Day 63: Future Prior Fat Girl Day

Had a fun time today with some Prior Fat Girls and future Prior Fat Girls, Holly and Cheryl as well as 30+ other people that I look forward to learning more about.  It was a group of women in the area, and one woman who drove 5 hours to come!  Who are either starting there weight loss journey or maintaining their success.  It was great to meet and chat so many people in the same boat!  I look forward to the next one.  I was truly motivated by the skinny girls there.  I was excited to think about what success I will feel by the next meeting in the summer.

We walked away with some fun and tasty treats too.  I'll let you know how they are as I enjoy them!

We napped with an eye open today, watching the news about the Tsunami.  Then decided we needed to get out of the house and went down to visit Nana and Papa for an evening of family.  Silly Uncle and Auntie Kim were there too!  It was great to catch up and see everyone.

I brought my own salad fixins and brought my own dessert to share.  That way I avoided eating PIZZA and the best cookies in the world, that Nana makes.  They are ridiculous how good they are, and I don't know how to just eat one, but I did manage to not eat any!  I had a strawberry dessert.  They were on sale today, so I bought some and whipped cream which is only 20 cals a serving!  YUM.

Off to rest.
Weight 200.

Day 62: Playing Catch up

Had a super fun, wedding planning date with my all time favorite bride Sally she is also a FABULOUS photographer, and does travel if you need to do a destination wedding.  Enough of the commercial.  She is getting married in April in Mexico, and I get to go too.  This is a HUGE motivator too, for my weight loss. I have to wear a pretty dress, and likely a swimsuit (no bikinis for me thanks)
We had fun picking out and purchasing things to decorate the table.  Fortunately there are only 14 of us going down, so we can make one long table extra fabulous.  ;o)  It was such fun.
We looked at lots of magazines over a tasty lunch.  Just a fun time.  I ate some tasty fish and declined unhealthy items.  After I got home I hung with the family.  I had great aspirations for a workout, but I am going to heed the advice that I got from many and ease into it a bit.  I am only going to workout when I have all the energy.  I am feeling much better overall.

Day 61: I'm back!

Well, it has been just about a week since I posted last!  Sorry for the lapse in posting.  I have also gained a few pounds.  I wasn't very mobile and didn't exercise and although I wasn't too hungry at the onset of this, I did get my appetite back, and I believe with the Vemma Juice I was able to get over this Mono faster.  I also was thinking back to how long I wasn't feeling well.  I believe I started having the Mono about 5 or 6 weeks ago.  So, I was able to fight it off much better because of my healthier lifestyle.  I am not all better but I am much better.  My mom came out and really helped around the house which I know would look like a tornado if she wasn't here.  It is all in order and she helped out with our laundry problem...which isn't a problem any more! :o)  Now back to me maintaining my house on a daily basis.

My friend Sammi (Pace) sent me a link to a diet website that I have been having a great time with. Freedieting.com is the website.  There are lots of links to other websites where you are being sold stuff.  I did like the calculators on there.  There is also information on a "zig zag" diet.  This encourages you to vary up your caloric intake throughout the week to confuse your body.  I am starting the zig zag diet this week to see how effective it is for me.  So I will vary between 1400 and 1800 calories to confuse my body.  It changes as you lose the weight, but you can keep going in and changing your info as you lose the weight to get new requirements.

Thanks for being patient while I get better!
Weight: 201.5

Day 55: When do I get over this???

I am writing with minimal energy...and this is getting OLD!  I thought I was getting better, so today I was up and at em with my mom (Gaga) and helping around with the kids, I thought, hmm, I'll take a shower and then I'll feel even better, BUT I feel like I just walked a leg of the 3 day.  In other words, WIPED OUT.  I can't stand this, I have things to do, weight to lose, people to see.  I can't be jailed in my body and house...

I sat on the front step today and breathed in the beautiful fresh air and let the sun beat on my face for a few minutes.  It was nice.  I just wish I was out playing with the kiddos or on a nice walk.

I know this will pass, but right now, this SUCKS.  I wanted to be down 20 lbs by day 60 and I know that won't happen.  That is ok, life will go on, and the weight will come off.

Mom says she can see the difference with my weight loss, that helps, but I just wish I was exercising and healthy.

Now that I have vented...I am off to rest.

Weight 199.

Day 54: Milk Thistle and Turmeric

My mom, Gaga as my kids call her, has been talking these two up for years.  If you are anything like me, if my mom says something to me, it takes me hearing it from someone else before I heed the advice.

So after years of hearing how great Milk Thistle and Turmeric are, I am taking them.    Let me tell you why it is very wise to take these both.  They both share some life saving benefits, but each have their own benefits as well.

First I'll talk about Milk Thistle.  It is a flowering herb that hails from the middle east, the Mediterranean and north Africa.  It is mainly used for healing the liver and gallbladder, however it also has aids the immune system and can even help heal the common cold.    Milk Thistle also helps with inflammation as well as a great antioxidant.  Which in earlier posts you will read help fight off free radicals.  It is also good for ridding your body of bacteria that can be harmful to the liver.  It also boasts of the prevention and treatment of breast, cervical and prostate cancer.  It also helps in lowering cholesterol.

Now I'll discuss the goodies in Turmeric.  It is commonly used in India as a dye.  Like Milk Thistle it helps with inflammation.  It also shares the treatment and prevention of some cancers such as breast, melanoma, and prostate.  It detoxes the liver, removes plaque in the brain which can slow the progression of Alzheimer's.  It is a natural painkiller.  It can be used to treat depression, as well as psoriasis and other skin conditions.   The part I like most about Turmeric is that it can assist in fat metabolism and weight management!

I mentioned that both of these supplements help in ridding your body of toxins (with the aid of antioxidants) and I wanted to share that fat cells collect toxins, so when we give our bodies these antioxidants, we are helping to shed the unwanted toxins,  and it will help you lose weight.  Our bodies are amazing.  The more toxins we consume (some are unavoidable as they are in the air we breathe, water and chemicals in our household products) the more fat our body holds onto in order to protect our organs from the toxins.  So, a layer of fat will be between your organs and toxins.  Thanks body for protecting me from myself... Many of the foods we eat that are processed, or even sprayed on our foods before we get them.  So in order to save ourselves from our foods, we need to use these supplements to help clean our body.  I, like many, do like to "detox" my body.  This works for the moment, but if I continue to take these two supplements as well as other vitamins and minerals to help my body fight itself, I can lose weight, as well as toxins while at the same time fighting off unwanted inflammation, protect against cancers and help build my immune system.

So, now the question is...why wouldn't you take these?  They can come in pill form or be used as a tea.  As with anything, pregnant women should not use these, and everyone should consult their physician before using these.

Thanks mom, for the good advice, even if it did take me years to decide to listen to you!

Weight: 199

Day 53: Help is arriving

Well, this mono is officially kicking my butt.  I do have to say that it seems yesterday had to be my worst day.  Today I feel a little bit better, so maybe I am on my way out of this!  :o)  I am excited to get back to exercising and eating again.  I have been able to eat at least 1 meal each day, I am averaging only like 400-800 cals a day.  Not ideal,  and not on purpose.  Just trying to get through this.  It is 8am, and I am actually hungry.  So this could be a good start!  I am hoping to feel better.
My mom is flying in today to take care of her baby and my babies.  This will give Gary a break and he can get back to work.  :o)
So here's to praying I am on my way out of this.  :o)

Weight: 198

Day 52: Day off from bloggin'

I haven't been feeling too hot lately, so today...I will just tell you my weight.
More tomorrow.

Weight: 198.8

Read Day 51 too...Vote for The Hip Chick Co.

Our (Sammi and I) event planning company is trying to win Minnesota Bride's Best of 2010 Award for Event Planning.  So, go and vote for us.  Make sure you put us in the Event Planner Spot.   You can also vote for Gary Munson (the hubs) as the best officiant.  In the Officiant slot put "Have and Hold - Gary Munson"
It is based upon votes, so the more votes, the better chance we have to win!  So pass it along to your friends.  If you  have used us at your event, then send it on to your guests as well.

To vote click here.

Thanks!

Heidi

Day 51: Fiber mmmm

Fiber, what a fun topic.  I just feel it is important for me to talk about since I have no hunger or desire to eat.  I went to reading and found some good information on Psyllium Fiber.  Which is really good for you regardless of your weight loss goals but is so great if you are trying to lose weight!  I totally respect Dr. Oz.  He seems to give great advice and isn't afraid to talk about the yuk topics like...poop, or as my kids say "stinky poos."  My mom always refers to Dr. Oz, and I do too!  So since I have no desire to eat, I know for my health I need to!  I am drinking the Vemma daily to get all my vitamins in, and I know that it is helping to keep me healthier than I would otherwise be with this stinkin' Mono.  I have also been taking the Houston Enzyme TriEnza prior to eating anything.  Which helps me with digestion.  I have to say that I have had hardly any gas, my weight loss is still happening, even with being too sick to exercise.  So I am grateful for both the Vemma and the TriEnza.  I highly recommend them.  Now, on to fiber.  I started reading about this because I was not eating enough fiber once I became sick, and then it was affecting my digestion and thereafter. I do have a little bit of IBS so I know how important fiber is to me.  I found some great info on Psyllium Fiber.  I am taking the Psyllium Fiber packets and just adding them to water, it truly fills me up, and has helped with my BMs if you care to know!  You can read what I read by clicking here.  The information below was found on the website www.thefreelibrary.com.  I would love to share the good stuff I found, so here it is: (this info was copied from the website per their copyright info)

Psyllium fiber is not broken down as it passes through the system and has no other nutritional value besides being a source of fiber. By adding water to psyllium fiber, it swells to ten times its original size, so it finds its way into weight loss products. The combination of a low fat diet, low in saturated fats and cholesterol plus the addition of psyllium can reduce cholesterol due to reduced absorption by the intestines. It has also been found that psyllium fiber incorporated into food products is effective at lowering levels of blood glucose.

The benefits of taking psyllium fiber to promote weight loss, would come through its ability to enable digestion without much absorption, much like a cleanse agent, and its ability to swell up with water. Besides making you feel fuller, a healthy digestive system eliminates excess fat and toxins. Because 1 tablespoon equals a bowl of bran cereal, by adding 1-3 tablespoons to your daily diet, it satisfies appetite cravings, which cause you to feel full for longer. It is best to start off by taking 1 tablespoon a day for the first week and gradually add up to the 3-tablespoon per day dosage.

Another benefit of taking psyllium fiber to promote weight loss is that it comes in an odorless and tasteless powder form, so it can be added to foods to increase the fiber and feeling of satiety. It also comes in pill form, which can be taken about 30 minutes before a meal, but powder form can just be sprinkled on food, or added to a smoothie or protein shake to make it thicker. Many dieters add a little to anything they have, so they get psyllium fiber in smaller, regular doses, instead of all at once.

It has been recommended by Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is often on Oprah, and psyllium is readily available at most health food stores, or around the dietary supplement aisle in stores.

Possible side effects could be gas since it is a natural laxative. So monitor your dosage carefully for the first few days as your system gets used to it.

By adding psyllium fiber to your diet, not only will you feel more satisfied and eat less if you are dieting, it acts as a natural colon cleanse, and is good for heart disease, diabetes, high triglycerides, and irritable bowel syndrome. The benefits of taking psyllium fiber to promote weight loss, may have other benefits, as well.

Great article huh?  Makes you want to go out and get some Metamucil!  I did.  I am not hungry anyway, but at least I know what I am eating, isn't sticking around longer than it needs too.  I have an elevated blood glucose due to my PCOS, so this is great info for me to have read regarding that!  I thought you'd enjoy it too!

I was pretty excited about the way my weight chart looked, so I thought I'd share it with you!

Weight: 199

Day 50: See Saw

Ups and downs, teeter totter, roller coaster, peaks and valleys, highs and lows, loss and gain, the numbers go up and down all throughout the week.  This is why many people only weigh themselves weekly, and if it would be discouraging to you to see that you can gain weight back in the week even though over-all you will come out of the week with a loss, then weighing in weekly is the best thing to do.  However, I see it as a direct reflection of the day before.  Last night, I ate pizza...today I weight 2 pounds more.  It makes total sense,  I haven't been eating much, I haven't been exercising at all, due to my being sick.  So while I weigh myself daily, I know that the numbers will go up and then go back down.
It also reminds me, to think pizza may not be the best choice. Obviously, but why didn't I turn it down?  Because every bad choice I make effects the outcome of the diet.  I think of things like, if I didn't eat that, then I'd be that much closer to skinny.  I know how life goes, there are parties, there are evenings, there are events.  However, if I don't make the right choices for the majority of those events, then it will be harder for me to get to my destination.  So I will continue to weigh in every day even though I will see the numbers go up and down.  As long as my chart shows a continuing downward trend, then I can keep learning from my choices, and get to skinny!
I just look forward to being farther away from 200 so that my up and downs only start with the number 1.  :o)
Weight: 200

Day 49: New Venture

As a stay at home momma, I am trying to find ways to make some extra cash, keep my resume active and keep my mind engaged.  So I took a position as the Fashion and Photography Writer on Examiner.com.  Yesterday, I got my first article published.  You should check it out.  http://bit.ly/9HXkUG

I will writing about 3-5 articles a week, and I get paid based upon my article's popularity.  So if you are into Fashion and Photography, I recommend that you take a peek from time to time.  When you go to the site you can also sign up to receive the articles as they get posted.

This year, I have taken on many new roles, weight loss, fitness, staying on top of my household duties (which could use some help in the laundry dept.) and trying to find ways to make me feel connected to the workforce during this hard financial time as well as to keep my brain in the game.  I have applied for over 50 full time jobs.  I have taken a part time sales job in the evenings as well as continuing to keep The Hip Chick Co. moving in the right direction.  I also applied for a Census 2010 job.  I haven't heard back on that one.  The job with Examiner.com I can do from home, I get to write about two of my passions, and it keeps me out there!  Which when my kids do go school full time, I'd like to have a full resume while I was at home with them.  Yeah, I sound over busy, and I know it may be lots, but I do best this way.  When I add all the hours of these jobs (and my [fingers crossed] pending job with the Census) I will work 40 hours a week.  However, I get to do it, staying at home with my kids.  What a blessing.  Although part time jobs don't offer the benefits, and the pay doesn't match up, in the long run I am making more money than I would if I had to pay for childcare, so I feel blessed.

If writing for the online local magazine Examiner.com sounds like fun to you, let me know!  I can refer you and you get a leg up on getting the job.  It doesn't pay a great amount, but it is fun, it keeps you busy and you get published!  So, check out the website, they have them in MANY cities across the country, so even if you are not in my neck of the woods, you can still write for your favorite topics in your neck of the woods.  Send me a message, and I can get you a referral!

On to weight loss...
I am not feeling so great still, not eating much, and doing zero exercise...
Weight: 198.8 :o)  Gotta love losing weight, even if you are sick!

Day 48: ONE HUNDRED CLUB!!!

I can't wait to blog about it!  The scale finally has a ONE as the first number in my weight!  I am actually surprised it took this long, but it does feel so good to have it!  Ooh, I am just so happy!  I feel that my goal is that much more attainable!!!  Ok, enough with the exclamation points right?

I have been reading lots about how to lose weight without exercise, just for the time being while I am sick.  I know that exercise is vital to getting the "me" that I want out of this.  I don't want to be skinny-fat by any means, but without the energy, I still want to stay on track.  So, I do what I can, and since I can barely stomach the idea of eating, what I am putting in my mouth is healthy and beneficial.  I do a little bit of exercise here and there just to keep my muscles in action.

I was reading in Experience Life (Lifetime Fitness) Magazine last night about the right amount of food and exercise.   I read about how if you work out it doesn't mean you get to eat more, when you are losing weight.  However, when you are at your goal weight that is a different story.  I know that in the past when I was exercising a lot I would think that I either deserved to eat more or that I needed to eat more.  I thought I burned so many calories, however as we all know, we only burn about 5-10 calories a minute doing moderate exercise.  Although it seems hardly fair, the bulk of our calories that we eat, are burned off just living.  So, while the exercise is a bonus, it isn't actually giving us enough calories burned that we actually need to compensate for it.

I also read that we burn up to 30% of the calories we eat, when eating protein just by digesting it!  So our body is using it as fuel as we are eating it.  However, with fats it is only up to 3% of the calories burned by eating it.  Complex carbs was 10-15% percent.  I found this very interesting.  Eating lean proteins with each meal and with each snack will make you feel more satisfied, because it triggers your satiety.  Not to mention it helps rebuild your body after a work out.

Well, I am all excited!  Weight: 199.2  YEEHAAWW!!!!

Day 47: Weight loss and sleep

Due to my excessive tiredness and inability to focus, I found a great article about how sleep effects our weight loss.  Since right now all I am able to do really well is sleep, I thought I'd write about that.

Today I am home alone with the kids, Gary went to work, and the past few days he has been home with me.  So, fortunately the kids slept 2 hours longer today than yesterday.  I had a small burst of energy, and I thought, I should clean the house, but instead I decided to bundle the kids up and take advantage of the sunshine.  So, I bundled them up, and wanted to lay down and go to sleep.  I can't believe how mono can affect me so badly.  I brought out a chair and let them play in the snow.  They climbed around, we squired the snow with water bottles filled with food coloring and water, and blew some bubbles.  Mama feels like she just finished the Iron Man.  I brought them back in after they were good, tired and cold, fed them a quick and easy lunch with hot chocolate and sent them up to bed.  Now I am writing quickly so that I can sleep until I wake up.  So, here is a great article I found about sleep and weight loss.  I found it very useful, and good to read when all I want to do is sleep!  Keep in mind that on average you only burn 50 calories an hour while you sleep.  

You can find the article online by clicking here or read below.
Weight: 201

Weight Loss Hormones: Ghrelin and Leptin

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By Kathryn Vercillo

Ghrelin and leptin are hormones in the body that you should know a little something about if you're interested in the topic of weight loss. Basically, ghrelin and leptin are hormones that we all have but we each have different levels of them. These hormones are related to weight loss as well as to oursleep patterns and in some ways form the link between our internal urges to sleep and to eat. Understanding how ghrelin and leptin work in the body can help us to understand and moderate these urges so we can engage in proper healthy weight loss.

Ghrelin and leptin are both produced in the body. It has been found that thinner people have higher levels of ghrelin production during certain nighttime hours which is lacking in people who suffer from obesity. People who fail to sleep properly over-stimulate their ghrelin production which increases the desire for food. Simultaneously, lack of sleep reduces the production of leptin which is the body's appetite suppressant. So in short, if you don't get enough sleep, the hormones in your body get all out of whack and you think that you're hungry when really you don't need that food. Caving in to such hunger will lead to excess weight gain.

Knowledge about this has led weight loss experts and scientists to work on harnessing the information to assist people in losing weight. This has been realized in the form of an anti-obesity vaccine which reduces the production of ghrelin and therefore reduces weight gain. Although you can use drugs such as these, what you really need to do to start balancing out your ghrelin and leptin hormones is to make sure that you're getting the proper amount of sleep that you need. Why take supplements and vaccines when you can just treat yourself well and naturally lose weight?

Getting the right amount of sleep can be the first step to making sure that you're getting the ghrelin / leptin balance that your body needs to naturally maintain a healthy weight. You should also be getting sleep at the right times, not going to bed excessively late and not sleeping only a little bit one day and then a lot the next to make up for it. As much as possible, you should try to get between 6-8 hours of sleep per night if you want to naturally balance out your ghrelin and leptin levels.

Some people have found that there are different diets that can also help people improve sleep, probably for reasons very similar to those discussed above. People who have naturally healthy diets are more likely to have better sleep habits and so they get the correct balance of ghrelin and leptin which leads to a healthy cycle of sleeping and eating. As a general rule, people who maintain healthy diets as well as healthy sleep patterns are going to have an easier time with weight loss because of the benefits of this kind of a cycle. So, you just need to sleep and eat right; who knew?!

Day 46: Don't Drink Your Calories

As I am in and out of sleep I am still concerned about weight loss.  Not in an unhealthy way, but a healthy way.  I was reading about how many calories can get consumed via beverage.  It is true...I know that I used to consume way too many calories via the straw.  At one point I would drink 2-4 Cokes a day!  That is a lot of sugar.  40 grams of sugar per can of coke!  I read in YOU on a Diet that I should avoid anything that has more than 4 grams of sugar!  So, yeah Coke is a good one to cut out.  Other drinks like juice, energy drinks, sweet tea, and alcohol, they are tasty, but are not adding much to your diet, while they may add to your waist.  So drink your weight in water by using this calculator.  A cup or two of coffee is fine to drink but avoid putting anything in your glass that your body doesn't need.  It does need water, this will also help with digestion as well as weight loss.

Day 45: Calories vs. Pounds

I am a bit laid up at the moment, so I am pushing back P90X until I am healthy again.  Which may take a minute because I have mono...YUK.

Ever since yesterday at about 3pm when I got my diagnosis I have reading about what I can do in lieu of exercising to still stay on target with my weight loss.  I have found that 3500 calories equal a pound.  That is crazy!  No wonder it is so hard to lose weight!  Well, for me to maintain my weight I need to eat 2000 calories, so for me to lose weight, I must have a 3500 calorie deficit to lose one pound and I'd like to lose 2 pounds a week during this down time.  So I have done the figuring and I just need to consume 1300 cals a day to do so.  It isn't too hard either, because I am not hungry and honestly feel kinda yucky.  So I think I can stay at 1300 cals for now.  

I did read that it is very important that anyone stay above 1200 calories a day for your health.  No matter how tiny you are!  

Well, off to rest a bit more before bed time comes!  I hope I can stay awake for Biggest Loser tonight!

Weight 202.8

Day 44: Food Diary

At the beginning of this journey 44 days ago.  I was pretty good about tracking my food choices and then documenting them here.  However, after I felt confident about it I decided not to do that any more.  For a week or so after I stopped telling you all what I ate, I still tracked it on an online calorie counter.  However, now I haven't been doing that, and my weight isn't doing as good of a job of coming off.  I also can't remember what I ate.  So starting back today, I will be counting my calories.  With my new Polar Heart Rate Monitor watch too, I can input my calories burned, that way I can see what my actual burn is, instead of just guessing.  This will likely give me a better result.  The kind that I am looking for!  I won't bore you with the details of my food, but I will be documenting it on My Plate.  All of the successful weight loss programs recommend that I do document my foods so I will.

Ok, on to some other things.  My enzyme and Vemma intake.  I started taking both of these a few days ago.  I do have to say that the Enzyme has taken away any gassy problems I have had in the past.  It seemed to work immediately.  I am taking the TriEnza by Houston Enzymes.  The Vemma I think has stopped a cold in it's tracks!  I was starting to feel sick on Saturday, with a sore throat, then yesterday with my extreme fatigue.  I have remained faithful in my drinking of this yummy vitamin drink and today, while I don't feel perfect, I feel much better.  I have also been giving my kids the children's version called Next!  My friend Cheryl gave me some as a gift to try out.  My dad and I have been trying these juices out for about 3 years, including Glacier Milk, Mona Vie to name a few.  We were doing this to see if it could help with his cancer.  My dad's side of the family has a continuing relationship with different forms of cancer, so we were trying these out to see if they would help with health.  I am excited to try this out.  I am hoping my mom, dad and aunt will try it too.

Next topic.  Ok, so I got this email from a friend of mine, with some pictures of him starting in November and the last picture was of him a week or so ago.  The first picture was not the most flattering one, but with each picture he looked more and more fit!  This is in a little over 3 months.  Now, the dude has ABS and I can see them!  So when I talked to him on the phone, I asked if he did P90X.  He laughed, and asked if I was joking, I said "NO, I am going to start doing it in a few weeks when I am a little more fit".   He said, "Yes, I did do P90X, and don't wait until you are fit to start."  He said the last time he worked out prior to doing P90X was in high school and he is in his 30s too.  So, I talked with the Hubs and we are going to start P90X today!  I am nervous because it was SO hard the last time I tried, but what the heck.  I am 44 days into my new life, I have been much more active so here I go!  Wish me luck!

Day 43: Fatigued

 I have never been so tired.  I was only awake for like 8 hours total yesterday.  So I am posting it today.  Not sure if it is something going around or not...

I ate football man food yesterday in my short day, so I know I didn't get any calorie burn!  However, I am ok about it.  I can't live in a bubble and know that I can make up for it today for sure.

A new week with a fresh white as snow start (literally)  I love fresh snow in Minnesota, since our snow does stay around for 6 months, it gets dirty, so the fresh snow makes it all pure again!  Just like my walk with Jesus.  I live and get all dirty with daily sin, the God comes along and makes me all white as snow.  :o)

So with this new week I am GOING to do what it takes to lose these pesky pounds and bring me down into the hundred club!  :o)

Day 42: Atkins+South Beach

Well, I am kind of doing these diets anyway, but I am going to chat a bit about this "new" diet that people are talking about.  I eat tons of fish, cuz um...it is so good!  So when I read this article in Women's World Magazine last night I thought well, I should share the wealth.  The article titled "Turbo Atkins" caught my eye in the February 15th magazine.  It talks about eating the best protein for weight loss.  This is fish according to Spanish Scientist Fred Pescatore, M.D. and many other studies.  Dr. Pescatore says "Fish has the most fat-fighting power. Studies show that nutrients in fish not only make our anti-hunger hormones work better, they also help 'ignite' fat so flab burns faster."  *Pregnant and nursing mothers need to only eat seafood as instructed by their own doctor.  Not all fish are safe to eat regularly, due to mercury levels.  In general you can safely eat the following fish; wild salmon, cod and halibut.  Avoiding predator fish like shark and swordfish.  You can read more about this at EDF.org and search "health alerts seafood selector" I also learned in this article that having fish as your protein every other day can speed up your weight loss.  As you may know, the Atkin's diet suggests that you cut or eliminate your carbs.  There are lots of produce that have healthy carbs that you can use to get your energy.

Let's talk about carbs for a minute, Carbs to have a "bad rap" in the dieter's world.  However, carbs are energy and we need them for brain function and they give fuel to our major organs like the liver, heart and lungs to name a few.  There are 3 types of Carbs.  Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Polysaccharides.  HUH?!  Well, that is great, but what does that mean?  I did some more research and found an article that explained it better.  You can read the full article here, but I am going to paraphrase the article Types of Carbs and Nutrition by Jennifer Murray here.  Monosaccharides are single sugars.  Mono=one.  That will be easy to remember right?  These are sugars like glucose and fructose.  Glucose is found in many sports drinks.  Fructose is found in fruits.  Disaccharides are double sugars. Di=two.  These are sucrose and lactose.  Sucrose is table sugar. Lactose is found in milk.  Both of these types of sugars Mono and Di -saccharides are soluble in water.   Now Polysaccharides are complex found in starches and fibers.  These can be stored and used for energy or broken down and used for digestion.  Ok, now that you know that, what can you do with it?  Simple carbs (mono) digest quickly and found in fruit and dairy products.   These are fine and healthy carbs.  When carbs/sugars are refined and processed in foods it can be found in corn syrup, sugar, cake, pop and candy as well as processed foods.  Refined carbs have been stripped of their vitamins and nutrients.  These Refined Carbs contribute to Type 2 Diabetes, some cancers, obesity, depression and heart diseases.  These are white pasta, white rice, sugary cereals, you get the drift.  Lastly is complex carbs.  These are important to a healthy diet.  They take longer to digest, meaning your body is continuing to digest them, so you are not hungry as quickly, meaning you don't eat as much.  Refined carbs have been known to actually increase eating because they don't send the satiety signal to your brain to tell you, that you are full.  Complex carbs are a great source of fiber are nutrient rich and can assist in digestion, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and longer levels of satiety.  These include beans, whole-grain versions of breads, rice, potatoes and pastas.
I mention all of that to say that eliminating certain carbs is great for your health and weight loss, but not all carbs carry the same bad effect.  Complex carbs are our friend!  So, while I know the Atkins diet does deliver, it is vital we get a well rounded meal plan.

Back to the Atkins+South Beach diet.  It sounds great, and do-able to me.  It encourages using Olive Oil as your fat source.  It can help dampen your appetite as well as speed your metabolism.  I am rather confident that a snickers bar will NOT do that.  So use your olive oil in your salad dressing, and cooking.  Of course veggies (especially leafy ones) are going to be a great low-carb option.  You can eat as much of these as you want.  No need to feel hungry when you can nibble on veggies throughout the day.  Fruits are great for you too.  This diet even encourages 2 small glasses of red wine a day!  Oh Yeah!!  Why?  Red wine contains antioxidants, one of which has been studied to lower blood sugar.  So there you have it!  Eat a low-carb (using your new smarts on carbs) diet, high in veggies, eat lean protein every day, eat fish as your protein every other day. Snack as needed on veggies, avoid simple and refined sugars and drink a little red wine each day.  Of course you need to be doing your exercise too.  This will unveil the fit under the fat.

I always tell myself that I am building muscles now (even though, there is no trace of them under their fat blankies) so that when the fat is gone the fit is there.  I don't want to lose my fat and then need to get fit, when I can be doing both at the same time and in the end have a fit and fine me!
I know this is long, but I had so much to share!

Now, here is something I am not getting...MY WEIGHT!
I have gained another pound.  I am back up to 205.  Why?!
I don't get it.  Well, off I go to eat some fish and veggies, then after I put the kids down... I will do Jillian's shred.  Hopefully the scale will be on my side tomorrow!

*If you are pregnant or nursing seek your doctor before considering this.  In my opinion, have the baby, nurse it and then focus on you!
**All diets and workout plans should be discussed with your doctor first.
***If you are allergic to fish and want to do this diet, well, you need more help than I can give you.  If you are allergic to seafood, stay away from seafood!

Day 41: Vemma

I started taking Vemma this week.  It is a powerful juice that you get all your vitamins in one blast.  I have taken multi-vitamins for many years in pill form, and in the pill was Vitamin D. However, I was Vitamin D deficient when my doctor checked for it.  So, I went to thinking (causing a headache, I am sure) and wondered if the pill form is difficult for my body to digest.  I then was thinking about the nutrients in my food and wondered if I was getting all that I could out of those too...The answer I have found is no, I am not.  I do have Microscopic Colitis and my intestines and even my stomach are inflamed.  If you think about it, if something is inflamed then it can't absorb as well.  So in this research I found that I need to eat foods that decrease inflammation and take supplements and vitamins that are easy to digest so I get the full benefit of them.  With all that I found that the enzymes that I will be using (I got for free from Houston Enzymes to test and report on my blog) will help with inflammation and the Vemma will easily deliver me the vitamins I need.  I first thought I'd try each one separate to see their effects, however, I am on the road to recovery and if I can get the most out of the Vemma by working on my inflammation by taking the enzymes it would be counter productive for me not to take them together.  So, after my delivery of Enzymes arrived today, I am going to start taking them both together.  I will let you know how it works out as I go through it!  I do encourage you to read more about Vemma by clicking on the links.  My friend Cheryl who writes a similar blog is who turned me on to Vemma.

Weight: 203~ WHAAAAAT!!!  How?  WHY!?  I don't get it!

Day 40: Loving my HR Monitor

After a good workout yesterday consisting of a 60 minute walk followed by the 30 day shred, I know how many calories I burned. It was so fun to watch my watch as the calories burned kept getting higher and higher. I am planning on wearing it all day just to see how many calories I burn on an average day. :o)
Today, I knew was going to be a crazy one. Got to go wedding dress shopping with my Sally. She got the most AMAZING dress today! Her momma, Laura was there, and we just plain had fun! She looks like a beautiful bride. Then off to a prelim job testing, and off to do a few sales meetings. In the mean time I had to be a mom, oh yeah, and a wife. So with all of that I decided to wake up early, and do my workout early! Ooh, it felt so good, to be done, showered and coffee consumed before my kiddos were up. Loved it! :o)
Well, tomorrow I promise to share some good educational information about a new product I am trying called Vemma. Details to follow.

Weight: 201.5 Soooo close.

Day ?-39: Sunny Outlook

Well, my visit with Kimberly was great but FAR too short!  We had a fun time just being together and catching up.  I wish we had the means to see each other more often.  That goes for all my far-away friends.

I contacted the Houston Enzyme company and I am going to try out their TriEnza product and will report the way it works as the days pass.  I am receiving the product for free as a trade for talking about how their product works.  My plan is to start with a smaller dose and work my way up.  I am excited about trying the product!

Food and workout:  Well, I failed myself when visitor is in my presence.  I did not do well at all.  In fact over the 4 day visit with Kimberly, I gained TWO pounds!  YUP!  Ugh.  Well, I take full responsibility for this.  I just didn't do well with my choices.  I have done so well for 35 or so days, that I was actually surprised at how easy I made poor food choices.  Yesterday I had a long talk with myself and I did well.  In fact I decided not to weigh myself yesterday out of sheer fear, but was pleased that I am back down to 202 today.  I need to rid of those two stinkin pounds by the weekend!  That is my short term goal.

I am also going to be going Sally's wedding in Mexico this April (mid-month) and my next goal will be to be down 20 pounds by April 12th!  This will be a good incentive!  Mexico = warm weather which means swim wear and summer clothes.  So let's see how it all pans out!  I am hitting it hard!

I got my Polar heart rate monitor watch in the mail last week and bought the Avia Avi-Motion shoes this week with some "fun money" I had.  I tried out the Avia shoes yesterday on our one hour walk and I could feel them working different parts of my legs.  It was great.  I watched their video on their link and it claims to work the legs, buttocks and abs because of the shape of the sole.  I can see how it works.  I felt a little different while walking, so hears to hoping it works.  My heart rate monitor, shows how many calories I burn based on my heart rate/weight/height and age.  All of that is programmed into the watch and I wear a band around my waist to read the HR and send the info to the watch.  It is pretty stellar.  So now I can get an exact read on my calories burned during exercise.

Today, I will go for a walk again and start back doing the 30-day shred...I stopped for 5 days!  So I am going to make up for it by doing it two times a day for 6 days.  I am also going to be doing it a bit longer than the 30 days since I am having a hard time with work-out 2 and clearly not ready for workout 3.  So I am pushing the P90X  back a few weeks.  I'll let you know when I am ready!  However, with my new "going to Mexico" goal I need to get into gear!  :o)

So that is all folks.
Weight: 202 again

Day ??: Life

Not sure what day I am on for my weight loss, or what my weight is today.  I promise to be back on it tomorrow with the blogging and all.  Just getting through it right now.

Thanks for reading.  Thanks for your support.  I'll give you more to read tomorrow.  I am wiped out.