? Plus tonight is weigh-in and I didn't take my water pills. I'm also tired of taking water pills just to get a loss that really is not a loss when I go back to drinking the water. Maybe I should cut down or out the added salt in my foods. Yes, I know what to do, but when am I going to utilize all that I know, about how to lose weight? Did I say I don't feel like talking? Hello obsessive compulsion. I always have a hard time stopping..........

sis-boom-bah

I have my game on but I'm not making the right moves. I went from being sedentary to busy per say. I introduced some exercise into my life stlye. I started to journal to see how I eat and the worst habits I have that make me over weight. I incorporated support from a weight control group of people. I hitched a ride on the diet wave on the computer. I shop for food so that my house is not lacking. I read all of the diet materials that ever come my way and review all of my old books that have been accumulating. I've passed up many opportunities to eat the wrong kinds of foods. I have even fasted a few times. I had a policy of no-fail foods in my house. It all added up to me losing some weight. I became a little over-confident. I let my guard down a few times. Each time I did that, it got easier to do it more often. Now my motivation is waning. The gaining, yo-yo style, is back. I thought since I hooray, boot, pat on the back, brag, complain, and wonder, it's time I cheer myself on again and introduce a new approach. It's never too too late unless you're already dead from obese complications. I know this was boring to read if you can't relate. So maybe I should leave with a tid bit of information that can benefit anyone.

The hypothalamus section in the brain balances the appetite-control mechanism. One portion tells the body when to eat. Another portion tells it when to stop. It takes only an infinitesimal imbalance to cause a slight malfunction. The healthier the hypothalamus, the greater its accuracy. It is kept healthy through the nutrients it receives. Proper nutrition at least can make it work at its optimum efficiency. (Now that's what I'm talking about. DO IT RIGHT.)

misc.

FACT: Just as the temperature in a room is controlled by a thermostat, so is a person's weight controlled by his appestat.

JOKE: Is there a restraining order against you from the Association Of All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Hot heads and cold hearts never solve anything.

fooling myself

Yesterday a group of us went to a buffet. That's not a good place for me to be. I thought I had things under control by bring one plate at a time back to the table. I skipped the salad bar. My meat plate was full in layers. I could have eaten another plate. Have your dessert and quit I said to myself. Yes that was full also. On my way back to my seat I saw tables of people turn their heads and stare at what was on my plate. I did not get that reaction with the hot food. Let's see now does that mean fat people are not allowed desserts? Or is it a response to someone saying look at that, no wonder she's so fat! All of the sweets were not enjoyable. I do have a bad habit of not wanting to waste food so I ate that also. I didn't like the sweet taste left on my tongue so I went back for a couple of potatoes and some mushrooms. Yes I was totally full but not stuffed to the gills. I thought I did, not too bad, and at the end of the night I found out how wrong I was. I had on a new pair of slacks that ripped open in the back from my torso down through my pant leg. It was thirteen inches long. I usually try to always make myself look good (not physically) by trying to save face. I pat myself on the back and say that's a step in the right direction for today. I never make another posting that same day telling how I mess up. My excess weight is there for all the world to see what a fool I am.

shine

Life has its ups and downs. Inside of us all is a light of hope. Being "Veteran's Day," I salute all and give my thanks!!! It's not about me it's about life lived. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.* Here are some pondering revelations:

Walk in someone else's shoes and yours will seem more comfortable.

Shared joy is double joy, shared sorrow is half-sorrow.

Sometimes it is not good enough to do your best; you have to do what's required.

Change can come in either of two important ways: start behaving positively or stop behaving negatively.

Great goals are never reached by following the line of least PERSISTENCE!

besides the weight

More than losing weight, I desire to have other means restored in my life. That would include the end of submerged embarrasment, enjoying park rides, back to dancing for hours at a time, being able to see my feet when I look down, to breathe with ease, to reach to scratch my own back, and once again trust myself to be in control when surrounded by food. I really enjoyed aerobics with the loud music. It would be hot if I thought about other things in life besides food. Food does occupy a lot of my thinking time. Here's a light bulb; the thought comes before the action. It takes work to change habits!

conscience

This is your conscience speaking, are you watching what you're eating? I always throw that initial greeting out there to my diet club members. When am I going to face the mirror and tell myself the same hidden tutelage for taking off pounds? I haven't bragged lately about any numbers that prove I am being diligent. It's up It's down and who cares anyway? I know I have to learn to care a little bit more to be consistant. I am still doing little improvements one day at a time. Yesterday I passed up small pecan pie tarts in the coffee room. I did my whole hour (in slow motion) in the weight room. I ate salad for dinner the night before last. Now I have a confession, yesterday I had a one pound gain! I'm not giving up yet. Good luck with your intentions. I think tomorrow I will review with myself some of the reasons I really want to lose weight.

taste buds

By sheer discovery, I have begun to recognize the fact that you can train your taste buds to like and crave healthy foods. I ate Halloween candy given to me by my daughter to cut down on the candy available in her house. It was an awful lot of chocolate one of my trigger, foods, per say. The first one was good tasting but didn't make my mouth water as usual. Of course I continued until the whole grocery bag was empty, that's part of my compulsion! The more I ate, the more I didn't care that much for the tastes. I had to get the temptation out of my sight by eliminating it into my stomach. Then there was the lunch I had put in front of me at the center. I froze, staring at this baked potato that had no pazazz. (Globs of butter, grains of salt, chunks of cheese, mounds of sour cream, and chives for added color.) It was unclad but had this teeny weeny yellow spot on it I think it was called a pat. One smash and it disappeared. By golly I ate the whole thing in good taste, so that's what butter with a whole lot of white stuff tastes like? Not bad at all. If I could do it everytime, I would count it all good habits to live longer by.

facts

Identify your food triggers and look for patterns, that is the key to being in control and using behavior modification.

It is important that you don't feel deprived when trying to follow any type of fitness program. You can eat just about anything you want, what's most imporant is portion control and moderation.

A thin-overweight person can regain all, plus some more, of the lost pounds they struggled to shed if they ever let down their guard.

Certain habits that are learned, are habits only as long as one continues them.

Potassium is important for muscular activity, but is lost through perspiration.

poem#8

Open my mouth, food jumps in.
Diet again, I never win,
why even try to be thin?
Because, gluttony is a sin!
by magmem

gloom doom

I feel as if I'm in a war zone inside my body. I always have the little good pixie on my right shoulder. It knows what is best for my welfare. Then there is the counter part pixie on my left shoulder. It is getting fatter and weighing heavier for my attention. I felt this week was a success because I made it over the hump of the week in the right direction. Here it is Thursday and I find myself at home with a large double layer cake, two take-out meals (I've already eaten two so far today), and about four pounds of chocolate Halloween candy! IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW IT GOT HERE. Have you ever set yourself up for failure? Here's the kicker. I have three pressing family matters to deal with tonight. AND HOW WAS YOUR DAY?????

spuds

My spuddy buddy tator is a good or bad food for me. It all depends on how I choose the way it is cooked. The higher the fat content relates to how much the potato is exposed on the surface to fat or oil. (Sour cream and cheese adds insult to injury.) I'm lovin' it but it's killing me. Usually my fat potato chip is scooping up more fats with every dip it can jump into. Of course, that's on a bad day. I have good days also. Oh my, here comes the three eating holidays one right after the other! I should stay focused and be informed every day for progressive strengh. I'm going to need it. Here are some eye opening figures:
FATS CALS.
30 gr. 450 3 oz. potato chips
15 gr. 265 3 oz. small cut fries
12 gr. 220 3 oz. large cut fries
5 gr. 155 3 oz. roast potatoes
0 gr. 65 3 oz. baked potato

hooray

Okay I lost seven pounds at weigh-in tonight. I said I was going to lose weight by hook or by crook. I had to take one water pill last week and one water pill this week and my two week ago seven pound gain is gone. Now if I would have done things right, I would have cut down on my salty foods and lost the water gain without using a crutch. I always look for short cuts and extreme measures like wearing light-weight clothing. Or I try skipping eating all day until I get home that night after weigh ins. I'm confessing to doing it the wrong way once in a while. I am only hurting myself because I am reinforcing more bad habits. I have though, since I started five months ago, incorporated more good habits to replace some of the bad habits so far. Some day I will have all good habits and be a healthy weight for my statue etc. It is getting easier as I go along at a much slower pace than most would be dieters. I started out complaining about how obese people are treated and their needs are over looked. But only I can make the change for myself!!