That pretty much describes what is going on. Ostensibly, I have been doing the WW Core program but with lots of variations. The truth of the matter is that I have lost motivation again. There is a weight above which is unacceptable to me. When/if I reach that, I eat circumspectly that day. Otherwise, my goal is to eat when I am hungry and not eat when I am not hungry and when I want to nibble but know I am not hungry, find something else to do.
I cooked a bunch of food (good stuff) and froze it so I have meals for a few days. I am enjoying cooking again. The trick is to get rid of the baked goods by foisting them off on someone else as soon as I can after baking them, but I do like to bake! My geology class was the recipient of muffins (which I said displayed metamorphism). I think Jim likes the yummy banana bread I just made. I have blueberries for muffins (and to enhance my oatmeal).
This weekend is a work-both-days weekend so I won't be doing much cooking. Next weekend, Hassan is coming; I intend to cook a lot then if he wants to or not. We can cook together or I can cook while he visits with his dad and his brother. Whatever.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
One week on Core
I made it through, imperfectly, one week on the WW Core Plan. It's ok. I still have cravings for things like candy corn or bagels with butter but on the whole, its not bad. Whole wheat pasta will take a little getting used to--its the texture, not the taste. I made a pot of chili today that I will eat tomorrow and the rest of the week. I did it by cooking up 2 lbs. of ground beef, mushrooms and onions. Approximately half of the mixture went into the chili (Bush chili beans are core), along with other seasonings, a can of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilis (I didn't even realize I had bought that kind of diced tomatoes until I saw something green in the pot). For lunch, I took some of the ground beef mixture, put it over polenta and added taco sauce. It was quite tasty.
I am finding that I like to have my main meal at lunch. It makes sense. I eat a hearty lunch and when I get hungry again, I can have a lighter evening meal. Since I had lunch so late this afternoon, I'm still not ready for supper.
It is viciously cold out tonight. I will think twice about going out for aquasize. I have pretty much decided to drop out of both classes but use the techniques that worked well for me on my own. The teachers get bothered when I don't do exercises that cause me pain/discomfort and want to help. I just want to be left alone to do what works for me.
Soup--it is soup weather. Cauliflower soup. Chicken barley soup sounds good too. That will give me a project for the evening.
I am finding that I like to have my main meal at lunch. It makes sense. I eat a hearty lunch and when I get hungry again, I can have a lighter evening meal. Since I had lunch so late this afternoon, I'm still not ready for supper.
It is viciously cold out tonight. I will think twice about going out for aquasize. I have pretty much decided to drop out of both classes but use the techniques that worked well for me on my own. The teachers get bothered when I don't do exercises that cause me pain/discomfort and want to help. I just want to be left alone to do what works for me.
Soup--it is soup weather. Cauliflower soup. Chicken barley soup sounds good too. That will give me a project for the evening.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Maybe This is OK
I started the WW Core Plan on Tuesday. I must admit that I am not being rigid about it. This week, I want to get used to it so I am not counting things that I eat that are not on the Plan. In defense of myself, I have to say that there is very little that I am eating off-core. For example, I am totally on core today so far.
What makes the plan work for me this go-around is the fact that I eat almost all of my meals at home, that, and the fact that a) I like to cook and b) just about everything I like to make is core or can be with slight adjustments (e.g., less oil). This morning, I cooked three entrees that I can use throughout the week: chicken chop suey, the sauce for lubya pollo (an Iranian chicken and green bean dish), and chicken curry (a dish I made up: chicken, onions, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, frozen green peas and lots of seasoning). I'm pooped.
I am aware that this is the "Honeymoon" period where it is all new and interesting. Snacks are a bit of an issue. I have plenty of fruit and popcorn but I need more. I had some cherries last night that were tasteless. I need to research through all those magazines I have.
Yesteday, I made polenta for the first time. I can't believe how easy it was! I had a large slice of the fresh warm polenta with guacamole that I bought from Whole Foods. Technically speaking, I shouldn't be eating polenta for a snack but it was so good! I can't get over the fact that avocado is a core vegetable. Whole wheat couscous is another newfound treat. I like it with the chicken curry dish that I make.
My activity for the day will be the cooking and doing the laundry. We'll see how it goes--I might get in 10 minutes on the stationary bike. I went to my aquasize class last night but only lasted 35 or 40 minutes. It was bothering my knees and back. I went Tuesday and have decided to drop out of that class. The exercises that instructor has us doing are far too strenuous for me-- too much twisting plus strength training that is more than I can do and that hurts my hands. On Tuesdays, I'll just go to the pool later and workout on my own. This Sunday, I should be able to make it to my Sunday class.
I have gotten off track as far as activity goes. I need to review the Choose to Move e-mails to re-motivate myself. I use the stairs on the days I go to class--that is at least 3 flights, more if I park on the 2nd or 3rd level.
The dogs are barking; I guess I'll let them in. It is so warm out, I wish they would stay out longer. It gives them something to do and wears them out. I have Loki every day for the next week.
What makes the plan work for me this go-around is the fact that I eat almost all of my meals at home, that, and the fact that a) I like to cook and b) just about everything I like to make is core or can be with slight adjustments (e.g., less oil). This morning, I cooked three entrees that I can use throughout the week: chicken chop suey, the sauce for lubya pollo (an Iranian chicken and green bean dish), and chicken curry (a dish I made up: chicken, onions, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, frozen green peas and lots of seasoning). I'm pooped.
I am aware that this is the "Honeymoon" period where it is all new and interesting. Snacks are a bit of an issue. I have plenty of fruit and popcorn but I need more. I had some cherries last night that were tasteless. I need to research through all those magazines I have.
Yesteday, I made polenta for the first time. I can't believe how easy it was! I had a large slice of the fresh warm polenta with guacamole that I bought from Whole Foods. Technically speaking, I shouldn't be eating polenta for a snack but it was so good! I can't get over the fact that avocado is a core vegetable. Whole wheat couscous is another newfound treat. I like it with the chicken curry dish that I make.
My activity for the day will be the cooking and doing the laundry. We'll see how it goes--I might get in 10 minutes on the stationary bike. I went to my aquasize class last night but only lasted 35 or 40 minutes. It was bothering my knees and back. I went Tuesday and have decided to drop out of that class. The exercises that instructor has us doing are far too strenuous for me-- too much twisting plus strength training that is more than I can do and that hurts my hands. On Tuesdays, I'll just go to the pool later and workout on my own. This Sunday, I should be able to make it to my Sunday class.
I have gotten off track as far as activity goes. I need to review the Choose to Move e-mails to re-motivate myself. I use the stairs on the days I go to class--that is at least 3 flights, more if I park on the 2nd or 3rd level.
The dogs are barking; I guess I'll let them in. It is so warm out, I wish they would stay out longer. It gives them something to do and wears them out. I have Loki every day for the next week.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Core Plan
I hestitated to entitle this post "Starting Over Again" because if I titled every post that signified starting over with that title, I would have a lot of posts with that title. I have decided that I am totally burned out on counting points and keeping a journal so I have committed myself to one month using WW Core Plan. I don't have to count anything (unless it is not a 'core' food) and I don't have to write anything down. I think WW encourages keeping track of healthy eating, eg., how many servings of vegetables, dairy, etc. but I'm not going to think about that. At least not this week. This week is devoted to getting the fridge and the pantry stocked and planning meals and snacks.
Since I cleaned out the pantry and the fridge already, I am in pretty good shape. All those Kashi bars and WW cakes and bags of pretzels are not core--basically all my planned snacks. I do have some core popcorn on hand. I need to get fresh fruit.
My breakfast, Irish oatmeal, minus the dried fruit, is already core. I will substitue fresh or frozen fruit for the dried--no big whoop. My lunch, a Subway sandwich or salad, is not core so it will have to be counted for points. If I switch to a Grilled Chicken or Club salad with my own salad dressing, that is only 2 or 3 points (as opposed to 5 for a sandwich).
I will need to cook my dinners instead of relying on Lean Cuisine. The good thing is that my favorite Iranian meals are, or easily can be. core. The plan is to make two or three entrees and then vary them through the week.
The big problem is snacks. My usual snack has been carbohydrates: Kashi bars, WW cakes, etc. On the core plan I can have fruits, vegetables, nonfat milk and popcorn. This will take some retraining. And some shopping.
For tonight, I have the makings for Peruvian Chicken Ragout--totally core--for dinner. After my aquasize class tonight, I will hit the grocery store. Stay tuned, buckaroos.
Since I cleaned out the pantry and the fridge already, I am in pretty good shape. All those Kashi bars and WW cakes and bags of pretzels are not core--basically all my planned snacks. I do have some core popcorn on hand. I need to get fresh fruit.
My breakfast, Irish oatmeal, minus the dried fruit, is already core. I will substitue fresh or frozen fruit for the dried--no big whoop. My lunch, a Subway sandwich or salad, is not core so it will have to be counted for points. If I switch to a Grilled Chicken or Club salad with my own salad dressing, that is only 2 or 3 points (as opposed to 5 for a sandwich).
I will need to cook my dinners instead of relying on Lean Cuisine. The good thing is that my favorite Iranian meals are, or easily can be. core. The plan is to make two or three entrees and then vary them through the week.
The big problem is snacks. My usual snack has been carbohydrates: Kashi bars, WW cakes, etc. On the core plan I can have fruits, vegetables, nonfat milk and popcorn. This will take some retraining. And some shopping.
For tonight, I have the makings for Peruvian Chicken Ragout--totally core--for dinner. After my aquasize class tonight, I will hit the grocery store. Stay tuned, buckaroos.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The workout room
Well, that's a little optimistic calling it a "workout room" but I do have the stationary bike set up in the second bedroom. There really isn't room for much else: the bed is on its side against the wall in front of the window, the CD shelves are on the opposite wall, the computer is on the third, in front of the bike, and the fourth wall is by the door. It is the smallest room in the house after the bathroom. After Hassan's visit, maybe I'll put the bed in the basement--that will give me more room. With this set up I can watch TV on my computer or watch the programs I have saved or listen to music or watch DVDs. I'm not going to do it today because I have aquasize tonight. I haven't been to a class since last Thursday. A scheduling snafu kept me from going Tuesday night.
My other activities--yesterday Susie and I got the treasurer's report ready for the annual meeting. I went to my first Geology class and today I had my first lab. I'm liking this class. I took my topographical map jigsaw puzzle and the teacher set it up on a spare cart for anyone to work on.
I think that keeping to my normal breakfast and lunch and eating moderately for dinner will work. At least I don't think I have gained weight. I made muffins the other day and have been snacking on them. They are bran muffins that leave me feeling full. I like having a week of respite from journaling and counting points.
My other activities--yesterday Susie and I got the treasurer's report ready for the annual meeting. I went to my first Geology class and today I had my first lab. I'm liking this class. I took my topographical map jigsaw puzzle and the teacher set it up on a spare cart for anyone to work on.
I think that keeping to my normal breakfast and lunch and eating moderately for dinner will work. At least I don't think I have gained weight. I made muffins the other day and have been snacking on them. They are bran muffins that leave me feeling full. I like having a week of respite from journaling and counting points.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sunshine!
At last we have sunshine! Even though it hasn't been cold, it has been dreary. Now we get the cold and sunshine. I think I'd rather have the sunshine.
It has already been a productive day after a night of much interrupted sleep. I've hung cup hooks over the sink and work area to hang measuring spoons and cups--the things I have to rummage through the drawer for most. It is also a work day at St. Mark's as we get ready for the annual report and annual meeting.
Yesterday, I went to Borders, read quite a bit and baked muffins. I plan on being more active today. Ali picks up Loki sometime this afternoon/evening and I have my aquasize class in addition to the aforementioned book work. Maybe I'll even get the stationary bike set up. It could happen.
Loki chewed up the thread I bought for my trial quilt. It remains to be seen if any of it is salvageable. [I love spell checkers!] Well, I am off to clean out the cat boxes. Ain't we got fun!
It has already been a productive day after a night of much interrupted sleep. I've hung cup hooks over the sink and work area to hang measuring spoons and cups--the things I have to rummage through the drawer for most. It is also a work day at St. Mark's as we get ready for the annual report and annual meeting.
Yesterday, I went to Borders, read quite a bit and baked muffins. I plan on being more active today. Ali picks up Loki sometime this afternoon/evening and I have my aquasize class in addition to the aforementioned book work. Maybe I'll even get the stationary bike set up. It could happen.
Loki chewed up the thread I bought for my trial quilt. It remains to be seen if any of it is salvageable. [I love spell checkers!] Well, I am off to clean out the cat boxes. Ain't we got fun!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Off and running today. I've already updated the Focal Point site and am making plans for the day. Bingo and Loki got weird on me at 3 in the morning. I think they expected me to feed them. Guess again. Right now, they are banished to outside. They need to work off their energy as long as it is not raining.
I almost fell asleep at work yesterday. Only one reference question all day (4 hours)! I'm sure this is the last day that will happen. Weekend classes started this weekend but other classes don't start until Tuesday. I am looking forward to classes; I fear my mind is turning to mush.
I am fearful, too, of not working so much. I know I can live within my income. The question is, can I keep myself active and engaged. I feel myself more and more just wanting to stay home and not exert myself. Maybe it is time to go back to volunteering at KDHX. Something to think about.
I almost fell asleep at work yesterday. Only one reference question all day (4 hours)! I'm sure this is the last day that will happen. Weekend classes started this weekend but other classes don't start until Tuesday. I am looking forward to classes; I fear my mind is turning to mush.
I am fearful, too, of not working so much. I know I can live within my income. The question is, can I keep myself active and engaged. I feel myself more and more just wanting to stay home and not exert myself. Maybe it is time to go back to volunteering at KDHX. Something to think about.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Exercise Room
I am thinking about setting up my bike in the computer room. I have one of those adapters that turns your regular street bike into a stationary bike. If I prop the bed against the wall, I'll have room. Since I can watch TV on that computer I will have something to do while I bike. This great idea came to me as I was doing my time in the Y pool.
Bingo and Loki are playing the "if you have it, that must be the chew bone I want, not the one I have" game. Today is the first of four that I will have Loki around the clock. What makes it interesting is that Jim is dogsitting elsewhere and won't be around as much as usual. He worked out his schedule so he could take care of the 'boys' while I work today. (First day back of this semester). My class starts on Wednesday. I'm going to take my textbooks to work today and get a head start on the reading. So far, the day sounds pretty low-key (as opposed to Loki). Whatever.
Bingo and Loki are playing the "if you have it, that must be the chew bone I want, not the one I have" game. Today is the first of four that I will have Loki around the clock. What makes it interesting is that Jim is dogsitting elsewhere and won't be around as much as usual. He worked out his schedule so he could take care of the 'boys' while I work today. (First day back of this semester). My class starts on Wednesday. I'm going to take my textbooks to work today and get a head start on the reading. So far, the day sounds pretty low-key (as opposed to Loki). Whatever.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Week off
I am tired of constantly thinking about food. I am not going to journal this week. I am not going to count points. I am going to blog about what I do not what I eat.
Today, I am going to the Y and spend a lot of time in the water (in my new swimsuit). Then I'm going to the library. I don't know what else I am going to do since the weather is so crumby. I intend to have a nice week. On Sunday, I get Loki for four days so it should be interesting.
Today, I am going to the Y and spend a lot of time in the water (in my new swimsuit). Then I'm going to the library. I don't know what else I am going to do since the weather is so crumby. I intend to have a nice week. On Sunday, I get Loki for four days so it should be interesting.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Looking for the key
Yeah, yeah. It's a little late for a morning blog. Whatever.
Yesterday was not terrific. I was appalled at how much I thought about food. I was over points by a lot. I have to get a life! The good news is that aquasize felt good. This morning my butt was really tired but it was a good feeling. I liked the sets of exercises the teacher had us doing. They worked for me. I won't be able to go to class on Sunday so I hope that the roads are clear enough on Saturday that I can go and work out independently.
One thing I have noticed is that when I eat fatty foods, like cheese or low fat sour cream, I have a high level of satisfaction--more than the satisfaction from sweets. This morning, in addition to my oatmeal, I had a whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter. It was high points (2 for the muffin, 5 for the peanut butter) but it did last me until lunch. But then, I ate breakfast late...so maybe it wasn't so effective. But then, I have had a good energy level today in contrast to the grumps I have had the past couple of days and I don't feel the need for the 4 o'clock snack. I need more information, more experience.
The other good news: I bought a new swimming suit today 2 sizes smaller than the one I was using! Tomorrow is weigh day. I think I'll have shrimp for supper. It is 3:30 and I only have 9 points for the rest of the day.
Yesterday was not terrific. I was appalled at how much I thought about food. I was over points by a lot. I have to get a life! The good news is that aquasize felt good. This morning my butt was really tired but it was a good feeling. I liked the sets of exercises the teacher had us doing. They worked for me. I won't be able to go to class on Sunday so I hope that the roads are clear enough on Saturday that I can go and work out independently.
One thing I have noticed is that when I eat fatty foods, like cheese or low fat sour cream, I have a high level of satisfaction--more than the satisfaction from sweets. This morning, in addition to my oatmeal, I had a whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter. It was high points (2 for the muffin, 5 for the peanut butter) but it did last me until lunch. But then, I ate breakfast late...so maybe it wasn't so effective. But then, I have had a good energy level today in contrast to the grumps I have had the past couple of days and I don't feel the need for the 4 o'clock snack. I need more information, more experience.
The other good news: I bought a new swimming suit today 2 sizes smaller than the one I was using! Tomorrow is weigh day. I think I'll have shrimp for supper. It is 3:30 and I only have 9 points for the rest of the day.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
New Routine
I am going to switch to a morning blog/check-in. I am much more thought-full in the morning and I can accurately report on the previous day. Even though I may be walking into walls, I am a morning person, at least as far as mental processes go.
Maybe that partly explains why evenings are so bad, food-control-wise. I lose all motivation around 4 o'clock. "Why do I have to do this? Why does it matter? I want to eat what a I crave, not what is planned or wholesome." If I could figure out and tame that mechanism, I could make a fortune.
To approach the problem scientifically, I should start with observation. (I should start with a valid sample size, but just me will have to do). So today, I will journal all my impulses. Do not worry, dear diary, I will spare you the details. That is what Word is for.
[Pause to let a barking Bingo out--maybe this is why I haven't blogged in the morning before. Morning drama.]
I just kinda lost it yesterday. Not totally. I ate thoughtfully but not nutritiously. I knew what I was doing; I just did it anyway. I had been craving candy corn, so I got some and ate it. Ostensibly, I had stopped at the store for vacuum cleaner bags and fresh spinach. At first I journaled everything I ate but then I just let it go. Food circles started: the candy corn was too sweet--I needed a bagel and cheese to clear my palate. That could have gone on indefinitely with bagel-mouth craving something else but I didn't do that. A minor victory. I was tired so I went to bed instead of eating more (at 8:15), another minor victory. I noted the fact that I was really inactive and kinda achy. All pieces of the puzzle.
Today is another day. Finnegan, begin again. We are deep in the budget preparation/annual report time of year at St. Mark's, definitely a stressful period, and I need to go work on numbers some more. Aquasize tonight and then the vestry meeting.
[Pause to deal with barking Loki. Coffee is finished. Start the day.]
Maybe that partly explains why evenings are so bad, food-control-wise. I lose all motivation around 4 o'clock. "Why do I have to do this? Why does it matter? I want to eat what a I crave, not what is planned or wholesome." If I could figure out and tame that mechanism, I could make a fortune.
To approach the problem scientifically, I should start with observation. (I should start with a valid sample size, but just me will have to do). So today, I will journal all my impulses. Do not worry, dear diary, I will spare you the details. That is what Word is for.
[Pause to let a barking Bingo out--maybe this is why I haven't blogged in the morning before. Morning drama.]
I just kinda lost it yesterday. Not totally. I ate thoughtfully but not nutritiously. I knew what I was doing; I just did it anyway. I had been craving candy corn, so I got some and ate it. Ostensibly, I had stopped at the store for vacuum cleaner bags and fresh spinach. At first I journaled everything I ate but then I just let it go. Food circles started: the candy corn was too sweet--I needed a bagel and cheese to clear my palate. That could have gone on indefinitely with bagel-mouth craving something else but I didn't do that. A minor victory. I was tired so I went to bed instead of eating more (at 8:15), another minor victory. I noted the fact that I was really inactive and kinda achy. All pieces of the puzzle.
Today is another day. Finnegan, begin again. We are deep in the budget preparation/annual report time of year at St. Mark's, definitely a stressful period, and I need to go work on numbers some more. Aquasize tonight and then the vestry meeting.
[Pause to deal with barking Loki. Coffee is finished. Start the day.]
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
True confessions
True confessions time. Just because I am on points when I blog, doesn't mean that I stay on them for the day. Bedtime is a tough time and I have gone over points a couple of times this week. But I write it all down and trudge on.
Tonight I had my first aquasize class. I did pretty well at not feeling that I had to keep up. I worked hard not to overdo it. Tomorrow will tell. I figure that at least I was moving constantly for 55 minutes. That is a good thing.
And I am on points for today. I could swap out 2 activity points but I 'd rather not. I'll note tomorrow how I did today.
My deep thought for today is:
One can only stay in a state of heightened alertness for so long before you lose your edge. After that, training, discipline and habit take over. I am at that stage now. This is a kind of a re-framing of the “I don’t want to do this any more” mood. The thrill is gone; now it is work.
So what have I got? I have my habit of the same breakfast and lunch to fall back on. That is a good thing. I don’t rely on mood or whim to determine what I am going to eat. If I want variety, I can vary what fruits I put in my oatmeal and whether I have turkey or beef for lunch and what veggies to use. For dinner, I am presently out of any pre-prepared entrée (except for Lean Cuisine dinners) so I need to make a menu for the week. I want to use stuff I have on hand; my larder is full.
Other things I have in line: I have registered for Deep Water aerobics on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. To round out my exercise plan, I need to do weight training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday and I have entered it in my PDA. These are good things. And classes at Forest Park start soon so I will have activities so that my whole life is not centered around what I eat (and what kind of life is that?).
Tonight I had my first aquasize class. I did pretty well at not feeling that I had to keep up. I worked hard not to overdo it. Tomorrow will tell. I figure that at least I was moving constantly for 55 minutes. That is a good thing.
And I am on points for today. I could swap out 2 activity points but I 'd rather not. I'll note tomorrow how I did today.
My deep thought for today is:
One can only stay in a state of heightened alertness for so long before you lose your edge. After that, training, discipline and habit take over. I am at that stage now. This is a kind of a re-framing of the “I don’t want to do this any more” mood. The thrill is gone; now it is work.
So what have I got? I have my habit of the same breakfast and lunch to fall back on. That is a good thing. I don’t rely on mood or whim to determine what I am going to eat. If I want variety, I can vary what fruits I put in my oatmeal and whether I have turkey or beef for lunch and what veggies to use. For dinner, I am presently out of any pre-prepared entrée (except for Lean Cuisine dinners) so I need to make a menu for the week. I want to use stuff I have on hand; my larder is full.
Other things I have in line: I have registered for Deep Water aerobics on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. To round out my exercise plan, I need to do weight training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday and I have entered it in my PDA. These are good things. And classes at Forest Park start soon so I will have activities so that my whole life is not centered around what I eat (and what kind of life is that?).
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Just a check-in
On points. Probably only got about 15 minutes of exercise--balance ball and weights. No deep thoughts. Tomorrow is the last day of three that I have Loki so I am going to bed early.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Anthropomorphizing demons
I liked the characterization of her personal demons of loneliness and depression as thugs who beat up on her in Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. This was brought to mind when I read Sarah Ferguson's interview in the latest Weight Watchers Magazine. The Duchess talks about ". . . 'the fat lady'--that little voice in your brain that constantly criticizes you body . . ." She says that "Over the years I've learned to talk to [her] and her committee."
So it was particularly amusing to get an e-mail from Karen about her battles at school:
My own demons are the grumps. They put lead in my shoes so I can't get up and get moving. They whisper in my ear:
"You don't look so good. Are you feeling all right? You should rest. That little twinge you felt--its probably serious. You shouldn't move. I'll go get a heat pack. You're retired! You don't have to do anything. Go get that book and kick back in the recliner. You've earned it!"
Their friends are lethargy and inertia. They are like the petty, diminutive Lilliputians tying down Gulliver. I wish I could draw. What great cartoons these would make.
The Duchess' remedy was positive self-talk.
OK, grumps, I appreciate your concern but I think that getting up and moving will make me feel better. Yes, I am retired so I can spend all my time taking care of myself by eating right and exercising and doing things I like including, but not limited to, kicking back in the recliner and reading.
The check-in part: I got to the Y today and felt so-o-o much better after 20 minutes of water aerobics and 15 minutes in the spa. I was really hungry when I got home and foraged. Here's where having a friendly house helps. What I found was sugar free, fat free pudding. I cooked it and ate it all. I still have enough points for dinner but if I get hungry afterwards, I may have to dip into my bonus points. Today was weigh-in day. I am back down to pre-Christmas weight. I hope to lose a pound or two before WW at work starts again January 23. I have a goal to get to the 10% loss by the end of January (based on my WW at work starting weight--I already have lost 10% of my weight since July 1). It will take some work to get there. I need to stay focused.
I think it is time to distract myself by cleaning another cabinet.
So it was particularly amusing to get an e-mail from Karen about her battles at school:
People are now bringing in not just their leftover holidayBug spray! Make some bug spray, Karen! What a hoot! Put a label on a can of air freshener and spray the room. Or put a lid over them to suffocate them. I know you will think of a creative solution.
cookies, but their chocolates,the chocolate covered nuts,
goo-goo clusters, peanut brittle. The horrid thing about
them is they can all talk. AND they ALL know my name.
Pestery little buggers. So I ate them to shut them up!
My own demons are the grumps. They put lead in my shoes so I can't get up and get moving. They whisper in my ear:
"You don't look so good. Are you feeling all right? You should rest. That little twinge you felt--its probably serious. You shouldn't move. I'll go get a heat pack. You're retired! You don't have to do anything. Go get that book and kick back in the recliner. You've earned it!"
Their friends are lethargy and inertia. They are like the petty, diminutive Lilliputians tying down Gulliver. I wish I could draw. What great cartoons these would make.
The Duchess' remedy was positive self-talk.
OK, grumps, I appreciate your concern but I think that getting up and moving will make me feel better. Yes, I am retired so I can spend all my time taking care of myself by eating right and exercising and doing things I like including, but not limited to, kicking back in the recliner and reading.
The check-in part: I got to the Y today and felt so-o-o much better after 20 minutes of water aerobics and 15 minutes in the spa. I was really hungry when I got home and foraged. Here's where having a friendly house helps. What I found was sugar free, fat free pudding. I cooked it and ate it all. I still have enough points for dinner but if I get hungry afterwards, I may have to dip into my bonus points. Today was weigh-in day. I am back down to pre-Christmas weight. I hope to lose a pound or two before WW at work starts again January 23. I have a goal to get to the 10% loss by the end of January (based on my WW at work starting weight--I already have lost 10% of my weight since July 1). It will take some work to get there. I need to stay focused.
I think it is time to distract myself by cleaning another cabinet.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
I had one of those "well, duh!" moments this morning when I finally put it together why it is harder to lose weight when you are older. The reason it is because of the loss of muscle mass which starts at age 30. And since muscle mass is what is responsible for a revved up metabolism, less muscle mass = slower weight loss.
The reason it is so hard to work out when you are old is because everything hurts (at least it seems like it to me). Some parts of you are just worn out. Some debility in aging is inevitable but the degree and rate is something you can do something about. I never understood that when I was younger. And now its too late. Like it is too late to go to bed early. That is probably why men can lose weight so easily, too. So, its harder to lose weight but not impossible. Now when those sweet young things in my WW class can lose 3 lbs. a week, I won't be so annoyed.
So, if you lose 1% of your muscle mass a year starting at age 30, I guess if you lived to be 130 you would be a bowl of jello. Actually, it makes people like Judy's mom, who is in her 90s all the more amazing. It makes the issue of exercise for me now all the more important. Having said that, I got none in today. The plan tomorrow, is to get to the Y.
I am on points so far and have 2 points left for a couple of those little WW snack cakes. The week is going well. I keep waiting for the "I can't do this any more!" shoe to drop.
The reason it is so hard to work out when you are old is because everything hurts (at least it seems like it to me). Some parts of you are just worn out. Some debility in aging is inevitable but the degree and rate is something you can do something about. I never understood that when I was younger. And now its too late. Like it is too late to go to bed early. That is probably why men can lose weight so easily, too. So, its harder to lose weight but not impossible. Now when those sweet young things in my WW class can lose 3 lbs. a week, I won't be so annoyed.
So, if you lose 1% of your muscle mass a year starting at age 30, I guess if you lived to be 130 you would be a bowl of jello. Actually, it makes people like Judy's mom, who is in her 90s all the more amazing. It makes the issue of exercise for me now all the more important. Having said that, I got none in today. The plan tomorrow, is to get to the Y.
I am on points so far and have 2 points left for a couple of those little WW snack cakes. The week is going well. I keep waiting for the "I can't do this any more!" shoe to drop.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Therapeutic Cabinet Cleaning
Well, the good news is that I am on points so far. The bad news is that I have only 2.5 pts. left for the wild hungries tonight. I have gotten in 48 oz. of water, too. I am finding that it is soothing and easier to drink no-caffeine beverages like Suiss Mocha fat free, sugar free instant coffee and herb teas. Its a winter thing, I think.
I got super bored this afternoon and so I cleaned. I cleaned out a cabinet in the kitchen and also my coffee pot (ugh!) and the counter. All were badly in need of cleaning. I have a bag of stuff to give away and my cabinet is well organized but it makes me wonder about the deeper meanings. I typed up an inventory list so that I don't buy things I don't need. Jim was sure I had gone round the bend. I had double Splenda and double containers of prunes. I discovered that I have five types of flour: semolina, brown rice, oat, blue corn meal and all purpose (the wheat flour is in the freezer) as well as 5 kinds of dried fruit and 7 kinds of tea.
Some of the stuff I got rid of was related to the Potatoes Not Prozac diet that I tried for a while. I couldn't do it because I had to eat too much food--very high protein! It also violated principles outlined in the previous blog: I was eating stuff I didn't like.
Some stuff, like all the flours, must be for recipes I had and didn't get around to trying. Some stuff, like the tea and the dried fruit, I have partly because I like them but also because I think I should be drinking tea instead of coffee. I am giving away the green tea that is supposed to be so good for you because I don't like it. I got sick from some green tea in China (must have been a dirty cup) and haven't been able to drink green tea since. But I kept trying. Now I am moving on.
The planning thing is working well. I have a set breakfast and a set lunch. My evening meal alternates between two dishes that I made earlier plus my favorite mixed vegetables. Another thing that works well is that I really don't have much that is not good for me around the house. I have been working on this seriously since July 1 and half-assedly before that. My cupboards are beginning to show it.
I did buy food I shouldn't have over the Christmas holidays but I wound up giving stuff away or throwing it away. I should say throwing half of it away because I did indulge. I have to lose 1.5 lbs. to get back to pre-Christmas weight. I gained more but it is already gone. Some of the eating wasn't worth it. It was me being a little kid saying: You can't make me not eat this!
Unfortunately, I do have some forced dieting in my past. My mom used to give me a bad time and in the convent, I was forced to diet with someone watching me. No wonder I left. So doing this to please myself and because I love myself is important. I work hard on giving myself positive messages, praise and pep-talks.
I got an e-mail from a friend, who shall remain nameless, that had lots of self-hating things in it. She doesn't deserve to be treated that way. She is a lovely and loving person that I respect. Give yourself a hug, girl!
Well, my own personal battle now is should I go water walk? I only did 15 minutes of physical therapy exercises, weights and stretching this morning but I really don't want to go out. I think I'll walk in place for a while and call it a day.
I got super bored this afternoon and so I cleaned. I cleaned out a cabinet in the kitchen and also my coffee pot (ugh!) and the counter. All were badly in need of cleaning. I have a bag of stuff to give away and my cabinet is well organized but it makes me wonder about the deeper meanings. I typed up an inventory list so that I don't buy things I don't need. Jim was sure I had gone round the bend. I had double Splenda and double containers of prunes. I discovered that I have five types of flour: semolina, brown rice, oat, blue corn meal and all purpose (the wheat flour is in the freezer) as well as 5 kinds of dried fruit and 7 kinds of tea.
Some of the stuff I got rid of was related to the Potatoes Not Prozac diet that I tried for a while. I couldn't do it because I had to eat too much food--very high protein! It also violated principles outlined in the previous blog: I was eating stuff I didn't like.
Some stuff, like all the flours, must be for recipes I had and didn't get around to trying. Some stuff, like the tea and the dried fruit, I have partly because I like them but also because I think I should be drinking tea instead of coffee. I am giving away the green tea that is supposed to be so good for you because I don't like it. I got sick from some green tea in China (must have been a dirty cup) and haven't been able to drink green tea since. But I kept trying. Now I am moving on.
The planning thing is working well. I have a set breakfast and a set lunch. My evening meal alternates between two dishes that I made earlier plus my favorite mixed vegetables. Another thing that works well is that I really don't have much that is not good for me around the house. I have been working on this seriously since July 1 and half-assedly before that. My cupboards are beginning to show it.
I did buy food I shouldn't have over the Christmas holidays but I wound up giving stuff away or throwing it away. I should say throwing half of it away because I did indulge. I have to lose 1.5 lbs. to get back to pre-Christmas weight. I gained more but it is already gone. Some of the eating wasn't worth it. It was me being a little kid saying: You can't make me not eat this!
Unfortunately, I do have some forced dieting in my past. My mom used to give me a bad time and in the convent, I was forced to diet with someone watching me. No wonder I left. So doing this to please myself and because I love myself is important. I work hard on giving myself positive messages, praise and pep-talks.
I got an e-mail from a friend, who shall remain nameless, that had lots of self-hating things in it. She doesn't deserve to be treated that way. She is a lovely and loving person that I respect. Give yourself a hug, girl!
Well, my own personal battle now is should I go water walk? I only did 15 minutes of physical therapy exercises, weights and stretching this morning but I really don't want to go out. I think I'll walk in place for a while and call it a day.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Read the Label
First, the nitty gritty: On points all day. I walked a lot running the errands I had mapped out for myself yesterday, including several sets of stairs, so I skipped the 10 minutes on the treadmill. Did the water stuff. How I love the spa afterwards!
Regarding the post's title: I read the nutrition information for Subway's breads yesterday. I had been getting the Honey Oat bread because I figured I would get more good fiber. Well, there is more fiber in the bread but it is significantly higher in calories than Italian or wheat bread. When I mentioned it to Karen she said she had read the fine print somewhere that indicated that the Italian and wheat were the breads upon which fat calculations were made. So now I will switch back to wheat bread (more fiber than the Italian).
Just for grins, I logged on to the Weight Watchers' site and looked at the recipe of the day: chocolate chip cookies, 2 pts. each. But wait! I can buy the Nestle Toll House prepared cookie dough (the one in little squares) and have those for 2 pts. each. I probably should read the labels further to see about the other nutrients. Maybe the WW cookie is better; it has 1/2 cup of whole grain wheat flour, uses skim milk and has light cream cheese instead of other fats and no preservatives or artificial flavors. Fortunately, I do not have any of the Nestle cookie dough on hand but I'm willing to bet it has a lot more fat and I don't know what kinds of fat. The comfort factor, however, would be greater with the Nestles', maybe. So which would I choose? I don't eat cookies unless it is for indulgence. I doubt that the WW would satisfy me. But I may be being hasty. I should make them and, if I don't care for them, foist them off on other WWs. Sometimes I get the little WW cakes. They aren't gourmet but they are enough sometimes.
Which seques into another issue. Do I eat food I hate or don't much care for because it is lower in fat and/or calories (low fat cheese--shudder)? I think I would rather learn portion control than skimp on ingredients when they are part of the essential flavor of something. I don't mind applesauce instead of oil in my muffins but I would not choose low fat margarines (or whatever it is nutrionally correct to eat this week) over butter.
Well, I need to end this post but not before setting some exercise goals for tomorrow: I will do my physical therapy exercises with the ball and some weight training. If all that doesn't add up to 30 minutes, I will walk the dog to make up the difference. So there!
Regarding the post's title: I read the nutrition information for Subway's breads yesterday. I had been getting the Honey Oat bread because I figured I would get more good fiber. Well, there is more fiber in the bread but it is significantly higher in calories than Italian or wheat bread. When I mentioned it to Karen she said she had read the fine print somewhere that indicated that the Italian and wheat were the breads upon which fat calculations were made. So now I will switch back to wheat bread (more fiber than the Italian).
Just for grins, I logged on to the Weight Watchers' site and looked at the recipe of the day: chocolate chip cookies, 2 pts. each. But wait! I can buy the Nestle Toll House prepared cookie dough (the one in little squares) and have those for 2 pts. each. I probably should read the labels further to see about the other nutrients. Maybe the WW cookie is better; it has 1/2 cup of whole grain wheat flour, uses skim milk and has light cream cheese instead of other fats and no preservatives or artificial flavors. Fortunately, I do not have any of the Nestle cookie dough on hand but I'm willing to bet it has a lot more fat and I don't know what kinds of fat. The comfort factor, however, would be greater with the Nestles', maybe. So which would I choose? I don't eat cookies unless it is for indulgence. I doubt that the WW would satisfy me. But I may be being hasty. I should make them and, if I don't care for them, foist them off on other WWs. Sometimes I get the little WW cakes. They aren't gourmet but they are enough sometimes.
Which seques into another issue. Do I eat food I hate or don't much care for because it is lower in fat and/or calories (low fat cheese--shudder)? I think I would rather learn portion control than skimp on ingredients when they are part of the essential flavor of something. I don't mind applesauce instead of oil in my muffins but I would not choose low fat margarines (or whatever it is nutrionally correct to eat this week) over butter.
Well, I need to end this post but not before setting some exercise goals for tomorrow: I will do my physical therapy exercises with the ball and some weight training. If all that doesn't add up to 30 minutes, I will walk the dog to make up the difference. So there!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Starting Over
Isn't that what we all do on New Year's Day? Start over. Finnegan, begin again. So how many calendars are there for various people? How many new year's day are there? Chinese, Jewish, Muslim, Iranian, Aztec. . . You could start over many times in any given 365 day period. Imagine all the possibilities. (Check out CalendarZone, a web site with every calendar imaginable).
Well, like any first day of starting over, I was down right saintly. I still have 2 points for an evening snack.
The exercise bit kinda fell apart since I put off exercise until the evening and went to the Y only to discover that the Y is closed on NYD. Oh well, it is probably a new year tomorrow somewhere!
It is a good thing that I saved myself yesterday for walking around 1st Night last night because my hips and knees started hurting almost immediately. We saw Swing Deville for the first time and really liked them. They were good and they looked like they were having fun, always a plus. Farshid Etniko had a lousy location. The sound splattered all over the room they were in and the sight lines were terrible. But even so, their music really cheered me up. It reminded me of my resolution to dance. I want to try English Country Dancing. It will be a gentle way to start.
Food-wise, tomorrow is pretty much planned: oatmeal breakfast, Subway lunch, rice and celery khoresh for dinner. Ever onward . . .
Well, like any first day of starting over, I was down right saintly. I still have 2 points for an evening snack.
- I had my regular oatmeal and fruit breakfast supplemented by a Kashi bar (since it took the oatmeal a long time to cook).
- I had a 6" Subway sandwich for lunch and
- I made some WW beef stroganoff for dinner. I dutifully only ate one serving of the stroganoff and stored the remaining three servings in three little plastic containers for reheating later. I discovered that 1/2 cup of noodles translates to about a handful of dried noodles, a useful thing to know for those of us who cook for one. With the stroganoff I had two servings of mixed vegetable. Oh yes, and
- for a snack I had a large banana. Gotta get that potassium.
The exercise bit kinda fell apart since I put off exercise until the evening and went to the Y only to discover that the Y is closed on NYD. Oh well, it is probably a new year tomorrow somewhere!
I had Loki today and that somehow freezes me. I did almost nothing except make the slow-cooker beef stroganoff), play on the computer and watch Monk reruns on TV so I guess I wasn't all that saintly. I watched The Biggest Loser a little but that show is a loser as far as I am concerned. I was/am so-o-o-o bored! So, in the tradition of all good dieters, I shall plan my activities for tomorrow:
That's about all the excitement I can handle. I have told myself that if I get bored again and can't think of anything I want to do, I'll clean something. That should stir the creativity juices.- Go to PetsMart (I only have enough food for Bingo's breakfast),
- maybe go to Home Depot (need plastic bins for dog and cat food and January is plastic sale month),
- register for classes (Geology and Oceanography) and
- go see Karen's new computer.
- In terms of exercise-type-activities: hit the Y for 10 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes of water aerobics.
It is a good thing that I saved myself yesterday for walking around 1st Night last night because my hips and knees started hurting almost immediately. We saw Swing Deville for the first time and really liked them. They were good and they looked like they were having fun, always a plus. Farshid Etniko had a lousy location. The sound splattered all over the room they were in and the sight lines were terrible. But even so, their music really cheered me up. It reminded me of my resolution to dance. I want to try English Country Dancing. It will be a gentle way to start.
Food-wise, tomorrow is pretty much planned: oatmeal breakfast, Subway lunch, rice and celery khoresh for dinner. Ever onward . . .
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