Currently loosely using the Flat Belly Diet plan. A healthy way of eating for LIFE!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Activity
Did walk for 30 minutes on the treadmill this afternoon. Then in the evening, did tango for 50 minutes or so. One of the gals at the dance class asked if I'd lost weight. I told her I've actually gained 10 pounds lately. I guess the clothes you wear really makes a difference. ;-)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Getting back on track
What a good time to get a new start! I'm back up to 200lbs, so I definitely need a kick start! Took about 5 hours searching for my Bender Ball dvds yesterday and FINALLY found them. Got some sorting and organizing down in the process! :-) Did the core workout last night, then again this morning. Off to walk on the treadmill. Will be checking in again with the Healthy You Challenge.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mom
Mom is doing great and is actually back home. What a wonderful Christmas gift for our whole family! My family is not traveling to Arkansas for Christmas. We had our time with Mom and everyone at Thanksgiving.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Secret to Living a Long, Happy Life
Sorry I haven't been posting. I've been a little distracted and weight has been creeping up. :-P But I did my mini-trampoline workout yesterday and the treadmill today.
From Denise Austin
Simple Steps
The Secret to Living a Long, Happy Life
Did you know that happily married people live longer? Even if you're not married, you need to nurture your relationship with your significant other, and you'll stay strong — and satisfied!
Here are some simple ways you can keep the magic alive — so you two can stay alive for many more happy years!
* Communicate, communicate, communicate! The most essential element in a healthy relationship is open and honest communication between both partners. Holding in anger or wounded feelings will only hurt the relationship in the long run. Talk things out with your partner — and don't forget to thank your partner for the little things he or she does for you. Sharing good feelings and appreciation are part of communication too!
* Cook for love. The way to a man's heart — or a woman's — is through his or her stomach! Seduce your partner with chocolate, bananas, cinnamon, or any other aphrodisiac foods. And for the guys who think the kitchen is a woman's territory, I know many women would agree that there's nothing sexier than a man who can cook — or at least do the dishes!
* Take pride in the way you look. Eating well, staying active, and drinking plenty of water will help you maintain a healthy weight, smooth, clear skin, and strong, healthy hair. Don't forget about regular grooming and hygiene habits — people who floss live longer!
* Dress the part! Put on something special for your significant other. Ladies, wear that pretty dress just because you know he likes it, and men — you know how to look great when you try! C'mon, do it for your sweetie!
* Plan a date. With hectic work schedules, family responsibilities, and household errands, who has time for a spur-of-the-moment rendezvous? Set aside one night a week as your date night, and don't let anything get in the way! Also, make an agreement not to discuss kids, money, or work while you're on your date!
This coming week, try at least one of these suggestions to keep your relationship going strong — or come up with a few ideas of your own. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
From Denise Austin
Simple Steps
The Secret to Living a Long, Happy Life
Did you know that happily married people live longer? Even if you're not married, you need to nurture your relationship with your significant other, and you'll stay strong — and satisfied!
Here are some simple ways you can keep the magic alive — so you two can stay alive for many more happy years!
* Communicate, communicate, communicate! The most essential element in a healthy relationship is open and honest communication between both partners. Holding in anger or wounded feelings will only hurt the relationship in the long run. Talk things out with your partner — and don't forget to thank your partner for the little things he or she does for you. Sharing good feelings and appreciation are part of communication too!
* Cook for love. The way to a man's heart — or a woman's — is through his or her stomach! Seduce your partner with chocolate, bananas, cinnamon, or any other aphrodisiac foods. And for the guys who think the kitchen is a woman's territory, I know many women would agree that there's nothing sexier than a man who can cook — or at least do the dishes!
* Take pride in the way you look. Eating well, staying active, and drinking plenty of water will help you maintain a healthy weight, smooth, clear skin, and strong, healthy hair. Don't forget about regular grooming and hygiene habits — people who floss live longer!
* Dress the part! Put on something special for your significant other. Ladies, wear that pretty dress just because you know he likes it, and men — you know how to look great when you try! C'mon, do it for your sweetie!
* Plan a date. With hectic work schedules, family responsibilities, and household errands, who has time for a spur-of-the-moment rendezvous? Set aside one night a week as your date night, and don't let anything get in the way! Also, make an agreement not to discuss kids, money, or work while you're on your date!
This coming week, try at least one of these suggestions to keep your relationship going strong — or come up with a few ideas of your own. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Our Thanksgiving miracle
God gave us a precious gift of more time with Mom this Thanksgiving. She has astounded the doctors and nurses at the hospice center with a bit of a comeback. I posted some precious photos on my family blog. When I posted the previous post, the nurse thought that Mom wouldn't make it through that day. My sister and I were spending the night with her in her hospice room and she woke up at 4am and within a few minutes was asking for food. She gained more and more strength as the days went on.
We had many reasons to give thanks to God this past week.
We had many reasons to give thanks to God this past week.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Mom
We are enjoying our last few days with Mom. I wanted to post this photo of her and me from when I was in Arkansas in July of this year. We love you, Mom. God has blessed our family greatly through you.
If you would like to read updates about Mom's journey, my sister has set up a Caring Bridge site for Mom.
Thank you to all of you who are praying for our family. We can constantly feel the loving arms of God around us.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Family updates
Mom went home from the hospital for a couple days, but had a lump grow overnight on her neck and it began to restrict her breathing. So she was moved to a room at the hospice center since they had an opening. There's been some rough days, today sounded like a good day. I'll be going back early next week with my son. His performance as Aslan in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was this weekend and he did an AMAZING job and we're all very proud, but it was heart-wrenching, too, because Mom & Dad were supposed to be here to see it with us. We weren't allowed to videotape because of copyright restrictions, but we got some good photos. Some are posted on my family blog. No flash was allowed, so lots of the photos were blurred. Check them out!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Back home
My daughter and I got home last night. It was so hard to leave. The news got worse as the week went on. The surgery failed, so the lung started filling up again. Mom stated her wish for a Do Not Resuscitate order, so that was placed in her record. They pulled the chest tube today and the family is meeting with hospice tomorrow. My brother and his wife arrived the night before we left and my older sister arrived tonight. I am so glad I was able to be there all week long. I'll probably be going back next week after my son's performances this weekend.
Lifestyle Change
From Denise Austin:
Motivational Monday
Call It a Lifestyle Change!
The word diet can have negative associations. It might make you think of that friend of yours who was desperately trying to lose weight last year for an upcoming class reunion. She was so obsessive about what she ate that it made you anxious! And when the pounds didn't drop quickly enough, she resorted to skipping meals (a definite no-no!) and working out until she reached the point of complete exhaustion. Not so appealing — or healthy, for that matter!
But you can relax, because that's not what my program is about! For one thing, it's about simply tweaking your eating habits so you're consuming less junk (processed foods, refined sugars, and anything loaded with saturated fat and/or sodium) and more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Basically, I want you to eat consciously by really thinking through what you're feeding your body!
The other huge part of my program is about incorporating exercise into your weekly routine. Following my Fitness Plan, which I've designed to match your fitness level, is just one way to do this. There are so many other things you can do to get moving! Exercise doesn't have to be a drag. You can make it fun! Bike around the park! Go swimming! Play softball in the backyard with the family! You name it!
Together, nutrition and fitness will help you feel great and stay strong — for the long term! That's the difference between my program and a short-lived diet plan. The healthy habits you're learning from me are meant to last a lifetime!
Motivational Monday
Call It a Lifestyle Change!
The word diet can have negative associations. It might make you think of that friend of yours who was desperately trying to lose weight last year for an upcoming class reunion. She was so obsessive about what she ate that it made you anxious! And when the pounds didn't drop quickly enough, she resorted to skipping meals (a definite no-no!) and working out until she reached the point of complete exhaustion. Not so appealing — or healthy, for that matter!
But you can relax, because that's not what my program is about! For one thing, it's about simply tweaking your eating habits so you're consuming less junk (processed foods, refined sugars, and anything loaded with saturated fat and/or sodium) and more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Basically, I want you to eat consciously by really thinking through what you're feeding your body!
The other huge part of my program is about incorporating exercise into your weekly routine. Following my Fitness Plan, which I've designed to match your fitness level, is just one way to do this. There are so many other things you can do to get moving! Exercise doesn't have to be a drag. You can make it fun! Bike around the park! Go swimming! Play softball in the backyard with the family! You name it!
Together, nutrition and fitness will help you feel great and stay strong — for the long term! That's the difference between my program and a short-lived diet plan. The healthy habits you're learning from me are meant to last a lifetime!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Life Happens
Once again, life has precluded everything else.
I'm in Arkansas with my mom, who's in the hospital. She had surgery on Monday and they discovered cancer. I'm very glad I'm here. She has a chest tube in and with our experience with those, I'm the perfect one to be by her side. CT scans showed no masses, but after they drained 2.5 liters of fluid from her lung, they discovered the pleura was "tumor studded." Doctor just came in and said the path report says it's adenocarcinoma of a papillary nature. They think it's ovarian, not breast. This morning's xray showed a small pneumothorax, so he said they'll need to keep the chest tube on suction for another day or so.
Here's what one website says:
"What is Adenocarcinoma?
Although commonly associated with lung cancer, adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in cells lining glandular types of internal organs, such as the lungs, breasts, colon, prostate, stomach, pancreas, and cervix. Another type of adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, accounts for only 10-15% of all adenocarcinomas and is particular to aggressive carcinomas that are comprised of at least sixty percent mucus.'"
Papillary has to do with the thyroid and glandular stuff.
I'm in Arkansas with my mom, who's in the hospital. She had surgery on Monday and they discovered cancer. I'm very glad I'm here. She has a chest tube in and with our experience with those, I'm the perfect one to be by her side. CT scans showed no masses, but after they drained 2.5 liters of fluid from her lung, they discovered the pleura was "tumor studded." Doctor just came in and said the path report says it's adenocarcinoma of a papillary nature. They think it's ovarian, not breast. This morning's xray showed a small pneumothorax, so he said they'll need to keep the chest tube on suction for another day or so.
Here's what one website says:
"What is Adenocarcinoma?
Although commonly associated with lung cancer, adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in cells lining glandular types of internal organs, such as the lungs, breasts, colon, prostate, stomach, pancreas, and cervix. Another type of adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, accounts for only 10-15% of all adenocarcinomas and is particular to aggressive carcinomas that are comprised of at least sixty percent mucus.'"
Papillary has to do with the thyroid and glandular stuff.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Conquer Emotional Eating
From Denise Austin:
Simple Steps
Conquer Emotional Eating Now and Forever!
Are you an emotional eater? Almost all of us are, at least sometimes (including me!). Emotional eating means turning to food to resolve emotional issues. It means we eat when we feel a certain way — happy, sad, anxious, excited — rather than just when we're hungry. And the foods we turn to are usually comfort foods, foods typically high in calories and fat that don't provide too many nutrients, like ice cream, cookies, and chips.
Emotional eating is nothing to be embarrassed about, but if you allow yourself to eat emotionally on a regular basis, it can be harder to follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. And I know that's not what you want. So I'm here to help!
The solution to your emotional eating troubles is also your challenge for the coming week! You can control emotional eating. You just need another outlet for your emotions so you don't continue to use food to calm down or help yourself feel better. And one of the best ways to do this is by keeping a journal! Writing down what's going on in your life and the challenges you are struggling with provides that emotional release you're seeking, so you don't need food for comfort. Take some time to think about exactly you're feeling, and choose the right words, so they truly represent your emotions. You can put them down on paper or on your computer — your choice. Members can also log onto the site and use their online journals for this.
Write at least one journal entry in the next seven days, and then every week from now on — but more is always better! You'll come to love writing in your journal and see it as a secret friend. I know I do!
Simple Steps
Conquer Emotional Eating Now and Forever!
Are you an emotional eater? Almost all of us are, at least sometimes (including me!). Emotional eating means turning to food to resolve emotional issues. It means we eat when we feel a certain way — happy, sad, anxious, excited — rather than just when we're hungry. And the foods we turn to are usually comfort foods, foods typically high in calories and fat that don't provide too many nutrients, like ice cream, cookies, and chips.
Emotional eating is nothing to be embarrassed about, but if you allow yourself to eat emotionally on a regular basis, it can be harder to follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. And I know that's not what you want. So I'm here to help!
The solution to your emotional eating troubles is also your challenge for the coming week! You can control emotional eating. You just need another outlet for your emotions so you don't continue to use food to calm down or help yourself feel better. And one of the best ways to do this is by keeping a journal! Writing down what's going on in your life and the challenges you are struggling with provides that emotional release you're seeking, so you don't need food for comfort. Take some time to think about exactly you're feeling, and choose the right words, so they truly represent your emotions. You can put them down on paper or on your computer — your choice. Members can also log onto the site and use their online journals for this.
Write at least one journal entry in the next seven days, and then every week from now on — but more is always better! You'll come to love writing in your journal and see it as a secret friend. I know I do!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Healthy Snacking
From Denise Austin today:
Eat Right!
Snacking is not a dirty word for dieters if you're careful about what you reach for! I can think of loads of nutritious, low-calorie foods that can help you feel full and boost your energy without ruining your day. Stick to a sensible serving size and you're good to go! Here are some ideas to get you snacking healthy!
* Cut up veggies with hummus
* Sliced fruit with nonfat Greek yogurt
* A few almonds or walnuts
* Low-fat cottage cheese
* Air-popped popcorn
* Hard-boiled eggs
* String cheese
* Baked tortilla chips with salsa
* Homemade smoothies or fruit shakes
Try a few of these snacks this week, and a few more next week. Constantly switch things up so that you don't get bored — and you'll be all set to handle your next snack attack!
Eat Right!
Snacking is not a dirty word for dieters if you're careful about what you reach for! I can think of loads of nutritious, low-calorie foods that can help you feel full and boost your energy without ruining your day. Stick to a sensible serving size and you're good to go! Here are some ideas to get you snacking healthy!
* Cut up veggies with hummus
* Sliced fruit with nonfat Greek yogurt
* A few almonds or walnuts
* Low-fat cottage cheese
* Air-popped popcorn
* Hard-boiled eggs
* String cheese
* Baked tortilla chips with salsa
* Homemade smoothies or fruit shakes
Try a few of these snacks this week, and a few more next week. Constantly switch things up so that you don't get bored — and you'll be all set to handle your next snack attack!
Check in
I refused to check in yesterday with a SEVEN pound gain from last week. Ugh! Today, it's only a 1.4lb gain. Much better. Not sure what was causing that severe bloating/gain but it annoys me. Last night we went to dance and did the Hustle. Definitely uses different muscles than the other dances and it has a pretty quick rhythm. Not my favorite dance. Gotta get my workout in now and shower so I can go to the chiropractor. We had fun at the Stanley Hotel last weekend. Photos are on my family blog.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Weight loss - 193.4
Today's weight is 193.4, I lost 3.4lbs from yesterday to this morning. It wasn't a good way to do it, though. Had a severe migraine yesterday with nausea and vomiting. I asked my hubby to call the urgent care clinic to see if I could get some more phenergan, the bottle I had was prescribed in January of 2006! They of course wanted me to come in, so we got an appt for 9:20. They gave me a shot of Imitrex, but it didn't really work. The doctor asked if I wanted them to give me IV meds, or send me home with vicodin and phenergan. I really just wanted to go home and sleep, so I opted for that. I had some soup and crackers when I got home and everything stayed down OK.
Feeling much better today, just a little weak. Need to go pack for our trip to Estes Park this weekend! I've been procrastinating.
Feeling much better today, just a little weak. Need to go pack for our trip to Estes Park this weekend! I've been procrastinating.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Words of Wisdom from Denise
From Denise Austin
A Great Workout Deserves a Great Snack!
If you're like me, you sometimes need a little energy booster before or after you work out. After all, exercise is hard work!
When you're grabbing a snack before or after your workout, remember to pick something that's healthy! You don't want to replace all the calories you're either going to burn or have just burned! Some options are veggies, fruit, part-skim cheese sticks, low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt, a piece of toast or a small bagel, some whole-grain breakfast cereal, and a piece of pita with hummus or bean dip. These are all smart, low-calorie ways to replenish your energy.
Remember to stay hydrated, too! Water is always the best choice, so drink plenty before and after you work out. If you need something with a little more substance to keep you going, try a glass of skim milk! It has the nutrients you need, but it doesn't have all the sugar you'll find in those fluorescent-colored energy drinks. Now, that's the way to hydrate!
A Great Workout Deserves a Great Snack!
If you're like me, you sometimes need a little energy booster before or after you work out. After all, exercise is hard work!
When you're grabbing a snack before or after your workout, remember to pick something that's healthy! You don't want to replace all the calories you're either going to burn or have just burned! Some options are veggies, fruit, part-skim cheese sticks, low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt, a piece of toast or a small bagel, some whole-grain breakfast cereal, and a piece of pita with hummus or bean dip. These are all smart, low-calorie ways to replenish your energy.
Remember to stay hydrated, too! Water is always the best choice, so drink plenty before and after you work out. If you need something with a little more substance to keep you going, try a glass of skim milk! It has the nutrients you need, but it doesn't have all the sugar you'll find in those fluorescent-colored energy drinks. Now, that's the way to hydrate!
Still here
Aggravated with my body lately. I'm slowly getting back into the healthy habits of cardio and weight-lifting. We were going to go to dance tonight, but hubby had a rough day at the doctor getting nerve induction done. Figured he would need the day off. This weekend we are going to The Stanley Hotel for The Shining Ball. Should be fun!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Reduce your fat intake!
From Denise Austin today:
Reduce Your Fat Intake!
Trans fats are man-made fats that are just as bad (if not worse) for your heart than animal fats. Learning to spot — and avoid — foods that contain trans fats is easy if you stick to the following tips from Harvard Women's Health Watch:
* Read labels! Avoid foods with shortening, hydrogenated oil, or partially hydrogenated oil listed in the first few ingredients — they're packed with trans fats!
* Sauté smart! Use canola or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Remember, fried food labeled "cholesterol free" or "cooked in vegetable oil" can still be loaded with trans fats.
* Go homemade! Packaged breads, soups, cereals, dips, salad dressings, and frozen entrees usually contain hidden trans fats — foods made from scratch don't!
* Figure the fats! Calculate the percentage of trans fats by adding the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat to the saturated fat and then subtracting that total from the product's total fat.
* Spread easy! Soft (or tub) margarine has less trans fats than sticks. Look for spreads labeled "trans-fat-free." Instead of margarine, use olive oil on breads and veggies.
Reduce Your Fat Intake!
Trans fats are man-made fats that are just as bad (if not worse) for your heart than animal fats. Learning to spot — and avoid — foods that contain trans fats is easy if you stick to the following tips from Harvard Women's Health Watch:
* Read labels! Avoid foods with shortening, hydrogenated oil, or partially hydrogenated oil listed in the first few ingredients — they're packed with trans fats!
* Sauté smart! Use canola or olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Remember, fried food labeled "cholesterol free" or "cooked in vegetable oil" can still be loaded with trans fats.
* Go homemade! Packaged breads, soups, cereals, dips, salad dressings, and frozen entrees usually contain hidden trans fats — foods made from scratch don't!
* Figure the fats! Calculate the percentage of trans fats by adding the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat to the saturated fat and then subtracting that total from the product's total fat.
* Spread easy! Soft (or tub) margarine has less trans fats than sticks. Look for spreads labeled "trans-fat-free." Instead of margarine, use olive oil on breads and veggies.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Hormones - ugh
Had terrible cravings over the past week and I look forward to getting past this period. TOM sucks! Bad snacking habits -it's time to stop! This morning's weight was 195.2. Have felt cruddy lately and woke up with a migraine this morning. Did range day yesterday and that tends to take a lot out of me. It's a long, hot day. Took migraine medicine and slept for another couple of hours. Feeling a little better now.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Mood Booster!
From Denise Austin this morning:
Exercise: The Mood Booster!
While it's not news that exercise is good for the body, researchers say it's also good for the brain! One study divided a group of depressed patients into two sets — those who walked on a regular basis and those who took medication. To their surprise, researchers found those who walked recovered from their blues just as well as the antidepressant group!
Even if you're not clinically depressed, regular exercise will strengthen your mental reserves against the stresses and strains of everyday life. While scientists don't understand exactly why this is, they know exercise sets in motion many chemical reactions in your body that work to your benefit. So when you're feeling overwhelmed, try taking a walk instead of a nap! You'll be surprised how much calmer and in control you'll feel!
Exercise: The Mood Booster!
While it's not news that exercise is good for the body, researchers say it's also good for the brain! One study divided a group of depressed patients into two sets — those who walked on a regular basis and those who took medication. To their surprise, researchers found those who walked recovered from their blues just as well as the antidepressant group!
Even if you're not clinically depressed, regular exercise will strengthen your mental reserves against the stresses and strains of everyday life. While scientists don't understand exactly why this is, they know exercise sets in motion many chemical reactions in your body that work to your benefit. So when you're feeling overwhelmed, try taking a walk instead of a nap! You'll be surprised how much calmer and in control you'll feel!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Diet Saboteurs?
From Denise Austin this morning:
Diet Saboteurs?
Is someone in your life — your spouse, your mother, or a friend — secretly sabotaging your efforts to lose weight and get fit? There are many reasons it happens, from fearing you'll change if your appearance changes, to wanting to avoid facing their own weight issues, to feelings of jealousy.
If you learn to recognize it when it's happening, you'll be much less likely to derail from your goal! When a coworker who knows you're dieting brings in home-baked cookies, politely (but firmly) say no. When your spouse tries to talk you out of exercising to go get a burger and fries instead, offer to spend time with him or her after your workout — doing something besides eating. When someone makes a derogatory remark about how they think you've changed since losing weight, just chalk it up to envy rather than letting negative comments get you down! Bottom line — even if the changes you're making don't make everyone happy, give yourself permission to make them anyway! You're worth it!
Diet Saboteurs?
Is someone in your life — your spouse, your mother, or a friend — secretly sabotaging your efforts to lose weight and get fit? There are many reasons it happens, from fearing you'll change if your appearance changes, to wanting to avoid facing their own weight issues, to feelings of jealousy.
If you learn to recognize it when it's happening, you'll be much less likely to derail from your goal! When a coworker who knows you're dieting brings in home-baked cookies, politely (but firmly) say no. When your spouse tries to talk you out of exercising to go get a burger and fries instead, offer to spend time with him or her after your workout — doing something besides eating. When someone makes a derogatory remark about how they think you've changed since losing weight, just chalk it up to envy rather than letting negative comments get you down! Bottom line — even if the changes you're making don't make everyone happy, give yourself permission to make them anyway! You're worth it!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Broken promises
OK, remember the doctor who PROMISED it would be comfortable???? So NOT! It was just as bad as last time. But he did get the procedure done. However, that's not the end of the story as I'd hoped. He said it looks like there's a hernia, so I need to get a barium enema, which involves another two day prep. Ugh, ugh and double ugh! I also have diverticuli, which could develop into diverticulitis, so I'm supposed to go to the ER if I get bad cramping and a fever. I'm not even fifty yet, what the heck????
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Healthy You Challenge update - 192.2
This morning's weight 192.2. A liquid diet is a wonderful thing - not really! :-) And no, I'm NOT doing this for dieting purposes, I'm prepping for a colonoscopy with a 2 day prep. Yuck.
Once I start eating again, hopefully I can start slowly and maintain the loss!
Once I start eating again, hopefully I can start slowly and maintain the loss!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Healthy You Challenge
I'll check in tonight. One day of a liquid diet, one more to go. Having to do a two day prep this time to hopefully avoid the disaster of last time having to get a colonoscopy two days in a row! :-P
After a few days in a row of weighing 196, I was down to 193.4 this morning (before the liquid diet started.) Onward and downward!
After a few days in a row of weighing 196, I was down to 193.4 this morning (before the liquid diet started.) Onward and downward!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Exercise Keeps Your Brain Young!
From Denise Austin today:
Exercise Keeps Your Brain Young!
Exercise doesn't just keep your body looking young, it keeps your mind young, too, according to researchers from Ohio State University. With just 10 weeks of regular aerobic activity, they found study participants significantly improved their emotional, physical, and cognitive skills! Even more importantly, when researchers followed up a year later, those who were still exercising had maintained the positive mental gains, while those who had stopped had lost them!
Researchers still aren't sure exactly why exercise perks up mental prowess, but they speculate that increased blood and oxygen flow to the brain may be the key. Mimic the study results by working out at least three times per week for an hour. Aim to work up to a daily dose of brain-boosting movement! Don't you feel smarter already?
Exercise Keeps Your Brain Young!
Exercise doesn't just keep your body looking young, it keeps your mind young, too, according to researchers from Ohio State University. With just 10 weeks of regular aerobic activity, they found study participants significantly improved their emotional, physical, and cognitive skills! Even more importantly, when researchers followed up a year later, those who were still exercising had maintained the positive mental gains, while those who had stopped had lost them!
Researchers still aren't sure exactly why exercise perks up mental prowess, but they speculate that increased blood and oxygen flow to the brain may be the key. Mimic the study results by working out at least three times per week for an hour. Aim to work up to a daily dose of brain-boosting movement! Don't you feel smarter already?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Portion Distortion
From Denise Austin:
Portion Distortion!
Did you know that most restaurants have increased the average serving sizes and calorie counts of many foods by 100 to 300 percent (or more) since the 1950s? On top of that, the average dinner plate has increased from 10 inches to 12.5 inches in diameter. It's true! No wonder the FDA claims Americans are becoming supersized!
Don't fall victim to the "get more for your money" mentality. Take a look at the then and now totals for these common foods:
Food Then Now
Soda 6 oz./85 calories 20 oz./300 calories
Chips 1 oz./150 calories 1.75 oz./260 calories
Pasta 2 cups/280 calories 4 cups/560 calories
Burger 2-oz. patty & bun/270 cal 4-oz. patty and bun/430 calories
Fries 2 oz./210 calories 5 oz./540 calories
Portion Distortion!
Did you know that most restaurants have increased the average serving sizes and calorie counts of many foods by 100 to 300 percent (or more) since the 1950s? On top of that, the average dinner plate has increased from 10 inches to 12.5 inches in diameter. It's true! No wonder the FDA claims Americans are becoming supersized!
Don't fall victim to the "get more for your money" mentality. Take a look at the then and now totals for these common foods:
Food Then Now
Soda 6 oz./85 calories 20 oz./300 calories
Chips 1 oz./150 calories 1.75 oz./260 calories
Pasta 2 cups/280 calories 4 cups/560 calories
Burger 2-oz. patty & bun/270 cal 4-oz. patty and bun/430 calories
Fries 2 oz./210 calories 5 oz./540 calories
Close Down Your Kitchen Early!
From Denise Austin today:
Close Your Kitchen Down Early!
We all get the munchies from time to time — even the most disciplined eater occasionally gets that nagging urge to snack, often just before bed! The problem with this unhealthy nighttime habit is that if you eat high-fat, high-calorie foods, like cookies, chips, or popcorn, you will most likely gain weight. And since I've given in to a p.m. craving a time or two, here's my simple solution to late-night snacking: After enjoying an early sit-down dinner with my husband and daughters, I literally close down my kitchen at 8 p.m. sharp! Yep, that's it! If I do start fantasizing about a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, I drink plenty of water, and I brush my teeth, floss, and rinse with Listerine.
Give it a try! After a while, your body will get used to not having a bedtime snack. If you do feel a craving come on and my little trick doesn't cut it, then I suggest having a piece of fruit, such as an apple, or a handful of veggies, like some cut-up carrots, instead of giving in to an entire bag of potato chips! Trust me, your waistline will thank you!
Close Your Kitchen Down Early!
We all get the munchies from time to time — even the most disciplined eater occasionally gets that nagging urge to snack, often just before bed! The problem with this unhealthy nighttime habit is that if you eat high-fat, high-calorie foods, like cookies, chips, or popcorn, you will most likely gain weight. And since I've given in to a p.m. craving a time or two, here's my simple solution to late-night snacking: After enjoying an early sit-down dinner with my husband and daughters, I literally close down my kitchen at 8 p.m. sharp! Yep, that's it! If I do start fantasizing about a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, I drink plenty of water, and I brush my teeth, floss, and rinse with Listerine.
Give it a try! After a while, your body will get used to not having a bedtime snack. If you do feel a craving come on and my little trick doesn't cut it, then I suggest having a piece of fruit, such as an apple, or a handful of veggies, like some cut-up carrots, instead of giving in to an entire bag of potato chips! Trust me, your waistline will thank you!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A needle in the neck
Wow, so not fun, but definitely not the worst thing I've ever experienced. :-P I've got a lump and a good bruise on my neck. It only hurts if I touch it so I try to remember not to! Not sure when I'll get the results. I always forget to ask those kinds of things.
I felt pretty yucky all day yesterday so I didn't get a mini-tramp workout in, but we did go to dance in the evening and spent an hour doing the foxtrot. This morning I did the mini-tramp circuit training and one of the resistance bands snapped. The gal on the dvd is probably only about 5ft tall so when she stretched them out over her head, they went all the way up and I could only get them up to my shoulders. I may be able to get replacement tubing and I'll definitely make it a little longer!
Had a chiro adjustment today (greatly needed) and then went to my prep class for my 3rd colonoscopy. Ugh. I get to do a 2 day prep this time. And the doctor promised it would be safe and comfortable. Definitely what I needed to hear this time.
OH, and I had a thought while we were visiting the hematologist for my son and talking about the bleeding that's been going on around his mediport. The port is under the skin on his upper left chest. I realized that since he was hit on that side in his car accident I asked the doctor if he could have been bruised and the blood was dispersing around the port. The more I thought about it, the more I think that's what has been happening. When we put the needle back in Monday night, there was small bruising around the port. So far, so good, no more bleeding and his INR was at the desired level.
I felt pretty yucky all day yesterday so I didn't get a mini-tramp workout in, but we did go to dance in the evening and spent an hour doing the foxtrot. This morning I did the mini-tramp circuit training and one of the resistance bands snapped. The gal on the dvd is probably only about 5ft tall so when she stretched them out over her head, they went all the way up and I could only get them up to my shoulders. I may be able to get replacement tubing and I'll definitely make it a little longer!
Had a chiro adjustment today (greatly needed) and then went to my prep class for my 3rd colonoscopy. Ugh. I get to do a 2 day prep this time. And the doctor promised it would be safe and comfortable. Definitely what I needed to hear this time.
OH, and I had a thought while we were visiting the hematologist for my son and talking about the bleeding that's been going on around his mediport. The port is under the skin on his upper left chest. I realized that since he was hit on that side in his car accident I asked the doctor if he could have been bruised and the blood was dispersing around the port. The more I thought about it, the more I think that's what has been happening. When we put the needle back in Monday night, there was small bruising around the port. So far, so good, no more bleeding and his INR was at the desired level.
Monday, September 1, 2008
New month - new start - 195
OK, this is where I recommit and get serious! Down to 195 after a high of 197.8. OUCH! Did my mini-trampoline circuit training workout today and will alternate days with the cardio workout. Plus dancing twice a week. That's the MINIMUM I will do. One good thing, even with this gain I am still wearing the same size clothes, so I haven't fallen too far back.
I slacked off on journaling my food and was snacking way too much on cookies and chips. No more! Got a fresh new notebook that will be by my side constantly. I'm also going to pay better attention to how much water I'm drinking. I may have been falling back on that, too.
On another subject, today is my 21st anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been more than 2 decades! I'm blessed with a WONDERFUL man.
Early tomorrow morning, I have the biopsy on the nodule in my thyroid. I may ask if they'd be willing to drain a cyst in my breast, too. (Can I get a two-fer, doc?? LOL) Guess the iodine isn't helping that issue much yet. :-P In the afternoon my son has an app't at the Children's hospital in Aurora with the hematologist. I'm really glad it's scheduled for tomorrow. We've been having problems with bleeding around his mediport.
On Wednesday I have the prep class for my THIRD colonoscopy on the 17th. Ugh. But hopefully it will be successful this time and I won't have to worry about it again for a few years. I'd like to get all of these health issues resolved. I am once again having the side/chest pains, so I think it is pulled muscle/cartilage around my rib cage. It started when I started lifting weights again.
Oh, and Happy Labor Day. Hope you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. And do drop some change into the MDA cups or firemen's boots you see everywhere. My mom has MD, so this one hits close to home, too.
I slacked off on journaling my food and was snacking way too much on cookies and chips. No more! Got a fresh new notebook that will be by my side constantly. I'm also going to pay better attention to how much water I'm drinking. I may have been falling back on that, too.
On another subject, today is my 21st anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been more than 2 decades! I'm blessed with a WONDERFUL man.
Early tomorrow morning, I have the biopsy on the nodule in my thyroid. I may ask if they'd be willing to drain a cyst in my breast, too. (Can I get a two-fer, doc?? LOL) Guess the iodine isn't helping that issue much yet. :-P In the afternoon my son has an app't at the Children's hospital in Aurora with the hematologist. I'm really glad it's scheduled for tomorrow. We've been having problems with bleeding around his mediport.
On Wednesday I have the prep class for my THIRD colonoscopy on the 17th. Ugh. But hopefully it will be successful this time and I won't have to worry about it again for a few years. I'd like to get all of these health issues resolved. I am once again having the side/chest pains, so I think it is pulled muscle/cartilage around my rib cage. It started when I started lifting weights again.
Oh, and Happy Labor Day. Hope you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. And do drop some change into the MDA cups or firemen's boots you see everywhere. My mom has MD, so this one hits close to home, too.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
You Can't Buy Fitness
From Denise Austin today:
You Can't Buy Fitness!
Wouldn't it be great if by paying for a gym membership or joining the Fit Forever! plan, you'd lose weight and get fit? Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way! You've got to live the program to see the results! So, if you're not seeing the inches and pounds come off, ask yourself the following questions — and be honest!
* Are you following your meal plans exactly as directed?
* Are you drinking enough water every day?
* Are you working out at least three to five times per week?
* When you work out, do you give it all you've got?
If the answer to all of these questions isn't yes, reflect on what's keeping you from making the changes required to reach your goal. How can you eliminate those barriers? Keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race — it's the little daily choices you make that make a difference. So be patient, have reasonable expectations, and hang in there! The results will be worth it!
You Can't Buy Fitness!
Wouldn't it be great if by paying for a gym membership or joining the Fit Forever! plan, you'd lose weight and get fit? Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way! You've got to live the program to see the results! So, if you're not seeing the inches and pounds come off, ask yourself the following questions — and be honest!
* Are you following your meal plans exactly as directed?
* Are you drinking enough water every day?
* Are you working out at least three to five times per week?
* When you work out, do you give it all you've got?
If the answer to all of these questions isn't yes, reflect on what's keeping you from making the changes required to reach your goal. How can you eliminate those barriers? Keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race — it's the little daily choices you make that make a difference. So be patient, have reasonable expectations, and hang in there! The results will be worth it!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Healthy You Challenge
Still working on it and trying to get a big gain back off. Blech. Have been feeling so weird, but keeping up on the ballroom dance for exercise and my new mini-trampoline. I've been pmsing for a couple weeks now and I'm 5 days later than last month after being 2 days early 2 months in a row. Perimenopause - it's a wonderful thing - NOT!
I must confess that while I am disappointed in my gain and not thrilled about it, my son's accident made me take a step back and remember what is TRULY important. I will get back into my healthy habits, I won't backslide all the way. But it's OK to take a break from being so focused on ME all the time.
I must confess that while I am disappointed in my gain and not thrilled about it, my son's accident made me take a step back and remember what is TRULY important. I will get back into my healthy habits, I won't backslide all the way. But it's OK to take a break from being so focused on ME all the time.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lost momentum
Have you seen mine??????
I've been feeling just plain weird lately. Had a major back, chest, lung spasm on Sunday. Not sure what happened. It was after I inflated my new stability ball and Ken and I were assembling my new little trampoline. (My old stability ball was killed by my son throwing the cat on it, who naturally put out four paws worth of claws to catch herself. I missed the show, but was told about it by my kids.) So I've got the tools. I did stretch out on the ball Sunday and yesterday. This morning I jumped on the trampoline for 10 minutes. Tonight Ken and I had a private dance lesson and had a pretty good cardio workout for an hour. It was a lot of fun. So I definitely haven't been a total couch potato, but I haven't been able to control my eating. That time of the month is approaching so that's part of it but I want to get this under control FAST!!
Finally made appointments to follow up on the medical stuff for me. Getting the needle biopsy done on the nodule in my thyroid on Sep 2. THIRD colonoscopy is scheduled for Sep 17th. Ugh. Decided to go ahead and just get that done again because the prep for the barium enema sounds just as bad.
Enjoying my new Dodge Journey. That's the bright spot of the van being totalled. Insurance has settled everything really quickly. I'm impressed with Allstate.
I've been feeling just plain weird lately. Had a major back, chest, lung spasm on Sunday. Not sure what happened. It was after I inflated my new stability ball and Ken and I were assembling my new little trampoline. (My old stability ball was killed by my son throwing the cat on it, who naturally put out four paws worth of claws to catch herself. I missed the show, but was told about it by my kids.) So I've got the tools. I did stretch out on the ball Sunday and yesterday. This morning I jumped on the trampoline for 10 minutes. Tonight Ken and I had a private dance lesson and had a pretty good cardio workout for an hour. It was a lot of fun. So I definitely haven't been a total couch potato, but I haven't been able to control my eating. That time of the month is approaching so that's part of it but I want to get this under control FAST!!
Finally made appointments to follow up on the medical stuff for me. Getting the needle biopsy done on the nodule in my thyroid on Sep 2. THIRD colonoscopy is scheduled for Sep 17th. Ugh. Decided to go ahead and just get that done again because the prep for the barium enema sounds just as bad.
Enjoying my new Dodge Journey. That's the bright spot of the van being totalled. Insurance has settled everything really quickly. I'm impressed with Allstate.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Nine Cold, Hard Weight Loss Truths
Great article!
Nine Cold, Hard Weight Loss Truths
By: Brie Cadman
Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, chances are you’ve seen some ideas on how to do so:
“Eat what you want and lose weight!”
“Lose thirty pounds in thirty days!”
“Finally, a diet that really works!”
“Lose one jean size every seven days!”
“Top three fat burners revealed”
“Ten minutes to a tighter tummy!”
But these claims are readily rebuked by anyone who’s tried to lose five, ten, or one hundred pounds. Losing weight ain’t that easy. It’s not in a pill, it doesn’t (usually) happen in thirty days, and judging from the myriad plans out there, there is no one diet that works for everyone.
Looking past the outrageous claims, there are a few hard truths the diet/food industry isn’t going to tell you, but might just help you take a more realistic approach to sustained weight loss.
1. You have to exercise more than you think.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week; this includes things like shoveling snow and gardening. And while this is great for improving heart health and staying active, research indicates that those looking to lose weight or maintain weight loss have to do more—about twice as much.
For instance, members of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR)—a group of over 5,000 individuals who have lost an average of sixty-six pounds and kept it off for five and a half years—exercise for about an hour, every day.
A study published in the July 28, 2008 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine supports this observational finding. The researchers enrolled 200 overweight and obese women on a diet and exercise regimen and followed them for two years. Compared with those that gained some of their weight back, the women who were able to sustain a weight loss of 10 percent of their initial weight for two years exercised consistently and regularly—about 275 minutes a week, or fifty-five minutes of exercise at least five days a week.
In other words, things like taking the stairs, walking to the store, and gardening are great ways to boost activity level, but losing serious weight means exercising regularly for an hour or so. However, this doesn’t mean you have to start running or kickboxing—the most frequently reported form of activity in the NWCR group is walking.
2. A half-hour walk doesn’t equal a brownie.
I remember going out to eat with some friends after a bike ride. Someone commented on how we deserved dessert because we had just spent the day exercising; in fact, we had taken a leisurely twenty-minute ride through the park. This probably burned the calories in a slice of our French bread, but definitely not those in the caramel fudge brownie dessert. Bummer.
And while it’s easy to underestimate how many calories something has, it’s also easy to overestimate how many calories we burn while exercising. Double bummer.
Even if you exercise a fair amount, it’s not carte blanche to eat whatever you want. (Unless you exercise a ton, have the metabolism of a sixteen-year-old boy, and really can eat whatever you want). A report investigating the commonly-held beliefs about exercising, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, concludes that although exercise does burn calories during and after exercise, for overweight persons, “excessive caloric expenditure has limited implications for substantially reducing body weight independent of nutritional modifications.” In other words, to lose weight, you have to cut calories and increase exercise.
3. You have time to exercise.
If you have time to check email, watch a sitcom or two, surf the internet, have drinks/coffee/dinner with friends, go clothes shopping, and on and on, then you have time to exercise. Yes, sometimes you have to sacrifice sleep, TV, or leisure time to fit it in. Yes, sometimes you have to prioritize your exercise time over other things. But your health and the feeling you get after having worked out is well worth it.
4. Eating more of something won’t help you lose weight.
The food industry is keen to latch onto weight loss research and spin it for their sales purposes. A prime example is the widespread claim that eating more dairy products will help you lose weight. However, a recent review of forty-nine clinical trials from 1966 to 2007 showed that “neither dairy nor calcium supplements helped people lose weight.”
This idea—that eating more of a certain type of product will help you lose weight—is constantly regurgitated on supermarket shelves (think low-fat cake, low-carb crackers, high in whole grain cookies, and trans fat-free chips), but is in direct opposition to the basic idea behind weight loss—that we have to eat less, not more.
5. Calories in = calories out?
There is a fair amount of controversy over the basic question of how people gain weight. Is it simply a matter of energy intake being greater than energy expenditure? Or is there more too it; do the type of calories we eat matter and can avoiding certain types help to lose or prevent weight? The low-fat, low-carb, and glycemic index advocates can’t seem to agree on which it is.
However, most can agree, and logical sense would tell us, that drinking 500 calories of soda is not equal to eating 500 calories of chicken and broccoli. One is simply “empty” calories—those that provide no real nutritional benefit and don’t do much to combat hunger. Whether you ascribe to the simple idea of trying to burn more calories than you take in or focus on avoiding certain types of calories, you want to minimize intake of empty calories, and maximize nutrient-dense calories.
6. Your body is working against you.
Most people have noticed that it’s hard to lose weight, but easy to gain it. This is a relic of harder times, when food was not as abundant as it is today. Our genetic taste buds made energy-dense food desirable because it was necessary to pack away calories so we could make it through the thin times. We feasted when we could, in preparation for the famine.
But now that we live in a time of abundance, that system predisposes many of us for weight gain and retention. And for obese dieters, this system is even harder to overcome; after weight loss, they become better at using fuel and storing fat, making it harder to keep weight off. However, this isn’t to say that many haven’t lost weight and kept it off successfully. It just means you have to be diligent.
7. Our cultural environment is also working against you.
Let’s face it, American society does not make it easy on those trying to eat healthfully and exercise. According to Linda Bacon, associate professor of nutrition at UC Davis, “We get a tremendous amount of pressure to eat for reasons other than nurturing ourselves, and over time, people lose sensitivity to hunger/fullness/appetite signals meant to keep them healthy and well nourished. It’s hard for people to come to a healthy sense of themselves given the cultural climate, and nutritious and pleasurable options for healthy food are not as easily accessible as less nutritious.”
That doesn’t mean this can’t be overcome, but it does require maybe putting other parts of your life on a “diet.” TV would be the biggest culprit, since many food advertisements, especially for children’s junk food, come during this time. Other areas to put on a “diet” are chain and fast food restaurants (where portion sizes are distorted), a bad-influence friend, or driving, which may help increase walking and biking.
8. Maybe you don’t need to lose weight.
Some feel that the medical problems associated with excess weight are exaggerated. Gina Kolata, a New York Times science writer questions the notion that thin is a realistic or necessary objective for most. In her book, Rethinking Thin, she asserts that weight loss is an unachievable goal for many, and that losing weight isn’t so much about health as it is about money, trends, and impossible ideals. Recent research also challenges the idea that being overweight is bad. A study in JAMA found that being twenty-five pounds overweight did not increase the risk of heart disease and cancer, and may even help stave off infections.
It’s true that people can be fit and healthy and not necessarily be thin, just as it’s true that thin people may not necessarily be healthy. Good health, rather than weight, should be our focus; too often, it’s not. Striving for an unhealthy level of thinness may be detrimental to our health, but understanding the health repercussions of obesity is also critical.
9. This is not a diet; this is your life.
The diet industry would have us all think that we can lose weight fast, and that’s that. But most people who maintain their weight understand that eating and exercising are not temporary conditions, to be dumped once a pair of jeans fit. Instead, they are lifestyle choices, and ones to be made for the long haul.
First published August 2008
Find this article at:
http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22178/53765-nine-cold--hard-weight-loss
Nine Cold, Hard Weight Loss Truths
By: Brie Cadman
Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, chances are you’ve seen some ideas on how to do so:
“Eat what you want and lose weight!”
“Lose thirty pounds in thirty days!”
“Finally, a diet that really works!”
“Lose one jean size every seven days!”
“Top three fat burners revealed”
“Ten minutes to a tighter tummy!”
But these claims are readily rebuked by anyone who’s tried to lose five, ten, or one hundred pounds. Losing weight ain’t that easy. It’s not in a pill, it doesn’t (usually) happen in thirty days, and judging from the myriad plans out there, there is no one diet that works for everyone.
Looking past the outrageous claims, there are a few hard truths the diet/food industry isn’t going to tell you, but might just help you take a more realistic approach to sustained weight loss.
1. You have to exercise more than you think.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week; this includes things like shoveling snow and gardening. And while this is great for improving heart health and staying active, research indicates that those looking to lose weight or maintain weight loss have to do more—about twice as much.
For instance, members of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR)—a group of over 5,000 individuals who have lost an average of sixty-six pounds and kept it off for five and a half years—exercise for about an hour, every day.
A study published in the July 28, 2008 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine supports this observational finding. The researchers enrolled 200 overweight and obese women on a diet and exercise regimen and followed them for two years. Compared with those that gained some of their weight back, the women who were able to sustain a weight loss of 10 percent of their initial weight for two years exercised consistently and regularly—about 275 minutes a week, or fifty-five minutes of exercise at least five days a week.
In other words, things like taking the stairs, walking to the store, and gardening are great ways to boost activity level, but losing serious weight means exercising regularly for an hour or so. However, this doesn’t mean you have to start running or kickboxing—the most frequently reported form of activity in the NWCR group is walking.
2. A half-hour walk doesn’t equal a brownie.
I remember going out to eat with some friends after a bike ride. Someone commented on how we deserved dessert because we had just spent the day exercising; in fact, we had taken a leisurely twenty-minute ride through the park. This probably burned the calories in a slice of our French bread, but definitely not those in the caramel fudge brownie dessert. Bummer.
And while it’s easy to underestimate how many calories something has, it’s also easy to overestimate how many calories we burn while exercising. Double bummer.
Even if you exercise a fair amount, it’s not carte blanche to eat whatever you want. (Unless you exercise a ton, have the metabolism of a sixteen-year-old boy, and really can eat whatever you want). A report investigating the commonly-held beliefs about exercising, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, concludes that although exercise does burn calories during and after exercise, for overweight persons, “excessive caloric expenditure has limited implications for substantially reducing body weight independent of nutritional modifications.” In other words, to lose weight, you have to cut calories and increase exercise.
3. You have time to exercise.
If you have time to check email, watch a sitcom or two, surf the internet, have drinks/coffee/dinner with friends, go clothes shopping, and on and on, then you have time to exercise. Yes, sometimes you have to sacrifice sleep, TV, or leisure time to fit it in. Yes, sometimes you have to prioritize your exercise time over other things. But your health and the feeling you get after having worked out is well worth it.
4. Eating more of something won’t help you lose weight.
The food industry is keen to latch onto weight loss research and spin it for their sales purposes. A prime example is the widespread claim that eating more dairy products will help you lose weight. However, a recent review of forty-nine clinical trials from 1966 to 2007 showed that “neither dairy nor calcium supplements helped people lose weight.”
This idea—that eating more of a certain type of product will help you lose weight—is constantly regurgitated on supermarket shelves (think low-fat cake, low-carb crackers, high in whole grain cookies, and trans fat-free chips), but is in direct opposition to the basic idea behind weight loss—that we have to eat less, not more.
5. Calories in = calories out?
There is a fair amount of controversy over the basic question of how people gain weight. Is it simply a matter of energy intake being greater than energy expenditure? Or is there more too it; do the type of calories we eat matter and can avoiding certain types help to lose or prevent weight? The low-fat, low-carb, and glycemic index advocates can’t seem to agree on which it is.
However, most can agree, and logical sense would tell us, that drinking 500 calories of soda is not equal to eating 500 calories of chicken and broccoli. One is simply “empty” calories—those that provide no real nutritional benefit and don’t do much to combat hunger. Whether you ascribe to the simple idea of trying to burn more calories than you take in or focus on avoiding certain types of calories, you want to minimize intake of empty calories, and maximize nutrient-dense calories.
6. Your body is working against you.
Most people have noticed that it’s hard to lose weight, but easy to gain it. This is a relic of harder times, when food was not as abundant as it is today. Our genetic taste buds made energy-dense food desirable because it was necessary to pack away calories so we could make it through the thin times. We feasted when we could, in preparation for the famine.
But now that we live in a time of abundance, that system predisposes many of us for weight gain and retention. And for obese dieters, this system is even harder to overcome; after weight loss, they become better at using fuel and storing fat, making it harder to keep weight off. However, this isn’t to say that many haven’t lost weight and kept it off successfully. It just means you have to be diligent.
7. Our cultural environment is also working against you.
Let’s face it, American society does not make it easy on those trying to eat healthfully and exercise. According to Linda Bacon, associate professor of nutrition at UC Davis, “We get a tremendous amount of pressure to eat for reasons other than nurturing ourselves, and over time, people lose sensitivity to hunger/fullness/appetite signals meant to keep them healthy and well nourished. It’s hard for people to come to a healthy sense of themselves given the cultural climate, and nutritious and pleasurable options for healthy food are not as easily accessible as less nutritious.”
That doesn’t mean this can’t be overcome, but it does require maybe putting other parts of your life on a “diet.” TV would be the biggest culprit, since many food advertisements, especially for children’s junk food, come during this time. Other areas to put on a “diet” are chain and fast food restaurants (where portion sizes are distorted), a bad-influence friend, or driving, which may help increase walking and biking.
8. Maybe you don’t need to lose weight.
Some feel that the medical problems associated with excess weight are exaggerated. Gina Kolata, a New York Times science writer questions the notion that thin is a realistic or necessary objective for most. In her book, Rethinking Thin, she asserts that weight loss is an unachievable goal for many, and that losing weight isn’t so much about health as it is about money, trends, and impossible ideals. Recent research also challenges the idea that being overweight is bad. A study in JAMA found that being twenty-five pounds overweight did not increase the risk of heart disease and cancer, and may even help stave off infections.
It’s true that people can be fit and healthy and not necessarily be thin, just as it’s true that thin people may not necessarily be healthy. Good health, rather than weight, should be our focus; too often, it’s not. Striving for an unhealthy level of thinness may be detrimental to our health, but understanding the health repercussions of obesity is also critical.
9. This is not a diet; this is your life.
The diet industry would have us all think that we can lose weight fast, and that’s that. But most people who maintain their weight understand that eating and exercising are not temporary conditions, to be dumped once a pair of jeans fit. Instead, they are lifestyle choices, and ones to be made for the long haul.
First published August 2008
Find this article at:
http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22178/53765-nine-cold--hard-weight-loss
Drink your water!
From Denise Austin:
Drink Your Daily Water
If you're not a water drinker — well, tough luck! I know that may sound harsh, but drinking water every day is key to good health. Plus, your body is made up mostly of water — doesn't it make sense to replenish the good old H2O instead of filling up on soda pop or sugary fruit juices? Here's another doozy: Did you know that the brain often mistakes thirst for hunger? Before running to the nearest snack machine, try drinking a few glasses of water first. So how much water do you really need? Well, a general rule of thumb is about eight ounces of water eight times a day, but there's no scientific evidence to support that recommendation. In fact, some experts actually recommend 13 glasses of H2O for men and nine for women! That may seem like a lot of water, but your body loses about ten glasses of water in the course of a day! And if you're exercising, pregnant, or breastfeeding, or you live in a hot or humid climate, your water loss is increased, so your intake should be upped! So drink up — it's H2Ohhhh so good for you! Here's a tip: If you're having a hard time getting used to the taste of water, try adding a lemon wedge for a hint of sweetness.
June's note - just don't get the lemon wedge when you are eating out. The studies they've done on restaurants show that most of them have bacteria laden lemon and lime that they put in drinks. Ugh.
Drink Your Daily Water
If you're not a water drinker — well, tough luck! I know that may sound harsh, but drinking water every day is key to good health. Plus, your body is made up mostly of water — doesn't it make sense to replenish the good old H2O instead of filling up on soda pop or sugary fruit juices? Here's another doozy: Did you know that the brain often mistakes thirst for hunger? Before running to the nearest snack machine, try drinking a few glasses of water first. So how much water do you really need? Well, a general rule of thumb is about eight ounces of water eight times a day, but there's no scientific evidence to support that recommendation. In fact, some experts actually recommend 13 glasses of H2O for men and nine for women! That may seem like a lot of water, but your body loses about ten glasses of water in the course of a day! And if you're exercising, pregnant, or breastfeeding, or you live in a hot or humid climate, your water loss is increased, so your intake should be upped! So drink up — it's H2Ohhhh so good for you! Here's a tip: If you're having a hard time getting used to the taste of water, try adding a lemon wedge for a hint of sweetness.
June's note - just don't get the lemon wedge when you are eating out. The studies they've done on restaurants show that most of them have bacteria laden lemon and lime that they put in drinks. Ugh.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Check in
Not a great week. Weight has been inching up once again. I did do weight lifting yesterday and we'll be doing an hour of dance tonight. Busy this morning picking up my new vehicle. Details on my family blog.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Chocolate - A Not-So-Guilty Pleasure
Check out this article.
For those of you asking about the chocolate parties - it's Dove Chocolate at Home (now known as Dove Chocolate Discoveries) - a direct sales business where we do chocolate tasting parties. It is fairly new all over. The western states were just opened up to it on May 1. We're having so much fun with it! I really worked my butt off in July and will be taking it a little easier in August. But we do have some awesome incentives for August, so I'll be getting on the phone tomorrow. :-D
For those of you asking about the chocolate parties - it's Dove Chocolate at Home (now known as Dove Chocolate Discoveries) - a direct sales business where we do chocolate tasting parties. It is fairly new all over. The western states were just opened up to it on May 1. We're having so much fun with it! I really worked my butt off in July and will be taking it a little easier in August. But we do have some awesome incentives for August, so I'll be getting on the phone tomorrow. :-D
Sunday, August 3, 2008
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Today's weight - 191.2
Whew, definitely better today. Down to 191.2 after being up to 195.6 on Saturday!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Healthy You Challenge
Well, coming back from Arkansas my weight was up about 6 pounds. It's coming back down. I always need to give my body a chance to adjust back to altitude, plus it was that time of the month. Did my buns & thighs workout yesterday and the first two levels of the Bender Ball core workout. Today I woke up with a killer headache and was nauseous, so it was tending toward a migraine. Took my meds and have been taking it easy and feeling a bit better.
We have 4 chocolate parties this week. M, Tu, W and F. Yikes! Last night's went well. I'm thinking Fridays party is iffy and I'm actually hoping the hostess cancels! Yeah, I'm bad! ;-) The parties make walking in the evenings impossible. I think I'm going to start just scheduling them on Wed and Fri. Four is TOO MANY! I love the sales I'll have for July though. :-D
Hope everyone is doing well! I'm going to need to make chocolate so I probably won't get to visit many today. Will try for a few a day.
We have 4 chocolate parties this week. M, Tu, W and F. Yikes! Last night's went well. I'm thinking Fridays party is iffy and I'm actually hoping the hostess cancels! Yeah, I'm bad! ;-) The parties make walking in the evenings impossible. I think I'm going to start just scheduling them on Wed and Fri. Four is TOO MANY! I love the sales I'll have for July though. :-D
Hope everyone is doing well! I'm going to need to make chocolate so I probably won't get to visit many today. Will try for a few a day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Summer travel
I was happy to get a chance to visit with a friend from high school who lives in the same KS town as our nephew and his family. Looking at the photos of us, I realized - I have a HUMONGOUS head! No wonder I can't wear too many hats. LOL
My great niece is my very special buddy. She's a cute little munchkin and we had fun reading books together and playing a Littlest Pet Shop board game. Her little brother showed me how awesome he is on the Wii Mario Kart. (Obviously, even mineral makeup doesn't cut the SHINE I get in the higher humidity. And I know there are lots of places more humid, and I don't like ANY of them. I'll take my mountains, thank you very much!!!!!!)
My great niece is my very special buddy. She's a cute little munchkin and we had fun reading books together and playing a Littlest Pet Shop board game. Her little brother showed me how awesome he is on the Wii Mario Kart. (Obviously, even mineral makeup doesn't cut the SHINE I get in the higher humidity. And I know there are lots of places more humid, and I don't like ANY of them. I'll take my mountains, thank you very much!!!!!!)
Taking a "break"?
I'm in Arkansas. I did 3 chocolate parties in 24 hours. Woohoo! :-)
My mom took a fall in the kitchen yesterday. (Doing too much, as always!) She's OK, but twisted her ankle, so it's hurting. But not swollen or turning ugly colors, so I'm pretty sure nothing is broken or sprained. She might have pulled a tendon a bit. It hurts when she lifts her toes. That's the tendons, right?
Not sure if their scale is the same as mine. I feel all bloated from the humidity. Will have to see if there's any "damage" when I get home to my mountain. :-D
My mom took a fall in the kitchen yesterday. (Doing too much, as always!) She's OK, but twisted her ankle, so it's hurting. But not swollen or turning ugly colors, so I'm pretty sure nothing is broken or sprained. She might have pulled a tendon a bit. It hurts when she lifts her toes. That's the tendons, right?
Not sure if their scale is the same as mine. I feel all bloated from the humidity. Will have to see if there's any "damage" when I get home to my mountain. :-D
Friday, July 18, 2008
Reward for exercise challenge
OK, I was going to get a massage for a reward, but instead, today I went to Victoria's Secret and spent more for a bra than I ever do on shoes. I just wanted one that FIT and I wanted someone to HELP me find it in the style I wanted. (That just doesn't happen at Walmart, I end up trying on 20 bras with nary an offer of help!) I don't like underwires and VS has very little to choose from that's wireless, but the one I got is very comfortable and pretty, too. For another reward I may go back and buy one in another color. ;-)
But let's just say the experience of trying on bras points out some weak areas. Need to do some upper body work!
But let's just say the experience of trying on bras points out some weak areas. Need to do some upper body work!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Anonymous bloggers
If you come to my blog and comment without a link to who you are, then don't expect your comment to stay. I will delete it. I'm just sayin'.
Healthy You Challenge update
Wow, my life has been so crazy, I forgot to check in yesterday. My body has been weird lately.
Weight this past week
7/9 - 190.0 - morning of my 2nd colonoscopy after 2 days of liquid diet!
7/10 - 190.8
7/11 - 190.2
7/12 - 192.8 (weird, I didn't eat much on the 11th)
7/13 - 191.8
7/14 - 192.4
7/15 - 191.4
7/16 - 188.8!!!!!!!!!!! SWEET! That's .2 below my lowest on this journey so I'm totally excited. Maybe, just MAYBE my body is adjusting and adapting to the new supplements and I'll start seeing better results due to my healthy habits? Fingers crossed!
Doin' the happy feet dance!
Note: Please read the article on Aspartame below!
Weight this past week
7/9 - 190.0 - morning of my 2nd colonoscopy after 2 days of liquid diet!
7/10 - 190.8
7/11 - 190.2
7/12 - 192.8 (weird, I didn't eat much on the 11th)
7/13 - 191.8
7/14 - 192.4
7/15 - 191.4
7/16 - 188.8!!!!!!!!!!! SWEET! That's .2 below my lowest on this journey so I'm totally excited. Maybe, just MAYBE my body is adjusting and adapting to the new supplements and I'll start seeing better results due to my healthy habits? Fingers crossed!
Doin' the happy feet dance!
Note: Please read the article on Aspartame below!
Aspartame - DITCH THE DIET SODAS!!!!
I have to post this. I know many on the weight loss path turn to diet sodas. Please, please, please, consider this info carefully and try to quit drinking anything with aspartame. It's why I haven't yet redeemed my coupons for Lipton White Tea. I can't find any 1 1/2 liter bottles of the regular, not the diet, except for raspberry and I HATE all things raspberry. I want to find some non-diet peach mango bottles. Nowhere to be found in this area. :-(
Aspartame Disease
Article written by Nancy Markle (11/20/97)
I have spent several days lecturing at the World Environmental Conference on "Aspartame, Marketed as 'NutraSweet', 'Equal', and 'Spoonful'." In the keynote address by the EPA, they announced that there was an epidemic of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus, and they did not understand what toxin was causing this to be rampant across the United States.
I explained that I was there to lecture on exactly that subject. When the temperature of Aspartame exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in aspartame coverts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. (Formic acid is the poison found in the sting of fire ants). The methanol toxicity mimics multiple sclerosis; thus people were being diagnosed with having multiple sclerosis in error. The multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, where methanol toxicity is.
In the case of systemic lupus, we are finding it has become almost as rampant as multiple sclerosis, especially Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers. Also, with methanol toxicity, the victims usually drink three to four 12 oz. cans of them per day, some even more. In the cases of systemic lupus, which is triggered by aspartame, the victim usually does not know that the aspartame is the culprit. The victim continues its use aggravating the lupus to such a degree, that sometimes it becomes life threatening. When we get people off the aspartame, those with systemic lupus usually become asymptomatic. Unfortunately, we can not reverse this disease.
On the other hand, in the case of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, (when in reality, the disease is methanol toxicity), most of the symptoms disappear. We have seen cases where their vision has returned and even their hearing has returned. This also applies to cases of tinnitus.
During a lecture I said "If you are using aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc.) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting pains, numbness in your legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss-you probably have Aspartame Disease!" People were jumping up during the lecture saying, "I've got this, is it reversible?" It is rampant. Some of the speakers at my lecture even were suffering from these symptoms.
In one lecture attended by the Ambassador of Uganda, he told us that their sugar industry is adding aspartame ! He continued by saying that one of the industry leader's son could no longer walk — due in part by product usage. We have a very serious problem. Even a stranger came up to Dr. Espisto (one of my speakers) and myself and said, could you tell me why so many people seem to be coming down with MS? During a visit to a hospice, a nurse said that six of her friends, who were heavy Diet Coke addicts, had all been diagnosed with MS. This is beyond coincidence.
Here is the problem. There were Congressional Hearings when aspartame was included in 100 different products. Since this initial hearing, there have been two subsequent hearings, but to no avail. Nothing has been done. The drug and chemical lobbies have very deep pockets. Now there are over 5,000 products containing this chemical, and the patent has expired (ed. note: which means anyone can produce the stuff) !! At the time of this first hearing, people were going blind. The methanol in the aspartame converts to formaldehyde in the retina of the eye. Formaldehyde is grouped in the same class of drugs as cyanide and arsenic: deadly poisons !! Unfortunately, it just takes longer to quietly kill, but it is killing people and causing all kinds of neurological problems.
Aspartame changes the brain's chemistry. It is a reason for severe seizures. This drug changes the dopamine level in the brain. Imagine what this drug does to patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease. This drug also causes Birth Defects. There is absolutely no reason to take this product. It is not a diet product ! The Congressional record said, "It makes you crave carbohydrates and will make you fat." Dr. Roberts stated that when he got patients off aspartame, their average weight loss was 19 pounds per person. The formaldehyde stores in the fat cells, particularly in the hips and thighs.
Aspartame is especially deadly for diabetics. All physicians know what wood alcohol will do to a diabetic. We find that physicians believe that they have patients with retinopathy, when in fact, it is caused by the aspartame. The aspartame keeps the blood sugar level out of control, causing many patients to go into a coma. Unfortunately, many have died. People were telling us at the Conference of the American College of Physicians, that they had relatives that switched from saccharin to an aspartame product and how that relative had eventually gone into a coma. Their physicians could not get the blood sugar levels under control. Thus, the patients suffered acute memory loss and eventually coma and death. Memory loss is due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are neurotoxic without the other amino acids found in protein. Thus it goes past the blood brain barrier and deteriorates the neurons of the brain.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, neurosurgeon, said, "The ingredients stimulates the neurons of the brain to death, causing brain damage of varying degrees." Dr. Blaylock has written a book entitled Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills (Health Press 1-800-643-2665). Dr. H.J. Roberts, diabetic specialist and world expert on aspartame poisoning, has also written a book entitled Defense Against Alzheimer's Disease (1-800-814-9800). Dr. Roberts tells how aspartame poisoning is escalating Alzheimer's Disease, and indeed it is. As the hospice nurse told me, women are being admitted at 30 years of age with Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Blaylock and Dr. Roberts will be writing a position paper with some case histories and will post it on the Internet. According to the Conference of the American College of Physicians, 'We are talking about a plague of neurological diseases caused by this deadly poison".
Dr. Roberts realized what was happening when aspartame was first marketed. He said diabetic patients presented memory loss, confusion, and severe vision loss. At the Conference of the American College of Physicians, doctors admitted that they did not know. They had wondered why seizures were rampant (the phenylalanine in aspartame breaks down the seizure threshold and depletes serotonin, which causes manic depression, panic attacks, rage and violence).
Just before the conference, I received a fax from Norway, asking for a possible antidote for this poison because they are experiencing so many problems in their country. This poison is now available in 90 plus countries worldwide. Fortunately, we had speakers and ambassadors at the conference from different nations who have pledged their help. We ask that you help too. Print this article out and warn everyone you know.
Take anything that contains aspartame back to the store. Take the No Aspartame Test and send us your case history. I assure you that Monsanto, the creator of aspartame, knows how deadly it is. They fund the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, Congress, and the Conference of the American College of Physicians. The New York Times, on November 15, 1996, ran an article on how the American Dietetic Association takes money from the food industry to endorse their products. Therefore, they can not criticize any additives or tell about their link to Monsanto.
How bad is this? We told a mother who had a child on NutraSweet to get off the product. The child was having grand mal seizures every day. The mother called her physician, who called the ADA, who told the doctor not to take the child off the NutraSweet. We are still trying to convince the mother that the aspartame is causing the seizures. Every time we get someone off of aspartame, the seizures stop. If the baby dies, you know whose fault it is, and what we are up against.
There are 92 documented symptoms of aspartame, from coma to death. The majority of them are all neurological, because the aspartame destroys the nervous system. Aspartame Disease is partially the cause to what is behind some of the mystery of the Dessert Storm health problems. The burning tongue and other problems discussed in over 60 cases can be directly related to the consumption of an aspartame product. Several thousand pallets of diet drinks were shipped to the Dessert Storm troops. (Remember heat can liberate the methanol from the aspartame at 86 degrees F). Diet drinks sat in the 120 degree F Arabian sun for weeks at a time on pallets. The service men and women drank them all day long. All of their symptoms are identical to aspartame poisoning.
Dr. Roberts says "consuming aspartame at the time of conception can cause birth defects." The phenylalanine concentrates in the placenta, causing mental retardation, according to Dr. Louis Elsas, Pediatrician Professor of Genetics, at Emory University in his testimony before Congress. In the original lab tests, animals developed brain tumors (phenylalanine breaks down into DXP, a brain tumor agent). When Dr. Espisto was lecturing on aspartame, one physician in the audience, a neurosurgeon, said, "when they remove brain tumors, they have found high levels of aspartame in them."
Stevia, a sweet food, not an additive, which helps in the metabolism of sugar, which would be ideal for diabetics, has now been approved as a dietary supplement by the F.D.A. For years, the F.D.A. has outlawed this sweet food because of their loyalty to Monsanto. If it says "sugar free" on the label, do not even think about it !!
Senator Howard Hertzenbaum wrote a bill that would have warned all infants, pregnant mothers and children of the dangers of aspartame. The bill would have also instituted independent studies on the problems existing in the population (seizures, changes in brain chemistry, changes in neurological and behavioral symptoms). It was killed by the powerful drug and chemical lobbies, letting loose the hounds of disease and death on an unsuspecting public.
Since the Conference of the American College of Physicians, we hope to have the help of some world leaders. Again, please help us too. There are a lot of people out there who must be warned, please let them know this information. This could be considered life saving information for some of you and your friends and relatives. I've forwarded it to everyone I can contact. If you know people who drink diet sodas on a regular basis, get this message to them!! Make sure and lay off the Diet Soda and other stuff with Nutra-Sweet. People's lives are at stake! What you now know can make an important difference.
Thank you for getting the message out.
Thursday December 13, 2007 - 01:16am (PST)
Aspartame Disease
Article written by Nancy Markle (11/20/97)
I have spent several days lecturing at the World Environmental Conference on "Aspartame, Marketed as 'NutraSweet', 'Equal', and 'Spoonful'." In the keynote address by the EPA, they announced that there was an epidemic of multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus, and they did not understand what toxin was causing this to be rampant across the United States.
I explained that I was there to lecture on exactly that subject. When the temperature of Aspartame exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in aspartame coverts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. (Formic acid is the poison found in the sting of fire ants). The methanol toxicity mimics multiple sclerosis; thus people were being diagnosed with having multiple sclerosis in error. The multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, where methanol toxicity is.
In the case of systemic lupus, we are finding it has become almost as rampant as multiple sclerosis, especially Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers. Also, with methanol toxicity, the victims usually drink three to four 12 oz. cans of them per day, some even more. In the cases of systemic lupus, which is triggered by aspartame, the victim usually does not know that the aspartame is the culprit. The victim continues its use aggravating the lupus to such a degree, that sometimes it becomes life threatening. When we get people off the aspartame, those with systemic lupus usually become asymptomatic. Unfortunately, we can not reverse this disease.
On the other hand, in the case of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, (when in reality, the disease is methanol toxicity), most of the symptoms disappear. We have seen cases where their vision has returned and even their hearing has returned. This also applies to cases of tinnitus.
During a lecture I said "If you are using aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc.) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting pains, numbness in your legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss-you probably have Aspartame Disease!" People were jumping up during the lecture saying, "I've got this, is it reversible?" It is rampant. Some of the speakers at my lecture even were suffering from these symptoms.
In one lecture attended by the Ambassador of Uganda, he told us that their sugar industry is adding aspartame ! He continued by saying that one of the industry leader's son could no longer walk — due in part by product usage. We have a very serious problem. Even a stranger came up to Dr. Espisto (one of my speakers) and myself and said, could you tell me why so many people seem to be coming down with MS? During a visit to a hospice, a nurse said that six of her friends, who were heavy Diet Coke addicts, had all been diagnosed with MS. This is beyond coincidence.
Here is the problem. There were Congressional Hearings when aspartame was included in 100 different products. Since this initial hearing, there have been two subsequent hearings, but to no avail. Nothing has been done. The drug and chemical lobbies have very deep pockets. Now there are over 5,000 products containing this chemical, and the patent has expired (ed. note: which means anyone can produce the stuff) !! At the time of this first hearing, people were going blind. The methanol in the aspartame converts to formaldehyde in the retina of the eye. Formaldehyde is grouped in the same class of drugs as cyanide and arsenic: deadly poisons !! Unfortunately, it just takes longer to quietly kill, but it is killing people and causing all kinds of neurological problems.
Aspartame changes the brain's chemistry. It is a reason for severe seizures. This drug changes the dopamine level in the brain. Imagine what this drug does to patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease. This drug also causes Birth Defects. There is absolutely no reason to take this product. It is not a diet product ! The Congressional record said, "It makes you crave carbohydrates and will make you fat." Dr. Roberts stated that when he got patients off aspartame, their average weight loss was 19 pounds per person. The formaldehyde stores in the fat cells, particularly in the hips and thighs.
Aspartame is especially deadly for diabetics. All physicians know what wood alcohol will do to a diabetic. We find that physicians believe that they have patients with retinopathy, when in fact, it is caused by the aspartame. The aspartame keeps the blood sugar level out of control, causing many patients to go into a coma. Unfortunately, many have died. People were telling us at the Conference of the American College of Physicians, that they had relatives that switched from saccharin to an aspartame product and how that relative had eventually gone into a coma. Their physicians could not get the blood sugar levels under control. Thus, the patients suffered acute memory loss and eventually coma and death. Memory loss is due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are neurotoxic without the other amino acids found in protein. Thus it goes past the blood brain barrier and deteriorates the neurons of the brain.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, neurosurgeon, said, "The ingredients stimulates the neurons of the brain to death, causing brain damage of varying degrees." Dr. Blaylock has written a book entitled Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills (Health Press 1-800-643-2665). Dr. H.J. Roberts, diabetic specialist and world expert on aspartame poisoning, has also written a book entitled Defense Against Alzheimer's Disease (1-800-814-9800). Dr. Roberts tells how aspartame poisoning is escalating Alzheimer's Disease, and indeed it is. As the hospice nurse told me, women are being admitted at 30 years of age with Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Blaylock and Dr. Roberts will be writing a position paper with some case histories and will post it on the Internet. According to the Conference of the American College of Physicians, 'We are talking about a plague of neurological diseases caused by this deadly poison".
Dr. Roberts realized what was happening when aspartame was first marketed. He said diabetic patients presented memory loss, confusion, and severe vision loss. At the Conference of the American College of Physicians, doctors admitted that they did not know. They had wondered why seizures were rampant (the phenylalanine in aspartame breaks down the seizure threshold and depletes serotonin, which causes manic depression, panic attacks, rage and violence).
Just before the conference, I received a fax from Norway, asking for a possible antidote for this poison because they are experiencing so many problems in their country. This poison is now available in 90 plus countries worldwide. Fortunately, we had speakers and ambassadors at the conference from different nations who have pledged their help. We ask that you help too. Print this article out and warn everyone you know.
Take anything that contains aspartame back to the store. Take the No Aspartame Test and send us your case history. I assure you that Monsanto, the creator of aspartame, knows how deadly it is. They fund the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, Congress, and the Conference of the American College of Physicians. The New York Times, on November 15, 1996, ran an article on how the American Dietetic Association takes money from the food industry to endorse their products. Therefore, they can not criticize any additives or tell about their link to Monsanto.
How bad is this? We told a mother who had a child on NutraSweet to get off the product. The child was having grand mal seizures every day. The mother called her physician, who called the ADA, who told the doctor not to take the child off the NutraSweet. We are still trying to convince the mother that the aspartame is causing the seizures. Every time we get someone off of aspartame, the seizures stop. If the baby dies, you know whose fault it is, and what we are up against.
There are 92 documented symptoms of aspartame, from coma to death. The majority of them are all neurological, because the aspartame destroys the nervous system. Aspartame Disease is partially the cause to what is behind some of the mystery of the Dessert Storm health problems. The burning tongue and other problems discussed in over 60 cases can be directly related to the consumption of an aspartame product. Several thousand pallets of diet drinks were shipped to the Dessert Storm troops. (Remember heat can liberate the methanol from the aspartame at 86 degrees F). Diet drinks sat in the 120 degree F Arabian sun for weeks at a time on pallets. The service men and women drank them all day long. All of their symptoms are identical to aspartame poisoning.
Dr. Roberts says "consuming aspartame at the time of conception can cause birth defects." The phenylalanine concentrates in the placenta, causing mental retardation, according to Dr. Louis Elsas, Pediatrician Professor of Genetics, at Emory University in his testimony before Congress. In the original lab tests, animals developed brain tumors (phenylalanine breaks down into DXP, a brain tumor agent). When Dr. Espisto was lecturing on aspartame, one physician in the audience, a neurosurgeon, said, "when they remove brain tumors, they have found high levels of aspartame in them."
Stevia, a sweet food, not an additive, which helps in the metabolism of sugar, which would be ideal for diabetics, has now been approved as a dietary supplement by the F.D.A. For years, the F.D.A. has outlawed this sweet food because of their loyalty to Monsanto. If it says "sugar free" on the label, do not even think about it !!
Senator Howard Hertzenbaum wrote a bill that would have warned all infants, pregnant mothers and children of the dangers of aspartame. The bill would have also instituted independent studies on the problems existing in the population (seizures, changes in brain chemistry, changes in neurological and behavioral symptoms). It was killed by the powerful drug and chemical lobbies, letting loose the hounds of disease and death on an unsuspecting public.
Since the Conference of the American College of Physicians, we hope to have the help of some world leaders. Again, please help us too. There are a lot of people out there who must be warned, please let them know this information. This could be considered life saving information for some of you and your friends and relatives. I've forwarded it to everyone I can contact. If you know people who drink diet sodas on a regular basis, get this message to them!! Make sure and lay off the Diet Soda and other stuff with Nutra-Sweet. People's lives are at stake! What you now know can make an important difference.
Thank you for getting the message out.
Thursday December 13, 2007 - 01:16am (PST)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Chocolate: a Health Food?
From Denise Austin:
You may have heard of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition where researchers found that chocolate may actually be good for you! While they didn't go so far as to recommend chocolate as a health food, moderate amounts of chocolate as part of an overall balanced diet may help protect your heart, they say. Why? Chocolate — especially the dark kind — contains flavonoids, the same heart-friendly substances also found in tea and red wine. It also contains sterols, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, potassium, and other heart-healthy substances.
Food companies have jumped on the marketing bandwagon, producing chocolate "health food" bars. But watch out, experts say! At 135 to 150 calories per ounce, chocolate — even the fat-free variety — adds up quickly! Eating too many "empty" chocolate calories in place of healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein could offset any potential health gains. (All things in moderation!)
You may have heard of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition where researchers found that chocolate may actually be good for you! While they didn't go so far as to recommend chocolate as a health food, moderate amounts of chocolate as part of an overall balanced diet may help protect your heart, they say. Why? Chocolate — especially the dark kind — contains flavonoids, the same heart-friendly substances also found in tea and red wine. It also contains sterols, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, potassium, and other heart-healthy substances.
Food companies have jumped on the marketing bandwagon, producing chocolate "health food" bars. But watch out, experts say! At 135 to 150 calories per ounce, chocolate — even the fat-free variety — adds up quickly! Eating too many "empty" chocolate calories in place of healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein could offset any potential health gains. (All things in moderation!)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Iodine deficiency
I had promised to post some funny stuff in the insert for my iodine pills and kept forgetting. It talks a lot about studies done and the FIRST thing mentioned is that "Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between low iodine intake and fibrocystic disease of the breast both in women and laboratory animals." That's been a big problem for me. Then it talks about the amount needed.
"The RDA for iodine was based on the amount of iodine/iodide needed to prevent goiter, extreme stupidity and hypothyroidism." So if someone tells you that you might have an iodine deficiency, it is NOT a compliment! LOL At least I have an excuse, right? ;-) My new slam is "Dude, you are SO iodine deficient!"
"The RDA for iodine was based on the amount of iodine/iodide needed to prevent goiter, extreme stupidity and hypothyroidism." So if someone tells you that you might have an iodine deficiency, it is NOT a compliment! LOL At least I have an excuse, right? ;-) My new slam is "Dude, you are SO iodine deficient!"
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Health report
With all of the fun of the past few days, I forgot to mention that the biopsies they took during the upper endoscopy last week were all fine.
And yes, the prep is definitely the worst part of a colonoscopy, but this is a VERY important test to get done. (And the doctor said only about 5% of people have the "difficult" colons like me!) ;-) Colon cancer is very treatable when caught early. If you wait until you have symptoms, it's often too late. So don't put it off, especially if you've had any kind of cancer in your family. My grandpa had colon cancer, it was caught early and he lived for many more years. He died of a heart attack, not the cancer.
I bought a new bike seat at Walmart today and am going to try that out. Also got a speedometer/odometer and a bag for carrying cell phone, etc. The local bike shop didn't have the padded shorts on hand and they cost $70. I'm not too keen on having him order them not knowing how the sizes work. So I'm going to try the new seat. The guy at the bike shop mentioned adjusting the tilt of the seat for comfort, too. So I'll try those things first.
And yes, the prep is definitely the worst part of a colonoscopy, but this is a VERY important test to get done. (And the doctor said only about 5% of people have the "difficult" colons like me!) ;-) Colon cancer is very treatable when caught early. If you wait until you have symptoms, it's often too late. So don't put it off, especially if you've had any kind of cancer in your family. My grandpa had colon cancer, it was caught early and he lived for many more years. He died of a heart attack, not the cancer.
I bought a new bike seat at Walmart today and am going to try that out. Also got a speedometer/odometer and a bag for carrying cell phone, etc. The local bike shop didn't have the padded shorts on hand and they cost $70. I'm not too keen on having him order them not knowing how the sizes work. So I'm going to try the new seat. The guy at the bike shop mentioned adjusting the tilt of the seat for comfort, too. So I'll try those things first.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Colonoscopy - FAIL!
Monday had an all liquid diet, took the pills that evening and Tuesday morning (at 5am no less - ugh). But I wasn't cleaned out enough so after being drugged and probed that morning, I had to do the liquid diet again all Tuesday and drink the nasty liquid in the evening. Kept me up most of the night, so I was quite cranky going in again. We went early this morning so I could drink the rest of the nasty stuff at the hospital and not have to worry about making the 45 min. drive with me wondering if I was going to make it to a bathroom. (If you are young and have no idea what I'm talking about for a colonoscopy prep, count your blessings and enjoy life.) The one really bright spot of the morning is that after drinking one large glass of the prep stuff on the drive, the nurse said I didn't have to drink the rest since my stool looked good. (I know, TMI!) They actually took me in an hour sooner than I was scheduled, so I was glad of that. I've been STARVING and had a bad headache from not eating for two days and getting very little sleep. (Weight this morning was 190.0, which was a minor bright spot of the day, but I'm sure as I eat normally, it'll pop back up again.)
Well, I was cleaned out enough this time, BUT, my colon is all "loopy" so the doctor couldn't get the scope all the way in, over and down. Normally with the good drugs you get, ya don't remember much of the procedure. But no, not for this princess! I had a nurse on either side of me pressing down on my abdomen as the doctor tried to maneuver the scope in and around and I was having flashbacks to childbirth! NOT FUN! I tried the deep breaths through the pain, but it wasn't helping much. When I got back to recovery, I had bad cramps for quite a while until they gave me more fentanyl (sp?) and I was able to sit up.
My options:
Have the other GI doc at this hospital do a colonoscopy since he has 22 years experience and is good with the loopy colons.
Get a barium enema done with contrast and they look at x-rays and if they see anything suspicious, the colonoscopy would need to be done anyway. But if they don't, I'd be good for 5 years or so.
Do nothing for now.
We're opting for the BE for now, I think. But I'm taking a little rest first. I want to wait until I get back from Arkansas at the end of the month to take the next step.
Well, I was cleaned out enough this time, BUT, my colon is all "loopy" so the doctor couldn't get the scope all the way in, over and down. Normally with the good drugs you get, ya don't remember much of the procedure. But no, not for this princess! I had a nurse on either side of me pressing down on my abdomen as the doctor tried to maneuver the scope in and around and I was having flashbacks to childbirth! NOT FUN! I tried the deep breaths through the pain, but it wasn't helping much. When I got back to recovery, I had bad cramps for quite a while until they gave me more fentanyl (sp?) and I was able to sit up.
My options:
Have the other GI doc at this hospital do a colonoscopy since he has 22 years experience and is good with the loopy colons.
Get a barium enema done with contrast and they look at x-rays and if they see anything suspicious, the colonoscopy would need to be done anyway. But if they don't, I'd be good for 5 years or so.
Do nothing for now.
We're opting for the BE for now, I think. But I'm taking a little rest first. I want to wait until I get back from Arkansas at the end of the month to take the next step.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Rev up your metabolism
From Denise Austin
Rev up your Metabolism!
Want to give your metabolism a boost? While a pill or potion won't do it, there are ways to increase your body's calorie burn-rate! To keep your metabolism at top speed, use these tips from researchers at Moses Taylor Hospital in Pennsylvania:
* Don't skip meals or snacks, especially breakfast — you'll activate your body's starvation response and actually slow your metabolic rate! Small meals throughout the day keep your furnace burning at a steady pace.
* Go aerobic — choose a routine with enough intensity to make a difference! Walking, biking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and step aerobics are all good choices.
* Exercise for at least 30 minutes — after a half-hour, your body starts tapping into stored energy (a.k.a. fat) to keep moving!
* Shake it up — change your workout every six weeks. Your body will have to work harder to adapt to a new routine!
* Avoid alcohol and smoking — both keep your body from burning belly fat!
Rev up your Metabolism!
Want to give your metabolism a boost? While a pill or potion won't do it, there are ways to increase your body's calorie burn-rate! To keep your metabolism at top speed, use these tips from researchers at Moses Taylor Hospital in Pennsylvania:
* Don't skip meals or snacks, especially breakfast — you'll activate your body's starvation response and actually slow your metabolic rate! Small meals throughout the day keep your furnace burning at a steady pace.
* Go aerobic — choose a routine with enough intensity to make a difference! Walking, biking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and step aerobics are all good choices.
* Exercise for at least 30 minutes — after a half-hour, your body starts tapping into stored energy (a.k.a. fat) to keep moving!
* Shake it up — change your workout every six weeks. Your body will have to work harder to adapt to a new routine!
* Avoid alcohol and smoking — both keep your body from burning belly fat!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Healthy You Challenge
I've got to rest for a few days since they did biopsies yesterday during my upper endoscopy. I still feel a little weird. Just tired, I think. My hiney is a little sore from bike riding, too. I should probably take Denise Austin's advice and get some padded shorts! ;-)
Overview for June and the exercise challenge:
Total minutes of cardio - 951 (Goal was 400 minutes, so I think I rocked!) :-D
Number of buns & thighs workouts - 12 (Goal was 3 per week, total of 12 - MET!)
Number of upper body & abs workouts - 7
Days of exercise - 25
Overview for June and the exercise challenge:
Total minutes of cardio - 951 (Goal was 400 minutes, so I think I rocked!) :-D
Number of buns & thighs workouts - 12 (Goal was 3 per week, total of 12 - MET!)
Number of upper body & abs workouts - 7
Days of exercise - 25
Monday, June 30, 2008
Upper Endoscopy done
Well, one procedure down, the worst one yet to come. Feeling a little tired even after taking a long nap this afternoon. Read my discharge instructions and I'm not supposed to exercise for THREE DAYS! :-( So not a happy camper. But since they did take biopsies, there's a chance of bleeding, that's why. Sigh. They gave us printouts of the pics they took down my esophagus and in the stomach. Woohoo. Lovely shots.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Exercise Challenge
Yesterday was a little hectic so I didn't make my check in post.
260 minutes of cardio
3 buns & thighs workouts, 1 with upper body
6 days of exercise
Measurements are the same, but I just started my period so I'm a little bloated. :-P Weight hasn't gone down either. Still doing the yo-yo thing all week. Feeling a little yuck today with the start of a migraine and back cramps.
I'm super, super happy, though. Cuz last night I went to my Weekender's friend's house and got well over $1000 of their fabulous clothes for just $230. For those of you who don't know, Weekenders was a direct sales company with great women's clothing. They declared bankruptcy a couple of weeks ago so all of their coordinators are out of business. So last night was several coordinators putting out their inventory and selling stuff at really great prices. I was able to get several pieces in smaller sizes (YAY!!!!) I took along some Dove Dark chocolate martini mix for consolation. It was much enjoyed. ;-)
260 minutes of cardio
3 buns & thighs workouts, 1 with upper body
6 days of exercise
Measurements are the same, but I just started my period so I'm a little bloated. :-P Weight hasn't gone down either. Still doing the yo-yo thing all week. Feeling a little yuck today with the start of a migraine and back cramps.
I'm super, super happy, though. Cuz last night I went to my Weekender's friend's house and got well over $1000 of their fabulous clothes for just $230. For those of you who don't know, Weekenders was a direct sales company with great women's clothing. They declared bankruptcy a couple of weeks ago so all of their coordinators are out of business. So last night was several coordinators putting out their inventory and selling stuff at really great prices. I was able to get several pieces in smaller sizes (YAY!!!!) I took along some Dove Dark chocolate martini mix for consolation. It was much enjoyed. ;-)
Cycle smart
How did Denise Austin know I just got a bike???? ;-) Here are her tips:
Cycle Smart!
Taking a bike for a spin — indoors or out — is a great way to get active and burn calories, according to the experts at the University of Texas Medical Center. However, they say that thanks to cycling's popularity, injuries are on the rise. So be careful! If you plan on going for a bike ride, they advise the following:
* Wear a helmet when biking outdoors.
* Adjust your bike for a proper fit. Too low seats or handlebars can strain your knees, back, neck, arms, and wrists. You don't want this!
* Check pedal resistance. Too much resistance strains your quads and knees, while too little can hurt the back and pelvis.
* Wear padded shorts and make sure the seat is a good fit to avoid saddle soreness.
* Minimize blisters with shoes and socks that fit properly and absorb moisture.
* Stay hydrated! Drink water on rides lasting less than an hour. Bring along sports drinks or energy bars on longer rides.
Cycle Smart!
Taking a bike for a spin — indoors or out — is a great way to get active and burn calories, according to the experts at the University of Texas Medical Center. However, they say that thanks to cycling's popularity, injuries are on the rise. So be careful! If you plan on going for a bike ride, they advise the following:
* Wear a helmet when biking outdoors.
* Adjust your bike for a proper fit. Too low seats or handlebars can strain your knees, back, neck, arms, and wrists. You don't want this!
* Check pedal resistance. Too much resistance strains your quads and knees, while too little can hurt the back and pelvis.
* Wear padded shorts and make sure the seat is a good fit to avoid saddle soreness.
* Minimize blisters with shoes and socks that fit properly and absorb moisture.
* Stay hydrated! Drink water on rides lasting less than an hour. Bring along sports drinks or energy bars on longer rides.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Progress photos
Photo on left is "before" shot from April 15th (same weight and measurements as June 1 when we started the exercise challenge) in size 14 jeans. Photo on right is "after" taken on June 26th in size 12 shorts. I don't have the exact same stance and lighting so not sure how much difference it shows. But at least it's the same shirt. ;-) And I absolutely HATE my knees, so I will be cutting those off in any photo I take! :-P Riding the bike, I can really feel my thighs working, so maybe it will start firming up and taking inches off there.
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I FORGOT TO TELL YOU!!!
I got my fuji bike!!!! WOOT! Thanks, Lipton! It came a few days ago but we've been too busy to do anything with it! My hubby put it together tonight and I took it for its inaugural spin. Hubby did his walk and I rode back and forth and did circles around him. My butt and thighs will be killing me tomorrow or the next day! :-D They sent a helmet with the bike, too. Sweet!
OK, you really need to take the picture before I run into you, honey!
OK, you really need to take the picture before I run into you, honey!
Today's weight - 190.8
190.8 - yay! I think the upswings this week were from the lack of good sleep I was able to get each night! I'm getting over 10,000 steps in every day - except Sunday on the range, which was a lot of standing in one place. Our range experience is now posted on my family blog with photos!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Pulmonology visit
This visit was MUCH better than the GI one! The doctor doesn't think there's anything to be concerned about. He thinks I had pneumonia and it caused some scarring that can pull at the wall of the lung and give me those stabbing pains I've been having. He said they should get less and less severe all the time. So my concerned husband is certainly resting easier. He was worried about the lung issues. I really liked the doctor and he used to work with our son's pulmonologist. We told him we were pretty experienced in all things lung-related due to Kendall's CF. We may see if the next admission Kendall needs can be done down here in the Springs with this doctor.
Lots of health news
OK, first I'll do my Healthy You Challenge check in. Weight has been inching up again, but it's that time of the month so that's par for the course for me. Still keeping up with exercise and eating pretty healthy. We had a busy weekend with our pistol course so that can be hard on the diet, but for my one meal of the week where I can eat anything, I enjoyed the salad bar and 3 yummy, yummy bread dips at the Italian restaurant we all met at after the long day on the range. (I'll post more details on that experience on my family blog.)
Saw a GI doctor yesterday and the one thing I didn't think was a big deal (diverticulum behind the stomach - no symptoms at all) has turned into two procedures. I have to have an endoscopy due to years of heartburn and a colonoscopy due to years of constipation. Urgh. My paternal grandpa had colon cancer when he was rather young. So that definitely ups my risk factor.
I love my pedometer. I never realized how much I walk every day! I'm recording it every day in my food journal, too.
OK, I know I shouldn't do this on my HEALTH journal, but I have been telling you the benefits of dark chocolate and you read the info on the websites, RIGHT????? ;-) So I wanted you all to know a
bout our really cool June customer special with Dove Chocolate at Home. It's just $40 (plus shipping and tax), regular $56, so it's a 30% savings! Shipping on one special is $10 - they send it UPS, 2nd day air, so it gets to you fast and in great shape. If I get 5 people to each order one of these, I can draw a name to give someone the $25 in FREE product and 1 half price item for the hostess benefit. If you want to get 5 of your friends together to each order one, I'll give YOU the hostess benefits. If everything is shipped to one person, shipping is only $7 per order.
This special includes some of our yummiest product. The Mousse mix (MY personal favorite) and dark chocolate to make it, plus some leftover, the Truffle Fudge Brownie mix (my husband's personal favorite) and the Double Chocolate Chip Cookie mix (which my kids really love!)
But I have to get the order in by Sunday. If you want to email me at Junes_Chocolate@yahoo.com, you can do that. Give me your full address, phone number and let me know a good time to call you to get credit card info. We take M/C and Visa only. :-D I win a challenge if I can get 2 more parties in by Sunday so PLEASE help me!!!! :-)
Saw a GI doctor yesterday and the one thing I didn't think was a big deal (diverticulum behind the stomach - no symptoms at all) has turned into two procedures. I have to have an endoscopy due to years of heartburn and a colonoscopy due to years of constipation. Urgh. My paternal grandpa had colon cancer when he was rather young. So that definitely ups my risk factor.
I love my pedometer. I never realized how much I walk every day! I'm recording it every day in my food journal, too.
OK, I know I shouldn't do this on my HEALTH journal, but I have been telling you the benefits of dark chocolate and you read the info on the websites, RIGHT????? ;-) So I wanted you all to know a
bout our really cool June customer special with Dove Chocolate at Home. It's just $40 (plus shipping and tax), regular $56, so it's a 30% savings! Shipping on one special is $10 - they send it UPS, 2nd day air, so it gets to you fast and in great shape. If I get 5 people to each order one of these, I can draw a name to give someone the $25 in FREE product and 1 half price item for the hostess benefit. If you want to get 5 of your friends together to each order one, I'll give YOU the hostess benefits. If everything is shipped to one person, shipping is only $7 per order.
This special includes some of our yummiest product. The Mousse mix (MY personal favorite) and dark chocolate to make it, plus some leftover, the Truffle Fudge Brownie mix (my husband's personal favorite) and the Double Chocolate Chip Cookie mix (which my kids really love!)
But I have to get the order in by Sunday. If you want to email me at Junes_Chocolate@yahoo.com, you can do that. Give me your full address, phone number and let me know a good time to call you to get credit card info. We take M/C and Visa only. :-D I win a challenge if I can get 2 more parties in by Sunday so PLEASE help me!!!! :-)
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday Check in for June Exercise Challenge
Keeping up with the exercise. Have the 3 days of strength training. Just 201 minutes of cardio this week. But 6 days of exercise for the week. I took Sunday as a day of rest again. My measurements are still the same. But I can definitely tell that the buns & thighs workout from Bender Ball is really working.
I got a pedometer yesterday. As of 9:30pm tonight, I have walked 12,001 steps, 6.25mi, burned 664 calories over 2:37. I never realized how many steps I take around my house before I leave for the day! It was quite eye-opening. Oh, and it's a talking pedometer and scared the crap out of me more than once throughout the day! LOL
I posted the original update this morning. SO I guess I should officially add at least 30 minutes more cardio. We took a brisk walk around the neighborhood this morning. It got brisker on the way back when the lightning started! LOL
I got a pedometer yesterday. As of 9:30pm tonight, I have walked 12,001 steps, 6.25mi, burned 664 calories over 2:37. I never realized how many steps I take around my house before I leave for the day! It was quite eye-opening. Oh, and it's a talking pedometer and scared the crap out of me more than once throughout the day! LOL
I posted the original update this morning. SO I guess I should officially add at least 30 minutes more cardio. We took a brisk walk around the neighborhood this morning. It got brisker on the way back when the lightning started! LOL
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thursday check in
Continuing to get my exercise, but have pulled back on the cardio a bit this week. My ankle has been sore. Back down to 190.8 this morning, which surprised me because I had very little sleep last night. Went to bed at a decent hour, but laid there completely and totally awake, so I got up at 1am and had some herbal tea and a small glass of wine. And got to watch some silly TV with my kids and hear them laugh. I always love that! Went back to bed at 4 and still laid there for quite a while wide awake, but finally dozed off and had REALLY weird dreams.
I don't THINK I'm worrying about the doctor stuff. I was surprised to get calls from the specialists with appointments for next week. So they are moving quickly on this and I thought, "Hmmm, should I be worried?" But I'm not gonna. My husband said he's pretty worried about the lung thing, but won't obsess about it with me.
I got my iodine pills yesterday and started those. SO I was wondering if that was why I couldn't sleep - with all of the new supplements I'm taking. It had some funny stuff written on the insert that I'll go into later. It's a HUGE dose compared to what you read about on the supplement websites that have liquid iodine, which is 75mcg. I'm taking 50MG per day!!!! My chiropractor is taking that much, too. So that helps.
I don't THINK I'm worrying about the doctor stuff. I was surprised to get calls from the specialists with appointments for next week. So they are moving quickly on this and I thought, "Hmmm, should I be worried?" But I'm not gonna. My husband said he's pretty worried about the lung thing, but won't obsess about it with me.
I got my iodine pills yesterday and started those. SO I was wondering if that was why I couldn't sleep - with all of the new supplements I'm taking. It had some funny stuff written on the insert that I'll go into later. It's a HUGE dose compared to what you read about on the supplement websites that have liquid iodine, which is 75mcg. I'm taking 50MG per day!!!! My chiropractor is taking that much, too. So that helps.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Reality Check
OK, my pity party is over. Check out my family blog reality check post if you want to know why!
Bit of a rebellion
Sigh. I'm dealing with some anger against my body. Exercising almost every day and eating well doesn't seem to bring any results, so I find myself thinking, What's the POINT? and digging into the bbq chips or the Chips Ahoy. So it's somewhat of a self-sabotage. But I've had all these weird health issues come up when I'm living a healthier lifestyle than I EVER have and it's ticking me off! So I need some kind of kick in the pants to keep going, I think. Anyone have good kicking boots???? ;-D
OK, coming back to edit. I can't say there have been NO results, because I AM wearing a size 12 in many things. And everyone keeps saying I look younger and younger all the time. So I am getting SOME results and NSVs, but I guess I just want to see it on the scale, too.
OK, coming back to edit. I can't say there have been NO results, because I AM wearing a size 12 in many things. And everyone keeps saying I look younger and younger all the time. So I am getting SOME results and NSVs, but I guess I just want to see it on the scale, too.
Monday, June 16, 2008
More health news
Got a call from the Academy hospital regarding my ct scan. They are referring me to pulmonology and GI. The cyst still shows up in my lung and there's something in the diverticulum which could also be a cyst. Yeah, I'm prone to cysts. Tell me something I don't know. :-P Stay tuned.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Kitchen-Aid mixer giveaway
How cool would it be to win a Kitchen Aid??? Figured I might as well enter, maybe I'm on a winning roll. ;-) My Wooden Spoon is sponsoring the contest.
Chocolate
OK, for those of you with unending chocolate addiction, I have a solution for you - become a Dove chocolatier! :-D REALLY, it works. I don't eat or crave nearly as much as I used to. Making it frequently pretty much kills the cravings. And there is so much evidence for the health benefits of dark chocolate. It's high in MUFAs and helps burn belly fat. And the Dove (chef quality!) dark chocolate is soooo rich and creamy and yummy. And no parafin, like there is in the store bought stuff that is made to last for a long time on the store shelves. Here are some websites for you.
Chocolate and your health
Good News for Chocolate fans
Chocolate can do good things for your heart, skin and brain
Chocolate and your health
Good News for Chocolate fans
Chocolate can do good things for your heart, skin and brain
Friday, June 13, 2008
Chocolate parties!
Here are some of the things we taste at our Dove Chocolate at Home parties.
The chocolate mousse is probably my favorite of all the products we carry. Especially when it's served in the dessert cup made out of chocolate! ;-)
Heart fondue set for dipping strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, apples, etc.
The Truffle Fudge brownie mix is my husband's favorite product. They are pretty tasty!
The chocolate mousse is probably my favorite of all the products we carry. Especially when it's served in the dessert cup made out of chocolate! ;-)
Heart fondue set for dipping strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, apples, etc.
The Truffle Fudge brownie mix is my husband's favorite product. They are pretty tasty!
Friday Exercise Challenge Check-In
Got in 302 min of cardio this week by exercising 6 days, took Sunday off. Did the Bender Ball buns & thighs strength training 3x, 2 of them adding arms.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thursday check-in
Weight today - 190.8 Looking forward to getting out of the 90's for GOOD!
Yesterday's exercise - the Bender Ball buns & thighs workout plus Level 1 of the core training (abs crunches mainly.)
Today's exercise - 33 minutes, 1.77mi on the treadmill first thing.
At 6:15, hubby and I went for 32 minute walk. I did interval pacing.
Bought more size 12s at Walmart. Needed some new shorts. WOOT!
Here's the results chart for last week - the first week of the June exercise challenge.
Yesterday's exercise - the Bender Ball buns & thighs workout plus Level 1 of the core training (abs crunches mainly.)
Today's exercise - 33 minutes, 1.77mi on the treadmill first thing.
At 6:15, hubby and I went for 32 minute walk. I did interval pacing.
Bought more size 12s at Walmart. Needed some new shorts. WOOT!
Here's the results chart for last week - the first week of the June exercise challenge.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Healthy You Challenge weigh in
Yesterday was a little busier than I expected, so I'm a day late. Weight today was 191.8. Down from last week, but I didn't post it, so I can't remember the exact amount. Today was our first chance to sleep in a bit in quite a while, so it felt good. We've designated today as a DOWN day with no making of chocolate or running around. :-)
Found out that the liquid iodine I've been taking is not nearly enough to get my levels back up. My chiro checked with the chemist at the lab where they do the testing and I'd have to take 300-400 drops to get the amount I need! So she's looking for some tablets to get for me.
Tuesday exercise - 40 minutes on stationary bike in the morning, 50 minutes cardio in the evening doing intermediate waltz lesson.
From Denise Austin today:
Bust That Plateau!
Are your results slowing down despite your devotion to the plan? Try these tips to get things moving again:
* Make sure you're not skipping meals. If you deprive your body of the food it needs, you'll activate a starvation response and your body will hold on to every ounce!
* Stop getting stressed by the scale! Muscle weighs more than fat. Water fluctuations can add pounds, too! Instead, use a tape measure or how your clothes fit as your guide.
* Switch workout strategies! If you've been walking, shake it up with biking or swimming. Always using the same machines at the gym? Try something new. Snap your body out of its routine!
* Pick up the pace by adding 15 more minutes to your workout or going up a notch on each weight machine.
* Keep track in your Journal. Are little snacks adding up to extra calories? Follow the plan exactly and measure out portions! Don't guesstimate!
* Drink your water! Make eight to 10 glasses a day the minimum!
Your plateau will soon be a memory!
Found out that the liquid iodine I've been taking is not nearly enough to get my levels back up. My chiro checked with the chemist at the lab where they do the testing and I'd have to take 300-400 drops to get the amount I need! So she's looking for some tablets to get for me.
Tuesday exercise - 40 minutes on stationary bike in the morning, 50 minutes cardio in the evening doing intermediate waltz lesson.
From Denise Austin today:
Bust That Plateau!
Are your results slowing down despite your devotion to the plan? Try these tips to get things moving again:
* Make sure you're not skipping meals. If you deprive your body of the food it needs, you'll activate a starvation response and your body will hold on to every ounce!
* Stop getting stressed by the scale! Muscle weighs more than fat. Water fluctuations can add pounds, too! Instead, use a tape measure or how your clothes fit as your guide.
* Switch workout strategies! If you've been walking, shake it up with biking or swimming. Always using the same machines at the gym? Try something new. Snap your body out of its routine!
* Pick up the pace by adding 15 more minutes to your workout or going up a notch on each weight machine.
* Keep track in your Journal. Are little snacks adding up to extra calories? Follow the plan exactly and measure out portions! Don't guesstimate!
* Drink your water! Make eight to 10 glasses a day the minimum!
Your plateau will soon be a memory!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Keeping up with the exercise
Friday - abs on ball
23 minute Buns & Thighs Bender Ball workout (B&T on BB)
Upper body weight lifting
No walking
Saturday - LOTS of minutes of cardio due to ballroom dance!
In the morning, we did an hour lesson, 30 min waltz and 30 min samba
If you want a good cardio workout that kills your abs - take samba lessons! Whooee!
In the evening, we went to a dance. Of the three hours, we spent probably at least 60 minutes dancing, which is pretty good for my husband just 4 1/2 weeks out from surgery!
Sunday - day of REST!
Monday - abs on ball
23 minutes B&T on BB
Upper body weight lifting
Talked more with my chiropractor. Besides the iodine, she's recommending Natural Change cream, DHEA and Adrenolyph. My progesterone is way low and so is my adrenal function.
23 minute Buns & Thighs Bender Ball workout (B&T on BB)
Upper body weight lifting
No walking
Saturday - LOTS of minutes of cardio due to ballroom dance!
In the morning, we did an hour lesson, 30 min waltz and 30 min samba
If you want a good cardio workout that kills your abs - take samba lessons! Whooee!
In the evening, we went to a dance. Of the three hours, we spent probably at least 60 minutes dancing, which is pretty good for my husband just 4 1/2 weeks out from surgery!
Sunday - day of REST!
Monday - abs on ball
23 minutes B&T on BB
Upper body weight lifting
Talked more with my chiropractor. Besides the iodine, she's recommending Natural Change cream, DHEA and Adrenolyph. My progesterone is way low and so is my adrenal function.
Friday, June 6, 2008
June Exercise Challenge check in
I did great this week. 158 minutes of cardio (I walk) and 71 minutes of strength training. Woohoo! Weight this morning is 192.2. A little up, but it's that time of the month, so I'm not going to sweat it.
I forgot to post my starting measurements, so I will do that now.
Bust 38
Upper Arms 12.5
Upper Abs 31.5
Waist 32
Lower Abs 37
Hips 38.5
Thighs 23.5
I forgot to post my starting measurements, so I will do that now.
Bust 38
Upper Arms 12.5
Upper Abs 31.5
Waist 32
Lower Abs 37
Hips 38.5
Thighs 23.5
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Exercise challenge
Got in our 30 minute walk tonight, even though I'm falling over tired. Two mornings in a row with too little sleep is hard on this body. I'm going to get in the hot tub for a bit then go to bed.
Get your beauty sleep!
From Denise Austin's email today:
Get Your Beauty Sleep!
If you have kids, you know all too well that if you disrupt their sleep routine, you'll pay for it the next day. But don't forget that a lack of sleep takes its toll on adults too. Not only is lack of sleep likely to make you irritable, sluggish, and less productive the next day, it can also have a negative impact on your health in the long term. If you don't spend enough time in the deep phase of sleep, your body doesn't get a chance to replenish cells and restore energy. Some research has even connected a lack of sleep to weight gain.
So to feel and look your best, it's crucial to make time for sleep. Get into the healthy habit of waking up and going to bed at the same time every day — that's right, on weekends too! Maintaining a regular sleep schedule will help you reap all the benefits of a good night's sleep. If you get enough sleep each night, you'll not only feel well-rested, you'll look fresh-faced and feel ready to conquer the day. Remember, bedtime isn't just for kids!
Get Your Beauty Sleep!
If you have kids, you know all too well that if you disrupt their sleep routine, you'll pay for it the next day. But don't forget that a lack of sleep takes its toll on adults too. Not only is lack of sleep likely to make you irritable, sluggish, and less productive the next day, it can also have a negative impact on your health in the long term. If you don't spend enough time in the deep phase of sleep, your body doesn't get a chance to replenish cells and restore energy. Some research has even connected a lack of sleep to weight gain.
So to feel and look your best, it's crucial to make time for sleep. Get into the healthy habit of waking up and going to bed at the same time every day — that's right, on weekends too! Maintaining a regular sleep schedule will help you reap all the benefits of a good night's sleep. If you get enough sleep each night, you'll not only feel well-rested, you'll look fresh-faced and feel ready to conquer the day. Remember, bedtime isn't just for kids!
IT'S MY THYROID!!!
Talked briefly with my chiropractor today, will be going in for in-depth test results on Monday morning. According to the hormone panel I had done, I AM deficient in iodine and I AM estrogen dominant. (I'm also perimenopausal and no longer ovulating.) We'll discuss what it all means and the treatment options on Monday. But I did already get the liquid iodine and started using it as soon as I got done with the collection of saliva and urine for the detailed panel.
So there may very well be a physiological reason for my inability to lose weight. And maybe it will just start falling off once I start treatment? Hey, a girl can dream, can't she? ;-)
And, you know, I have to wonder how many women out there have a "totally normal" thyroid blood panel, but have these other things going on that the blood tests don't target?? I'm going to wait a few weeks before scheduling the ultrasound/fine needle biopsy of the nodule in my thyroid.
So there may very well be a physiological reason for my inability to lose weight. And maybe it will just start falling off once I start treatment? Hey, a girl can dream, can't she? ;-)
And, you know, I have to wonder how many women out there have a "totally normal" thyroid blood panel, but have these other things going on that the blood tests don't target?? I'm going to wait a few weeks before scheduling the ultrasound/fine needle biopsy of the nodule in my thyroid.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Soooo tired
We had a long day today with an afternoon chocolate party in Aurora, near Denver. When we got home, hubby and I took a 30 minute walk. Then I did the 23 minute buns & thighs bender ball workout. Gotta get up early tomorrow for a ct scan at 9am. So I really need to get to bed.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tuesday check-in
Not counting my weight today. I had less than 5 hours of sleep, so I know it was higher than it normally would be. We'll see what happens tomorrow morning. I'm on track with exercising and eating healthy. :-)
We didn't get our walk in last night, we were too busy making chocolate for the parties this week! Started my day today with a 23 minute, 1.25 mile walk on the treadmill.
We didn't get our walk in last night, we were too busy making chocolate for the parties this week! Started my day today with a 23 minute, 1.25 mile walk on the treadmill.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Exercise Challenge Goals & a Reward
With the return of the pain in my rib, I'm not going to be too ambitious because I don't want to have to take another doctor mandated rest! :-( So I will make the minimum my goal - 400 minutes of cardio and 3 strength trainings per week. I'll add abs crunches every other day or so. My reward will be a massage at my favorite spa.
June 2nd Exercise Challenge
For those of you thinking 400 minutes of exercise in one month is a lot - it's only 15 minutes a day. And the 400 minutes are just for cardio. I usually do 30-40 minutes on the treadmill on 5 or 6 days, so it should be pretty easy. My husband and I started going for walks around the neighborhood in the evening. I power walk and then we meet back up.
Yesterday I took a 30 minute walk with the hubs.
This morning I did the Bender Ball Buns & Thighs workout. Very similar exercises to the ones listed by Swizzlepop. It takes 23 minutes to complete that workout. Then I did 3 sets of 15 reps of Bicep Curls, Pull Downs, Tricep Curls, Bench Press, then crunches on the stability ball. With a 30 second rest between each exercise, it took me 25 minutes.
My husband and I walked around the mall for a bit after I found the Turquoise Crocs I wanted at Dillards. (Dove chocolate colors are brown and turquoise so I've been stocking up on the clothes in those colors and needed the shoes! ;-D) We'll be going for a 30 minute walk again after dinner. He was able to keep up with me last night. He's doing GREAT in the recovery from his hip replacement.
Last night I had the stabbing pain in my chest again. (Down on the lower rib.) So I called this morning to schedule the follow-up CT scan. I just don't think it's muscular or cartilage. It was a stabbing pain when I inhaled, so I suspect it's something with the lung. But maybe it's just our experience with lung things that make me suspect that. ;-)
Yesterday I took a 30 minute walk with the hubs.
This morning I did the Bender Ball Buns & Thighs workout. Very similar exercises to the ones listed by Swizzlepop. It takes 23 minutes to complete that workout. Then I did 3 sets of 15 reps of Bicep Curls, Pull Downs, Tricep Curls, Bench Press, then crunches on the stability ball. With a 30 second rest between each exercise, it took me 25 minutes.
My husband and I walked around the mall for a bit after I found the Turquoise Crocs I wanted at Dillards. (Dove chocolate colors are brown and turquoise so I've been stocking up on the clothes in those colors and needed the shoes! ;-D) We'll be going for a 30 minute walk again after dinner. He was able to keep up with me last night. He's doing GREAT in the recovery from his hip replacement.
Last night I had the stabbing pain in my chest again. (Down on the lower rib.) So I called this morning to schedule the follow-up CT scan. I just don't think it's muscular or cartilage. It was a stabbing pain when I inhaled, so I suspect it's something with the lung. But maybe it's just our experience with lung things that make me suspect that. ;-)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Fun times!
Check out my family blog to see a photo of the President's motorcade! He was in Colorado on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday check-in
I got 4 dvds with my Bender Ball. The one I did the other day was the Pilates Bender Ball workout. Today I did the Level 1 and 2 core workout and the buns & thighs workout. (took about 50 minutes for both) Those are all on just one dvd. Boy, howdy, definitely feeling it! But it's a nice slow pace. Then tonight, went for a walk around the neighborhood for 25 minutes. I walked at a fast pace, my hubby didn't walk quite so far at his slower, hip-replacement pace and we met up again near home. Tomorrow will be super busy, so not sure if I'll get time to workout at all. Hubby has PT app't, we need to get ready for a chocolate party in the evening and it's in Denver. We're going early to have dinner with our friends that live on the same street as our hostess!
So for those who asked, yeah, I do like the Bender Ball, but I've just started with it. It's nice to have a variety of workouts to choose from.
So for those who asked, yeah, I do like the Bender Ball, but I've just started with it. It's nice to have a variety of workouts to choose from.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
June Exercise Challenge
I'm joining an exercise challenge to help me keep moving. The goal is 400 minutes of exercise in the month of June. I have been logging my exercise, but never stop to add it all up. But I did miss a couple weeks in May by doctor's orders. Getting a little sore from my Bender Ball workout today, but it's a good kind of sore. ;-)
Tuesday weigh in
Wow, it happened again. I was up all week, yesterday it was 193+ and today, it's back down to 190.8. Seems like the only day all week I get that low is Tuesday. I can't wait to find out the results of my hormone/thyroid tests.
It's so hard getting back into a routine after not exercising by doctor's order. And hubby being home messes up my pattern, too. (No offense, honey!)
No sign of a bike yet. I did order the Bender Ball and got 4 dvds with it. Did the Pilates workout today. Felt pretty good and my rib didn't hurt.
It's so hard getting back into a routine after not exercising by doctor's order. And hubby being home messes up my pattern, too. (No offense, honey!)
No sign of a bike yet. I did order the Bender Ball and got 4 dvds with it. Did the Pilates workout today. Felt pretty good and my rib didn't hurt.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day - remember the reason
Please go read my sister's blog. It's a reminder of what the holiday truly means.
Medical update
I went to the ENT doc last Thursday. He recommended the fine needle aspiration of the nodule in my thyroid, but is willing to wait a couple months while I get the results of the tests I did on Wed and possibly a few weeks of treatment with liquid iodine. He said 80% of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, the 20% that aren't, 80% of those are benign. It's definitely solid, not a fluid filled cyst. I was grateful he didn't roll his eyes when I asked him how he felt about alternative medicine. :-D
Weight is spiking again, but it's the week before my period starts. I can tell because of the magnetic draw the cheetos in the snack aisle! LOL Lately it's been salty things I crave, not sweet.
Washed my windows yesterday. Is there anything more satisfying than clean windows????? Have lots of sore muscles today. And of course, it looks like it's gonna rain. Sigh.
Weight is spiking again, but it's the week before my period starts. I can tell because of the magnetic draw the cheetos in the snack aisle! LOL Lately it's been salty things I crave, not sweet.
Washed my windows yesterday. Is there anything more satisfying than clean windows????? Have lots of sore muscles today. And of course, it looks like it's gonna rain. Sigh.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday Check In
I did do one rep with the weights yesterday. I use 7 1/2lbs right now. I also did ab crunches on my stability ball.
In the evening, I kicked my husband's butt in Scrabble. First word, I used all 7 tiles and I kept getting some pretty good letters. ;-)
This morning, I did 40 minutes, 2 miles on the treadmill.
Today I'm collecting saliva and urine for very specific hormonal panels checking out my thyroid at the recommendation of my chiropractor. What a fun project. :-P I have an app't with ENT tomorrow and I think I will ask them to wait before doing a biopsy on the nodule in my thyroid. After getting the results of these tests, I will probably be on an iodine supplement and that may make the nodule go away on its own. If I can avoid having a needle stuck in my neck, I would much prefer it.
Here are some good tips from Denise Austin's email this morning:
Strapped for Time?
Having trouble squeezing in your workout? Try these tips from other busy Fit Forever! members:
Set your alarm to go off a half-hour earlier than everyone else's, and get your workout out of the way first thing!
If a mad morning rush leaves you with no time, try getting everything ready the night before (including lunches packed and clothing set out).
Don't be afraid to delegate some household tasks to other family members and make time for exercise! You shouldn't try to do everything all by yourself.
Cut down on kitchen time by making double recipes and freezing half for a quick heat-and-eat meal another day!
Take your kids to a school or park and walk laps while they play or go on a bike ride together.
If you can't fit in one 30-minute walk, break it into three 10-minute jaunts throughout your day.
Tone up with fidgetsizes! Do butt squeezes in the elevator, leg lifts at your desk, leg squats while brushing your teeth, tummy tucks while watching the news, etc. Do what you can, when you can.
Think small! Even if it isn't a full workout, five or 10 minutes of movement is better than nothing!
In the evening, I kicked my husband's butt in Scrabble. First word, I used all 7 tiles and I kept getting some pretty good letters. ;-)
This morning, I did 40 minutes, 2 miles on the treadmill.
Today I'm collecting saliva and urine for very specific hormonal panels checking out my thyroid at the recommendation of my chiropractor. What a fun project. :-P I have an app't with ENT tomorrow and I think I will ask them to wait before doing a biopsy on the nodule in my thyroid. After getting the results of these tests, I will probably be on an iodine supplement and that may make the nodule go away on its own. If I can avoid having a needle stuck in my neck, I would much prefer it.
Here are some good tips from Denise Austin's email this morning:
Strapped for Time?
Having trouble squeezing in your workout? Try these tips from other busy Fit Forever! members:
Set your alarm to go off a half-hour earlier than everyone else's, and get your workout out of the way first thing!
If a mad morning rush leaves you with no time, try getting everything ready the night before (including lunches packed and clothing set out).
Don't be afraid to delegate some household tasks to other family members and make time for exercise! You shouldn't try to do everything all by yourself.
Cut down on kitchen time by making double recipes and freezing half for a quick heat-and-eat meal another day!
Take your kids to a school or park and walk laps while they play or go on a bike ride together.
If you can't fit in one 30-minute walk, break it into three 10-minute jaunts throughout your day.
Tone up with fidgetsizes! Do butt squeezes in the elevator, leg lifts at your desk, leg squats while brushing your teeth, tummy tucks while watching the news, etc. Do what you can, when you can.
Think small! Even if it isn't a full workout, five or 10 minutes of movement is better than nothing!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Healthy You Challenge weigh in
Well, after being up all week long, I'm down to 190.8 this morning. My body is soooo weird! But a lot of mornings, I got up before I wanted to, so I'm always a little heavier then. No sign of the bike yet.
I worked out 3 times last week, plus had a day at the range on Sunday. This morning I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and plan to lift weights. Maybe just one rep today.
I worked out 3 times last week, plus had a day at the range on Sunday. This morning I did 30 minutes on the treadmill and plan to lift weights. Maybe just one rep today.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Weigh in - 191.2
After getting up to almost 195 this past week, back down to 191.2. Whew! I don't care if my rib does still hurt, I'm getting back into the exercise habit. Too long of resting is not helping me. Did my treadmill this morning for 30 minutes, then took my husband to his physical therapy appointment. He's doing really well after his total hip replacement.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
HOLY MOLY!!!! I WON!
I won the Fuji bike!!!!!
I won it on John is Fit's blog.
How cool is that??????? I am so incredibly excited and can't wait to be riding my bike around the neighborhood in the fresh clean mountain air!
Thank you, John, and thank you, Lipton!
Happy Mother's Day to me!
I won it on John is Fit's blog.
How cool is that??????? I am so incredibly excited and can't wait to be riding my bike around the neighborhood in the fresh clean mountain air!
Thank you, John, and thank you, Lipton!
Happy Mother's Day to me!
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