Monday, January 31, 2011
170.2 Can I Help?
A dear friend of mine just emailed me and among other things mentioned that she lost 25 pounds and has put most of it back on. She asked me if I could help her! I am delighted to be asked and look forward to working with her long distance. Now this is exciting!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
170.2 Searching For The Magic
Yesterday I got an email about the wonders of cinnamon and honey for weight loss and a host of other conditions. As my friend wrote, it probably can't hurt and it might help. For weight loss, it was all about making a tea concoction, so I went on line to learn more about it. And, it was fun to read comments from folks who had tried this magical brew. The comments went from good, to bad, to ugly! I wonder if the variance in results is related to the placebo effect for some folks. For some, this brew resulted in quick and dramatic weight loss, while for others it resulted in no change, some experienced nausea, some found clumping of the cinnamon a real turn off, and on and on. Some folks even gained weight while drinking this tea, honey, and cinnamon potion.
It all sort of reminds me of my straying into the land of eating salad for breakfast. I don't think there's anything wrong with trying new things. But if this is as powerful and beneficial as promised in this email, how come we haven't all heard about it? So if you are curious about the honey cinnamon approach to good living :) here's the information:
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
"Cinnamon and Honey
HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.
Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu..
LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!"
It all sort of reminds me of my straying into the land of eating salad for breakfast. I don't think there's anything wrong with trying new things. But if this is as powerful and beneficial as promised in this email, how come we haven't all heard about it? So if you are curious about the honey cinnamon approach to good living :) here's the information:
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
"Cinnamon and Honey
HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.
Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.
GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu..
LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!"
Saturday, January 29, 2011
170.0 A Little Less Lunch!
I got that pound off in a couple of days and it wasn't that hard and sure didn't take very long. Remember when I was in the weight losing mode rather than maintenance, how I would be stuck forever at the same weight? Why is it that now I can turn things around in a couple of days?
Well, for one thing, my body has a new set point and I know a couple of tricks that I never really trusted when I was losing. A little less lunch is an obvious plateau breaker for me now, and I just go back to some of the old habits that I had strayed from lately. The raw carrots are out on the counter as I make dinner again, spinach again, less snacking even on popcorn, and apples when the hunger bug bites.
I think we are going to go to the movies today and then meet friends for dinner. After reading how many calories are in unbuttered movie popcorn, I'm thinking about bringing my own, since we do have plenty :)! The restaurant we have chosen has a simple, great tasting salmon entree so I won't even open the menu. Old tricks are turning out to be very good tricks.
Well, for one thing, my body has a new set point and I know a couple of tricks that I never really trusted when I was losing. A little less lunch is an obvious plateau breaker for me now, and I just go back to some of the old habits that I had strayed from lately. The raw carrots are out on the counter as I make dinner again, spinach again, less snacking even on popcorn, and apples when the hunger bug bites.
I think we are going to go to the movies today and then meet friends for dinner. After reading how many calories are in unbuttered movie popcorn, I'm thinking about bringing my own, since we do have plenty :)! The restaurant we have chosen has a simple, great tasting salmon entree so I won't even open the menu. Old tricks are turning out to be very good tricks.
Friday, January 28, 2011
171.0 Gratitude Vs Pride
A while ago our minister gave a sermon on gratitude versus pride. He suggested that when we or someone we know does something special or very well, it is better to think of the accomplishment in terms of gratitude than pride.
I've been thinking about this. As most of you know, my 9 year old grandson saved his friend's life a couple of months ago by observing that his friend was choking, asking him if that was happening and then jumping up and doing the Heimlich maneuver causing the lodged peppermint disc to fly out of his friend's throat and mouth, thus allowing him to breathe normally again. Let me just say, I am so proud of him for his courage and so grateful that he had the confidence to do it. Sometimes, I think there is room to be proud and be filled with gratitude.
I'm often asked if I feel proud of myself for losing the 82 pounds and I am most likely to say that I am grateful for the help and encouragement I received and for the fact I was able to do it. It's not about pride or being proud. In my case it's all about the gratitude.
I've been thinking about this. As most of you know, my 9 year old grandson saved his friend's life a couple of months ago by observing that his friend was choking, asking him if that was happening and then jumping up and doing the Heimlich maneuver causing the lodged peppermint disc to fly out of his friend's throat and mouth, thus allowing him to breathe normally again. Let me just say, I am so proud of him for his courage and so grateful that he had the confidence to do it. Sometimes, I think there is room to be proud and be filled with gratitude.
I'm often asked if I feel proud of myself for losing the 82 pounds and I am most likely to say that I am grateful for the help and encouragement I received and for the fact I was able to do it. It's not about pride or being proud. In my case it's all about the gratitude.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
171.0 Actions Have Consequences (duh)
When I first started this weight loss adventure and Jennifer suggested - I think insisted is a better word - that I weigh myself everyday, I fought it. Doctors, weight loss gurus, everyone knew that you should weigh yourself once a week. Hello..!
But, as this blog attests, I did weigh myself everyday. And today I didn't like what I saw, but I knew it would be up. I could give all the reasons for this upward blip, but all I need to do is get myself back into my more disciplined place. I can't just eat whatever without consequences. That old cliche that actions have consequences plays into weight loss perfectly. So the consequences were staring up at me from my Walgreen's special scale this morning and I'm glad that I saw that 171.0. What if I'd waited a week and being oblivious, I probably would have seen a much greater jump and then would have felt so discouraged. Yes, it's been fun, but gaining weight is not worth the few minutes of yumminess I experienced eating sweets and other carbs.
But, as this blog attests, I did weigh myself everyday. And today I didn't like what I saw, but I knew it would be up. I could give all the reasons for this upward blip, but all I need to do is get myself back into my more disciplined place. I can't just eat whatever without consequences. That old cliche that actions have consequences plays into weight loss perfectly. So the consequences were staring up at me from my Walgreen's special scale this morning and I'm glad that I saw that 171.0. What if I'd waited a week and being oblivious, I probably would have seen a much greater jump and then would have felt so discouraged. Yes, it's been fun, but gaining weight is not worth the few minutes of yumminess I experienced eating sweets and other carbs.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
170.2 Great News!
I left the house at 7:00 AM and just returned home. It's after 4 PM. It was a great day but I'm a little tired now. Okay, a BIG TIRED now.
I do have great news! Our daughter Miranda and her husband are expecting a baby girl in June. We are so excited, and since we have three fabulous grandsons, we are very pleased at the prospect of having a granddaughter! And, I'm going to be able to lift her, hold her tight, carry her around and participate in all the wonderful activities that await us all as she joins our family. What a great gift as a result of the weight loss and work I've done to get stronger. Come on little gal, I'm ready!
I do have great news! Our daughter Miranda and her husband are expecting a baby girl in June. We are so excited, and since we have three fabulous grandsons, we are very pleased at the prospect of having a granddaughter! And, I'm going to be able to lift her, hold her tight, carry her around and participate in all the wonderful activities that await us all as she joins our family. What a great gift as a result of the weight loss and work I've done to get stronger. Come on little gal, I'm ready!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
170.2 Life Is Good, Very Good!
Yesterday's post was really long so I'll make this short. All of a sudden I am realizing that I am having more fun in my life than I ever remember experiencing. It's not that we are doing new and different things, but rather my perspective on life is changing and I see humor where I used to see a blank wall. And, there's a lightness to life that is new and fun, and joyful and often funny. I'm not sure where all of this is coming from, but I am loving it and may become a hoarder of this new outlook. And, I'm writing this after having a very ragged, uneven night's sleep, but I'm not going to let that color my whole day. I know you've heard this before, but life is good, very good.
Monday, January 24, 2011
169.6 Decisions, Decisions
I just made a decision. So what you say? Big deal! Sometimes it is a big deal for me to make a decision. Recently I read that most decisions should be made in about 30 seconds. I've barely gone through the list of pros much less the list of cons in 30 seconds. But it does feel good to quit dithering and just go for it.
I'm very conscious of talking about weight loss now. I don't bring it up to others, but so many folks have seen the transformation, and they start talking to me about it. Don't get me wrong - I like talking about it. It's similar to telling friends about a recent trip or encounter that you just had. But I don't like to be the instigator of the topic. Anyway, what I hear is a lot of indecision about whether they really want to lose weight, and if they could really do it. So, my take on this is that each person has to have a very clear reason for wanting to lose weight. And as long as the reason is theirs and not put on them by others I think that works. The most powerful reasons are health related, especially among those of us who are in our 60's plus, but among younger people there's always the motivation of doing it earlier rather than later and in the process saving a lot of wear and tear on their bodies.
I wish there was a way for everyone to understand that you can be happy with less food. A small portion of something yummy is just as enjoyable as a big portion as long as you stay aware of all of the goodness as you are taking small bites and really paying attention while you are eating that wonderful something.
As I'm adding some old favorites back into my food choices, I'm amazed and so relieved that I don't want a big serving of anything. But it is fun to be able to have a small amount and really enjoy it. I'm hanging in there with maintenance and it just isn't that hard, thank goodness, thanks to hypnosis, thanks to changed habits, and thanks to change attitudes. And, a big thank you to Jennifer Scott for her help in making all of these changes a reality for me.
I'm very conscious of talking about weight loss now. I don't bring it up to others, but so many folks have seen the transformation, and they start talking to me about it. Don't get me wrong - I like talking about it. It's similar to telling friends about a recent trip or encounter that you just had. But I don't like to be the instigator of the topic. Anyway, what I hear is a lot of indecision about whether they really want to lose weight, and if they could really do it. So, my take on this is that each person has to have a very clear reason for wanting to lose weight. And as long as the reason is theirs and not put on them by others I think that works. The most powerful reasons are health related, especially among those of us who are in our 60's plus, but among younger people there's always the motivation of doing it earlier rather than later and in the process saving a lot of wear and tear on their bodies.
I wish there was a way for everyone to understand that you can be happy with less food. A small portion of something yummy is just as enjoyable as a big portion as long as you stay aware of all of the goodness as you are taking small bites and really paying attention while you are eating that wonderful something.
As I'm adding some old favorites back into my food choices, I'm amazed and so relieved that I don't want a big serving of anything. But it is fun to be able to have a small amount and really enjoy it. I'm hanging in there with maintenance and it just isn't that hard, thank goodness, thanks to hypnosis, thanks to changed habits, and thanks to change attitudes. And, a big thank you to Jennifer Scott for her help in making all of these changes a reality for me.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
170.0 Surrounded By Carbs!
I took a nap today, a long nap and I woke up grumpy. I rarely take naps now and didn't even know I was tired. I had been standing most of the morning at a church function and just wanted to stretch out for the sake of my back. I fell sound asleep right away.
The church gathering involved a lot of food including bagels of all flavors and varieties, and cake, lots of cake. I was surrounded by sugar and carbs with no place to hide. I was cutting frosting filled and covered cake and as the frosting gobbed up on the knife that old thought of eating "that extra frosting" popped into my mind. But instead, I threw it away as I periodically scaped it off the knife.
It was a great function, designed to promote friendship and fellowship among the folks there. Food seems to always do the trick at these types of events. Maybe I can suggest we put out some apples, carrots, snap peas next time? No, I don't think that's going to fly, especially at 9 in the morning! :)
The church gathering involved a lot of food including bagels of all flavors and varieties, and cake, lots of cake. I was surrounded by sugar and carbs with no place to hide. I was cutting frosting filled and covered cake and as the frosting gobbed up on the knife that old thought of eating "that extra frosting" popped into my mind. But instead, I threw it away as I periodically scaped it off the knife.
It was a great function, designed to promote friendship and fellowship among the folks there. Food seems to always do the trick at these types of events. Maybe I can suggest we put out some apples, carrots, snap peas next time? No, I don't think that's going to fly, especially at 9 in the morning! :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
169.6 Odds and Ends
I've been thinking more about the balance ball comparison with weight loss and weight management and want to add to what I said yesterday. In both cases, practice and experience make things easier. In other words, I'm not going to be afraid of totally losing control in terms of what I eat forever. And, over time I will gain more control and confidence in what the heck I'm trying to do on the balance ball! :)
This morning I received a quote from one of my online friends that I like very much. "Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." --Norman Vincent Peale. (Jeff received a book by Norman Vincent Peale when he was about 12 years old from his father. He gives it credit for shaping a lot of his thinking and he has been a successful and happy guy.)
And, I humbly celebrate my 451st post! Who knew this blog would exist for this long?
This morning I received a quote from one of my online friends that I like very much. "Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." --Norman Vincent Peale. (Jeff received a book by Norman Vincent Peale when he was about 12 years old from his father. He gives it credit for shaping a lot of his thinking and he has been a successful and happy guy.)
And, I humbly celebrate my 451st post! Who knew this blog would exist for this long?
Friday, January 21, 2011
170.2 Balance Ball
Today I bought a balance ball to use with my physical therapy program. I've worked with one before but never owned my own big blue balance ball. I'm quite enamored with it, as you can see.
What's clicked in this simply unpredictable mind of mine is how losing weight, and maintaining weight loss is a little like doing a workout on a balance ball. There are so many aspects of what you are doing to keep track of, keep in balance, so you don't fall off. I haven't fallen off the balance ball yet, but I have caught myself in the process of losing it more than once.
Last night we went out to celebrate with friends and I caught myself just in the nick of time, before falling off. The catch was made in response to all of the mind and body work I've done over the past couple of years. Catching myself gave me confidence even though I did over eat, confidence that I knew the value of stopping and getting right back on track instead of giving in and giving up.
Balance in our lives is precious and attainable as long as we remember to catch ourselves when we get a little shaky, when we begin to lose control.
What's clicked in this simply unpredictable mind of mine is how losing weight, and maintaining weight loss is a little like doing a workout on a balance ball. There are so many aspects of what you are doing to keep track of, keep in balance, so you don't fall off. I haven't fallen off the balance ball yet, but I have caught myself in the process of losing it more than once.
Last night we went out to celebrate with friends and I caught myself just in the nick of time, before falling off. The catch was made in response to all of the mind and body work I've done over the past couple of years. Catching myself gave me confidence even though I did over eat, confidence that I knew the value of stopping and getting right back on track instead of giving in and giving up.
Balance in our lives is precious and attainable as long as we remember to catch ourselves when we get a little shaky, when we begin to lose control.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
170.2 Special Days
My mom died on on this date 11 years ago. It's funny how our minds and bodies remember these special days. And, I miss her a lot. You'd think that after 11 years, I'd be used to her being gone. But I'm not and I probably never will be used to it. She was fun, and funny, and if I could be with her today, we'd have a great time. I love you Mom.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
170.2 Popcorn Lovers Unite!
We have house guests and as it came time to offer a little food as an appetizer, I mentioned carrots and snap peas (my favorites), and then I said, "and we do have popcorn". Well, you would have thought I had offered manna from heaven. They are in the family room as I write, enjoying, loving the popcorn. Thankfully it is still fresh and tasty. Maybe we'll buy another "Bin Buster" of Vic's Lite Salt, Lite popcorn. Who knew it would be so popular!
Okay, so the weight has bumped up a little. Let's see if I can't get it down a pound or two just for a little insurance.
Okay, so the weight has bumped up a little. Let's see if I can't get it down a pound or two just for a little insurance.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
169.8 In The Soup!
I know, I know... I know what happened! Not to worry I keep telling myself. But over a pound over night? Jeff made soup for our dinner yesterday and instead of using water he used chicken broth (less sodium chicken broth). It was one of those soup mixes that includes the dried beans, etc., and a flavor packet. This was split pea with barley and promised to be delicious. Well, obviously the "flavor packet" contained salt as did the chicken broth, and we both were taken aback by how salty it was until we realized there was a reason why the recipe called for water. We ate it anyway, and today my fingers are a little salt bound, but it will all get washed out with the water I am drinking. I was really leery of soup while I was on the weight loss mission and maybe I'll go back to that mind set, at least for a while. Oh, I just remembered I had a cup of vegetable soup for lunch. Whoa!
Monday, January 17, 2011
168.4 Backing Off, Starting Over
This is turning into a blog about popcorn and leg cramps! Nothing about popcorn today, but I did see my PT today and she did have some thoughts about the leg cramp connection to water therapy. Why yes, they are connected, obviously, and for the time being she wants me to back off and start over with maybe 10 reps with each leg for each exercise. But I was so proud of doing 3 to 4 minutes (one song from Mamma Mia) for each exercise, and jogging in place in the water for up to ten minutes. No jogging at all for now is the way it stands. Yes, I'm a little disheartened, but I need to do what the doctor ordered so will follow her dictate. (Yes, she has earned her doctorate in PT.)
And without the flurry of so much exercise, my weight is staying pretty steady! Last night we went to Picasso's Pizza, a small Arizona chain that serves pizza made with organic, very healthy ingredients if you choose that route. The very thin, very delicious pizza crust that I had last night was made with quinoa, amaranth, wheat germ bulgur wheat, flax seed meal, psyllium husks, rolled oats, fennel seed, ginger powder, seaweed kelp and sea salt. No wonder I didn't gain any weight, and the spinach and mushroom topping with red sauce was delicious. Even doubting Jeff liked it!
And without the flurry of so much exercise, my weight is staying pretty steady! Last night we went to Picasso's Pizza, a small Arizona chain that serves pizza made with organic, very healthy ingredients if you choose that route. The very thin, very delicious pizza crust that I had last night was made with quinoa, amaranth, wheat germ bulgur wheat, flax seed meal, psyllium husks, rolled oats, fennel seed, ginger powder, seaweed kelp and sea salt. No wonder I didn't gain any weight, and the spinach and mushroom topping with red sauce was delicious. Even doubting Jeff liked it!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
168.4 The Leg Cramp Connection
We are having friends over later today to play a little bridge and then go out to eat. Guess what we are offering to munch on while we play! You got it! Popcorn!
Yesterday I finally got back in the pool to do my water therapy and during the night leg cramps drove me nuts. Because it has been pretty cold out here (comparatively speaking), I hadn't been doing my water exercise for about three weeks. And, I hadn't been bothered by leg cramps at night. After yesterday's foray into the water I'm sad to say that they are back. I have a hunch that my physical therapist will be able to help me with this. Even though it's a beautiful day, I'm not getting in the pool today. Maybe playing bridge will be my exercise for the day. It definitely exercises my brain!
Yesterday I finally got back in the pool to do my water therapy and during the night leg cramps drove me nuts. Because it has been pretty cold out here (comparatively speaking), I hadn't been doing my water exercise for about three weeks. And, I hadn't been bothered by leg cramps at night. After yesterday's foray into the water I'm sad to say that they are back. I have a hunch that my physical therapist will be able to help me with this. Even though it's a beautiful day, I'm not getting in the pool today. Maybe playing bridge will be my exercise for the day. It definitely exercises my brain!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
168.2 Back To The Future
It's warming back up out here so today I was able to go to our community center pool and do my water therapy. I wore one of my water jackets that cut the wind and help to keep my upper body warm and that really helped.
I am seeing a new physical therapist about my cock-eyed pelvis and so had to modify some of my workout. What she's found that really surprised me and kind of bothers me is how weak my left leg is. I think I have more to work on than just getting my pelvis in alignment.
I may as well confess, last night I had my first hamburger in about 3 years. It came with cheese and bacon - no, it wasn't a Whopper from Burger King - we went to Flemings (a rather high end restaurant in the area), sat at the bar and paid $6 rather than the $12 they normally charge since we were there before 7 pm. No, I didn't eat all the meat, I asked for no bacon, and I ate about 1/4 of the bread. Yes, it was good, but somehow not as great as I thought it might taste. I think my "clean, healthy living/eating" has really changed what I want to eat. But what I really liked is that my weight didn't shoot up. I hope this trend continues as I venture back into carefully eating some of the old favorites.
I am seeing a new physical therapist about my cock-eyed pelvis and so had to modify some of my workout. What she's found that really surprised me and kind of bothers me is how weak my left leg is. I think I have more to work on than just getting my pelvis in alignment.
I may as well confess, last night I had my first hamburger in about 3 years. It came with cheese and bacon - no, it wasn't a Whopper from Burger King - we went to Flemings (a rather high end restaurant in the area), sat at the bar and paid $6 rather than the $12 they normally charge since we were there before 7 pm. No, I didn't eat all the meat, I asked for no bacon, and I ate about 1/4 of the bread. Yes, it was good, but somehow not as great as I thought it might taste. I think my "clean, healthy living/eating" has really changed what I want to eat. But what I really liked is that my weight didn't shoot up. I hope this trend continues as I venture back into carefully eating some of the old favorites.
Friday, January 14, 2011
168.0 A Joyful Noise
Another all time low, without trying? It seems unbelievable, but that's what the scale said this morning. And, last night I had some Java Chip ice cream, yum, so there you go! But I do keep track in my mind of everything I eat, and am so happy that I can eat a small amount of the things I didn't eat for so long and have my weight stay where I want it to be.
Last night, besides eating ice cream, we treated ourselves to a performance of the Harlem Gospel Choir at the MIM. The MIM is the Musical Instrument Museum, a wonderful addition to our beautiful area. The performance hall has exquisite acoustics, and this group set the stage on fire. They set the audience on fire. I loved it when they announced that the Phoenix Gospel Choir was in attendance and all of the members of the audience were the choir! Everybody got in the act with singing, clapping, and we were all filled with joy.
So if you ever have the opportunity to hear the Harlem Gospel Choir, do it, and if you are in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, check out the MIM! Maybe I burned up a lot of calories just being joyful!
Last night, besides eating ice cream, we treated ourselves to a performance of the Harlem Gospel Choir at the MIM. The MIM is the Musical Instrument Museum, a wonderful addition to our beautiful area. The performance hall has exquisite acoustics, and this group set the stage on fire. They set the audience on fire. I loved it when they announced that the Phoenix Gospel Choir was in attendance and all of the members of the audience were the choir! Everybody got in the act with singing, clapping, and we were all filled with joy.
So if you ever have the opportunity to hear the Harlem Gospel Choir, do it, and if you are in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, check out the MIM! Maybe I burned up a lot of calories just being joyful!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
168.8 Breakthrough!
I've been gone all day, a long day so just want to check in with the blog. I had a big breakthrough today working with Jennifer that should really help the emotional piece I've been trying to put into place. It's amazing how something we choose to tuck away and not think about can wreak such havoc with our hearts and minds. Here's to freedom!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
168.4 Popcorn, Anyone?
The box is sitting on the floor of our dining room. You can't see it unless you look for it, but it's there. And it is still full of popcorn even though both Jeff and I have been nibbling away at it.
I just went online to see about recipes using popcorn. I got so excited when I saw one for popcorn chicken. Um, duh! It was a recipe for frying chicken with so much fat and flour, etc., that hunks of fried stuff resembling pop corn was what it was all about. You know, like seeing popcorn shrimp on a menu? No, there is no popcorn in that either.
But having glimpsed so many recipes using popcorn mixed will sweets, everything from chocolate sauce, to orange slices candy, to caramel, to marshmallows, to cinnamon candies, eating plain low salt popcorn is about as exciting as drinking a glass of warm water.
So, if you have any ideas for cooking with popcorn that don't involve sugar, let me know. I've got a lot of popcorn here. I can try out lots of recipes!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
168.2 New Territory
I haven't been trying to lose more weight so I'm surprised that it is going down. I've definitely recovered from my bout with a nasty stomach virus so it's not a result of being ill. My weight had already bounced back from that loss.
I think my body might think I'm still in a losing mode, which is just fine with me. I'm continuing to follow all of the habits that I have lived with for a long time now. Maybe my body just wants to be a little lighter and that's fine too. It's getting to be really fun, now!
I think my body might think I'm still in a losing mode, which is just fine with me. I'm continuing to follow all of the habits that I have lived with for a long time now. Maybe my body just wants to be a little lighter and that's fine too. It's getting to be really fun, now!
Monday, January 10, 2011
169.0 Laughing All The Way To The Bank
About six months ago, Jeff and I discovered a great snack. It's Vic's Lite, Lite Salt Popcorn. It has only 40 calories/cup and the salt content is very low. But it was fairly expensive and frequently unavailable at the only store near us that carried it. So Jeff went on line and ordered it in bulk. He's very proud because he got it for about a third of the cost (including shipping) that we were paying at the grocery store.
So, when I walked into the house today after doing all sorts of errands and things, there sat a cardboard shipping box that measured 14"h x 16"w filled with popcorn. What will we do with all of this popcorn before it gets stale? Suddenly having so much of it so available makes it not quite so appealing.
It's great popcorn and who doesn't like to save money, but 4 pounds of popcorn is a lot of popcorn. Pretty soon I'll be posting breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas featuring, you guessed it, popcorn.
So, when I walked into the house today after doing all sorts of errands and things, there sat a cardboard shipping box that measured 14"h x 16"w filled with popcorn. What will we do with all of this popcorn before it gets stale? Suddenly having so much of it so available makes it not quite so appealing.
It's great popcorn and who doesn't like to save money, but 4 pounds of popcorn is a lot of popcorn. Pretty soon I'll be posting breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas featuring, you guessed it, popcorn.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
169.8 Where To Go From Here
It's on my mind. In fact, it's on my mind a lot. Where do I go from here? I know what I want to do, but I'm just not sure how to get started. I really want to help people who are older, and who are possibly, probably, facing health issues, to lose weight and get new energy and a new perspective on life in the process. I know I have learned a lot about all of these issues and am a teacher by training. It's what I love to do. I can do this!
Last night at Jennifer's party, there were people of all ages in attendance to celebrate with her. It was hard to know exactly who was young and who was old. One gal I met told me she was 71 and I would have guessed that she was 55 to 60 because of her appearance and how she acted. Another woman told me she was 75 and she jokingly added, therefore old. She complained of weight gain and not knowing why or how that was happening to her. Her attitude was basically one that many folks I know share, which is I'm old therefore I can't change and I'm not sure I want to change.
So I'm thinking about workshops, one on one coaching, possibly joining forces with Jennifer so that she and I could each bring to the table what we know best. Maybe it's all online and all I have to do is to start searching the topic of starting a weight loss group. It's time to give back and I am searching for ways. It is a big challenge!
Last night at Jennifer's party, there were people of all ages in attendance to celebrate with her. It was hard to know exactly who was young and who was old. One gal I met told me she was 71 and I would have guessed that she was 55 to 60 because of her appearance and how she acted. Another woman told me she was 75 and she jokingly added, therefore old. She complained of weight gain and not knowing why or how that was happening to her. Her attitude was basically one that many folks I know share, which is I'm old therefore I can't change and I'm not sure I want to change.
So I'm thinking about workshops, one on one coaching, possibly joining forces with Jennifer so that she and I could each bring to the table what we know best. Maybe it's all online and all I have to do is to start searching the topic of starting a weight loss group. It's time to give back and I am searching for ways. It is a big challenge!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
169.8 Baking Cookies But Not Eating them
I baked cookies yesterday and today. I baked them for Jennifer as part of her 75 birthday present. (She loves cookies.) I hadn't baked much of anything over the past four to five years. I used to make cookies frequently when I had a houseful of kids, but with my weight issue and not being able to stand for very long because of my back, baking was one of those things I quit doing. So I got this idea to bake three kinds of cookies and giving Jennifer exactly 75. I didn't even know if I had decent cookie sheets or cooling racks or where they were. But I found everything, headed off to the store, and started baking yesterday evening. I made Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Lace Cookies with chocolate filling, and Russian Tea Cakes.
And, here's the thing! I ate a half of a zucchini cookie and that was that. I didn't want any more. I didn't want to "lick" the bowl, I didn't want to eat the left over melted chocolate, and I didn't even want to taste any of the batter. What I really didn't want to do was to set up that sugar craving which I have learned can be easily triggered if I eat just a small amount of something sweet. My body likes being at this weight and my spirit likes it too. All of those hypnotic suggestions about being healthy, being happy, being slender have really settled into my consciousness and don't want to be messed with!
Thanks, Jennifer, and Happy Birthday! Hope you enjoy the cookies!
And, here's the thing! I ate a half of a zucchini cookie and that was that. I didn't want any more. I didn't want to "lick" the bowl, I didn't want to eat the left over melted chocolate, and I didn't even want to taste any of the batter. What I really didn't want to do was to set up that sugar craving which I have learned can be easily triggered if I eat just a small amount of something sweet. My body likes being at this weight and my spirit likes it too. All of those hypnotic suggestions about being healthy, being happy, being slender have really settled into my consciousness and don't want to be messed with!
Thanks, Jennifer, and Happy Birthday! Hope you enjoy the cookies!
Friday, January 7, 2011
170.2 ARRRRRRRGH
No, I'm not upset about my weight. I'm feeling better, my body is getting back to normal after being sick, so that part of my life is just fine. And, my iPhone was delivered today!
So what am I upset about? I'm upset with myself because I am soooo easy to fool! I forwarded an article regarding cancer and nutrition to lots of folks only to learn that it is a hoax! Why would someone take the time to write a report under the guise of a respected institution that isn't true? What do they get out of it? I'm really mad at myself for not checking the legitimacy of the article, but I got swept up in the moment and didn't take the time. And I've also heard (but now don't know if anything is true :) ) that Snopes also can't be trusted. Maybe the good old days were better when it took a week or two to share news and the original source was usually someone we knew...well.
I was going to refer you all to the Hopkins Hoax article today as a part of this blog. I'm so glad I checked it's reliability before I did that. So now I"ll send out an email to those who received it from me yesterday with an apology.
So what am I upset about? I'm upset with myself because I am soooo easy to fool! I forwarded an article regarding cancer and nutrition to lots of folks only to learn that it is a hoax! Why would someone take the time to write a report under the guise of a respected institution that isn't true? What do they get out of it? I'm really mad at myself for not checking the legitimacy of the article, but I got swept up in the moment and didn't take the time. And I've also heard (but now don't know if anything is true :) ) that Snopes also can't be trusted. Maybe the good old days were better when it took a week or two to share news and the original source was usually someone we knew...well.
I was going to refer you all to the Hopkins Hoax article today as a part of this blog. I'm so glad I checked it's reliability before I did that. So now I"ll send out an email to those who received it from me yesterday with an apology.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
169.2 Lost and Found
Happy New Year and I hope everyone had wonderful celebrations during the holiday season.
We're back from our trip to Memphis to visit our grandsons, and I'd post some pictures but I did the unthinkable! I lost my cell phone in the Memphis Airport yesterday and those recent photos are on it. Our plane was also delayed twice yesterday so let's just say it wasn't a great day.
But in fact it turned out to be a great day. Friends picked us up at the airport, being as flexible as our flight arrival time forced them to be, and when we walked into our home and heard our phone messages, we learned that my cellphone had been found and turned into the lost and found at the airport!
So where am I going with this? All over the place :)! I found out that worse things were happening to people in the airport. As we were complaining to some folks who sat down near us about the fact I had lost my cell phone, the woman explained that she had lost her brother the day before, and that they were on their way to be with family. Suddenly I found that my cell phone wasn't so significant after all. I also found that people were honest and did the right thing. And, I found the Memphis Airport folks to be helpful and resourceful in helping me to get my phone back. It's arriving tomorrow via FedEx.
And I lost some weight over the holidays, partly due to a stomach virus that took me out for a couple of days. This was my first big holiday season being on maintenance and I was very cautious. But I also ate some very wonderful things and enjoyed the choices I made very much. I have continued to use hypnosis and just keep reminding myself of what I have accomplished and there is just no way I want to eat more than I want to maintain my weight loss. I think I have found a great way to handle food.
We're back from our trip to Memphis to visit our grandsons, and I'd post some pictures but I did the unthinkable! I lost my cell phone in the Memphis Airport yesterday and those recent photos are on it. Our plane was also delayed twice yesterday so let's just say it wasn't a great day.
But in fact it turned out to be a great day. Friends picked us up at the airport, being as flexible as our flight arrival time forced them to be, and when we walked into our home and heard our phone messages, we learned that my cellphone had been found and turned into the lost and found at the airport!
So where am I going with this? All over the place :)! I found out that worse things were happening to people in the airport. As we were complaining to some folks who sat down near us about the fact I had lost my cell phone, the woman explained that she had lost her brother the day before, and that they were on their way to be with family. Suddenly I found that my cell phone wasn't so significant after all. I also found that people were honest and did the right thing. And, I found the Memphis Airport folks to be helpful and resourceful in helping me to get my phone back. It's arriving tomorrow via FedEx.
And I lost some weight over the holidays, partly due to a stomach virus that took me out for a couple of days. This was my first big holiday season being on maintenance and I was very cautious. But I also ate some very wonderful things and enjoyed the choices I made very much. I have continued to use hypnosis and just keep reminding myself of what I have accomplished and there is just no way I want to eat more than I want to maintain my weight loss. I think I have found a great way to handle food.
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