halt weigh-in

I discover things about me all of the time to the point of never having to say to myself "I wonder why I feel like this." It is not the scale that keeps me from my support group when I know I have a gain. It is the person that moves their mouth up and down in a condasending tone asking "when are you going to go in the other direction?" I approached the scale ahead of time with my hand and plam in her face and requested "no comments, please." Talk about defience!

Three to four different people do the stand-in job. I've even sensed thoes that weigh themselves in make a slim turtle come about in their favor. I just get into ranting and my time on this computer away from home is out of time. I sure miss blogging daily, it became my sustenance. I had some computer pals I truely miss also, I hope they understand my limitations for now and have patience, I will be back.

(Dr. Phil) "To move closer to achieving your weight loss goals, it goes without saying that you need people in your life who will support you, friends, family, members, and others who love you unconditionally and believe in you."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.

Back in a couple of weeks. Have a Blessed, "Happy Easter." xo

facts

Someone voted to hear about facts. Ask and ye shall receive.

1. The addiction of compulsive eating tends to be chronic and progressive.
2. Food cravings are often triggered by sharp swings in blood sugar.
3. Alcoholism is frequently associated with poor nutrition.
4. Cigarettes are addicting in the same sense as heroin.
5. Women who are trying to conceive would be wise to forgo caffeine. One cup of coffee daily can lower fertility.

6. A corollary to the habit of eating less is the habit of eating slowly.
7. Being that soup is psychologically gratifying, a bowl before a meal has an unusual capacity to surpress hunger.
8. The more nutritious things you eat, the less room there'll be for those impulse items.
9. If your motivation is strong and you've come to the recognition of your emotional needs, the changing of your food paterns shouldn't be difficult.
10. People on standard weight loss diets who do not incorporate behavior modification to change their bad habits will regain all lost weight within one year, and that includes about 95 to 98 percent of dieters.

11. Exercising and losing weight are the two most important things to do if you are insulin-resistant.
12. Eating common oat bran muffins or cereal everyday can slash dangerous cholesterol levels by as much as 19 percent.
13. Potassium is important for muscular activity, but is lost through perspiration.
14. Protein daily can avoid hormone shortages.
15. Your body burns calories more efficiently the first twelve hours of the day.

Don't take my word, this is not medical advice, always check with your doctor for all health matters!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We don't realize how bitterness weights us down until we give it up.
Purpose creates fulfillment.
We should try to find the good in people before we read it in their obituaries.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day. God Bless. See you in a couple of weeks.

article

To avoid the near coma that often follows a "Thanksgiving type" dinner, start with a glass of tomato juice spiked with hot redpepper sauce. Dutch researchers gave 24 men and women hot red pepper either dissolved in tomato juice or as capsules swallowed with tomato juice, or a placebo, 30 minutes before meals. They found that subjects ate 10 to 16% less after consuming red pepper either in or with tomato juice than after taking the placebo. Hot pepper stimulates nerves in the mouth as well as in the stomach, the scientists think, making you feel satisfied with less food. P

I hope I have a chance to do some exercise today, I've been off track this whole month. Tonight is weigh-in, I don't want to face the scale. I don't know what irks me the most, getting fatter through my mistakes this past week or having to pay a fine for the gains! I lost five pounds the last three weeks and oops, I've found them lurking on my food plates this final week of the month. So what"s new?

TIP: When working out at a fitness center, use the back of your hand if you must touch your face. Germs are less likely to be on the back of your hands.

THOUGHT: The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life's direction.

adverse dieting

Why should unpleasantries be a goal? I don't condone it, be it visual or mental. Therefore, I will not post the article that turned my stomach to the point of taking my mind off of food at that moment.

It reminded me of a couple of videos a good while back that enticed a person to want to come face to face with the face of death. Who likes to feel disheartened, gloat in being horrified through the expense of others, and enjoy seeing what frightful pain looks like? Where's the humanity?

I am an animal lover per-se. Who enjoys seeing dead animals in any way shape or form? Contrary-therapy used for breaking the smoking habit has been used with some success. Who needs cigarettes for the good of their health anyway? But such therapy is dangerous if used on food which we need for sheer survival! GROW-UP, and do the right thing instead; eat nutritious foods in the proper amounts, move more and breath deeply. Don't try and stare at ugly sights to ruin your appetite!

What would work for me in that context is to sit or stand in front of a full-length mirror naked and try to eat. Let's not get carried away (in a casket,) the next thing you know, the advocates for anorexia will say, save your esophagus and just eat your food and spit it out. (What a waste of money.) Why not try eating in the bathroom, that sounds disgusting enough for me, to be an adverse therapy action. Don't let your hunger for love be mistaken and felt as a hunger for food, which can give a comforting affect. Look for a hug instead, that goes a long way.

You are what you think you are because all things are possible in the realm of common sense.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL, LOVE & MISS YOU, xoxoxoxo Nana.

no resolutions

I only have a little time on this computer. I hope I can get all that I have to say published before my time is up. I surely missed doing this blog daily, such is life, we can't always have what we want in life all of the time. At this time last year I was two pounds lighter than I am today but that is not too bad for me "the constant gainer." A personal set back has turned my life upside down. I am seeking God's will for me, that is all I can do about it.

I am trying something new with resolutions. I am a list person concerning everything! I will not set myself up for failure on reaching multiple goals for the new year. They never really change much. I will start on whatever comes to mind and stay with it if it takes all year. If I should accomplish that task before the year is up, I'll just glide into another feat.

I just passed up an opportunity to go to an all you can eat buffet. I must pat myself.

Oh my time is up I think I may even lose this info. I don't know where all of these pop-ups are coming from but It is annoying me!

Happy New Year

I have three minutes here to sign in. I will be back about once a month since I have no access to a computer. I sure miss my favorite people. I also need to start back on my quest to be healthier and more informed about making the right choices to keep me on the right road for success. God Bless all. Love and hugs and kisses xoxoxo to you know who. Don't forget a good attitude will help you through anything. And love what you have in others before they are out of your life or yours is up.

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.