Friday, August 18, 2006

clean arteries

An old-fashioned remedy may help fight one of the newest identified risk factors for stroke and heart attack. In a group of high-risk cardiac patients, researchers found that those taking a garlic supplement for 1 year had a 12% reduction in levels of homocysteine, a chemical that irritates blood vessel linings, leading to plaque buildup. And although both groups were taking powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, artery blockages grew 66% more slowly in the garlic takers.

"This was a small study, but we were pleasantly surprised by our positive results," says Matthew Budoff, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Harbor-UCLA Research and education institute. The study used supplements of 1,200-mg garlic extract per day. Garlic adds to statin's protection.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

PMS

If your spouse or partner has memorized your menstrual cycle out
of self-defense, it's time to try these three nutrients. Andrea
Rapkin, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA School
of Medicine, reports that they can help vanquish the symptoms of
PMS.

With calcium, a study of 500 PMS-prone women, taking 1,200-mg
supplements daily eased mood swings, depression, irritability, and
bloating by 50%.

Magnesium, taking 200 mg per day helped relieve water retention and
mood swings in women in several British studies.

With vitamin B6, numerous studies show that B6 alleviates PMS-
related depression, especially when combined with magnesium. To
avoid serious side effects, take no more than 50 to 100 mg daily.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

d-i-e-t

*D- this time I will be Determined to change my attitude
about what I eat, how much I eat, when I eat, and how it is fixed.

*I- this time I will keep it Interesting food-wise and dance to music
for exercise. I will not be impatient for results.

*E- this time I will have higher expectations for my self weekly. I
can do whatever I put my mind to. Small goals are doable.

*T- this time I will be Tenacious about my commitments and not
take breaks every time a good excuse comes up. (This Sunday
is a wedding.)

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

eating out choices

* Look for a place that offers menus with nutrition information.

* Avoid places that lure you in with dessert carts or all-you-can-eat or buffet-only specials. Look for places that offer a variety of foods.

* If you're stuck withy fast food, skip the hot dog and pizza joints and look for places that offer fruit, yogurt, soup, sushi, and sandwiches or wraps. Look for fast-food restaurants that offer healthy options like salads and yogurt.

* Watch out for words like jumbo, giant, deluxe, biggie-sized or super-sized. Larger portions mean more calories. They also mean more fat, cholesterol and salt. Order a regular or junior-sized sandwich instead.

* Go for the salad bar, but watch out for high-fat toppings like dressings, bacon bits, cheeses, and croutons. Even too much low-calorie dressing can add up. Check the calories on the packet. Also limit salad bar items that are dressed with a lot of mayo, such as potato or macaroni salad. Fill your salad with things like carrots, peppers, onion, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and etc. Bon apetite!

Monday, August 14, 2006

antioxidant

"Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice" is loaded with antioxidants, and doctors at the Preventive Medecine Research Institute, in Sausalito, California, have found it to be the closest thing to a miracle in a bottle. It is great tasting and reverses heart disease.

Their study was presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in March. Heart disease patients on cholesterol-lowering drugs were randomly assigned to drink eight ounces of Pom a day for three months, or a placebo beverage.

The Pom drinkers had improved blood flow to the heart; heart disease worsened for those who drank the placebo.

Statins can help many, but they may not always be enough. There is no substitute for diet and exercise, says researcher Dr. Dean Ornish.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

tips

* You can walk 10,000 steps to justify your 500 calorie bagel
with cream cheese, or try this: low-fat spreadable cheese like
Laughing Cow Light on an English muffin. Saves 300 calories.

* The more you eat protein earlier on, the less you eat as the
day wears on, research has shown. So after your cereal, add a
hard-boiled egg or a part-skim mozzarella cheese stick to keep
you feeling full--and away from that pre-lunch brownie. Saves
200 calories or more.

* Instead of pouring that 1/3 cup of half-and-half (which is a
whopping 105 calories) into your mug, replace it with the same
amount of 2% milk. Saves 60 calories.

* You don't have to give up the real deal of butter--instead of a
tablespoon of stick butter, use a tablespoon of whipped and cut
half the calories. Saves 30 calories.

* Pick up an angel food cake for dessert. It's packed with air and
has fewer than half the calories of, say pound cake. Saves 70 calories.

* Use one mini whole-wheat pita instead of the usual two slices of
white or refined wheat bread for your sandwich. Saves 70 calories.

* Instead of a candy bar, try a sugar-free, reduced-calorie Jell-O
chocolate pudding snack with a squirt of nonfat whipped cream
topping. Eat it with a baby spoon to savor it longer. Saves 185 calories.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

tagged

I've been tagged by iportion and she was tagged by Candy. I
don't even know three bloggers to tag. I'm working on it though.

Name 5 weird things about yourself:

1. Music, the louder the better, and I can never get enough.

2. I talk to animals, at home it's a bird and large fish.

3. Love to hand shred all papers.

4. I forget where I put my chewed gum down.

5. I can tweeze the hair off of my legs.

I have tagged:
1. Chubby Toes
2.Lily T
3. Blogging Texas Mommy

food for brain

Your body does need more than just nutrition to survive and
stay well. Don't forget to feed your spirit. Water and sleep is a
must. Exercise, mobility, nurtured, and a feeling that one is
a part of unified humanity, all contribute to living in wellness
both body and mind.

Like every other system in the body, the brain needs good food.
It uses 20 to 25 percent of the total energy a person consumes, and
the better you feed the brain, the better is works. According to the
New Jersey Medical College, these are the top 10 best foods for our
brain.

The first five are: low-fat milk or yogurt, eggs, lean meats such as
flank steak, chicken and other poultry, spinach and other leafy greens.

The last five are: whole-wheat bread, oranges, black beans and other
legumes, enriched brown rice, and salmon.

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.

Friday, August 11, 2006

pretend one worked

I must say it wasn't hard to play the game for the 24
hour period of one day but I could feel it getting harder
as the opportunities kept coming on strong. Plus it was a
very long busy day which always presses my binge button.

1. I was checking out at the pharmacy and talking down to the
candy bars that insisted I needed to have breakfast.

2. I closed my eyes at lunch time when the salty Chex Mix said
are you going to miss another meal and kept getting in my way.
Instead I ate some sliced roast beef by itself, with a glass of Chi-tea.

3. I went up and down stairways around five or six times without
any reason at all.

4. I skipped the cold soda and opt for refills of my water glass.

5. At dinner I said no to a second helping of meat and pasta which
was tantalizing.

6. My pudding pushing daughter, which doesn't take no for an
answer, concerning dessert, let it rest.

7. During the video, the dreaded buttered popcorn reared its
head more than once. This was one time I wished I didn't have
a nose.

8. Then there was me alone and the TV, late at night, and
feeling hungry. Here's what was in my path: Reeses Peanut-
butter cup, Hershey's soft caramel Treasures, Pringles Ranch
Chips, two kinds of ice cream and caramel sauce and cherries.
I do not go to find those things behind any doors. They get in my
eyes and are a hand-length away.

9. Knowing I have to feed the need before my compulsion steps up,
I ate a slice of roast beef lunch meat. (Mistake.) I woke up my
taste buds that were rallying around like a commercial! To shut
them up I stuffed down two bananas thinking it would be way too
filling in 20 minutes.

10. I began to be obsessive about the clock and watch for the day's
end of 12:01 am. The Triptophan in the bananas put me in la la
land and all of the temptations were asleep.

11. I woke up to shut off the TV and to make a tinkle. I though I'd
do a little stretching before I retired. Hey it's 1:56 am, I had a
good pretend-a-diet day.

RED ALERT, RED ALERT! It's been over three hours since my
mouth has opened wide. My sugar-low reminder alarm went off,
and so did I! I went straight (which wasn't far) to the ice cream
with the caramel sauce and cherry. I thought I should at least
skip the bowl and use a cup instead.

No boos please! I did do the whole day as I said I would. I think
I may try that again some time but go to bed early. Maybe it
will turn into a whole week. All it takes is practice! Sorry for
the long post but two people asked to hear about it.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

make believe

If I am not going to follow my own advice I should at least try
to save face and fake it. Maybe if I role play I can get into the
swing of things. Make believe is done by all at some time in their
life. It sounds a little immature but it felt so real to pretend. As
an adult, who doesn't pretend to be happy, satisfied, impressed,
welcoming, in-love, and at work busy in front of others? Who do
you know that is 100% themselves all of the time in front of people
or alone and not afraid to show their other side? I put it at rest.

I can pretend to be on a diet, maybe it will sink in and spur me on to
act it out. After all, you would not pretend to be something you didn't
like to be. I feel a little pert, I haven't played a game of make believe
in a long time. I'll have to start tomorrow, and set up my props. If
something is available that is not good for a diet, I will have to reply,
I can't eat that right now, I'm pretending to be on a diet! This will be
a one day experiment. Wish me luck! No, I have not gone off the
deep end.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

control a craving

I have done this many times and it works. Destroy the item of
temptation that causes you to binge or feel bad about after it is
over with. I bought a half of a gallon of ice cream and the other
was free. I finished off the first one within 24 hours. The second
one I watered it down into the sink.

Destroy temptation. If you've succumbed to a craving and bought
a box of cookies or some other trigger food and start to feel bad
while eating it, destroy it. "Don't just throw it away; run water
over it, ruin it. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment that you've
licked your binge." says Caroline Apovian, MD, director, Nutrition
and Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center. Don't
think about the money you're wasting. If the cookies don't go into
the garbage, they're going straight to your hips. R.D.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

change is good

Most people want to change the world to improve their lives.
What a wasted effort. If they would only improve themselves,
they would be better off and so would the world.

I'm all for change especially in a diet. If it's not working then
use another approach. If it works in the beginning and a loss
does not occur in a long time then raise the bar and increase
the amount of exercise and its intensity. Try to cut back on
the amount of calories but keep it at a level needed to function
in peak condition according to your statistics. Look at the fat
saturation in your foods, use very little sugar and simple carbs.
Try a journal to see if you can pin point what is slowing down
you reaching your goal. This is assuming that you know a goal
is the key to success. Make a commitment weekly about what
you want to do for that week towards improving your behavior.
Give yourself motivational talks about why you want to do this
and what you will get out of it when it happens. Read read read
you can never know too much about healthy eating and a healthy
body. Don't forget the mind and spirit also need nourishment.

Okay physician, heal thyself.

Monday, August 07, 2006

excess skin

Every time I get determined to step up my game for losing weight I
see something on TV that grosses me out. Last week it was another
one of those bodies entrapped by their own loose skin. It was some
eighty pounds of unwanted skin, worse looking than fat, dimpling,
hanging, folding, overlapping, jiggling, and taking up space in clothes
that could be a smaller size if not in the way!

Is that something to look forward to if once obese? The elasticity
and gravity pull on your skin all has to do with age and losing over
about 150 pounds. Show me some positive results (skin) that
doesn't need corrected after the weight loss. The loss should be
followed by maintenance not surgery.

At the store I picked up a full length mirror. Low and behold I
found the spots where I lost most of my sixty pounds and I'm
not happy about it! It is my inner thighs and there is some skin
to be reckoned with? My focus is changing now. I find myself
looking for the spots where I lost fat and how it has changed
my appearance in that particular spot. I am finding deflated
fat cells making the skin take on wrinkles in odd places like
below my wrists and around my clavicle. Okay the neck area
but that is expected. As a matter of fact I have done neck
exercises for a very long time to try and keep that double
chin toned down. I don't know maybe this is my complaining
day in place of (PMS) which I never really had symptoms of.

Thought: When it comes to giving love, the opportunities are
unlimited, and we are all gifted.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

retro-fad

Remember those silly-looking vibrating-belt machines that
pledged to giggle you thin? Maybe they weren't such a joke.
"Whole body vibration" is winning fans at the gym, including
big names like Lance Armstrong and Gwen Stefani.

Sleeker than the old units, new ones from Power Plate and
Orthometrix work on the same principle: Involuntary muscle
contractions may boost strength, blood flow, and flexibility. To
date, there's little science behind it. Is it just us, or does this fad
seem a bit shaky?

Friday, August 04, 2006

misc.

FACT: Food with a low percentage of fat can still have a high
percentage of calories derived from fat.

JOKE: My waist, I realized one day in a dressing room has
completely disappeared beneath my rib cage, which now rest
directly on my hips. I'm exhibiting continental drift in reverse.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Character is doing what's right, when
nobody's looking.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

diet-break

I call it a break because I am not doing the usual things I have
done in the past that give me results. There are a lot of (excuses)
but I call them reasons, why now is not a good time to set myself
up for defeat. I arrived home last night at 9:30 pm and ate my
dinner at 10:00 pm just before bed, a real no-no.

I did pass up, even though I was very hungry, the opportunity
to get any junky sweets. I looked at them. I took home two
one dollar meat and cheese burritos since nothing was fixed
to eat when I got home. At lunch I had a bag of popcorn with
light butter and I only ate half instead of the whole bag which
is easy for me to do.

Don't anyone tell me at least I am trying to do something good.
You don't know the whole truth. I have finished off a medium
jar of peanutbutter in one week with tablespoons. I thought it
would curb my sweet tooth in a pinch. I forgot I need to stay
away from my trigger foods. I find it is a trigger food if I can
easily devour it.

I had to throw a lot of fruits and vegetables away this past week
because I was not home long enough to eat them all up. And
that is not the first time. I dislike throwing food away which
stems from my childhood. I think that is why I clean my plate.

On a lighter note: have a good day and remember to fall back on
a good attitude.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

diet-epitaph

Someone sent me a joke yesterday in my email on a
tombstone. I don't want this to be my last words but I
thought these sentences would wrap things up as a dieter.

I won't be gaining weight anymore.

I feel light as a feather.

Now I can get rid of all of my fat clothes.

I finally found something that looks good on me and I can get
into a small. (Those would be wings.)

There is no three letter word up here... f a t.

No need for the scale.

I'm never hungry.

We're all the same size.

I feel good, look good, and act good.

I finally fit in!

Monday, July 31, 2006

self-esteem

People who learn to treat themselves with kindness are on the
right track for raising their own sense of self, according to a study
released last August.

Researcher and psychology professor Mark Leary, PhD, and
colleagues presented three self-compassion studies in Washington
D.C. at the American Psychological Association's yearly convention.
Tests were administered to college students.

In the first study, students were asked to imagine themselves in
certain situations like causing their team to lose a game or forgetting
their role in a play. Self-compassionate students responded with
statements such as, "Everybody goofs up now and then," and, "In
the long run, this really doesn't matter." Those who were tougher
on themselves made statements such as, "This is awful," or "I'm
such a loser."

In another study, self-compassionate students coped better with
unflattering feedback.

Students in the third test boosted self-compassion by recalling a
failure from their lives and writing about it as if they were writing
to a friend who had gone through the same thing.

The study results showed that self-compassion students looked
failure right in the eye and didn't flinch. They took responsibility
for their role in the flop and then moved on, giving themselves a
break. The students reported being happier, less angry, less
likely to dwell on negative events, and to view neutral feedback
in a more positive way.

Students lacking great self-esteem were helped by self-
compassion. They handled failure or mistakes better if they
were kind to themselves about it. webmd

Saturday, July 29, 2006

self-love

I'm not changing quick enough because I go on and off a diet in a
yo-yo fashion. That in itself can kill you, not good for the heart.
Aah, self-love, where is it?

Speaking of love, I have read many non-fiction books and one of
my favorite authors is Leo Buscaglia (not because he is Italian).
Here are some tidbits. If you don't mind my going off track:

*Lovers learn not to just hope for the better, they strive to
make it happen.

*We are confined in our understanding of other human beings
by what we know about ourselves.

*Love is far less concerned with what's past than with what's next.

*The notion that there might be a better or more convenient time
to love has cost many people a lifetime of regret.

*Those who think they know it all have no way of finding out
they don't.

*Love is not about opening old wounds, it's about healing them.

*Forgiveness is made easy when were can identify with others
and admit to our own imperfections and an equal capacity for
wrongdoing.

*Most of us remain strangers to ourselves, hiding who we
are, and ask other strangers, hiding who they are, to love us.

*All the things that "go without saying" or that are "understood"
between two people in love can build up a mountain of
miscommunication.

*Giving in is an important kind of giving when people love
each other.

THE "WORD" SAYS, FIRST LOVE GOD WITH YOUR
WHOLE HEART, YOUR WHOLE MIND, YOUR WHOLE
BEING, AND LOVE OTHERS AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.

Friday, July 28, 2006

glimpse

The weather is down to two digits, I guess I can talk now if the
hot computer will comply.
Everyday I get a glimpse of how I have changed or how I still
need to work on other bad habits that hold me back from being
totally successful in my quest for wellness and being a normal
weight according to my age and height. Whether I'm losing weight
or gaining weight I am a stickler for using Behavior Modification
to bring about a continual change by exchanging a bad habit with
adding a new good habit.
I still get my sweet cravings many times especially when I am
hungry or at a store in the sweet aisles. Most of the time I have
learned to avoid the leering or just walk faster past the sweets
that just don't taste as good as they use to. Not only that, I don't
like how they make me feel later on.
I'm not saying I study, but I have a habit of reading everything
that now goes into my mouth. Certain things turn me off, that's
a "diff.."
Today I detected a childhood bad habit I still practice. "Save the
best for last." Of course it is never revealed until the regrets
give you this yuck feeling, "why did I even finish eating the last
part of the meal when it wasn't taste-worthy?"
I need to hide my scale again because when in the morning I
face my scale before I face the bathroom mirror, a small loss
from the previous night always makes me think I have a few
extra calories to play around with today, (I think I'll eat a no-no.)
I am addicted to my scale like Linus is to his blankie! I talked one
time posting a "{scale tale}" about how in the middle of the night
in my jammies, I went outside looking for my scale for comfort.
When will I ever grow up or quit getting in touch with my inner
child-like self?
If you still hung in here sorry for blabbering, I miss the writing,
thanks.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

tips

*Do the pizza pat blot. Blot your slice with a napkin to cut
anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon of grease --and
calories. Saves 50-100

*Shop till the pounds drop. At the mall, try on at lest ten outfits,
both pants and shirts. No need to buy! Burns 60

*Eat like a kid. You don't have to give up that quick lunch if you
order smaller portions: Instead of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese
and large fries, opt for the cheeseburger Happy Meal. Saves 390

*Tweak your treat. Instead of a large caffe latte and a chocolate
cream-cheese muffin, get a small nonfat latte and a small low-fat
raisin or carrot muffin. Saves 340 RD

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

fidget to lean

Folks who are lean are more likely to fidget, stand up or pace
about than their moderately obese counterparts, according to
a study of 20 self-identified couch potatoes conducted by
researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. For 10 days
scientists measured their subjects' every movement, using
sensors embedded in specially designed underwear. The 10
lean participants were more active even after they were required
to gain weight. Fidgeting is good for you.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

diary

It's been 18days in the 100's and no sign of let up yet. The poor people who are without electricity because of rolling black outs is alarming!

Keeping a diary will give you feedback on exactly what you eat each day. It will help prevent "calorie amnesia" and remind you to be active and exercise each day. It is a must for successful weight control!

Monday, July 24, 2006

will power

*1 cup of desire
*1 quart of determination
*1 tsp. of common sense
*1 Tbsp. of stick-to-itiveness
*1 dash of foresight
*1 cup of energy

Speaking of energy, help conserve keep it short, see you tomorrow.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

wonder why

If I am trying to lose weight and get healthy for my own self I
wonder why sometimes a little affirmation can be a real incentive.
Why after sixty pounds no one in my circle of people have even
noticed or mentioned it? I question the scales. Still in the same
size of clothing. Even if most of the loss was water, I say doesn't
that count for some volume or bulk space?

Okay I do see four little areas on both sides of my body that show
some exiguity. But if you look at a stick of butter (fat) it takes
up space and does weigh something. I lost approximately 240
sticks of butter weight-wise. I would not be able to carry that
weight in my arms, to think I use to carry it up the steps many
times.

Please don't get the idea that I am dissappointed in myself.
I'm allowed to wonder about the people that surround me. As a
matter of fact I have no complaints about my life except I am
minus three people I love very much. I find that when I can't
change circumstances in my life, I can fall back on a good
attitude and all is well.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

control a craving

AVOID YOUR TRIGGERS: "You crave what you eat, so if you
switch what you're eating, you can weaken your old cravings and
strengthen new ones," says Marcia Pelchat, PhD, of the Monell
Center. This can happen pretty fast. For five days, her study
volunteers drank bland dietary-supplement beverages. During
that time, they craved fewer of their trigger foods. By the end of
the study, the volunteers actually wanted the supplements
instead. The first few days are always the hardest, and you
probably can't completely eliminate your old cravings. But the
longer you avoid your trigger foods, the less likely you may be
to want them. In fact, you'll probably begin to crave the foods
you eat, a real bonus if you've switched to fresh fruit. RD

Face my triggers on a list could be pretty easy, not! I can eat more
than one serving or my share of these particular items. Well no
wonder I struggle so much, the list is enormous. I would have to
just stop eating them to gain constant control or eat the bland stuff
forever. I will say one thing though, these up coming food items
are not too abundant in my life. (Then again maybe that is the
reason I overdue it when the opportunity does arrive.) Buffet,
sugar, salt, pizza, breaded chicken, carnitas, cheese, pasta,
chocolate, hamburgers, and ice cream; the longer I think, the
longer the list gets and the hungrier I get. What a foodie I am.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

percentage trivia

I like polls, it seems to put a new light on things for me. I don't
know how "The Source Circulation" comes up with their percents
but I do find it all pretty interesting. The nice thing about trivia is
you can take it one sip at a time. I hope you enjoy this type of
posting. Have an easy going day today is too hot to get riled up!

Physically fit men cut their risk of dying from heart disease 50%
regardless of cholesterol.

27% of men overestimate their height by an inch or more; 13% of
women do.

41% of casual restaurants say they offer more healthy options for
kids than they did two years ago.

Cuts and scrapes heal up to 25% faster on people who exercise
regularly.

In 1985, 55% of us found overweight folks less attractive than
thin; in 2005, 24% did.

One in four guys over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Based on BMI, 56% of NFL players are obese.

46% of men and 31% of women admit to double-dipping chips
at parties.

60% of adults don't use insect repellents, but mosquito bites are the
top summer skin-care concern in the United States.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

fat scare

Two more pounds to lose and twelve more days to go this
month. I can do small goals.

I had ugly fat beakers representing my weight loss in the side bar
months ago. It was so gross looking, even though I thrive on visual
results. I think that's why I'm a list keeper, I need to be reassured
by the crossed off items, that I am accomplishing something.

I love psychology, and I use it on myself to get me out of any
stagnation. It's time for some visual scare tactics.

Here's an article I found, cut out from, I can't remember where. I
do that a lot, I apologize. "Here, Spare Tire! C"Mere, Boy!" First
came the Pet Rock, then the Chia pet, now there's My Pet Fat. But
man's new best inanimate pal isn't just a gag gift. Put the bright
yellow blob where temptation strikes-- on the dinner table, in the
frig, next to the bag of chips--for a weight-loss reminder. Try it,
says creator Jay Jacobs (who claims it's helped him shed 100
pounds from a peak of 380), and "you'll never think about eating
the same way again."

The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but
what they become by it.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

1 more excuse

Following my injury on Thursday and in the ER, I spent four
days in bed medicated. Yesterday was my first day out with my
walker, today I went out and used the walker part time. Tomorrow
is my follow up with the doctor. Does that vindicate me for not
exercising? (I need to be focused and concentrate on doing the
right thing for losing weight and getting healthier.) Sometimes I
don't know which is worse, mental pain or physical pain. All is not
lost, I still have thirteen more days left in this month and 3 1/2
pounds to shake off to match my last weigh-in over a month ago.

Eating out tip for the day:
Are you too busy and on the go? Don't wait until you're starving
to find a place to eat. You'll be more likely to walk into the first
place you see, regardless of the kind of food it serves. If you're
very hungry, buy an apple, some nuts, or other healthy snack to
tide you over.

Monday, July 17, 2006

let's get real

Besides the broken relationship here with my computer, I'm just not
too happy with myself either. I must confess I have been hiding
behind information and opinions. When was the last time you read
that I had exercised, weighed-in, lost weight, broke a bad eating
habit, counted my tally marks, used my step counter, kept a food
journal, denied my self empty calories-wise, or even discussed the
five pounds I have been shuffling with for the last past month?
Don't bother, it is somewhere in the archives.

This started out as a daily weight journal. I've set my accountability
aside and began to perform. Who am I kidding, a wealth of
information? Get focused again on your own wellness and change
back to using what you know will work you towards a healthier life
style. What happened to the "I promise commitment?" Okay lady,
it's 6:45 pm, go have your dinner and think about a new start
tomorrow and which of the things listed above you will do once
more in progression. Thanks, I needed to give myself a good
shaking!

Sunday, July 16, 2006

memory loss

Besides the facts that your physician confers with concerning your
memory loss there is an additional reason if you are overweight. I
sort of get tired of hearing the doctor say that all of my ailments are
related to my weight, "I need to lose weight". That's just great now he
has another reason to harp on it. I just thought that since I was
getting older, starting to forget things was part of the process.

Being overweight puts a measurable dent in your supply of brain cells,
Swedish researchers found. Using CAT scans, they measured brain
size in 290 women in their 70's and discovered that those whose
temporal lobe was small (indicating shrinkage) had been overweight
(BMI 25 and over) throughout adulthood; women whose brains had
a healthy cell count in this area had maintained a healthy weight (BMI
less than 25). Temporal lobe loss impairs memory and shortens
attention span. The scientists suspect that artery disease bought
on by obesity may compromise blood flow to brain cells, killing
them off. P.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

misc. (male)

FACT: Beer; Harvard researchers found that men who drank
three or more glasses of alcohol 3 or 4 days a week had a stroke
risk that was 42% higher than that of abstainers. Generally safe
maximum for guys is two drinks per day.

JOKE: "The coach says I'm a triple threat." "Yeah, he's never
sure whether you're going to fumble, run the wrong way, or
jump off side."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You don't need the best of
everything to make the best of everything.

Were you in agreement with all of the picks for the
greatest sports athletes of the year?

Friday, July 14, 2006

fat-cushion

I never thought I'd see the day I was glad I am overweight. I took a
major fall yesterday and ended up in the emergency room. It's such
a big long story, no sense in getting into it, too painful to be out of
bed for long. The bottom line is my adipose absorbed the impact of
the backwards fall. Instead of a broken hip or worse, it's just a
swollen muscle twist that was pressing up against a nerve in the
lumbar side of my back. It will be a big interruption to my daily
stretching. The healing will be a pretty long process but I guess
that means I should be more attentive to what I eat now instead
of counting on moving around to burn off calories. Just eating and
sleeping, this could turn out to be a touchy situation. Hey, there
was no blood, I'm blessed by that.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

weight-loss illusion

I read somewhere about a trick that takes off pounds. I
assume that is if you only have a few pounds to lose.

Everyone looks thinner with a tan. It's a given, right up
there with "Wear black - it's more slimming that white".
But since roasting for hours in the sun is dangerous (not to
mention time - consuming), the best way to deepen your
skin tone is to get on the sunless-tan bandwagon. Like
sunscreens, self-tanners are better than ever - and almost
goof-proof. After the first coat dries, apply extra tanner to
flabby spots. "You don't have to be precise. Just move your
hand in long, circular strokes. You're not trying for a stripe -
you want to create a subtle oval shape on the skin," says
Barshop. The result: an optical illusion that really flatters.

Best spots to "slim down"-- Use Barshop's technique down the
outside of your thighs, at your waist, and along your upper arms.

Best spots to play up is where you're most muscular or slender.
Accentuate those areas (like your shinbones) with extra tanner.
Also try it on indentations, like your cleavage and any visible abs.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

PMS

(got milk) GOT PMS? Drink your milk! Women who get four
servings a day of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are less
likely to suffer PMS, according to a new report from the famed
Harvard Nurses' Health Study. But it's best to have both of these
nutrients (fortified juice and yogurt are good sources too.) And you
should stick to low- or nonfat dairy: Women in the study who
drank mostly whole milk were slightly more likely to have PMS. GH

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

thunder thighs

The more I read the happier I feel about myself. I can now put
that degrading title asunder and count it as a possible life saving
asset. My chubby legs contribute to a healthier heart? I thought
I just heard a slew of ladies rally, and take a bit deep breath.

Women complain about less-than-lithe gams, but new research
suggests that leg fat may actually protect against heart disease.
This might explain why your body fights so hard to hold on to it, no
matter how much you sweat it out on the treadmill. "In the past, we
thought all fat was bad," says Rachael Van Pelt of the University of
Colorado at Denver. But where you store that fat makes all the
difference.

Abdominal fat is linked to heart disease. But what about leg fat? Van
Pelt measured fat levels of 95 women and looked at risk factors for
heart disease, including insulin and triglycerides (a sometimes
dangerous fat). Women with excess leg fat, regardless of belly fat,
had fewer triglycerides in the blood, which may mean they're at
lower risk for heart disease. How does it work? Leg fat may grab
triglycerides from the blood and store them. With more research,
scientists may be able to create drugs that help stomach fat act like
leg fat. RD

Monday, July 10, 2006

sticky weight

Okay, the last weeks couple of pounds gain is still here and that's not
good. The longer I hold on to it the greater the chance of more weight
to stick to it like glue. I was a little too comfortable last week
bragging that I wasn't worried about that little gain. After all I
knew what I needed to do to lose it by the end of the week. I was
over confident and allowed my guard to be at rest. This is the
beginning of a new week, what do I wish to accomplish by next
Sunday?

I want to bring my will in line with His, not to be a glutton. Lord
help me to be a healthy weight, a normal weight, the weight that
you have intended me to be.

"TIE"
Prayer
is the tuning fork
which brings me
into harmony
with God.
by Pollyanna Sedziol

Sunday, July 09, 2006

diet book review

I am not promoting anything I myself haven't tried. This for me is on
the complicated side with too many unfamiliar changes to abide by.
It was worth reading though, I picked up on some different ideas
and attitudes about foods in general. Like I said before being
informed, is half the battle. I have never read an article or book
that I chose where I did not learn something from it.

The Flavor Point Diet explains the science of mind over appetite
and tapping into The Flavor Point. Until now, your brain has controlled
your food choices, soon your food choices will control your brain.
Then there is The Plan, phase 1 which is six weeks of delicious,
convenient, and flavorful friendly meals that turn down the Flavor
Point. It incorporates a daily theme for all three meals each day.
Then, Staying on Point For Life, you've graduated from the school of
flavor themes. You no longer need them as long as you adhere to The
Flavor Point Principles.

Points of interest:
Although many variables influence how much you eat, flavor matters
most.

Examine what you're eating. Read every ingredient. The fewer the
ingredients listed, the more nutritious and less appetite stimulating
the food.

Always aim for variety over time, not variety all the time. Limit the
variety of flavors in any given meal or snack, and never cruise from
snack to snack.

Limit your morning food choices on most days to cereal grains, fruits,
and dairy foods, and don't mix in meats, cheese, or salty items.

Do the opposite for lunch and afternoon snacks. Have salty and savory;
such as vegetables, lean meats, beans and nuts, but no sweets. For a
sense of closure, end lunch with a hot beverage rather than a dessert.

Don't add salt to sweet baked goods. They do not need salt.

Fiber is appetite suppressing.

Coffee creamers avoid, use undiluted dry milk.

Flavor Fluency is the tendency to feel full and stop eating when flavors
are limited and to stay hungry and keep eating when flavors are
diverse.

All potent appetite stimulators have sugar, salt, and fats.

In your brain, when you turn on an appetite meter, it must register
fullness before it turns off again. The fewer meters you turn on the
less you eat before you feel full and satisfied and the sooner you
reach the Flavor Point.

Our appetites are stimulated by flavor variety and lulled by flavor
consistency. A study in Sensory-specific satiety found sweet foods
less pleasurable when they had recently eaten sweet foods and salty
foods less pleasurable when they had recently eaten salty foods. A
new taste stimulates another meter in the brain.

Flavor has a far greater effect on appetite than fat content has.

Bitter and astringent tastes tend to suppress appetite until we
acquire a preference for them.

Even the most powerful habit-forming substances do their damage
only when you use them frequently and at fairly high doses.

Sugar and refined starches trigger overeating just as fatty foods do.

Artificial sweeteners activate the sweet meter that stimulates
appetites.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

diet book

I generally don't go on specific types of diets, because they are too
restrictive for me money wise or food wise. I do take note of all
their aspects and incorporate into my life style what I feel will work
for me. This past weekend I read from the library a new book per se
on a new twist to dieting. Actually, I have discovered before many
of the mentioned ideas myself with being in tuned to my body cues.
I will post tomorrow on my blog a few lines from the book that I
thought were interesting. It is a whole new life style and doesn't
sound easy but, let's face it as far as losing weight is concerned some
of us go to extremes at one time or another just trying over and over
again to drop those unwanted pounds.

Located in the library section 613.25 KAT
title "The Flavor Point Diet" by David L Katz

Friday, July 07, 2006

calorie hits & misses

Another holiday under the belt and a move to the next notch with
a two pound gain. I'm glad that is over with, I don't worry about
that small gain, I know what steps to take to improve that little
dilemma. The real culprit is yet to rear it's head. There is two
wedding showers, two weddings, one baby shower, two club festivals
three birthdays, and a pot luck all in an eight week period to go to. I
better put on my armor of information for healthy eating and control
around scrumptious foods.

Hits:
Kudos to Kraft Foods for giving kids more than a fat chance to avoid
obesity. They're phasing out TV ads for calorie-rich foods aimed at
the 6 to 11 set.

He's a bit round in the belly, but Cookie Monster knows healthy
eating is good. This season on "Sesame Street," he'll sing the
virtues of fruits, veggies and exercise.

Misses:
Burger King has outdone itself: its new Enormous Omelet Sandwich
--eggs, cheese, sausage and bacon -- has a whopping 730 calories
and 47 grams of fat.

But for truly excessive excess, Hardee's Monster Thickburger
tops all comers: 1,420 calories and 107 grams of fat. Monstrous
indeed. RD

Monday, July 03, 2006

restaurant tips

Everybody have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Choose the restaurants wisely and try to stay clear of
a buffet if they are too tempting for you to overeat.
Otherwise, use some common knowledge when at your
bar-b-cue, or here are some little reminders at places
where the food is served to your table and the choice is
yours:

1. Avoid unhealthy and high-calorie fats, choose steamed,
poached, broiled, baked, grilled, or roasted foods over deep-fried.

2.Pass on gravies and sauces. If you have a salad, ask for dressing
on the side.

3. Skip the appetizers, bread and butter, and other fillers. If you
must have something before your main meal, order a broth or
other light soup.

4. If you like wine at mealtime, have it with your main dish. Stick
with water while you're waiting.

5. For dessert, try herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee. If you can't
resist dessert, order something with fruit and split it with a dining
partner. Or if you are like me at times, I order my piece of cake
or whatever calorie laden item I like and share with the whole
table.

6. If your order is way too large, don't try to finish it all at the table.
Ask for a carry-out-container. Make another meal of your leftovers
later on or for the next day.

7. Ask the waiter or waitress how a dish you're interested in ordering
is prepared. See if you can request healthy substitutions (baked
instead of fried, olive oil instead of butter.)

8. If you are too reserved to make a big deal out of the menu
just scan down the whole menu for already listed healthy choices
which most restaurants now accommodate. Bon appetit.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

plateau

As an on again off again dieter I haven't decided which word
makes me more frustrated, the word "gain" or the word "plateau.
Be realistic everyday will not be a loss. The plateau isn't that bad
as long as it doesn't turn out to be the great plains. We all know
that means it's time for a change in our approach. No need to
hash out what to do. Let's face it, we've been doing this for such
a long time we are walking diet gurus. Our drawlback is the non
use of total commitment, consistency, and patience. We may
see ourselves as a failure when our efforts are not paying off fast
enough. I'm here to tell you don't give up remember Kanter's law
"Everything can look like a failure in the middle."

Winning is often the results of persistence, of not giving up when
your goal appears to be in jeopardy. Adopt the attitude that if you
do something it will make a difference and that will build up your
confidence. Certainly there will still be moments and situations
that just aren't going to go your way. That is the time when your
confidence needs to be tempered by realism. Be careful not to be
over confident to the point of acting irrationally.

Hey, I lost one more pound and it hasn't even been a whole week
yet. I get excited over little things. I can even encourage myself,
if need be. Maybe that is why I'm finally on my way to caring about
how I look and feel physically. Nothing taste as good as thin feels!
I can still remember that far back. It's awful late and that puts me
in a danger zone of getting hungry for a late night snack. I'm going
to nip that thought right in the bud, I'm outta here!

Saturday, July 01, 2006

stomach ache

I read this article and don't remember where it came from but I
thought it was interesting. Before you reach for the antacids, you
may want to hit the gym. Though exercise may be the last thing
on your mind, you'll probably feel much better afterward, say
researchers at the University of Washington and other institutions.
In their study of 983 obese or overweight men and women, they
found that those who exercised the most had the fewest GI problems,
such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.

What gives? It may be that by exercising you feel better overall, so
you notice painful GI symptoms less. Or it might be that by
exercising, you kick in something physiologically that reduces GI
symptoms, says study author Rona Levy, a psychologist. This
study examined only overweight people, but the researchers
suspect that exercise could also help normal-weight or underweight
people with GI problems.

Friday, June 30, 2006

weight issues

I've lost two pounds in two days. Wouldn't it be cool to lose a pound a day when you have over one hundred pounds on your back and every where else? (Out of never never land and back to reality.) Of course I know it was probably only due to the extreme heat and the perspiration it extracted. Who cares to a dieter? We like to see the numbers on the scale go backwards. I haven't had a chance in almost a month to go back to my support group and also pick up where I left off on my exercise program three times a week. Yet I am losing a tiny bit at a time. I must have changed and modified some of my bad eating habits. That tells me when I am on course again the improvements will be more rapid and rewarding. Until then, I really need to stay vigilant and watch what and how much I eat. Funny I still have a long way to go but it feels as if it is getting a wee bit easier. I better watch myself, bragging always comes back and slaps you in the face. I love to eat but one thing I don't care to eat is my words! I have had to eat a lot of humble pie in my lifetime. It becomes a natural thing to apologize all of the time but I end up feeling sometimes it leaves a bad aftertaste in other peoples mouth. (Things are never the same again, such a waste of good relationships.) Moral of the story, what comes out of your mouth is as important as what goes into your mouth. Here's to a less complicated life for us all.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

optimism

I have never seen a person on a diet who lost weight by being
in a bad mood. Those losing weight were always enthusiastic!
(Light bulb here?) Optimism is contagious. You feel it and it
shows! It gives you a sense of power, and makes you see the
possibilities. Being in the right frame of mind will build up the
confidence in yourself. It changes the procrastinator into a
producer. It tells things about you and what you are working
towards. Optimism opens doors and turns dreams into realities.
I just found another key to use in my quest towards a healthier
life style that will guarantee success! By Jove, I think I've got it!

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

misc.

FACT: Women who favored protein sources such a red meat
and dairy products over carbohydrate foods increased their
odds of dying from cardiovascular disease by a whopping 40%.

JOKE: It's not easy being on a diet, and a trip to the grocery
store, I saw a car whose owner had come to terms with his
body. His bumper sticker gloated "Fat People Are Harder
to Kidnap."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Better to do something imperfectly
than to do nothing flawlessly"

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

mini poll

Time for some more changes that includes with this site and
with myself. Sorry for any inconveniences but I now have a
random poll going on, scroll down if you care to participate.
So far there will be three questions pending. Feel free to give
your opinion so that I can determine what you want to hear
about the most. The poll had to be put in the present location
because the service code was too wide for presentation in the
sidebar. Thanks.

Now about changing myself. What a constant project this has
turned out to be. I've had enough with the overweight issues.
I want to live long enough to tie up loose ends and make peace.
I also want my last days or years, which ever it be, to be as
painless with my body as possible, therefore there is some more
weight to be lost.

A quick review with my last mistake in my quest for a healthier
life style commitment. I gave in this week to only one temptation
of a pizza splurge. Okay, consequences, I now am tittering between
a four and five pound gain for this month. Nip it in the bud and don't
allow that gain to follow you into the next month, lady! Your choices
are simple either eat less for the remaining of the week or increase
the normal activity to a burn! I rest my case.

Monday, June 26, 2006

sugar cravings

Actually if you can find it in your heart to give up sugar, the
craving does dissipate after awhile. Then when you have
something with sugar in it, it does not leave a comfortable
aftertaste. You will find a disdain attitude towards the way
it makes you feel, tired, leaves an aftertaste, makes you
thirsty, packs on empty calorie weight, is not good for your
teeth, and leaves your tongue insensitive to taste as if there
were a coating on it. It will become a craving again if you let it.

Try the mineral Chromium 200 mcg daily. It is easy to find
where vitamins are sold. That mineral will help decrease the
sugar cravings because it is involved in the metabolism of
glucose. Sometimes it is called glucose tolerance factor or GTF
which is needed for energy. It is also vital in the synthesis of
cholesterol, fats, and protein. This essential mineral maintains
stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization, and
can be helpful both for people with diabetes and those with
hypoglycemia. Studies have shown that low plasma chromium
levels can be an indication of coronary artery disease. Chromium
picolinate has been used successfully to control blood cholesterol
and blood glucose levels. It also promotes the loss of fat and an
increase in lean muscle tissue. Studies show it may increase
longevity and help to fight osteoporosis.

Always check with your doctor before taking anything. You can
get too much vitamins and minerals in your system if not taken
according to your needs. Excessive intake can led to chromium
toxicity, which has been associated with dermatitis, gastrointestinal
ulcers, and kidney and liver impairment. A deficiency of chromium
can led to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance (particularly in people
with diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids, and an
increased risk of arteriosclerosis.

Don't think by being young one may be excluded from the needed
daily dosage of vitamins and minerals as a supplement along with
the suggested pyramid servings of fruits and vegetables. The
best medicine is always preventive procedures.

After my dumb story yesterday about my pizza fiasco this post
now sounds a little too lettered. (Back to my diary style.)

Sunday, June 25, 2006

kick myself

Before I start ranting, for those who aren't return visitors, stopping by
for some diet tip; I don't want you to leave without getting something
from this site that may help you in any way. Here's good news for the
pasta lovers. The water in cooked noodles helps to fill you up without
adding calories. That's music to this Italian's ears! I'll go for adding
volume not calories.

I could kick myself for many reasons. I'll save the best for last, like I
do with my food on my plate. That is definitely not a good choice to
make while dining. If you were satiated with a satisfying mouth
watering food there would be no need to finish the rest on your plate
as a filler or like a human garbage disposal.

Another reason is I always have regrets when I splurge money on
something I didn't need and it was needed for something else.
That is an obsession with me. I like it when the green is lean and
in the bank instead of my hands.

Harder kick here. I managed to overcome a whole day of temptation
to eat pizza (even though I knew there was none in sight.) That
reason never stops an obsessive person. Where there is a will there
is a way. I searched the house for pizza delivery coupons. I also
visited the trash recipical in the house. I found many coupons
but I didn't hit the jackpot. They looked like they went through
a paper shredder. Yes, I have a tendency to attack things that
could hurt me. By evening the thought was demanding me to
go on another search. I ventured, now don't say yuck, to the
outside blue recycle can of newspapers. More torn-up pieces
of pizza coupons were all taunting at me. I came in to my best
friend, the computer, which had a calming affect on me. Hey, I'm
back "the pizza cram man." What's wrong with me? Hello could
you honestly be hungry for some more fuel for the night? Oh my
I forgot to eat supper. Vegetable soup will do, boing, craving not
a problem anymore.

Getting soar. One more kick for the road and this time I need to
use both feet. Why is it what we think we want is really not the
best for us or even not what we really wanted? Yesterday the
craving monster reared its head again for the second day. This
time I had all day to do a scavenger hunt. I found a coupon tucked
away in an envelope on the dryer? Who put that there in such an
unsuspecting place? Was it my nemesis? No, I like to believe it
was the assailant of good health and guess who went along for
the ride. Okay, here's why I'm carrying extra baggage. I ordered
a large pizza with pepperoni and sausage, chicken strips, blueberry
pie-like dessert, and a two liter of cola, ( which I have a tendency
to get addicted to caffeine.)

Okay, one more kick for the road. Last call, one for the road, just
one bite, no sense in wasting it, and on and on. I have all kinds of
reasons to stay in an unhealthy environment. Now here's my
consequences or punishment, how ever you look at it. Yes, I ate
half of it and will eat the other half today. But the pay back is ---
I didn't like any of the food one bit. It just didn't taste as good
as I thought I remembered. I did like the cola!

I don't believe thinner people eat, foods they don't like the taste of.
After three bites I was sure this food is not what I wanted. That
happens to me most of the time I eat. No wonder it takes a lot to
satisfy my taste buds. If only I could pass on all of the foods that
fill the gap but not the desire. All this sedentary activity has made
me hungry. It's lunch time and I haven't had breakfast yet. Chow!

Saturday, June 24, 2006

diet & alcohol

Besides the fact that it is more satiating to eat your calories
rather than drink them, they are also mostly sugars, and
definitely empty calories. A study at the University at
Buffalo revealed that infrequent drinkers who splurged on
four or more drinks in one sitting have more belly fat than
those who consume only one a day. It seems that high quantities
of alcohol switch the body to fat-storing mode, particularly in the
abdomen. Fortunately, you can enjoy more than one drink-guilt-
free-by sticking to wine or spritzers. The same study found that
hard-alcohol drinkers had the highest risk of developing belly
bulge, whereas wine drinkers had the lowest.

Friday, June 23, 2006

misc.

FACT: People who sleep less than seven hours per night are
more likely to be obese than those who sleep seven or more
hours.

JOKE: Why does Peter Pan always fly? Because he can never
never land.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Happiness is not having what you
want. It is wanting what you have.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

article

Select water-rich foods, such as grapes and hot cereal, instead
of denser choices like raisins and bagels. It's true: Foods high in
water can help you feel fuller on fewer calories, according to a new
study from Pennsylvania State University in University Park.
When meals and snacks - including pizza, muffins and casseroles -
were altered to include more water-rich fruits and vegetables,
women ate 23 percent fewer calories a day. The participants, 24
women ages 19-35, say they felt just as satisfied as when they ate
regular meals.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

diet havoc

Regardless of our diet efforts there are diet destroyers that
lurk in the air and sometimes invade our bodies:
NOT HAVING A PLAN
Hoping that you'll reach your healthy-eating goals by luck alone
can easily lead to extra calories and unwanted pounds. Be prepared
and make it happen! Watch out for this destructor at work; special
occasions, holiday celebrations, vacations, the gym, and when you
travel.
FEELING DEPRIVED
Giving in to your inner 2-year- olds whims may feel good as you
savor that second helping of cake, but you'll pay for it later when
you get on the scale. Watch out for this destructor at parties, special
occasions and holiday celebrations.
PEER PRESSURE
Going along with your girlfriends' yen for Nachos Grande and a
pitcher of margaritas may seen like the sociable thing to do, but
it's a smart choice if you're to maintain a healthy weight.
FATIGUE
Being tired means you're more likely to grab whatever foods are
easily available, and often that translates to the high-calorie fare
your body craves to boost energy. Watch out for this destructor
at happy hour, the gym, and when you travel.
GLUTTONY
The urge to gorge on everything that looks tasty has been passed
down to us from our prehistoric ancestors , who suffered from
prehistoric scarcities is downright dangerous. Watch out for
this destructor at parties, special occasions, holiday celebrations,
and on vacations.
"STUCK" SYNDROME
Ever feel like you're hopelessly trapped in a meeting on a plane or
even at a social gathering? Boredom and desperation can lead
you to give up on your diet and eat whatever's in reach as you
search for relief. Watch out for this destructor at work, happy hour,
vacations, and when you travel.

Those are a few but don't forget about some other powerful wreckers
which are; guilt, impatience, feeling starved, plateaus, trigger foods,
stress, not enough sleep, and the dreaded scale obsession. You just
can't win for losing. The outside world bombards us with an
abundance of opportunities and enticements to eat, drink, and be
merry. (Portion control, moderate behavior, wise choices, increased
activity, being informed, support systems, and a sense of self worth;
hallelujah, there is still hope!) Without hope we have nothing.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

o-calorie cake

Yes as the saying goes, I would like to have my cake and eat it too.
I don't mean literally. I would rather it taste like I'm eating cake
but not really eat the laden empty calories (although I have at times.)
There is a food flavored spray that comes in about 30 different
flavors. It's called "David Burke's flavor sprays" each 2 ounce
bottle cost $5.95. Every bottle is 0-calorie, nonfat, and cholesterol
free. Try a Birthday Cake flavor spritz lightly sweetened on a bland
rice cake. Use the bacon version on a hard-boiled egg. Although the
Ranch flavor has a pungent ordor. Some of the other flavors are:
Memphis BBQ, Parmeasan Cheese, and Marshmallow.

Hurrah, I finally made a post under these stressful conditions with
the margins off and I didn't pull out one strand of what is left to my
hair.

Monday, June 19, 2006

food hangover

I haven't felt that stuffed in a long time and it isn't
anything I want to do again soon. No sense in
reviewing my mistakes. I did keep in mind to
not let the whole day be a mishap. I stayed
away from drinking soda pop, I walked a few
stairs, I had a sliver of cheesecake, ate both
meals very early in the day, and skippped
dinner because of the abundant calories I had
eaten earlier. I had a one pound gain but that
can be worked off within the rest of the week.

I really don't feel like talking about anything right now. I am
so fed up with this computer, I could spit nails! The margin is
off and I have to watch the screen and almost count every
letter to judge, it may be the end of a line. Then I have to
enter to start a new line otherwise it stretches out to the
end of the computer screen and I lose my sidebar next to
the entry on my blog. Don't be suprised to see more of
testing 123, which I was doing for hours today. This may
even only be a draft for now, until I cool off.

BLOG READS

GENERAL:
http://www.goforthand.blogspot.com/
http://www.sadhouse.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogcharm.com/AwakeInMiracles
http://wwwstik.blogspot.com/
http://signsoftheweek.blogspot.com/
http://blogcharm.com/siteswap/
http://bloggingtexasmommy.blogspot.com/
http://alittlejoyfortoday.blogspot.com/
http://homesinkitsap.blogspot.com/
entry on o6-22-o6
The Five Factors Of Credit Scoring
http://christianityandmore.blogspot.com/
http://ourholyinheritance.blogspot.com/

DIET:
http://www.diet-blog.com/
(No More Big Fat Lies)
entry on 06-29-06
"The Big Blog List"
34 comments with 34 Diet Blogs
http://www.new-diet-tips.com/
http://members.tripod.com/behaviormodification/index-1.htm
http://www.iportion.blogspot.com/
http://www.turkeywalk.com/
http://101reasonswhyyoucant.blogspot.com/
http://www.womens-health-fitness.com/
http://www.drphil.com/articles/category/
http://chubbytoes.blogspot.com/
http://www.nea.org/wellness/index.html

ANIMALS:
http://www.thepoodleanddogblog.typepad.com/
http://www.thewebsiteofeverything.com/weblog/
http://www.animaltails.org/
http://www.CostumeDogs.com/
http://www.cuteoverload.com/
http://www.ithetwilight.com/createhope/
http://www.bettasplenden.blogspot.com/
http://dailypuppy.com/
http://www.worldofcats.blogspot.com/
http://www.art4pets.com/
http://www.cat-world.com.au/CatMyths.htm

Sunday, June 18, 2006

father's day

"HAPPY FATHER's DAY"

Thanks Dad for all those times I came to you
with a problem and walked away without one!

Thanks for being patient
while I went through all my phases,
Thanks for having faith
and being quick to sing my praises,
Thanks for easing doubts
and soothing little hurts and fears,
Thanks, with all my heart,
for loving me through all the years.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

myth

The more times you lose weight and then gain it back, the harder it is to lose pounds on your next attempt. Not necessarily, says Glenn Gaesser, Ph.D., a weight-loss researcher and professor of exercise physiology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "Many people spend their whole lives going through yo-yo weight cycles." he says. "But there's no definitive data that shows it will permanently slow your metabolism [the rate at which your body burns food for energy]."

But rebound pounds do tend to make you fatter when it comes to body composition, especially if you go on crash diets. For example, say you toggle between 150 and 135 pounds-- lose 15 pounds your regain likely consist of more fat and less muscle than you originally lost, Gaesser says: "Most people who lose weight rapidly will lose muscle mass." Rebound pounds usually contain more fat, less muscle. N.G.


I personally believe that exercising the large muscle groups three times a week and alternating days of weight resistance training will prevent muscle loss and burn off the fat as an extra bonus. (Remember if your carbohydrate intake is too low and your ketones are high your body will be burning your muscles as fuel.)

Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.

Friday, June 16, 2006

water

Tis' the season. With all this hot weather creeping up on us and scheduling a busy summer to keep the kids occupied, who has time to think of what's best for ourselves? Keep your health in check and list your needs also. This includes sun block, sunglasses, healthy nonperishable foods and snacks, handi-wipes, and plenty of water, water, and more water. Our bodies can survive longer without food than we can without water. Especially is you perspire a lot, be prepared. If you are active you lose more water than if you are sedentary. Diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol cause us to lose water by tricking our bodies into thinking we have more water than we need. Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches, and constipation. A strong odor to your urine, along with a yellow or amber color indicates that you are not getting enough water. (Riboflavin, a B Vitamin, will make your urine bright yellow.) Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration and in fact, you need water long before you feel thirsty. We lose water through urination, respiration, and by sweating.

Our bodies are estimated to be about 60 to 70% water. Blood is mostly water, and our muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. Water is needed to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all our organs. Water also transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste, and protects our joints and organs. A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. Your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

Regular or Diet Sodas are not a good source of water. Juices and sodas have a lot of sugar in them and aren't a good choice, so don't count them towards your daily amount. Herbal teas that aren't diuretic are fine. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you don't need. There are some brands of flavored water available, but some of them have sugar or artificial sweeteners which you don't need. If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor.

The best source of water is plain, pure drinking water. I rest my H2O case.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

rededicate

I think I'm in a "RE" mood since yesterday. I will rededicate my efforts to reducing the amount of food I eat today. I will re-energize my activity and use the step counter today. I will restore my passion to live longer and healthier by reviewing my past postings that have motivational hype. I will use deep breathing exercises to reduce the pressure in my life so as not to be an emotional eater. I will refocus my priorities and try again to make myself come first. If I don't respect my body and quit shoveling in empty calories, I will be on a rebound and gain back last years loss. I refuse to give up no matter how often I fall back and gain a pound or two. Remind yourself to refute the obese attitude. The rewards will come in the form of loose clothing and reversed numbers. Now that I have reviled the prefix "re," I have one more inane sentence to propose. Now looking back can you find how many "re" words are so-called hidden?

Step counter- 2,ooo steps equals 1 mile.

Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments. How different would we act if we knew today was our last day on earth?

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

recalls

PILATES BALLS: Those exercise balls distributed by LTD commodities and the Lakeside Collection and sold in catalogs nationwide from August 2005 through September 2005 for about $9.00. LTD Commodities - 866-736-3654. The Lakeside Collection - 866-847-4327. Certain pieces on the Pilates ball could fall apart and/or separate, posing a risk of injury.

No diet talk today either. Where is the productive diet enthusiast hiding inside of me? Come out, come out, where ever you are! Don't let too many days keep you in one spot. Losing weight is a journey (a long one for me) and a goal will never be met if I don't move on to energize myself one day at a time, one step at a time, and a one pound target loss at a time.

BLESSED PEACE
The greatest peace
I've ever known
I found in troubled times
For when I put my trust in God
He eased my troubled mind
Dolores Karides

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

sluggish

Today my mind is in a sluggish frame. I don't feel like talking about dieting or working it. Lately I've been nipping at the extra large flavored-coffee cup, cola, and the ever tempting chocolate. A little here and a little there and all of a sudden, headaches. Don't tell me I'm hooked on caffeine again. All I wanted from the stimulant was a little nudge. I got it alright, but then along came the urge followed by the crave and withdrawal. Will I ever learn that any addiction that is overcome has to be followed by continual maintenance. Oh yes, I've had a few that have controlled my life and put me in the wrong direction. I was greedy when it came to smoking, drinking, gambling, pain pills, diet pills, caffeine, even sex, dancing, food especially sugars, and now computers. I could never get enough of anything. Let's see, is that obsessive, compulsive, or addictive? Who cares? I guess I'll always be a "foodie" but at least all are gone even though a few have surfaced. I am an overcomer, I do work a 12 step program when I feel necessary, I strive for a no-fail environment, I get support and continue to be informed concerning the overweight, and soon as the flavored coffees are gone from my house the road to being clean will be traveled once again. I wish myself good luck and to anyone else who struggles with letting go of things that could hurt them. See ya!

Monday, June 12, 2006

overweight children

It's bad enough when we don't take care of ourselves by eating in a way that will guarantee a healthier life, let alone, show a bad example for our children. I don't like taking the blame for any extra poundage my children carry on them but I do remember when my first child was born. Upon a few visits to the doctors for his baby shots I was told to alter his formula by adding some extra boiled water.

The incidence of childhood obesity had tripled in the past two decades. When children weigh more than they should it can lead to a variety of serious health consequences, being obese and showing signs of disease, and emotional consequences as they grow. Obese children and teens suffer so much emotionally and socially that their quality of life compares with that of childhood cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Overweight kids may also turn into chronic dieters or develop eating disorders. Leann Birch, PhD. had found that unwittingly, parents-- through how they act, what they say, and even their own diet struggles-- can subvert their own good intentions.

Check out a book at the library and read up on the suggestions she has for helping your child at an early age. If you can't find anything leave a comment, I will try to furnish some more information.

How ironic that I don't remember being an overweight child but I do remember gaining weight when I was with child, after child, after child, after child.

I wonder why food has a connotation of love to a lot of people. No one escapes the affects of eating more food than our body needs, including men, women, children, and even our pets.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

eating out

My three day function has thrown a monkey wrench into my wellness quest. Eating out at restaurants for six times is too much of a good thing. I only had three no-no items. I actually, felt a little rebellious. No one likes to feel pressured or scrutinized. I was amongst people who were to support your efforts, not judge them with an attitude. There were hundreds of like minded participants and only two people who had a tendency to be silently opposed but well heard! Bad vibes and the feeling of rejection can even ruin a good wedding. Like water off of a ducks back I did enjoy myself those thirty six hours. I have a four pound gain. I have been sticking to my diet-promise to my self to change some kind of bad habit, use some kind of good habit that will result in a healthier eating style everyday. This will be day 17.

Here are some of the efforts I put forth, in living color, because when I finish my journey I will have crossed over to the other side of the rainbow and reached the pot of gold representing healthy living for longevity:
1. Skipped Starbucks coffee and muffin for breakfast.

2. Used pedometer (4,245) (5,242) (5,878).

3. Left some food on my plate.

4. Six salads instead of fries.

5. Skipped the bread basket two times.

6. Drank water at four meals.

7. No in between or evening snacks.

8. Nothing to eat past 5:00 pm.

9. Ordered cheesecake for desert, ate one bite and shared the rest. (actually only one other person ate one bite and the rest was wasted)

10. Attended 5 motivational speaking sessions and took notes.

11. Took vitamin supplements and drank plenty of water.

12. All day activities for three days (first day 5 hrs., two dancing) (second day long 14 hrs) (third day long 17 hrs)

Regardless of the gain things are changing.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

healthy bones

* Do regular weight-bearing exercise. Walking, jogging, aerobics and weight training strengthen bones.

* Do not forget vitamin D, plus calcium. Daily doses of these nutrients, found in food, fortified drinks such as milk and orange juice, or supplements, are vital for bone health.

* Don't delay. Keep active and get enough calcium and vitamin D early in life. Most bone is formed during childhood and adolescence, and many people start losing bone mass in their 30s.

Friday, June 09, 2006

article

Need some mental stimulation without chemicals and caffeine? Snacking on foods high in boron can keep your mind running at full throttle. In a study at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota, participants deprived of the mineral for nine weeks performed poorly on mental tasks such as counting and computer exercises. "Boron stimulates the production of the brain's beta waves, which work to keep your mind focused and alert," explains lead researcher James Penland, Ph.D.. To ward off afternoon mental slumps, snack on boron-rich red grapes or nuts.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

misc.

FACT: Bitter orange often found in weight-loss aids, can increase your risk of heart disease.

JOKE: Life is unfair. I lost my car keys at a ball game and never found them. I lost my sunglasses at the beach and never found them. I lost my socks in the dryer and never found them. I lost three pounds on a diet--I found them and five more.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Don't bother with tomorrow's troubles, you have all you can handle today.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

hooray

After two weeks I weighed in last night. I lost 7.50 pounds. I expected more but how often do we get what we expected, or even what we deserve? I will continue to focus on the big picture of where I'm at this time of the year compared to where I was last year at this time. I weigh less, that's good, but I'm not as happy. Therefore instead of dwelling on what can not be changed, I will make a small list for myself the changes I did make in my life or someone else's in a years time. There will always be good and not so good things that crossed my path. I have a few sayings that always puts things into perspective for me.

God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
The courage to change the things I can and
The wisdom to know the difference.

Some of you may recognize it and we know where that came from. That tells you there is a particular resource in the realm of things for every cause and affect. Do you have a question, request, problem, illness, hurdle, or situation that stresses your life? Go to the right source. My problem is food and always I need to go to it to eat to live. I should not be living to eat. Pass the lips and to the hips. I truly can accept myself, but I do sometimes get disappointed when the feeling of not being accepted by others becomes an issue. My philosophy is to fall back on a good attitude.

Let's just get right down to the real nitty gritty. Diet, what an ugly word. It doesn't even have a good sound to it diet! My mind and body automatically gets defensive and wants to horde everything I eat. Diets don't work forever, they are only a band-aid for the sore spot. To live everyone has to breath, eat, and move in that order. To lose weight, it all has to be in balance.

Case in point: Breath, (oxygen) the one thing you cannot live without. Eat, (nutrition) the fuel in your body that runs the machine. Move, the motion that sparks the circulation that keeps the body all working together. It would be senseless to keep the gas pump running if the gas gauge is on full. Gauge the food you eat. Would you add anything other than what is required to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently? We do it to our bodies everyday of our lives. Get informed about the proper nutrition your body needs. That secret will give you more mileage and peak performance for the remaining years of your life. Vroom vroom

Monday, June 05, 2006

diet minded

Worry, struggle, control, denial, and pushing myself are all feelings I have to deal with everyday if I want to stay diet minded. Speaking of the mind that's where it is all at. I have to remind myself everyday to fall back on a good attitude. What does it matter to have goals and strive to reach them to turn around again and require more goals of yourself over and over to keep up with the world and the so called Trump quest to be the best or the model's runway of narrow frames? Stop and smell the roses. There is the here and now that passes away in the blink of an eye. First count your blessings, love yourself, tell someone you love them (we all need to hear that,) accept imperfections, forgive (it frees your soul,) focus on the good in everything and everybody (it keeps disappointments at bay,) and one more (because I can go on and on,) all humans deal with the issues of life like hurt, misunderstanding, making mistakes, being judgmental, and believing we have to be better than we are.

It's not the things that we do...it's the things that we don't do!

Promise what (the good) you can deliver and deliver more than you promised.

LIFE'S INNER WORTH
There is no path worth wile
Upon the face of earth
Unless man knows sweet peace
And life's true inner worth.
For strength will come each mile
When weary steps grow faint
And faith in God increase
With wisdom of a saint.
by Loreta Inman

Sunday, June 04, 2006

dieter's plateau

I'll settle for a plateau rather than a gain. Planning a course leads to a destination. If you find you are going in circles and nothing is changing for you regardless of your efforts to drop some more pounds, try to change your course. Five favorite helpful tips are: increase exercise to raise your basal metabolic rate, diversify your workout, doing both strength and endurance workouts, alter your diet by eating six mini meals throughout the day rather than three large meals to curb cravings and consume the majority of your calories early in the day, line up support to keep your motivation strong and stay true to your plan by pairing up with a friend or in a group of like minded contenders or with an exercise trainer, revise your gaols and don't let the scale be the only measure of your success and if you have focused on one or two techniques only it is time to broaden your approach and adopt new strategies.

Talking about strategies you name it and I've tried it. The only reason I am still talking about I want to lose weight and keep it off is because I never stuck with any one program or attempt long enough to see the benefits of discipline and commitment. That makes me wonder just how important it really was to me or was I trying it to please others? I don't think it is necessary to name all of the type of diets or aids that we all already know of but I even tried weekly shots, body wraps, some kind of sauna box where my head was the only thing showing, and the so called tried and true hypnotist. Now that was a nightmare in its self, sometime I'll have to tell you of my delusions in that tiny empty room........

Saturday, June 03, 2006

detox diet pros

I knew I would find something to refute my last entry. I affirm that these well-educated authorities that try to lead us along the path of research studies, tend to portray bi-polar opinions. Can't they ever get along and agree on what is best for our welfare? Dr. Hellmut Lutzner (doctorate that is impressive) wrote a book and I'm not going to promote the title, since I have doubts now about fasting which I have done for years. There are seven different kinds of fastings: water fasting, zero fasting, tea fasting, gruel fasting, fresh juice fasting, whey fast, and the Buchinger method. (Always check with your doctor about anything you read, therapeutic fasting is also recommended as a preventive against cancer if there has been cancer in your family and you are in a high risk category?) ( A grain of salt here please.) Preventive fasting if for people who are in danger of becoming ill through diet-related diseases and metabolic disturbances. With your doctors guidance you should fast until the risk factors, which can be determined by medical tests, have disappeared, for example in the case of:

*high blood pressure (hypertension)
*elevated blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides)
*elevated blood sugar (beginning of diabetes)
*too many blood cells and thickened blood (polycythaemia)
*elevated uric acid in the blood (in the early stages of gout)

Different ways fasting can affect you: eyesight, understanding, remembering, sexual potency, menstruation, and low points during the fast. The fasting organism draws vitality and warmth from the energy supply which is fat, and nutrients from stored proteins. (My muscles?) The body does not burn up just any kind of fat or use up just any kind of proteins. It rids itself of the following substances and in the exact order given:

*anything that burdens the body
*anything the body does not need
*anything that disturbs the body
*anything that makes the body ill

Here's the paradox: the body never rids itself of

*anything vitally essential, for example heart muscles
*functioning parts of the body, active organs
*control devices

That may be the immediate results seen but what about the unseen? And as always, the long term effect that shows up eventually. (Example, the recall on medications.) How about the loss of electrolytes, chemical imbalances, and malnutrition?)

Decisions, decisions, what's a person to do and who do you trust? My trust lies in the discernment through the Lord, not the "multiple Degrees" that people continually strive for thinking they are full of intelligence but how about "wisdom" which I prefer?

Thursday, June 01, 2006

detox diets cons

Are they safe and effective? Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., author of Nutrition for Women (Owl Books, 2003) responds: There is little scientific evidence that the body needs cleansing from detox diets, since it already has systems for breaking down and ridding itself of most harmful things, says C. Wayne Callaway, M.D., an endocrinologist in Washington, D.C..

Ironically, fasting generates toxins. As protein in your muscles and organs is broken down for energy around day two, toxic nitrogen substances such as uric acid are formed; these can tax the kidneys and increase risk for gout.

Detox diets also deplete glucose, the No. 1 fuel for your brain. Even a juice fast doesn't supply enough glucose to meet these needs, so the body first turns to stored glucose, called glycogen, in the liver. By the middle of the first fasting day, that resource is exhausted, leaving you lightheaded, hungry, tired, and unable to concentrate. By day two or three, you lose your appetite and even feel slightly euphoric - not a result of toxins being released from tissues, but because of a rise in fat fragments, called ketones.

In essence, your body is literally consuming itself as it strives to provide energy for the brain and tissues, while metabolism has slowed in an attempt to conserve energy. "The weight you lose in the first two or three days of a fast is water and muscle, not fat," says Callaway, who adds that pounds quickly return.

Well look what I came across in my notes. To think I had plans to do a fast next week the day before my weigh-in. I sure talked myself out that one of course, unless I find the "pros advocate" notes to refute the "cons," which I can always count on scientists and researchers or any well educated authority on such matters to always disagree to a certain level. I've come to the conclusion that the only sure answer is the equation of a mathamatical problem.