facing the facts

1. No chance of ever having a new computer.
2. Accept the fact the three projects I worked on for six years on my old computer are gone.
3. There is a personal void in my life that has drained my motivation.
4. Losing weight to extend my life and be well has been a thing of the past for months.
5. Where there is a will, there is a way.
6. There is always something to be thankful for!
7. I will be back.


THERE IS NO HARVEST FOR THE HEART ALONE. THE SEED OF LOVE MUST BE ETERNALLY RESOWN!!!

God Bless Us All.

waiting for new computer

Sorry for not being able to post since the 9th of September. I had 38 viruses, my server expired, and I need a new computer because the hard drive is knocking and making noises it's going to crash. Nothing is backed up because I don't know how to do it. Hoping another computer comes my way. I feel lost without the computer. I am at a friends house right now. I will be back, maybe even with a loss.

Back to my support group the last two weeks, 2.25# loss, 2.oo# loss. I went back to Curves (with a ride.) I have kept a food journal for the last three weeks. I'm reading three new diet books. I still strive for a no-fail environment and keep the sweets out of my house. I eat my three meals a day and take my vitamins and minerals. I try for three dairy a day. I meditate to relieve my stress (helps fight cortisol, belly fat.) I have a buddy system, one on one, and make my calls when I feel week in my resolution to keep the good behavior modification habits constant. I don't deny myself, I just try to keep it a smaller portion than I am use to. I have increased my vegetable and fruit selections and decreased my red meat. I also always have at least 8 glasses of water or more. I have three wipe-off check lists that I use, all related to better eating and activity assessments. I like visual encouragements. Monthly I have measurements. I am cutting down on my obsession with the scale because I have discovered that when I have a nice little loss way before weigh-in I feel I can cheat and eat more because I still have enough of time to work it off. Since this is not my computer, I have to leave now with a heart full of reservations. Take care, loose the weight you want to, hello to my favorite people (you know who you are), and may God Bless your life! [love, xo hugs and kisses]

diet/spouse

Spouse-proof your diet. DON'T VIEW FOOD AS ENTERTAINMENT. "For many couples, food is something to do," Sass says. "I see this all the time when couples make ordering Chinese food on a Friday night their main activity." To break this pattern, try planning outings where the focus isn't on eating, such as having a poker night with pals or seeing a comedy show.

EAT LIKE YOU DID BEFORE YOU WERE MARRIED. Since couples share more meals after getting hitched, and men tend to eat more than women, women often start munching extra calories unconsciously, says Hillary Baron Irwin, a registered dietitian in New York City. Aim to eat a palm-size portion of protein, a fist-size of whole grains and a half plate of veggies.

GET A MOVE ON. Working out together is a great motivator, says Lee Ross, president of Exude.com Fitness. "Exercising three to five times a week for 50 minutes is the best way to keep weight in check," Ross says. Join a health club that offers a deal when two people sigh up together. Or start biking and plan a weekend cycling trip. You'll get your heart rate up in more ways than one! SV

Don't ruin the togetherness with being competitive. Men have a tendency to lose weight faster.

old ways

After almost four months, I was able to return to my support group. Knowing I was going to face the music, I reverted back to my old tricks the day before the weigh-in. I had nothing to eat until after the meeting around 8:00 pm. Therefore the 2.25 pound loss was really a sham. I did so well the previous four months just forgetting about answering to anybody and allowing myself to use my new found healthy habits in eating and staying away from the misleading scale. I managed to get through three birthdays, two weddings, a bridal shower, a baby shower, two vacations, two pot lucks, three bar-b-cues, four buffets, two holiday celebrations, and some no-no's now and then, without a gain in weight from my last weigh-in! I also wasn't exercising at that time.

Back to my old ways. This week I am on and off of the scale all of the time and eating most of my food for the week in the beginning and starving towards the weigh-in time at the end of the seven days. I see food as I can have and I can't have and I am not liking the feeling of answering to anybody, even the scale. How did I ever get through so much so easily when I didn't restrict myself?

Because I wasted all of that time and did not continue my usual moderate exercising routine, I have lost a lot muscle strength. This week I did try to do two 30 minute workouts, it was not easy. Today I broke my long standing rule of a no-fail-environment and brought Little Debbie into my home. All six of her individual cakes jumped down my throat! To tell the truth, the very first bite was not good and the more I ate the more I didn't care for it. I couldn't even stand the aftertaste of sugar that felt like an overcoat on my tongue, yuck! I had to search for something salty to get the sugar coating off of my tongue. It use to be when I had something in my house that was empty calories, I would eat my one or two portions and toss the rest, and waste the money. I don't know how many half a gallon ice cream containers I did that to in the past.

A new day tomorrow, a new beginning, a new commitment, and a new buddy one-on-one pal to call on in time of need. This time it is all written down on laminated paper with no room for excuses. I like checking things off, it helps me see results for that day. A different approach always sends a positive surge of energy towards my motivation. For me it's, keep it simple and do it for life, forget the strict diet programs. I like to be in control, not be controlled! Have a lite-day.

article

One in five women is deficient in iron, the crucial mineral that ferries oxygen to every cell in the body. The signs include:

>Constant tiredness
>Pale skin
>Cold hands and feet
>Brittle nails

If you're concerned, ask your doctor to check your iron stores. New Duke University research suggests that low iron levels silence vital genes, including those that provide your cells with energy and protect you from cancer-causing free radicals.

To ensure that you're getting enough, include red meat, fish, or poultry in your diet, says Cornell University iron expert Rebecca J. Stoltzfus, PhD.. Vegetarians can combine iron-rich spinach, lentils, and whole grains with vitamin C-rich fruits (C boosts absorption). A multivitamin can help, though iron absorption might be reduced. And only take high-dose iron supplements under a doctor's supervision; excessive iron can be dangerous. P.

nuts

The form of vitamin E found in plant seeds but not in most supplements--gammatocopherol--may slow the growth of cancer cells, according to a study at Purdue University. Researchers found that gammatocopherol inhibited human prostate and lung cancer cell division in the lab, while leaving healthy cells alone. It's too soon to say how much gammatocopherol humans need but now there's one more reason to munch on these healthy sources: walnuts and pecans. P.

organic

What's the big deal about organic foods?

TO AVOID ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS: This includes synthetic colors and flavors, all prohibited by the new regulations.

TO CUT "BAD" FATS FROM YOUR DIET: Artery-clogging partially hydrogenated oils are not allowed in organic food. Irradiated or genetically engineered ingredients also don't make the cut.

TO LIMIT EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES: Under the new rules, organic produce can't be treated with synthetic pesticides. But it's not pesticide free: There may be chemicals lingering in the soil or the air. A recent study found that organic foods contain a third of the residues present on conventional produce. Even so , the jury's still out on whether trace amounts of these substances are harmful to the consumer. Hormones, steroids, and antibiotics are also banned from organic meat, dairy, and poultry.

TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: Organic farming reduces water contamination, improves soil quality, and protects wildlife habitats. G.H.


Don"t stop here. Go to my BLOG READS on 6/19 and click on diet-blog.com, dated Aug. 23, entitled "Virus Sprays: The New Food Additive." Hot dog today anyone? I just bought two prepackaged packs of lunch meat after reading about it twelve days ago. Will we ever heed the warnings? I thought I read somewhere, it's not what goes into the mouth that defiles you, it's what comes out of your mouth that defiles you. Have a nice Labor Day.

beans

Turns out beans are chock-full of more than just protein, vitamins, calcium, and fiber. U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers, trying to figure out which beans are best for you, discovered the legumes pack more antioxidants than previously thought. Black beans, for instance, have the same amount of cancer-and heart disease-fighting phytochemicals as grapes and cranberries. As a rule, darker beans contain more of the good stuff. The researchers say eating one half-cup serving two or three times per week is as beneficial as drinking a glass of red wine each day.

full plate

Who hasn't over extended themselves in life and responded with "l have a full plate!" Not good for your extended life span, or your peace of mind. What's the big deal about being the jack-of-all trades, a real people pleaser, a super worker, super mom or dad, or a super star in others' eyes? Are we not obligated to take care of ourselves first? You hear it on the plane all of the time, put your mask on first! (Then you can be of good to others.)

Too bad us people who are concerned about our weight or wellness are just as oblivious as others to our own needs. Let's be accountable, the next time we are in the line at the buffet island, say out loud "my plate is full." (Too ashamed, then do something about it!) Besides using a smaller plate to psych yourself into believing you have enough, there are other options. (Don't forget what our mothers' use to say "your eyes are bigger than your stomach.")

Mentally divide your plate into sections:
1/2 of the plate fill with non-starchy vegetables and green salad
1/4 of the plate fill with protein foods; meat, fish, poultry, or tofu
1/4 of the plate fill with grains or starchy foods; rice, pasta, potatoes, corn or peas
Drink one 8 oz glass of water in between bites.
Choose a piece of fruit for dessert
Skip the empty calorie drink and opt for non-fat milk.
Fancy a small roll? Feel free.

Guess what, you're too full for seconds of anything! Not only are you satisfied, but you may even choose not to return to that place that triggers a feeding frenzy.


There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.

better genes

Eat right for better genes. If you make nutrition a priority when you're pregnant, scientists suspect that you may lower your child's inherited cancer risks. Simply by eating healthy, adults might be able to mend their own genes, too.

The emerging field of epigenetics is behind these surprises. It's showing that environmental influences can modify how genes function without actually altering DNA. The evidence: Duke University scientists recently reprogrammed the color of mice offspring and left them with diminished appetite, lower body weight, and less diabetes and cancer by enhancing the mothers' prenatal diet with B vitamins and related nutrients.

The nutritional enhancements seem to generate chemical signals that act as genetic stop signs. And studies of human twins and babies conceived through in vitro fertilization suggest that people are subject to similar outcomes.

Experts believe diet can alter your own genes as well. But they caution against gulping down supplements. "All nutrients have multiple genomic effects. So one has to be very careful," says Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D., associate nutritional biochemistry professor at Cornell University . "You may regulate one gene that is not beneficial while silencing another gene that is." by K.A.


I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.

night snacking

You can curb late-night munching. If your biggest weakness is nighttime snacking, having a bowl of breakfast cereal for dessert might actually help you prevent it. A recent study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that self-described late-night nibblers who ate a serving of ready-to-eat cereal with low-fat milk 90 minutes after dinner consumed about 400 fewer calories each day. The researchers believe that as a more "structured snack," cereal prevented participants' usual high-caloriebinges. F.

note: Stay away from liquid calorie drinks (they don't register in your head), they are calorie dense.

When you have nothing left but love, then for the first time you become aware that love is enough.

fortitude

No more hiding behind information for now, back to the diet mind. After three months I will be returning to my weekly weigh-ins, next week. I missed them and needed the support that always gave me that extra shove towards my goal of losing weight and getting healthier. It kept me accountable. I will be patient and incorporate the behavior modification I used last year to lose that sixty pounds. No more fretting over a simple pound or two gain which can be a water fluctuation.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take our eyes off the goal.

Believing you are unworthy is the single greatest barrier to your success in achieving not only weight loss but anything worthwhile.

Caring about yourself and doing good things for yourself is not only your right, it is your responsibility.

article

New Warning on Omega-3s
by Dean Ornish, MD

You've heard that omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits -- and for most people, they do. They're found in fatty, cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and albacore tuna), canola, soybean, falaxseed and walnut oils, as well as dark green leafy vegetables like kale and collard greens. You can also get omega-3s from fish-oil capsules (buy the ones with the pollutants removed).

Studies have shown that daily consumption of omega-3s may dramatically reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death. They may reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure an decrease inflammation. They can help prevent excessive blood clots from forming which, in turn may decrease the risk of a heart attack. They may also reduce depression and help prevent dementia. However, I've recently learned that omega-3s are a double-edge sword. The pioneering research of Alexander Leaf, MD, at Harvard Medical School has found that in some cases omega-3s could be fatal.

One of the reasons omega-3s may decrease the dicidence of sudden cardiac death is that they stop those cardiac cells that are the most unstable from functioning. But in people who have angina (chest pain or tightness due to heart disease) or congestive heart failure because their hearts are not receiving enough blood flow, removing those cells from functioning can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood so much that it may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.

My advice: Avoid omega-3s if you have recurrent angina, congestive heart failure or evidence that your heart isn't receiving enough blood flow when you exercise. If you have heart disease or have had a heart attack but don't have angina or congestive heart failure, omega-3s are beneficial, I take 3 grams of fish oil every day. R.D.


It seems to me, myself, I also read somewhere long ago to be careful of oil capsules, that they not be rancid!

fatty acids

Vitamins and minerals come from all of the good-for-you foods listed in the new food pyramid (which includes being active), however, when unable to take in enough of servings listed sometimes supplements may be necessary. Never make a decision about your health without talking to your doctor about it. They always ask you what meds you are on or are you taking anything. People with diabetes should not take fish oil supplements because of the high fat content, but they should consume essential fatty acids necessary for good health. One job it does is the rebuilding and the producing of cells. Essential fatty acids are found in fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, grape seed oil, and primrose oil.

Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Four ounces of salmon contains up to 3,600 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, while 4 ounces of cod (a low-fat fish) contains only 300 milligrams.

WATCH THE MERCURY ALSO:

High Mercury Fish,
Tuna steaks
Canned albacore tuna
Swordfish
Tilefish
King mackerel
Shark
Wild salmon

Low Mercury Fish,
Shrimp
Pollack
Catfish
Salmon (high omega-3)


When you look for the good in others, you discover the best in yourself.

I just read an article by Dean Ornish MD on omega-3s. Please follow up with my entry here tomorrow. Thank you.

ALERT! VISITOR, PLEASE READ ANONYMOUS COMMENT HERE, VERY IMPORTANT.

vitamin E

Here's the other study I spoke about yesterday. Go figure?

We need vitamin E for healthy skin and to boost immunity. But taking too much of the vitamin may be dangerous, says doctors at Johns Hopkins. Researchers, led by epidermiologist Edgar R. Miller III, reviewed 19 studies and found that the risk of death increased by 5% when people took more than 400 IU of vitamin E daily.

Many Americans take 400 to 800 IU of E every day to prevent or treat heart disease, Alzhiemer's and other conditions. E is safe in low doses, so your best bet may be a multivitamin, which typically contains 30 to 60 IU of E. Most of us get another 10 to 15 IU from foods such as nuts, seeds, wheat gem and green leafy vegetables. R.D.


Vitamin E:
(cautions)
If you are taking an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner), do not take more that 1,200 international units of vitamin E daily. If you suffer from diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, or an overactive thyroid, do not take more than the recommended dose. If you have high blood pressure, start with a small amount, such as 200 international units daily, and increase slowly to the desired amount.

conflicting studies

We all know that vitamins are good for us and trust that studies that are conducted are valid and come from a reputable sources. Why then do they conflict with each other at times, and also update with a change that makes me wonder whom do I trust? Here is a study confirming that vitamin E is okay to take. Would you educated scientists please get the dosage correct? I will post tomorrow on the other study.

Don't believe a recent study that found that vitamin E users die earlier that non-E takers. The study is badly flawed! So says Dr. Susan Lark, an expert on supplements, after analyzing the scientific data from Johns Hopkins University. "I was angry and disappointed that such a study was released to the public, causing unnecessary fear and concern," she said. Lark said the study should be discounted because it tracked patients suffering form chronic diseases, which could have been the cause of early deaths, and it flies in the face of 70 years of studies that support E. She continues to recommend taking 600 to 1,600 IU of natural vitamin E per day. E.


Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of lipids. Since cell membranes are composed of lipids, it effectively prevents the cells' protective coatings from becoming rancid as a result of the assault of free radicals. Vitamin E also improves oxygen utilization, enhances immune response, plays a role in the prevention of cataracts caused by free radical damage, and may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. New evidence suggests that zinc is needed to maintain normal blood concentrations of vitamin E. Selenium enhances vitamin E uptake. These two nutrients should be taken together.

facts

While running do you worry that you are doing it correctly to achieve the most benefits? Your natural gait is best.

To find your healthiest running style, just forget about it, says running expert John Mercer, PhD, of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In contrast, consciously changing your stride stresses muscles and joints, raising the risk of injury. To find your best stride, Mercer suggests running on a variety of surfaces. "With your focus on changing terrains, there's no time to overthink how you should be running," he says. P.


Fusion--Whether Nuclear or Jazz--means combining different elements to create a new burst of energy. In the same way, exercise fusion blends two or three exercise methods - like yoga, Pilates and strength training - into a single class or regimen, providing a more interesting and invigorating workout.

The basic concept of exercise fusion has been known for a long time as "cross-training." Still, some people have trouble grasping what exercise fusion means since "fusion " is a catchall term that can be applied to virtually any combination of exercise.

The Aquatic & Fitness Center in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., promotes fusion classes that "intergrate Pilates core strengthening and Eastern yoga postures for both stretching and relaxing." At Life Time Fitness in Canton, Mich., fusion exercise means mixing salsa and hip-hop dance. Some gyms blend in activities such as ballet, boxing, cycling, swimming, tai chi and weight training. Some gyms even offer such fusion classes as Cardio Striptease, Disco Yoga and Cycle Karaoke- yes, that's singing while you cycle.

The beauty of fitness now is there are so many ways to work out for different personalities, body types and needs," says Mare Petras, a certified personal trainer in Sarasota, Fla.. "Fusion is a way for someone to get a little bit of everything in one workout."

James D. Chlovechok, MD, medical director of the Ohio Sports Medicine Institute in Cambridge, Ohio, says to be careful that the activities in the "little-bit-of-everything" category don't jar weak joints. If you have arthritis in your ankle or knees, for instance, go for low-impact exercise rather than hip-hop fusion. Before a fusion class, tell the instructor of any physical limitations and ask if he or she will work with you on alternative moves. Even something benign-sounding like yoga can range from soothing stretches to "power poses" that can tax some joints.

"The main thing is to listen to your body," Petras says. "And that also means finding a type of fusion that provides a full range of motion and is fun for you to do." Y.S.F.

tips

We all know the rules for losing weight but adding a little tip can boost your efforts. Nothing more boring than the same old program and routine each week and salad, salad, salad. Try something different you've never tried before, it may work.

>At home eat dinner off of a salad plate. No seconds.

>Skip the salad with two tablespoons full-fat ranch. Have a clear soup instead, save twice the calories, you'll feel fuller, and you'll eat less.

>Cravings sneak up when you're tired, focus on the fatigue, take a power nap.

>Eat three apples or pears a day to lose weight, they're filled with fiber and water, so your stomach will want less.

>Eat Orient and have the egg roll insides and leave the shell.

>On the phone, stand up and pace around.

>Fill a craving, brush your teeth or gargle with minty fresh mouthwash. When you have a fresh, clean mouth, you don't want to mess it up.

>While cooking, chew a stick of fresh gum to keep yourself from testing everything with a taste here and there before dinner.

>Keep emergency snacks in snack baggies available when on the go so as not to let yourself get too hungry, if no time for a meal on the go, or even when you go food shopping because everything looks good in the market. Try unsalted popcorn or pretzels low-salt, frozen grapes, carrots or sliced fruit, low-fat string cheese, or plain mini rice cakes. Keep it at a one serving portion in each baggie. One baggie a craving.

>If the smell of good food drives you crazy use a bottle of peppermint extract like smelling salts and the urge to taste is interrupted. Buttered popcorn throws me for a spin, minty popcorn doesn't.

postmenopausal

Excess weight not breast size, is a risk factor, particularly in
postmenopausal women-- and not just for getting breast cancer,
but for dying of it. Thirty to 50 percent of all cancer deaths
among postmenopausal women in America may be attributed
to being overweight, according to the American Cancer Society.

Estrogen is stored in fat tissue, so heavier women produce more
of the female hormone which can spur developing cancers. And
breast tumors are harder to detect in obese women, cancer is
often found at later stages.

The risk of dying of breast cancer is also associated with height,
which may be related to growth factors early in life. Women who
are 5 feet tall or shorter are at less risk of death from the disease
than those who are taller. Breast size has nothing to do with risk,
but height and weight do.

reminder

I have 30 places I frequently read all listed on my blog posted
06-19-06 BLOG READS. I saw Maria's entry, I just have to
repeat. It is so pertinent for me to remember if I want to be
on any kind of diet. Her site is alittlejoyfortoday.

>one decision
>one small action
>one step out of the comfort zone

Don't forget the newest listing of neaorgwellness, plenty of links.

(Iportion, I did eat only a bite of wedding cake, it wasn't as hard
as I thought it was going to be.)

(Chana, I still can't get a comment to post on your blog site, I won't
give up, hang in there, you know what follows!)

To anyone else who has left a comment on my site and did not
receive a return v&c. Sometimes my computer works and most
of the time it doesn't. It takes almost an hour just to post on my
blog. I will be paying for someone to come and check it out when
I have a chance and the money. I know I probably need a newer
model. I think it is foolish to be wasting the money for a server
monthly, when I can make a quick posting on someone else's
computer. I started this blog at the center where I was exercising
last year. I haven't had the chance to return to my wellness room
since the 29th of March this year. I really miss the exercise! I
guess that is why my weight fluctuates up and down so much.

Oh, I have a horror story to tell. I also miss my weigh-ins at
my support group. I was there the first Tuesday in June only.
Here's the kicker.....I assumed I was only a pound or two up
from my last weigh-in, back and forth on my scale now. Do
tell it is a digital scale. Because I use it around four or five
times a day, I wore down the battery and was not aware of it.
I used a scale at my daughters house the other day and almost
fell off of it with being blown over by the dial that was going in
the wrong direction! 15 pounds, did you hear me 15 pounds in
four months I'm a large bundle of nerves right now! My daughter
assured me it was incorrect. She has it set five pounds ahead.
That doesn't make me feel any lighter! I will go back to my
10 year old scale that has to be set 28 pounds ahead and then
I do the math.

I'm all about psychology, it works for me. I would rather step on
the scale just before I eat, it helps me eat a little less if I see a
gain. My scale hours, when I get up, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and
before I hit the sack. No wonder they crumble under my pressure.
I have a significant loss and still need to continue for a couple more
years.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The only sense that is common in the
long run, is the sense of change...and we all instinctively avoid it.