Portion Sizes

My biggest problem has never been junk food or snacking. It's that I eat too large a portion of regular, healthy food at mealtimes. Over the past couple of days I've learned something about portion sizes. Thought I'd share. This is totally my own experience, so YMMV.

First thing that happened: I was super hungry on Wednesday and took a rather large portion of food at dinner. I was full by the time I ate half of it, so I put the rest aside for the next day. It was plenty for dinner yesterday.

Second thing that happened: I've been walking to get coffee and bringing my bagel with me. Like most coffee places, this one mainly has pastries, muffins, bagels, etc.--in other words, bread-like stuff. They also have some "egg with other stuff" sandwiches. I don't want more bread-like stuff, since I already have a bagel, and the egg sandwiches are way too much food, so I haven't been buying anything extra, even if I'm hungry. And I've been fine until lunch.

What I learned: First--I learned that I can't tell how much food I need by how hungry I think I am. Second--I can't tell when I'm not hungry anymore by how full I think I am.

What to do: By accident I hit on a way to deal with it. For the first thing--put an average-sized portion on my plate because I don't finish large ones. For the second--don't have seconds until at least a half hour after eating the average-sized portion because, even if I think I'm still hungry, a half hour later I'm fine.

So, that's what I learned for myself this week. Even if I don't lose weight, this should keep me from gaining back what I've already lost because it's a good rule-of-thumb for me to help me to keep from eating too much at meals.

Have a great week, everyone!

Down another notch

Hello buddies,

Did you weigh this morning? I did, and I'm down 1 pound from last week.

I'm off now to get groceries before an incoming storm makes it here. There are dire predictions of thick ice and arctic cold air. Brrrr! Again, that hibernation thing is looking good. Does anyone know if shivering counts as an aerobic exercise?

You all are doing great!

I read the archives. I'm proud of the progress you've all made. Way to go!!

I've been avoiding blogs for a few months, which is why you haven't seen me around. But, I've been walking. Not dieting. I have no idea exactly what my current weight loss is because I haven't been on a scale for a few weeks. The last time I was on one, it was 33 pounds.

I was walking 3 miles on the track, 5 times a week. My husband started his new, permanent job (YAY!), this week. So, I've been walking to a local shopping center for coffee. It's about 3-1/2 miles total. I've been surprised at how easy the walk is. I'm considering going a different direction to a coffee place that's 2 miles one way. Right now, I have the time to do that long a walk, so it would be a fun challenge for me.

I finally broke down and got some new clothes. 4 sizes smaller. I'm happy. It's all the right direction. And I don't really care if I lose fast or slow or stay here for a while. Remember, my original goal was just to get in better shape and lower my blood pressure. We'll have medical benefits in February and I need to get some routine tests done. (I haven't had any done for years due to no insurance and not enough money to pay the fees). I'll find out then if I've succeeded in lowering my blood pressure back to at least normal. It used to be a tad low and that wouldn't be a bad thing, either.

Keep going, everyone. You're not a failure unless you totally give up! :)

Our first WWIN for 2007!!

Good morning friends! I actually remembered to weigh this morning. I am so happy to report that even through the holidays, I remain 7 pounds below my original starting weight.

Now, it's no longer good enough to tread water here. I've been hanging around this number for far too long and it's time to take it to the next level. There are no excuses in the way. No holidays for a long stretch (and really, shouldn't a holiday just be one day rather than a whole season from late October to mid-January? Don't we set ourselves up for this? Or have we failed to recognize a biological phenomenon -- human hibernation, for which we are predisposed to fatten up?)

Well, since they won't let me go sleep in my cave until spring, I guess the next best alternative is to wake up fully and move the body, and feed it correctly. Although, that bed DOES look rather inviting for a few months...

Let's create some early momentum here and DO SOMETHING positive this first week of the new year. We don't have to be at the level of the racer crossing the finish line at this point, but maybe we ought to be putting on our walking shoes and socks now!

Come on! Let's go!

Jan. 1, 2007

Several of us are re-enlisting to the program. We're all planning to be healthier and happier people in 2007. That's a great thing!

I've reset my weight loss to 0.00 pounds on the sidebar as well as added new quotes at the side and bottom of the blog (Thanks, Michelle, for the cool quotes!). I've also rewritten the blog description somewhat to sharpen the focus on our goals.

2007 is going to be our year! This Wednesday I will Weigh In (Our WWIN day). I dread the numbers on the scale since I've been indulging in all sorts of sweets this holiday season, but I won't let my past behavior dictate my future behavior.

I'm looking forward to cheering us all on as we enter The Great Slim Down for 2007!

I'm going to start off our sharing with a new recipe from Weight Watchers. I hope you enjoy this. I thought it tasted pretty good.

Spaghetti with Tomato-Meat Sauce

2 tsp olive oil
1 large onion(s), chopped
1 medium carrot(s), finely chopped
3 medium garlic clove(s), minced
1 pound uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, in tomato puree
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
1/4 tsp dried basil
3 cup cooked whole-wheat spaghetti, kept hot

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes.

Add ground beef to skillet. Cook, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 4 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes and puree, salt, red pepper flakes and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes for flavors to blend and for sauce to thicken slightly; spoon sauce over spaghetti. Yields about 1/2 cup of spaghetti and 2/3 cup of sauce per serving. This serves 6. Serve with a green salad. (Each serving is 5 Points on the Weight Watchers.)

Feeling Resolute?

Do we want to start this over come 2007?

We have a little time, folks

We're here in that space between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is an opportunity to get a jump on those holiday dinners and parties that can sabotage us in our valliant efforts to lose weight. Take advantage of the lull and plan ahead for the special events. Get in a little extra exercise while you can, even if it's mall walking. Extra points for avoiding the cash registers! Make sure you continue to drink enough water every day -- this winter dryness can really dehydrate us. And we know that we often mistake thirst for hunger and wind up eating more when what we need is a drink of good ol' H2O!

I'm glad to report I am still 8 pounds down from my starting weight. I know that's nowhere near the 50 I "should have" lost by now, but it's still better than staying the same or gaining.

I want to ask you guys something. Sometimes when I lose weight, I start feeling heavier. Like now. I really expected to see that I had gained everything back because I feel like gravity has increased. Does this ever happen to you? If this continues, I can project that at my goal weight I'll be permanently prone on the floor!

Make this a good week. Let's give ourselves a chance at some progress during the lull if we can, OK?

Two! Two! Two!

No, I've not lost 222 pounds. I lost 2 pounds for this Wednesday Weigh In. TWO! And I'm pound of my TWO POUNDS! Can you'd tell by the capitals and exclamation points!

And hey, I know it's the holidays. But remember it's our choice to eat. No one can make us eat foods that are bad for us. Stand strong. Resist them! Look that pecan pie right in the eye -- uh -- plate and say, "NO! I'm going to be thin! A momentary pleasurable taste isn't worth my health!" I know it's hard. I know we -- well, me -- will probably cheat a little, but let's hold the line otherwise! We can do it!

Help with this recipe!

Okay, this recipe is NOT diet approved. But it's delicious. Marsha, my stage manager on Murder at the Witch's Cottage, made it for our cast food table one night of the production. Is there any way to change it so that it is diet friendly? Come on, cooks, help out!

Ten Sin Dip

1 large loaf of French bread
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of chopped cooked ham
1/3 cup of chopped green onions
1/3 cup of chopped green pepper
1/4 tablespoon of Worcester sauce
Paprika
Ritz crackers

Hollow out loaf. Place loaf on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and beat. Stir in cheese and then the rest of the ingredients. Pour into bread shell. Wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika. Serve with Ritz crackers.

Back to the back

In case you've missed the latest news affecting the world, my back is torn up again. I did a great job on it this time. Had to miss work, use a wheelchair, made it back to work, progressed to a walker, still at work, and now I'm on a cane. Still working despite the agonizing pain and sheer agony. There seems to be an unfortunate theme in this.

The theme is that work is bad. No, wait, that's not the theme. That's the refrain. The theme is that we need to take care of our backs so that they will allow us to continue to work at our soul-crushing jobs. Yes, that's the theme. Now let's all hum it.

The most important thing we can do for our backs is to lose weight. Didn't see that coming, did ya? You were just reading along and then suddenly the dreaded weight loss is in your face. Ha! That'll teach you to be so trusting.

Seriously, just one pound of fat on your belly puts 1,754,321 pounds of pressure on your back. You get to be over 50 pounds overweight, and your back is actually having to support the weight of the entire world! Including Australia! I apparently am supporting most of the planets. I'm a mighty man, I am!

So you must lose weight, mustn't you? But enough about you. Let's talk about something interesting, like me.

I have to lose weight and thus have embarked on a diet. It consists of a protein drink for breakfast, a bran and cardboard muffin for a mid-morning snack, a protein drink for lunch, a chewy bran and dirt muffin for an afternoon snack, and then a sensible evening meal, which usually consists of a small dinner salad and a side of beef. Well, not always. Sometimes I skip the salad.

I also take a multi-vitamin and drink as much water as I can drink without sloshing. Woohoo! I'm living the high life!

Of course, I cheat on this. But I try to confine my cheating foods to those that are healthy for me, such as broccoli, carrots, lettuce, Twinkies, Ding-Dongs, roasted chickens and double dips of cherry pecan praline ice cream.

So how's this working out for me? I can hear you asking. I have excellent ears. In fact, many of my body parts have received excellent ratings by the International Council of Body Part Rating.

Slowly. It's going slowly. The big problem seems to be that my activity level has dropped severely due to the limitations imposed by my back. Moving hurts, walking hurts, breathing hurts. I sneezed once at the beginning of this injury, and the pain was so bad that I asked the doctor to shoot me. After I wrestled the gun away from him, I switched doctors.

But my back is getting better slowly. Yesterday I sneezed at lunch, and as I watched the particles of snot fly toward the neighboring table, I thought, "Hey, that didn't hurt much." There's always a bright spot in everything, you know.

So how are you doing? Did you lose any at this Wednesday Weigh In? You might notice that I've taken my weight loss to zero. I consider today a new start and hope to show a loss next week.

Our Archives made November WOOT!

I was hoping there would be a post this week. I need some accountability seeing how yesterday turned out to be "Carb Day" for me. Yeah. Two Donuts, a cookie and a muffin were the things that made my meals yesterday. Pretty sad huh? Oh and a spicy chicken sandwich (no mayo) from Wendy's. Such a healthy day.

I am a mess with my eating lately. As such, I am up 3.8lbs. I need help. Or at least a path to find that place in my brain that got me to the destination of success I saw earlier this year. Orange Cranberry muffins and double chocolate chip cookies have invaded the empty space in my head that was once filled with goal oriented goodness.

*sigh*

Anyone out there?

Staying sharp

As we get older, our mental acuity lessens, but just by eating certain foods and staying active, we can keep our brains "younger," according to several studies compiled by the Rush University Medical Center.

Good foods: Vegetables (especially dark, leafy); whole grains; fish (not fried); poultry; nuts and foods such as margarine and salad dressings that contain unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats.

Foods to avoid: High-fat dairy products, fried foods, fatty meats, prepared foods containing trans fats.

Physical activity: Not clear if it helps, but it's good for other reasons since it helps prevent heart disease and cancer.

Mental exercise: One study found that reading books, playing cards, visiting museums and even watching TV reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Here's to hoping we're hopping in our hundreds!

WWIN #...Eh, I lost count...

I figured it was about time I did the first post. I may not be on track right now, but I haven't given up yet. The past two weeks have been trying for me in the food department. Not to mention a few other things. Not to make excuses, but it has been easier for me to not keep track of my intake while dealing with the other stuff.

I am trying to regain my focus, however. I was doing great yesterday, until we had a meeting and one of the corporate people thought it would be great to bring in a giant box of giant cookies. Ugh! Oatmeal and raisin must have a lot of fiber...right?

Anywho...today is a new day and next week is a new weigh in. I am so there!

I would like to know how everyone else is doing, though. So?

How YOU doin'?

After a couple of weeks off my regular schedule, I'm up just a fraction. My scale isn't sophisticated enough to do anything but whole pound -- it looks like I am at 11 pounds off. I think it's about a pound more than I was the last time I checked in.

I tell you what, all these recalls of green leafy veggies is throwing me for a loop. At least it looks like I can have my spinach again.

The weather has turned cooler here in Oklahoma, although it is not yet cold. That means the temptation for denser food is here for me. So is the hibernation stage. I want to make stew today -- it's the perfect day for it. But I'll have to look carefully at my recipes and rebalance them so the concentration is on the good veggies and low in the things I should not have. I'll also have to divide the pot into correctly sized serving portions. Ah, there's the rub! I want the whole pot, not just one bowl!

This is where the freezer becomes my friend. Right after I eat my serving, I will ladle out portions into freezer containers, mark them with the date and put most of them into the freezer to reheat later. I'll keep out one or two for the next couple of days just so I can enjoy it a bit longer.

How are you doing?

WWIN Again

What--no one wants to be first? Some of you are a couple of hours ahead of me. Where are ya'll?

I'm down a big (wait for it) point-2. I think I'll take it even though it's a teeny, weeny number. So, change my total to 6.9--I want every ounce I can claim! :)

So how's everyone else doing?

9-27-06 check-in

No clever titles today, just a check-in. I'm down a little bit more and I'm saying it's now 12 pounds off. Hooray! The caveat is that my scale seems to be acting wonky. I'm not getting consistent readings. But I am too poor and too cheap to invest in a new scale. Besides, a new scale would probably give me a totally different number and right now each of those little tick marks is too valuable to be worth taking that chance. Maybe later, when I get down closer to my goal and really want a more accurate scale. Maybe not.

Clothes are fitting better too. I've been getting into some jeans that had been set aside because I couldn't zip them. And some "fat pants" are going to be leaving my home shortly. (One pair will go up on the top shelf for "before and after" purposes, but I don't want to keep a "fat" wardrobe.)

The number I reached today is personally significant. It is the weight I was at in 1995 right before I had major surgery. I thought that would be the most I would ever weigh -- it was going to be my "omygoodness I can't believe I ever weighed that much" weight. Well, as you can tell, I went 12 pounds above that. The next big landmark will be in another 10 pounds, when I get back down to my marryin' weight of 1987. Again, that was supposed to be my highest weight ever.

I'm going to be as consistent as I possibly can be this week about staying on my DASH diet plan. This week was not as bad as last week, but there were still a few missed opportunities where I ate away from home and was not as thoughtful about food selections as I could have been. Today is the first morning of a new week and I have a clean slate at this point. I will put my notebook on the counter where I can keep it open and just follow the plan.

Off to breakfast now. I hope you are having a good week!

Peeks around the corner

Yes, I know I've been gone. Sorry. I'm going to get back into the spirit of this! I am!

Anyway, Michelle, I finally read your comment asking to update the totals. You've been added as an Admin so that you can do that. Trixie, you're doing great! FF, you're doing great. Michelle, you're doing great, too. Mama Rose (Linda) is doing great. Jeanne is doing great. Jamie is doing great. Crystal may be doing great, but she never drops by here to tell us that she is. And as for me, I'm not doing that great, but as my back heals -- see 51313 Harbor Street for details -- I will be doing better.

My plan is to have 15 pounds lost by Christmas. I'll be talking about how I'm going to do that over the next few days.

Yours in weight loss,

Tech

Holding

I'm holding at 10 pounds off this week and consider that an achievement. I haven't been home much this week; I spent a couple of days taking care of an older friend after a car wreck and then spent a couple of days house-sitting for friends who went out of state for the weekend. And I've satisfied my hamburger cravings a couple of times.

I think I made up for the lack of control over food by cutting off all my hair (photos on my blog if you want to see this weight loss technique!) With the haircut, though, I am even more motivated to pick right up today and get back on the right track with my food!

Other good signs: My jeans are embarrassingly too large. They won't stay up! And I hate with the passion of a thousand suns to have a gap between my shirt and my jeans! So that pair will be washed and put away on my top closet shelf as a "before and after" touchstone. Now and then as I lose weight I'll try them on just to remind myself where I started. I also found a pair of jeans tucked in a dresser in my guest room. I don't remember having them! I am fairly sure I tucked them away when they were too small for me to get into. Somehow, they have grown to the perfect fit for now! How about that -- shopping in my own house!

I also have started walking a little more. So far it's been mall walking, but that is a plus, you see. You can start slowly and no one knows that you are doing it for exercise. You blend right in with the window shoppers. And hey, if you need motivation, you can pop in and try on a special outfit just to see how you're doing! The way clothing fits is often a better measure of improvements than the scales. Remember, muscles weigh more than fat, so as we increase muscle mass, our scales will lie to us. Muscle also takes up less room than fat, so if clothes fit better, that's what's happening!

There's some truth to the saying "Ewe's not fat, ewe's fluffy!"

How was your week?

Nice Going, People

I've been catching up on all of your posts and you're doing great. Congratulations!!

I don't have regular access to a scale, which is why I post so randomly. I weighed myself on Saturday and I've lost an even 20 pounds. I have to go buy at least one pair of jeans because I can pull all of mine off without unbuttoning or unzipping them. Anyway, that's my story. I'm still just walking and eating according to my appetite. It's working and it's easy. I'm not complaining. :)

Good luck, everyone, as you start the next week of whatever you're doing.

Ta-Da!

I made it to the first milestone. The first 10 pounds are finally gone. That is 1/5 or 20 percent of my goal, finally, finally gone. I'm now at a dangerous point where I've started playing with my program. I have to nip this in the bud because this is when I get derailed and more times than not lose the game. Not this time. The stakes are too high at this point in my life.

So I am recommitting today to the DASH diet as it is designed, because it works for me. It is simple, now that I've been through (I think it's 5 weeks.) I have my daily menus typed out with check boxes so I can see exactly what I can have and mark it off as I go. I have my shopping lists organized so there isn't a lot of "thinking" or "wanting" or "craving" taking place.

All those things get me in trouble. It's my Inner Brat wanting to be spoiled with comfort foods. I just have to explain to her that I'd much rather spoil her with new, skinny clothes instead. Maybe that will appease her and get her to keep with me on this journey.

Forward! To the next 20 percent mark!!

WWins-Day #683..or so it seems...

Ok...I am excited to hear everyones progress. Especially Trixie 'cause she has been kicking some serious weight loss booty. :)

I had to weigh in early (Saturday) for my WW meeting because of the Monday Holiday. I came in at 3lbs down, but...I weighed in the AM when I usually weigh in, in the PM. (I have about a 2-3 lb difference from morning till night). I am still happy to see the number, however, and I hope it keeps with my weigh in next week.

I still feel like I have been doing this forever. But the other day, one of my clients said he almost didn't recognize me when he walked in the door. It certainly has a way of keeping you moving forward!

How'd you do?

Woot! Woohoo!

Another two pound loss this week for a total of 9 pounds off!! Yippeee!!!

I can't believe it, but even in the first week I had someone ask if I had lost weight. And a second person asked me this week. Wow, normally it takes 20 pounds for anyone to notice! But I see it myself in my face and my middle. It looks like a lot of my puffiness is going away. I can see better definition in my face and I "look more like me," if that makes any sense.

The plan is becoming more automatic now. I keep a running grocery list so I have the things I need on hand.

I'm loving all the vegetables. Sauteed zucchini is a new favorite. Spinach, an old love of mine even back to preschool days, is present often. Sliced tomatos are a daily treat. Salads are a joy with baby spinach, leaf lettuce, romaine or iceberg lettuce mixed with mushrooms. And who can say anything bad about green beans?

The temperature this morning was a refreshing 64 degrees at 8 a.m. It's now up to 72 at 9:15, still beautiful. I'll start adding morning walks this week if these temperatures hold up.

Dinner tonight with a friend at a little Spanish restaurant a couple of blocks from me. I picked the place, not for the atmosphere but because of the healthy food offerings. They are known for their grilled chicken. They also offer fish, grilled salmon and grilled shrimp. The sides include beans and rice, but also some fresh cooked veggies. And the prices are very inexpensive. The salmon and the shrimp are the two "high-priced" selections, and you get those with two sides for $5.95. Isn't that amazing in these times?

How are you doing this week? Now that I've found my groove I want to hear your success stories too. C'mon, let me hear 'em!

WWINs-day Weigh-In

Good morning! How's everyone?

I am happy to report another two pounds off, for a total of seven now. Yay!

I had, of course, hoped for another amazing total, but there is nothing wrong with losing two pounds this week. It's actually quite amazing in itself, considering how long I've been stuck at the starting gate.

I am still using the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). This is a diet loaded with grains, fruits and vegetables. I have found the process fascinating and it's the kind of thing I need. In the beginning it is intensively time-consuming and requires a lot of planning and preparation. Now, though, after the first couple of weeks I have put it in a form for myself that simplifies it to the point of being nearly routine.

Once I've studied the information that includes all the nutrient counts and sodium counts, I know that I can keep that information stashed away and just take the menu in its simplest form.

I've been keeping all the information in a binder, after printing off each day's menu and punching the sheets with a three-ring punch. I have a two-week menu -- three meals a day for 14 days. At the end of the two weeks I'll recycle from the beginning.

It FEELS like an awful lot of food. I honestly have not been hungry one minute while doing this. Also, it FEELS like I am constantly eating because the food is not quick stuff-your-mouth-and-be-done food. It takes me quite a lot longer to eat oatmeal, whole wheat toast and whole fruits than it did to scarf down a breakfast burrito, for example. (And those were my weakness.)

My blood sugar levels seem to be at an optimal level, too, staying fairly even throughout the day. This is purely self reporting as I don't monitor my levels objectively. But I think we know to some extent if things are working the way they should be or not.

I have not had any cravings since I've been feeding my body right. No sweating it out wondering if I can cheat and have X, Y or Z.

I'll keep you posted as I continue. For now, though, I think I've found my kick-start to get where I need to be.

How has your week gone?

I couldn't wait to get up today!

Give me a big ol' Ta-DA you guys! I've lost five pounds this week. I think I've got my drive back!

This week I've really concentrated on treating myself better and fueling my body correctly. Last Wednesday involved a 2 1/2-hour shopping trip to the grocery store, actually FOLLOWING A PLAN.

I started the DASH diet last Wednesday, with information from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Lifeclinic.com Of great help to me is a day-to-day menu that gives me a real road map and removes the insecurity of wandering aimlessly around Dietland.

I've got the core plan as well as a graphic that shows EXACTLY how I can modify the plan for weight loss, based on a computer-generated formula for my age, sex, height and current weight.

I am eating very well. I didn't want to play with substitutions or pretend that I could make my own changes yet.

I've even found a second week of menus. Having two weeks' of this road map all ready for me will be beyond helpful! It is very easy and I'm eating normal, healthy foods that normally would not be on my radar. Nothing weird.

It's saved me time, aggravation, money and gasoline, too. I spent $129.48 at the grocery store last Wednesday and that has stocked my larder for well over a week. Well, it's been a week of good meals and there's no need for me to return to the store, yet. Consider that is 21 meals so far (I don't have the brainpower this morning to calculate how many more meals I can make before going back to the store.) If it's just the 21 meals, that's an average cost of $6.16. But there are small snacks built into the plan as well, which I didn't count in that calculation. Figure what it costs, per meal, to eat out -- even at a fast-food place. Now throw in transportation costs. The price of gasoline for waiting at a drive-thru window is through the roof!

OK, OK. I've got to run. I just wanted to share that FINALLY I'm back in gear and I really feel like I've found the key that will propel me forward again. I'm in the zone now. I've got my game plan. And woot! Five pounds!!!

A Report

I'm still doing 2 miles, 5 times a week. I got on my son's good scale on Tuesday. I've lost 15 pounds total. My "small" jeans are about 2 inches too big in the waist, so I'm losing it where it needs to go away, from a health standpoint. I'm happy with it.
Congrats to Tech and Michelle. Nice going.

Wednesday, Aug. 9 -- That's the Way It Is

I think I need a new scale. The one I have is a liar, a mean, nasty liar. It says I am right back at my starting point (sad face).

My whole body feels swollen -- ankles, feet, fingers. It's been too hot to go outside for much of anything. I can't wait for cooler weather so we can stop boiling.

I'm having to redraft my reasons for wanting to lose weight. Of course we all agree that's our goal, but I am still missing a key element. I'm struggling to find that one piece of my inner self that determines that the desired result is worth the change in behavior to acquire it. Y'all know, as I do, that things won't change until there is a deep, inner belief that I'm worth making the changes for. (Or as Dr. Phil would say, that it is "change-worthy behavior.")

Losing weight is nothing more than applied arithmetic. Input equals outcome. To lessen our mass, we either consume less or burn more calories. Easy fact to understand. I know that, as do you. I've lost (and regained) this weight more times than I can count now. I just haven't been able to get it off now because I haven't, can't seem to, make myself priority one. I am not "project status."

I know that wonderful feeling where I "get it" -- I believe in the goal. Even if the weight loss is one or two pounds a week, I got it and knew that those small losses would accumulate to form the ultimate goal of a healthy weight. The small successes were motivating and kept me going.

I know it helped me when I had a real-life cohort, sitting right next to me, taking a different path to the same goal. We hadn't spoken of it before we started; it was a mere coincidence that we set out on our paths at the same time. When we (and other people) started noticing the weight loss in each other, an unspoken competition began. You know, that "I can't let him beat me" mentality. Eventually we started comparing notes, talking about drinking water and exercising.

Others caught that competitive bug when they saw us. There was a lot of successful weight loss going on. I got to a size 8, something I never, ever dreamed possible.

But I've lost it. A couple of things happened, including the death of my "competitor" or "partner." Other things happened where I felt like I lost myself -- family illnesses, caretaking, deaths.

Now I am isolated, working alone from home. That has shrunk my social circle completely.

There's part of the "secret".

We need personal interaction with others who support our goals, who wish for us to live our own best lives. We can't let our spirits evaporate and disappear. We have to make ourselves at least as important as the people around us. We have to put on our own oxygen masks before we help those around us on the plane with us.

OK, I hope you all had a good week, whether you lost weight or not. I have some more to think about today. ((HUGS to you all)).

WWIN

I kinda forgot that it was Wednesday today. I wasn't really sure which day of the week it was, for certain, but I am just about 100% sure it's WWIN.

*sigh*

My frame of mind isn't so good to I am going to keep this short and sweet.

*insert your candy of choice here*

That, was the sweet.

The short, is that I did lose 1.2 lbs. I am shocked, frankly. Maybe I reached the other side of that plateau.

I dusted the scales off if anyone cares to step up?

ACK!

We missed the Wednesday Weigh In! ACK! ACK! ACK!

Okay, we'll just have a Thursday-Friday-pretending-to-be-Wednesday-Weigh-In. Or TFPTBWWIN for short.

For my TFPTBWWIN, I lost .8 pounds. Yeah, point eight. And I'm happy to see the point eight, especially considering I've had all the discipline of a French king these past few days.

How did your TFPTBWWIN do? Report!

I'm never dieting again

I know, never say never, but this past couple of months has reinforced my attitude that dieting is totally ineffective. As you all know, I started walking with my husband a few weeks ago. I was not trying to lose weight. I wanted to get back in the habit of walking, as I used to when we lived in Salinas. This is the first time in years I exercised without also doing Weight Watchers*. I usually started the food plan, then added the exercise. Well, this time I just started walking and didn't worry about food. I've noticed my appetite is less, and I make sure I don't overstuff myself. I'm not eating any different food from before. The doctor weighed me back when I was getting my shoulder checked out. I weighed myself on my son's excellent scale. I've lost 12 pounds. So, no more eating at a semi-starvation level. I'm just going to keep walking. Keep eating what my body wants. And whatever happens, happens. My husband hasn't lost pounds, but his muscles are tighter, so I suspect he's been replacing fat with muscle.

So--go walking, swimming, biking, skating, dancing. Do exercise you enjoy. Our bodies were designed to MOVE. Move yours and your weight loss will become easier, especially if you don't starve yourself, too. An anecdote about someone I knew a few years ago. She was studying nutrition, exercise, etc. in college. She worked out and followed Weight Watchers. She couldn't lose weight. She went to a nutritionist who said, "Eat more. You're not getting enough calories to fuel the amount of stuff you're doing." She did what he said and started to lose weight. It's not as simple as eat less, exercise more. You have to have the right balance or your body will hang onto the fat as if you're never going to feed it again. I read a rule of thumb the other day that said you need 10% of your weight in calories just to fuel your body at rest, doing nothing. If you're eating less than that, you're starving yourself. I didn't have access to the study he quoted, so I can't verify the data, but if it's even close, I can see why people fail at weight loss. Your body is not going to give up fat if it's being starved.

* I wanted to add that this isn't intended to say anything bad about Weight Watchers. They have, IMO, one of the best plans out there. My point was just that this is my experience. YMMV.

Good luck!

GREEN!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is GREEN! As in green veggies. Eating more green veggies is a great way to stay healthy and help lose weight. Enjoy celery, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, spinach, green beans, spring peas, okra and all other wonderful green veggies available now at your supermarket.

But don't make the mistake of drowning them in cheese or fatty dressings. Enjoy them lightly steamed with a sprinkle of seasoning salt or a no-calorie butter flavored spray. There are many no-fat, low calorie salad dressings out there. I particularly like a raspberry flavored one that the Paul Newman Company produces.

So pick GREEN and get healthy and fit!

Wet!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is WET! No, I'm not saying you're is all wet. I'm saying that when the heat rises, you should get in a pool and exercise there! During the summer heat, many people are unable to even walk briskly outside without risking heat stroke. But water walking is an excellent exercise and easy on your joints. So find a pool and get wet and fit at the same time.

Three tips!

The Weight Loss Words of the Day are THREE TIPS! Okay, that really doesn't make much sense, but hey, here are three weight loss tips that just might help you shed the pounds!

1. Chew gum as you cook. This will help keep you from tasting the food and consuming extra calories.

2. Brush your teeth, floss, gargle, or chew a stick of gum immediately after your meal to stop yourself from eating more.

3. Take a quick shower when a food craving strikes. It will relax you, and keep your whole body occupied and out of trouble until the craving fades.

Voila! Three unusual tips for the day. Now go forth and get healthy!

Smoothie!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is SMOOTHIE! Well, just not any smoothie because a lot of smoothie recipes are loaded with fat and sugar. But here's my recipe for a delicious cold smoothie that's low in calories and can satisfy your desire for ice cream.

Tech's Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

2 cups of strawberries, capped & sliced
2 bananas, cut into slices
2 Tablespoons of Splenda
1 cup of 1 percent milk
Lots of ice
Mint (as
garnish)

Put milk and strawberries into mixer. Puree. Add bananas and Splenda. Puree. Add ice to fill mixer pitcher. Puree until smooth. Serve in a tall glass with a mint sprig as garnish. Makes 4 servings or more depending on the size of your blender.

You could add low-fat yogurt to the smoothie to increase its creamy goodness, but I like it as is.

Weight Watchers point value:
2 cups Strawberries - 1.5 point
2 large bananas - 4.5 points
1 cup of 1 percent milk - 2 points
ice, Splenda, mint - no points
Total for whole pitcher: 8 points
1 serving - 2 points

Cool and delicious! Try it on a hot summer day for a refreshing change.

Nada!

I lost nothing this week! I'm at exactly the same weight as I was last week. I even checked my scale to see if it's working. It is. Sigh. Well, I'm sure you're all doing better than me and hurray for you!

I'm just going to go over here in the corner and munch on celery now. How did you do this week?

Cherries!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is CHERRIES! Prevention Magazine is reporting that cherries are a fantastic cancer fighter. They say that cherries are loaded with perillyl alcohol and quercetin, both of which are apparently potent anti-cancer agents. Cherries taste good, too.

Now we're not talking about those cherries you get in a jar. No, we're talking about fresh cherries. They're in season now so get to your local supermarket and stock up. A half-cup a day is the recommended amount. Basically just a handful.

A friend of mine actually planted a few pits in a planter and has a couple of little trees growing now. Is that cool or what?

So enjoy cherries today. It's a fruit that's good for you!

Da'hump

Ok. I am not as excited about posting this WWin'sday, but here I am.

And as my excitment is lackluster to say the least. It won't be much of a post at all.

I lost .2 this week. Which does make me an even 48 lbs down. Yeah I know, it's good and all, but I think I am losing a little patience in the getting done part. I don't plan on stopping once I reach 50. I have more to go after that, so I hope I can still be a part of this group. I really do look forward to it each week.

Alright then, how about you?

Walking and a Thought or Two

I'm up to seven laps on the track, three days a week. And a mile and a half on the Los Gatos Creek trail, two days a week. My jeans are getting loose, which is weird because usually when I lose weight or start exercising I notice it in my face, wrists, and ankles first. Not complaining, just observing. (g)

When I was reading Tech's post on patience, a couple of things occurred to me. One good reason to be patient is that it gives you time to see yourself as a normal person. We all think of ourselves as "fat people". Sometimes that image can derail you. It's important to see yourself as you are, not as you were. As you lose weight, take pictures of yourself in clothes that fit well. Post them up and look at them often so your mental image is the smaller you.

You can also use the set of pictures to help you see the weight loss. If you're really big, you can lose a lot of pounds, as reported on the scale, and not really see it in the mirror. But if you have a picture of yourself before you started, you can compare the current picture with the first one you took and you'll see the difference.

Also, even if you have to go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or a consignment shop, as you lose weight, toss your fat clothes and get clothes that fit. Take more pictures. If you're wearing clothes that hang on you and look terrible and don't show your body at all, you can't get an accurate mental image. So you keep seeing yourself in your mind as the fat person who started this weight-loss program. And that's the person you'll keep trying to become. Plus, if you're clothes are too big, it's tempting to let yourself get big enough to look good in them again.

The other thought I had about patience is something my husband reminded me. It took a lot of years to put on these pounds. He's a bit discouraged because he hasn't noticed any weight loss and he walks a lot farther and faster than I do. (An aside: This is funny, since men tend to lose more easily than women. But if we diet, no exercise, he takes it off way faster than I do.) So his comment was that he doesn't expect to lose it quickly. And, he reminded me that it's about good health, not pounds on the scale.

We hope to be like the 90-something grandma of an online buddy of mine who slipped off a stool and broke her hip. She apparently recovered fine. But what's special about that story is that the stool was in front of a slot machine in the Bahamas. I'd love to be in good enough health to be able to travel when I'm in my 90s. And as much as we all want good health now, isn't it really about not being bedridden when we're really old? That's all about the true cliche--use it or lose it. I'm not saying that if we don't get that, it's our own fault. I just think there are things we can do to increase our likelihood of being that way when we're really old.

One more thing about exercise in general. I've been eating less food since we started walking. I'm not dieting or following any particular program. I just haven't been as hungry. That tells me I'm walking about the right pace and distance for me. I'm not overly hungry, as I would be if I weren't fueling the exercise enough. But, obviously, I didn't need as much food as I thought I did, either. It's not a huge change. Just substituting larger portions of salad and veggies for slightly smaller portions of meat and pasta/rice/bread, etc.

Good luck to you all.

The day after

Happy July 5 everyone!

I am making no progress. I am still at 3 pounds below my starting weight those many months ago. Just cannot get my act together -- cannot generate enough desire for the weight loss to motivate myself to take the necessary actions. I've lost something in myself that made that happen (and inside I kind of recognize what that is.)

But I want to hear your success stories! All of you are doing so well! So check in with your report today.

It's that time already

Ok I'll do it... :P

WWINs-day today, ya know.

So, while I am nuking my South Beach breakfast burritos for lunch, I think we should give a big THANKS! to Tech for all his posting on here and motivational thoughts and ideas. It helps me, that is for sure. I hope it helps all those that read here too. It keeps me thinking, and reminds me that although I may take 2 steps back sometimes, I am taking 3 steps forward. I am still ahead in this battle of will, and that is what counts.

With that, I am down this week 4.4 lbs. :) I got that nasty 2 pounds off and then some. Woot!

How'd you do?

Patience!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is PATIENCE! Patience is hard for anyone. Particularly for dieters, I think. We want to be thin now! We're tired of being heavy. We're sick of it. But it takes time to lose weight.

It is easy to be become discouraged when you're only losing an ounce a week or even worse, you gain a pound. But as long as we stay the course, it's going to pay off. I have to continually remind myself of that. Here are a few things I do to keep myself focused on my goal.

1. I repeat my positive statements before each meal. My positive statements go something like this: "I am worthy because God made me. My body is a temple that my soul inhabits. My temple should be healthy and strong. Food does not control me. I control food. With God's help, I will be healthy."

2. I have a picture from when I was thin (all the way back in high school). I have it on my fridge and on my computer. It reminds me that I once was thin and can be again -- although I will probably never have that much hair again!

3. I keep my mental goals realistic. Even when I lose this weight, I'm not going to suddenly become Brad Pitt. I'm still going to be me. And that's okay. This one is hard because I struggle with self-image issues. I've always been my harshest critic. I remind myself that daily that God made me so He thought I was worthy. It really does help.

4. I remind myself that I'm losing this weight for me. I'm not doing it to please other people. It's for me. Perhaps that sounds selfish, but if you depend on other people to supply your goal, ultimately you will fail. You have to believe that you deserve to be healthy for yourself so that you can accomplish what you're supposed to during the time we have here.

5. Every step, however small, is another toward the goal. If we allow slow progress to discourage us and make us stop, we'll never arrive. And I want to arrive, I believe I will arrive, and I want all of you to arrive with me.

So don't get discouraged at small gains or small losses. We're getting there, and there really is joy in the journey. Come journey with me.

Walking

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I started walking. At first we walked together, but that wasn't working. I have very short legs and a short stride so I coaxed him to go ahead and walk at his own pace and meet me at the end. It's the only way we both get a decent workout.

We walk either the local community track, which is great because the all-weather surface is easy on your back and legs. Alternately, we walk the Los Gatos Creek Trail. It's a blacktop surface, which is great for the bicyclists, but a bit hard on the walkers. I'm up to one and a half miles a day, 5 days a week.

I don't know if I'll lose weight or even inches, but I don't care. I just want to get a reasonable amount of exercise in. Next week will be our fourth week of walking. The week after that, I hope to add one more lap on the track. We'll see how it goes. Wish us luck.

WWIN's Day..on the longest day

Hey ho! Just your happy friend in weight loss here. :P It's WWINsday again, and while I would really like to post a loss for myself, I just cain't do it. I gained 2 pounds this week. *sigh* BUT...it just made me reevaluate what I had been doing that wasn't exactly in the right direction. Which ultimately showed in the direction of the needle of my scale.

I did find a great site though. It's Calories Per Hour Very cool calculators, BMR and RMR charts and food lists. Really kind of cool and lots'o'info.

How'd you do this week?

CHICKEN!

It's Tuesday, and do you know what the Weight Loss Word of the Day is? It's CHICKEN! Skinless chicken breasts are among the lowest calorie meat out there. That's one of the reasons you see them in so many diet frozen dinners. Here's a baked chicken recipe that's both low fat and tasty!

Spicy Baked Chicken Breasts

4 skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
No fat butter flavored vegetable spray

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a baking pan with no-fat butter flavored vegetable spray. Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix the bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Dip chicken in yogurt, then into crumb mixture. Place in pan. Bake uncovered 45 to 50 minutes or until chicken is done. Serve with steamed veggies and half of a medium baked potato.

Tasty! Try it and see.

Shop wisely!

The Weight Loss Phrase of the Day is SHOP WISELY! A friend of mine has lost 20 pounds just by changing her shopping habits. Melinda found that if she didn't have fattening food in her house, she wouldn't make a special trip to go get some. So she simply stopped buying it. Instead, she focused on fruit and veggies, lean cuts of meats and low-fat alternatives to her favorite whole foods. If she bought canned fruit, she made sure it was in water and not syrup. If she bought yogurt, she purchased the low-fat yogurt. All her soft drinks became diet drinks. She switched from whole milk to calcium added 1 percent. All these changes added up.

It's taken her nearly six months to lose the weight, but she hasn't felt deprived. "It hasn't even felt like I'm on a diet," she said.

So SHOP WISELY and see if gives your diet the boost it needs!

Perseverance!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is PERSEVERANCE! It's easy to start a diet, easy to say you're going to make a life change, easy to follow the latest fad diet, but starting the diet isn't the trouble for most people. It's continuing on. It's having the determination to follow through to the slim end. How do we gain that determination? Here are five suggestions that I've found helpful:

1. Every day tell yourself these statements: "I deserve to be healthy. I deserve to be comfortable in my own skin. God made me so I have worth. My body is the temple my soul inhabits. I will not let food control me. With God's help, I will overcome." Phrase them as you like, but that's the idea. If you say these positive statements ten times a day, you'll be amazed how it will change your attitude.

2. Avoid people who tempt you with fattening foods. Friends who push desserts on you aren't your friends. They're trying to sabotage your new life. Don't let them. Be firm.

3. Pick yourself back up after every slip and keep going. A life change only fails if you stop. Let's not confuse this with diets. There are a thousand diets out there. If one isn't healthy for you or simply isn't workable, find another that will work. As long as you continue to pursue your goal, you will reach it eventually.

4. Remember that you didn't gain weight all at once, and you won't lose it all at once. It's going to take time, but everything worthwhile takes time. Love, relationships, happiness, they all take time and work. Why would this be different?

5. Most importantly, remember that you have only one life down here. It's up to you to make the most of it. Approach losing weight as an adventure with ups and downs, but you have the certainty that you'd going to make it through and come back with lots of great stories and a new healthier you!

Fight cancer with food!

The Weight Loss Phrase of the Day is FIGHT CANCER WITH FOOD! According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, many foods reduce the risk of cancer. NFCR suggests the following:
1. Teas, such as green, white and oolong are rich in powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer by counteracting the harmful effects of free radicals that damage the cells of our body.
2. Tomatoes, especially in ketchup and tomato sauce, contain lycopene, another powerful antioxidant that many studies have shown help reduce cancer risk.
3. Oranges and other citrus fruits rich in vitamin C can help prevent mouth, esophageal, lung, stomach and colon cancers.
4. Cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts and turnips are thought to stimulate the immune system and help reduce the risk of colon, stomach and respiratory cancers.
5. Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes. Carrots' antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and also promote good vision, especially night vision.

For more information about healthy foods, visit The World's Healthiest Foods.

Happy WWINSDAY!

Hello, my friends! I know I've been missing in action for a while, but I've been inspired by Tech's "Word of the Day" entries. Keep it up, please, as you are able. They offer a lot of good information and inspiration.

I have not progressed. I'm standing at a 4-pound total off. I'm just happy I'm not right back at square one. I could make lots of excuses but I won't. I'm just not doing what I need to be doing to take care of myself.

Two of Tech's words that have real importance to me are "water" and "sleep." I think a couple of relatively simple steps to include more of both of these in my life would have a profound influence on my overall health and weight loss. So here's my bold step of the week: I am making myself accountable to you this week. If it's OK with you, I'm going to check in once a day to report to you how I'm doing in these areas.

I'm a funny duck in some ways. There are things I will do if I am accountable to an "outside authority" that I won't do if I'm only accountable to myself. I suppose it's a need for validation and acceptance rooted way, way back in childhood. Yeah, I know that in my 50s I should have developed an internal sense of responsibility, but I still need someone to grade my papers, so to speak, and let me know I'm performing at a satisfactory level.

In summary, I will:

1. Drink more water, and
B. Get more sleep.

I will try not to do 1. too close to the time when I need to do B. Otherwise I'll be up all night!

Heeeeeeere's WWIN!

Okay, ya'll, how'd you do?

I'm not thrilled with my results, but at least it's still in the right direction. I'm down .3, for a total of 5.8.

I'm glad the weather has warmed up because it makes it more enjoyable to eat more fruits and veggies. True, it's also easier to succumb to ice cream, but I keep a supply of the WW Fudge Bars on hand. (When they're on sale, I stock up.) WW's Toffee Bars and Cookies-and-Cream Bars are also good, but I can make the Fudge Bar last longer by sucking on it, and they're only 1 point each! The other bars are 2 points each and I pretty much gnaw right through them.

I bought a small watermelon last week, cut it into chunks, and kept it in the fridge ready to eat whenever. I'm going to have to do that more often. Prepping fruits and veggies ahead of the snack attack seems to really help. I'm more apt to choose something appropriate if it's ready to eat.

Did you try any new ways of doing things this week? How did it work for you?

Heard at WW This Morning...

In answer to those who try to encourage you to eat more than you need to, or what you shouldn't, just tell them you're allergic.

If they press the issue say, "I'm allergic--I break out in fat!" :)

Sing

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is SING! Research shows that singing is good for you, both emotionally and physically. Good singers learn now to breathe properly and increase their lung capacity. And singing reduces stress and releases endorphins. So belt out that song in your shower, dance around living room, sing!

Sleep

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is SLEEP! Getting seven or more hours of sleep a night may help you loss weight. That’s the finding of a study presented in San Diego at the American Thoracic Society’s International Conference. Data came from 68,183 healthy women who took part in the Nurses’ Health Study. The Nurses’ Health study started in 1976, when women were 30-55 years old. Women who reported sleeping five or six hours per night gained more weight than those who got seven hours of nightly sleep, the study shows. Other studies have also linked a good night’s sleep to lighter bodies.

So get your sleep. It's good for your waist!

Carrots!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is CARROTS! Those favorites of Bugs Bunny should be one of your favorites, too. Carrots are low in calories, high in fiber and make a wonderful crunch in your mouth. They may also fight cancer. According to a 2001 British study in the International Journal of Cancer, women who ate just four carrot sticks at least 5 days a week cut their risk of ovarian cancer in half. Scientists attribute the risk reduction to beta-carotene -- carrots are loaded with it -- but other research says that it's beta-carotene in combination with the 100 or so other substances in carrots.

It's easy to add carrots to your diet. Shred them over salads, take a bag of baby carrots to work as a snack and munch on them, add them whole or shedded to soups, chop them finely and sprinkle them on sandwiches or on hamburgers. You can even add them to Jello -- not that I'm saying you should, mind you.

Here's some info about carrots from the web page of P. Caunce & Son Brow Farm.

"Carrots are a taproot, a type of root which grows downwards into the soil and swells. Carrots come in many sizes and shapes: round, cylindrical, fat, very small, long or thin.

"Native to Afghanistan, carrots were known to both the Greeks and Romans. In fact, the Greeks called the carrot "Philtron" and used it as a love medicine -- making men more ardent and women more yielding. The Roman emperor Caligula, believing these stories, forced the whole Roman Senate to eat carrots so he could see them "in rut like wild beasts."

"India, China, and Japan had established carrots as a food crop by the 13th century. In Europe, however, they were not well known until well into the Middle Ages. At that time, doctors prescribed them for everything from sexual maladies to snakebite -- which some would argue, are Biblically connected. In Holland, the original red, purple, black, yellow, and white varietals were hybridized to today's bright orange, with its potent dose of beta carotene.

"From thence, carrots moved to England, during Elizabethan times. Some Elizabethans ate the roots as food; others used their feathery stalks to decorate their hair, their hats, their dresses, and their coats.

"Carrots arrived in the New World with the early colonists, but they were allowed to escape cultivation and subsequently turned into the omnipresent and delicate wild flower Queen Anne's Lace. If you doubt it, pull up a plant by the roots and surprise your nose with its carroty smell.

"The folk belief that carrots enable one to see in the dark -- or at least improve vision -- enabled the British Royal Air Force to disguise its use of radar from the Germans during World War II. The story goes that the Air Force bragged that the great accuracy of British fighter pilots at night was a result of them being fed enormous quantities of carrots -- and the Germans bought it because their folk wisdom included the same myth."

So eat your carrots, and you'll may be rewarded with better health!

CIY!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is CIY! Weil, it's really not a word, but it stands for Cook It Yourself. I see you nodding your head. You already know that home-cooked food tastes better and retains more natural goodness. You can also prepare it in a way that minimizes fat. However, did you know that CIY can help with binge eating?

Binge eating is almost unknown in the Third World. Scientists believe this is because they have to spend so much time preparing their food as well as working to afford it or gather it. It is completely unknown in primitive tribes except at occasional feasts.

But here in the US, we only have to walk into our kitchens and tear open a bag of chips and grab a box of Twinkies to settle ourselves in front of the TV for an evening of chowing down. We are not mindful of our food because we don't have to be.

Mindless binge eating used to be a real problem for me. My cabinets were full of quick, convenient food. If something triggered my appetite, it was all too easy to binge until you'd find me unconscious in the living room, greasy remote in one hand, hunk of cake in the other and a large bowl of lard-fried potato chips on my rounded belly. How's that for an image?

What did I do to change this? Well, I stopped buying that convenient food or bought only convenient food that was good for me. For instance, you can't beat the food preparation time of baby carrots. You open the bag, rinse them off and you're crunching happily almost immediately. And Weight Watchers Smart Ones microwave meals are quick and delicious (many of them, anyway). Next, I determined that my binge foods were usually sweets. So I decided that if I had to have them, I had to bake them or make them. Just that decision cut back on a lot of bingeing

I also decided that if I was going to binge, it was going to be on something I really loved. Such as chocolate-covered strawberries or other fruits. So I went out and found some chocolate formulated for microwave melting. (Wal-Mart has it.) And now when I just have to have some sweets, I get out a bowl, measure out the chocolate, microwave the chocolate, wash and cut up the fruit while the chocolate is microwaving, take out the chocolate and wait for it to cool slightly, use a fork and start dipping. The thing is, by the time the chocolate is ready and the fruit is cut, many times the impulse has passed, so I dip a few pieces and then put it all up.

So try CIY. It may help you to SDY! (Slim Down Yourself)

WWIN once more

I'm down 1.2 pound. I should have done better, but I cheated too much this week. There was a coconut cream pie that called me and several soft drinks and let's not forget that side of beef ...

How did you do on this Wednesday Weigh In? Trixie, Frenzied Feline, Michelle, Crystal, Jeanne, Jaime? How many pounds did you lose?

Relax!

The Weight Loss Word for the Day is RELAX! Yeah, that's right. Relax. Kick your shoes off, get a large glass of your favorite diet cola or flavored water, find a lounge chair outside and sit down and watch the world go by. A lot of studies have shown that people who succeed in weight loss plan for downtime. That's right. Naps, an hour or so of peace during the day and other quiet activities help people lose weight! Now, why would that be? Researchers believe that such quiet times decrease stress, and since stress is an appetite trigger for many people, any reduction decreases their desire to eat.

So relax a little. Enjoy the sunny day in a shady backyard. Take a slow walk in the park. Your waist will be glad you did.

Substitute!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is SUBSTITUTE! You can make substantial advances in your weight loss plan by substituting healthy food for unhealthy food.

You love ice cream? There are hundreds of low-fat, low-sugar, no sugar ice creams and yogurts out there. Start trying them out.

Switch from whole milk to 1 or 2 percent. This is sometimes hard to adjust to. Do it slowly. Buy one gallon of whole milk and one of 1 percent. Mix the two milks in your glass, slowly increasing the amount of 1 percent. Eventually you'll adjust.

Instead of having cheese sticks as an appetizer, have a salad.

Choose diet soft drinks or flavored water over the regular sugar filled sodas.

Buy low-fat, low calorie treats, such as Smart Ones muffins or Healthy Choice brownies.

Crunch on some carrots dipped in no-fat ranch dressing instead of those potato chips.

By remembering to substitute instead of simply doing without, you won't feel cheated or hungry. Let's all substitute slim and happy for heavy and sad!

Participation!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is PARTICIPATION! The only way that The Great Slim Down can help you reach your weight loss goal is if you participate! Post a recipe, ask a question, share a tip, make a comment, tell a problem, upload a cartoon, you name it. Just because someone else has posted doesn't mean that you can't. We need your voice, your viewpoint. What you share could be exactly what another reader needs.

Remember, we're all in the same boat, folks. Let's reach our goals together!

Attitude!

The Weight Loss Word of the Day is ATTITUDE! Whether or not we lose weight depends on this more than anything else. Do we look at exercise as something we get to do or as something we have to do? Do we look at cutting back on portion size as healthy and slimming or do we look at it as a hardship and annoying? Do we look at changing our menus as an adventure into new tastes or as a disruption to our routine?

It's not easy to be positive about losing weight. It seems to be about cutting back on the things we love and fighting a constant battle every day of our lives. I know I struggle with this as dieting really depresses me at times. Why shouldn't be able to eat what I want when I want? And I can do that ... if I'm willing to live with the consequences of that: poor health, shorter life, less energy, etc. Hey, I'm not willing to give up my life for food. I really will learn to eat to live and not live to eat. It's all comes down to my attitude.

So I'm going to stop whining about not getting to eat what I want and having to exercise. Instead, I will approach it that I get to eat healthy and get to exercise. And I'm positive that, by keeping the right attitude, we're all going to be healthy and slim.

Veggies!

The weight loss word of the day is VEGGIES! That's right. Just like your mom used to tell you: Eat your veggies. Most veggies are loaded with vitamins and fiber and are usually low calorie.

But don't smother them in sauce or cream. That just adds fat and smothers their natural taste. Try them steamed or grilled, seasoned with red pepper flakes or seasoning salt. Combine several that have different colors to create a colorful and healthy side on your plate.

In buying veggies, remember that fresh is best, but frozen is good, too.

Here's a quick and delicious veggie recipe.

Tech's Rainbow Veggie Mix

1 large yellow squash cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 bag of frozen okra
1 large tomato chopped
1/2 bag of frozen broccoli
1 sliced red pepper with seeds removed
1 cup of baby carrots
1/4 cup of lemon juice
2 tablespoon of seasoning salt

Combine veggies and juice in large microwave safe bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt. Cover bowl and microwave 10-15 minutes or until the veggies are tender. (This depends on your microwave. Your mileage will vary. Don't overcook the veggies. You want them to have some crunch.) Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt on veggies again. Toss veggies and then serve. Serves six. Adjust quantities as needed.

So eat your veggies!

Walk!

The weight loss word of the day is WALK! Walking may be the perfect exercise. It's easy on your joints, requires no special equipment besides supportive and comfortable shoes and a place to walk. Michelle has been walking in the morning and is finding it to be the perfect way to start her day.


Here are a few ways to incorporate walking into your day.

1. Use part of your lunch hour to walk around the block or even better a local park.
2. Park at the far end of the parking lot when you shop.
3. If the weather is bad, walk from one end of a mall to the other.
4. Use the stairs. My roomie works in a four-story hospital. He almost never takes the elevator, and he goes up those stairs like a gazelle -- if gazelles can climb stairs easily.
5. Get a pedometer and attempt to add 500 steps to your day.
6. Call a friend and set up a walking date.
7. Many schools have a walking track that is open for the public to use during the summer and evenings.
8. Many churches have family life centers with a walking track.

What walking tips do you have to share? Let’s walk our way to fitness and health.

WWIN - Taking the plunge

Okay, I'm officially back. I restarted the diet with gusto yesterday, and am ready to face the fact that I'm starting over.

My official overall total for today is +2 lbs. Now, I know y'all can do better than that!

Spicy!

The weight loss word of the day is SPICY! Research has shown that spicy food suppresses the appetite as well as decreases the amount of food eaten at one sitting and increases the amount of liquid consumed.

I find that red pepper flakes perk up any boring veggie. Red pepper flakes are especially good on squash. Just sprinkle the flakes on the veggie and then cook as normal. I also like them on the Weight Watchers Smart Ones Four Cheese Pizza. It adds just the right zing. But have that ice cold water ready!

Water

The weight loss word of the day is WATER! Water is good for you. It suppresses your appetite. It helps your body burn fat. You gotta have it.

Doctors recommend drinking 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. So today, your weight loss assignment -- if you choose to accept it -- is to drink that water! There are many flavored waters out there now, and no, I don't mean soft drinks. (Soft drinks are nothing but melted candy with stress-inducing caffeine thrown in to boot.)

Grab yourself a carton of the flavored waters and drink away!

Tech's Spicy Mixed Vegetables

I thought I'd share this quick recipe. It's low in calories and Weight Watchers' points.

1 can of blackeyed peas (without bacon)
1 can of green beans (drained)
2 large tomatoes chopped
1 cup of frozen okra
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients in microwave safe bowl. Cover bowl, and microwave for 15 minutes or until okra is tender. You can also add cooked shrimp or cooked crumbled sausage to this. Delicious!

A Request

Okay, this has nothing to do with the main purpose of the blog, but I would like to ask a favor.

My Dad's cancer seems to be trying to break out of remission. He's been in a hospital in Florida for a week now, fighting an infection and getting blood transfusions every day. They're trying to get him well enough to start chemotherapy again, but they can't do it until they get rid of his fevers and build him up a little. He's in good spirits and regarding this as just a "bump in the road", but please say a prayer for him.

Thanks, everyone.

Yes, it's here...again.

Alrighty then...It's WWIN's Day!! Are you ready?

Are you there? I am still holding out that this page will return to it's excited motivated glory. But there seems to be a few hinderences.

Here is the run down, as I see it...

TECH = No Computer (remedy to soon follow. I hope)

Crystal = Galavanting around Northern California

Frenzied = intermittant internet service (remedy merely a day away!)

Jaime = Kicking her scale out the window somewhere in North Eastern US

Trixie = Hi Trixie! I know you're there... :)

Jeannie = Not feeling well (Lots of prayers needed)

Mama Rose = Help! We need some motivational speaking!

Ok then...and then there is me. I am still working on this. I am not giving up and I don't think any of you are either...

I lost a lot this last week, but some of that is attributed to the fact that I was sick Monday. Icky nasty kind of sick that leaves you dehydrated and 7 pounds lighter. I am expecting not to lose much this next week, maybe even a gain. But it sure as heck was nice to see that huge drop. :)

How'd you do?

To weigh or not to weigh

I found an interesting article on iVillage. I know, I know it is the internets equivilant to Lifetime Television, but there is some interesting stuff on there. Anyway, it was discussing the good and bads about weighing in, how often and if it would work for you.

I happen to weigh myself everyday. In the morning for sure, just because the numbers are always lower in the AM (I LOVE seeing it go down in the morning whether it stays there or not. I figure it was there once, it will be again), but also I weigh in at night just to keep on top of where Weight Watchers will catch me, come weekly weigh in and how that is progressing. Sometimes, the numbers look great, sometimes...not so good. But I know not to count them as "official" until I do weigh in for the week. I use that definite number as my kick off for the next week, and so on. Some might say I weigh myself too much, but to be honest, it motivates me. It reminds me to keep track of my food for the day, it keeps my eye on the goal of getting this weight off and it also reminds me, that this is a day by day effort. What happened yesterday has nothing to do with today. I weigh "here" today and how am I going to make that better?

It works for me, but everyone is different. Here is a link to the article Weighing In

Let me know what you think!

Down for the count

Weight loss is wearing on me. I counted 46 pretzels to have with my 15.4oz of soup. Earlier, I counted 15 Wheat Thins to have as a snack. Just now, I wrestled, and lost, a grapefruit. Next, it's some dried mangos. I get to count 9 of those out of the bag, and then lick my fingers. (Licking fingers doesn't count as points)

But with all the effort and grapefruit injury, it pays off.

I lost 2 pounds this week. How'd you do?

WWINsday once more

So how did you do this week? I lost a half of pound. Sigh. I mean, it's a half a pound, but still it's hard to get too terribly excited about that. But I bet you did great, didn't you, Frenzied? How about you, Trixie? Michelle will probably wow us with her dropped pounds even though she just got back from vacation. And Jamie and Jeanne are hoarding their fantastic losses just so we won't be discouraged. Same for Crystal.

Or maybe not. Maybe we're all in a lull, a hard time where we're struggling for those lost ounces. If so, then we've just got to stay the course. We deserve to be thin. We deserve to be healthy. We deserve to have good lives and achieve our goals. We're good people.

For me, I have to keep aware that the biggest problem is me. Yup. I'm the one that I'm struggling with. It's a problem of discipline. It's how I'm going to learn if I'm living to eat or eating to live. It's how I learn where I control my appetite or it controls me. It's a fight to the finish, folks. Buckle on your weight loss armor and let's win the battle of the bulge. Let's also not take that metaphor any further.

Anyway, I'm back to toeing the Weight Watchers line again. No exceptions. No fudging. It isn't going to be easy, but I've done it before and will do it again. Whatever your weight loss plan is, I've got faith in you. Let's be thin together.

***

One thing: I thought it might be cool to have a collection of inspiring weight loss quotes here. Do you know any? Post 'em!

**

Another thing: Post your total loss and I will update the page with them this week.

*

One last thing: If you'd like to join The Great Slimdown, just send me an email, and I'll add you as a poster! The more, the merrier. My email address is: issac skye @ gmail.com. Naturally, remove the spaces in the email address. Have a great day!

Monsieur Tech

Well, I’m up a pound this week. A whole pound. Basically I’ve added a package of ground beef to my butt. This makes me crazy, but I know why. I’m not being a good dieter.

Let’s be honest. When it comes to diets, I have all the restraint of a French king building a palace. I find this curious. After all, I’m a fairly driven person -- I drive a lot of people nuts -- no, no, no, I meant that I’m very focused and determined. So why is a diet such a problem?

I’ve been wrestling with this for the past couple of weeks as I tried to determine why I can’t lose the weight and keep it off. I’m not going to blame Weight Watchers. Or any diet. I know they work. I’ve lost weight on WW, Slim-Fast, etc. But keeping it off and continuing on any diet is the problem.

It comes down to this, I think: The payoff for losing the weight doesn’t seem as satisfying as eating the foods I enjoy and eating as much of them as I want. I hesitate to consider what that says about my personality, but I suspect it isn’t good.

What is the diet payoff? Let’s list them.

1. Better health. This is a biggie. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I need to lose 100 pounds. I’d feel better, get around better, help my back, knees and legs, not to mention help avoid diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
2. Easier to find clothes that fit. This is a problem. Clothes for large people aren’t available in as many colors and styles as clothes for slim people. (Some people claim this is because the clothing companies have to compete with tent companies for larger fabric. Some people need to be slapped.) This is slowly changing as America fats up, but I’d like to wear white once without someone attempting to show a movie on me.
3. Increase dating potential. We live in superficial world. That’s how it is. A lot of women would prefer not being seen with Shamu. Of course, then I have to wonder if I want to date those kind of women.

So ... having listed those ... and I’m sure there are others ... if knowing all those things, why am I not more motivated to lose weight? I’ll be looking deeper into this over the next few weeks, but what keeps you from dieting? What has allowed you to diet successfully? What’s your motivation?

Until next time, just refer to me as Monseiur Tech

Not on the zero

Happy Scale Day, everyone. It's another cool, gray day here in Central Oklahoma. I mention that because I think the clouds have changed the gravity field around my scale. I'm no longer stuck on that "zero"-ending number I mentioned last week -- but only because I am up two pounds this week. Only four pounds total off since we started this. I thought I was doing very well this week, eating more vegetables and fish and drinking more water. I know these are the "right" things to do. I really have been trying to summon all that I've learned about weight loss in the past 30 years.

But you know what? I am thinking that if I really "know" so much about proper weight loss, I might not be at the weight I am now, struggling to hold on to a four-pound weight loss over (how many?) weeks.

I'm struggling here. The things that have worked for me over the decades no longer seem to work. My refrigerator overflows with healthy food and I've made wise choices, for the most part.

True, I am lacking when it comes to physical activity, and I know that is a huge component. So I know what I have to do this week. Continue the healthy eating patterns, but step away from the computer and the television and MOVE this old body of mine.

If nothing else, I'll shock it into getting past that zero!

Stuck on the "Zero"

Oh the needle bounces, trying to decide whether to stay or move. Finally when it comes to rest, I see it stuck firmly on The Number That Ends in Zero. Oh, how it wanted to break through and slip on down to a "9" or maybe even an "8". But no. Not today.

Today it says to me "try again. Keep up the effort. Eat your veggies."

I wince, but I know it is right, this strange-talking scale needle. I take in its message. And then as I turn to go get dressed for the day, I stop, turn, stare at it and wonder if this chatty machine has been looking at me in my underwear. I go back and give it a kick for good measure.

Hop on the scales, it's WWINSDAY!

I am down 1 pound this week, for a total of 6 pounds. Woot! If I have a loss over this next week, I'll be below one of those dreaded numbers that ends in "0" and in a new territory! (Does anyone else do that? Classify weight in 10-pound increments?)
My efforts have been small, but it does show me that small changes can make a difference. Substitute a salad for a hamburger a couple of times a week, drink water instead of something else, and it can add up. Add a little more movement and the changes come quicker.

Here's to a good week coming up for everyone!

Mediating Meditation

The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend. The tread mill is my friend...

Phffft.

Let's see... It is Wednesday

That means it's time for the scales again.

Even though I haven't posted in a while, I am holding at 5 pounds total loss. With warm weather becoming more of the "norm" around here, I anticipate adding walks to my routine. That always is a great help with my program.

How are you doing this week? Challenges? Successes?

Mad Scientist at Work

I've been experimenting again. It's another recipe I got from my WW meeting. :)

FUNDELENTIL SOUP

Cook in large pot for 3-4 minutes:
1-1/2 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. chopped celery
1 tsp. olive oil

Add, bring to boil, lower heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes:
7 cups low-fat chicken broth
1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10-3/4 oz. can tomato soup
2 c. dry lentils
2 c. chopped carrots
2 c. chopped yams
2 tsp. oregano
1-1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Stir in:
2 c. chopped fresh spinach

Bring back to low boil. Turn off heat. Enjoy!

My WW leader said she likes to put a dollop of plain yogurt and a little salsa on it. She put this in the online calculator on the WW site. She figures it serves 12 at 3 points per serving. Cal 199; Fib 12g; Fat 2g.

My observations:
It obviously depends on how big you make the pieces of veggie as to how long it will take to simmer. I made mine about 1/2" pieces.
Having learned how much work fresh spinach is, I bought a bag of ready-to-go baby spinach greens and chopped them up a bit.
Having never used fresh garlic before today, I liked it!
I LOVE cumin, so I'd add more next time.
I really liked it with the yogurt swirled in. I didn't try it with the salsa because I didn't want to cover the taste of the cumin.
The 2 cups of lentils was slightly less than the 1-lb. package of lentils I bought. Not worth saving what was left and I'd just dump the whole package in.

WWIN's day

*crickets*

Ok then, since this here internet has been a bit scarce lately, me included, I'll go ahead and post for this weeks results.

I don't have a cute story, or poem or some witty comment to entertain you with. My head is too full of other stuff, that has pushed any sort of creativity or fun thought aside. I am thinking it went out my right ear. It's been kinda itchy.

*crickets*

See? That's pretty bad.

Anyway, I am not sure how it happened. Especially after reading Crystal's munchie post. I realized upon reading that, that I didn't have a specific craving. I crave food. I am not even hungry, and I am craving something to put into my mouth. Anything. But, with all the munching I have been doing the past week, I lost 2lbs exactly, again. The lady at WW says I must be on some 2lb roll. All I could think of was fresh baked bread...

*crickets*

So how'd you do?

Cravings

So this week, I've been focusing on cravings..what causes them and how to deal with them. Okay, actually I've been more focused on identifying them and satisfying them and I'm getting really good at that part. And, yes, I'm talking about food cravings. Stay with me now. :) Any other kind of cravings will be discussed on a secret blog only a few people with similar cravings know about. (Just kidding, Mom! There really isn't a secret blog, so DON'T go looking for it, okay? Seriously, I'm JUST kidding.)

Anyway, this week I've been craving mayo and tomato sandwiches. I've tried to make it healthy by sticking to whole wheat bread and low fat mayo, but I can't seem to get enough of them. I even had one for breakfast. I know cravings are said to be caused by your body's lacking something and since it wasn't a totally unhealthy snack, I just flowed with the craving. I find my life is a lot easier when I do that...But I've also been craving grape soda to the point it's become an obession. What is there in grape soda that makes me want it so? I'm not really a grape soda kinda person, I'm mostly a Mountain Dew and Pepsi kinda gal. I don't think it would be the sugar, because I manage to maintain a pretty good level of that. What else could it be? We ran out of grape soda this afternoon and I'm already trying to decide if it's worth the trip out in the cold, windy, dark night to try and find some more. Well, of course, it would be worth it, it's just that my lazy factor might be just a little stronger than my grape soda obession. It's too close to tell at this time. A couple nights ago I took grape soda and mixed it with fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt and made a grape shake. I tell you, I'm out of control. Maybe if someone could explain this obession with grape soda, I'll be able to wean myself off of it.

Or just tell me what some of your cravings are and how you deal with it. :)

Congratulations!

You're all doing great!!

WWINs-Day Weigh-In

I'm shocked, and hoping it sticks--I'm down 2.7! My total is now 8.4!! :)

So, how did ya'll do?

WWINs-day Weigh-In

Good morning, friends!

Imagine my surprise to be able to report that I am down 3 pounds this week, for a total of 5 pounds off. Woot!

Maybe things are finally starting to click for me.

It's WWIN-sday (again?)

Well, I don't know how it happened, but I'm down two pounds this week for a total of two pounds lost. I'm now below where I started all those weeks ago. I hope you are all having a great week!

Fatalistic Chef?

If curiosity killed the cat, let's hope my own experimenting (cooking) doesn't kill me. :)

I've been in the kitchen all morning, and actually enjoying myself. (Are the planets out of line or something??) I've made the Crockpot Chicken Lasagna for dinner tonight, only I used shell pasta. I believe it was Jaime that wondered if it would work with other types of pasta. I'll have to let you know tonight.

I was also out of my supply of Taco Soup, so made a batch of that. I wanted to try another recipe I got at WW, Potato Cheese Soup, so I made a batch of that. I'm trying to decide if I want to try another recipe for dessert, Celebration Cake. Maybe I just needed the kick in the seat of weigh-in at WW yesterday (not good) to motivate me to find new favorites so I can keep the lifestyle going.

Here's the recipe for the Potato Cheese Soup. It's really yummy, but it's quite thick. I might try adding a little more broth for my next bowl and see if that helps.

POTATO CHEESE SOUP
1 cup=3 points

1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, coarsely grated
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 lb. red potatoes, cut in 1/2" cubes
29 oz. vegetable broth
1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half, OR fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz. low-fat cheddar or colby cheese, shredded

Cook onion, in sprayed non-stick pan, about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add carrots, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard. Cook 2 minutes more.

Add potatoes, broth, and milk, bring to a boil and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in cheese. Puree in blender in small batches.

Serves 6

I used chicken broth because it was lower in sodium. Also, I was being lazy and couldn't find any pre-shredded low-fat cheddar or colby cheese, so I used Sargento brand reduced-fat Mexican blend.

Ooooo, so good! :)

A Poll

Just thought I'd ask. :)

Do you weigh yourself more than once a week?
If so, how often?
Whether you weigh in often or once a week, what made you decide on your approach to weigh-ins?

Tough Cookies Don't Crumble

I found some new diet tips I thought I'd share with y'all...just something to help us on our way to the cute clothes department. Remember we must look beyond food if we are ever to look down and see our feet.

1. Whenever someone calls tell them you're on the way to the gym. Word will get around about what great shape you're in and who knows, you might actually start going there, too.

2. Having trouble drinking your 8 glasses of water? Tech suggested adding a squeeze of lemon, but what the heck, add a whole lemon. How many calories could that be? Ooops, too sour? Add a few spoonfuls of sugar, but just sugar made from sugar beets. That way you can get in a vegetable, too. Oh, and add just a shot of Vodka to make a perfect Lemon Drop drink...now, you should have no trouble getting in 8 glasses of water...

3. This is an old trick, but it really works. Only eat while standing in front of a mirror naked. You'll be lucky to get in more than a bite or two before you're thrown out of the restaurant, and the pounds will melt off.

4. Here's a little shortcut I use to make counting calories a snap. Just remember that foods of the same color have the same amount of calories. For example, pistachio ice cream is = to spinach, white chocolate is = to mushrooms. You get the idea.

5. Eat as much food as you like, just don't swallow it.

6. Make eating a game. A game of chess for instance. Substitute the chess pieces for food. You can only eat when you capture your friend's players. You'll either get really, really good at chess or you'll lose weight.

7. Here's one for you folks always who are always on the go....a box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place! How handy is that?!

8. If eating late at night is keeping you from losing weight, have your significant other handcuff you to the bed at 7:30 pm. Not only will you quit eating at night, but it might just work out into burning a few extra calories, as well.

9. Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less. Or was that a glass of water? No, that can't be right...you can only drink so many Lemon Drops in one day...

10. If all else fails, fatten up the people around you and you'll look at least 10 pounds thinner!

Top Ten Reasons A Diet Is Better Than Sex

I stole this from another website..enjoy.

Top Ten Reasons Why Diets Are Better Than Sex

10. You don't have to take off your clothes.
9. You can go from diet to diet without feeling guilty.
8. Celery is ALWAYS hard.
7. On a diet, you carefully consider everything you put in your mouth.
6. It's GOOD if a diet is over quickly.
5. Dieting doesn't make you pregnant.
4. You can doze off in the middle if you want to.
3. It's okay if your dog watches.
2. You can do it with your best friend's husband.

And the number one reason why dieting is better than sex....

1. You don't have to worry if it was good for the cottage cheese too.


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Expectations

One of the biggest things that can cause you to stop reaching for your weight loss goals is unrealistic expectations. We live in a culture that thinks losing weight is about getting the most pounds off as fast as you can so you can get right back to eating what you want. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that philosophy is all about wishful thinking, not realistic, permanent weight loss. And it defititely isn't about being healthy.

An important thing in developing a healthy lifestyle and achieving permanent weight loss is giving up unrealistic expectations. You cannot control how fast the weight will come off. But if your program is healthy and you exercise, it will come off. The time will pass and you will be thinner and a lot healthier than if you take it off too quickly.

One benefit of taking it off slowly is that you're more likely to be doing it in ways that make it easier to keep it off. And in ways that are healthy for your body. And isn't that the real goal? Staying a normal, healthy weight?

So, my advice, fwiw, is to delete the word "only", as in I ONLY lost X this week, from your vocabulary. Celebrate every ounce, because they add up to pounds. Don't think of your goal as X number on the scale. Think of that goal as living a permenant, healthy lifestyle. If you do that, the scale and dress/pant sizes will take care of themselves.

Good luck, everyone.

Weight loss prayer

My aunt sent me this prayer from The All-New Free To Be Thin by Neva Coyle & Marie Chapian. I thought it was worth sharing.

The Weight Loss Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for teaching me discipline.
Thank you, Lord, that I am now free to be in charge of what I put in my body.
I choose to receive from You the strength I need to be faithful to my commitment to You.
Your strength fills me.
You show me that I can be responsible for what I choose to eat.
I thank you, Lord, that I am victorious in You.
I will accept the disciplien of my Daily Prayer Time.
I will read the Word in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
I will keep my daily food diary and be aware of the contents of the food I eat.
I will not be a slave to food any longer.
I am victorious because You are victorious!
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

The authors recommend saying this prayer twice when you are tempted by foods you shouldn't eat.

It's WWIN8!

Eight???!

I'm not the writer that Tech is, so being first to post today, it'll be pretty much straight forward.

I'm down 2.2, for a total of 5.7.

I'm getting a little discouraged with my progress given this is the eighth week, but there's no point in not knowing how I'm doing.

I've got a busy day today, so I'll look forward to seeing how everyone else is doing later. :)