In the Closet

     My acupuncturist told me that there is clear evidence that people who weigh themselves every day won't lose as much weight - whether it's the pressure and the stress on their bodies, I'm not sure, but this week I took his advice (sort of).  My weight fluctuates by several pounds in a day and I was becoming a little obsessed --to the point of weighing myself every time I went to the bathroom.  I would even check the scale when I got up in the middle of the night. So, the acupuncturist suggested hiding my scale in the closet.

   This was one of the most difficult dieting weeks of the year for me -- where I faced the most challenges.  With a remodel, we had no kitchen or sink, lots of eating out, add in a trip with the kids to Disneyland complete with plenty of goodies, and throw in a sick baby that stopped me from getting to the gym --the pressure was on!  I crept into the closet just once...okay twice, to see how I was doing.  I remained focused on my goal, but slipped a couple times -- a cookie here, glass of wine there but still protein and veggies were the foods of choice.  I am proud to say I even ordered a salad at Disneyland.   Not knowing what my weight was made me feel a little out of control but it was freeing at the same time.

And guess what?  I weighed in 1 lb. lighter today at Weight Watchers! It doesn't sound like a lot but given all of the obstacles, I was THRILLED.

How often do you weigh yourself?

Props to the Biggest Loser!

     

         Props to Danny Cahill who is THE BIGGEST LOSER of ALL TIME after losing 239 lbs!  That is over half his body weight and he lost more than anyone else on the show. The 40 year old musician started the show weighing 430 lbs and weighed in on last night's finale a svelte 191 lbs.  He looked like a completely different person (and a little bit like Luke Perry) and I totally started tearing up when he won the $250K.  Yes, I know I'm cheesy, but  I was emotionally invested in his journey, he seems like a really nice guy and I was really proud of him.  That's an INCREDIBLE amount of weight to lose! Apparently, back in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, losing weight became a family affair and his wife dropped 60 lbs herself.

     Also impressive was Rudy and Julio.  I missed the last episode so I truly did not even recognize Julio!  He looked amazing except for that creepy mustache.  Worst fashion decision of the night was Rebecca. She's MUCH cuter as a brunette, and by going back to her blonde roots I think she aged herself at least 10 years.  And just because you lost 139 lbs does not mean you can rock a sparkly mini-dress.  And did you know that she and Daniel are dating?

Maybe I was a little too invested!

Surviving Disneyland

  

     Tomorrow morning I will be entering the Magic Kingdom with my three little kids in tow.  I'm already bracing myself for the smell of cookies, cakes and candy that is artificially pumped out on to Main Street to make us salivate and buy more food (is this true or do you think I'm spreading a rumor?).  The kids will head straight for the Mickey shaped ice cream, the cotton candy or the Pineapple Whip Float at the Tiki Juice Bar  I am going to do everything I can to stop myself from 'tastings' throughout the long day.

As a former Disney employee I have been to Disneyland countless times...but never on a diet. Maybe I'll get myself one of those obnoxious looking turkey legs so I can stick with my high-protein, low-carb diet.   If you've navigated your way through the theme park and still lost weight or at least maintained, please let me know your secrets!

Home Makeover: Diet Edition

    

     This Christmas, Santa's is giving me granite countertops, new tile, a new sink and a fancy new dishwasher.  I'm ecstatic!  My younger, hipper 'skinny sister' thinks I'm a loser when I discuss my appliances but I think it's fabulous.   Today the crew came to demolish the old tile and I'm over the moon about it.  Only thing is, I'll be without a kitchen for about a week and I feel like I'm losing control.  I couldn't get in there today to get a piece of fruit or a light snack so I felt ravenous by lunchtime.  I was supposed to make a funky tea that my acupuncturist gave me but I couldn't get in there to boil it twice in a non-metallic pot as instructed.  My vitamins are in the cupboard but there are 5 guys standing in my way.  We went out to lunch today and we'll have to order in or go out for most meals this week which can lead me straight for dreaded DANGER ZONE if I don't watch it.  I ordered well today (eggs with onions, peppers and a side salad) but my husband got the mac 'n' cheese and my son got the grilled cheese...both total no-no's for me, for now.  And ordering pizza is just SO easy!  Any tips on making it through a remodel and a diet at the same time?

    

On Pins and Needles

     Tomorrow I'm trying something new...Acupuncture.  Have you been? How was it?

     I'm heading to the Tao of Wellness in Los Angeles.  I'm excited but a little bit nervous, not so much about the needles but about the herbs and funky types of tea they may ask me to drink.  It's a little bit intimidating.  I am thrilled about the possibility of breaking through to the next level of weight loss.

     Does it hurt? Does it work? Any advice?

Holiday Boot Camp

  

     Shopping for the perfect gifts, addressing holiday cards, buying a Christmas tree, stringing lights and trimming the tree...just a few of the many demands we have on us during the holidays.  If you're like me you want everything to be PERFECT for the kids and because we LOVE it.  We want to get into the spirit of the holiday and embrace every little thing.  But baking, mailing and shopping take time and one of the first things to go can be our workout routines.

   I was on a roll last week with cardio sessions coupled with circuit training.  I lifted weights, ran, biked and worked out on the elliptical machine.  But this weekend was sort of a bust.  I put attending church, purchasing our tree and decorating ahead of working out.  I have found a good solution to my time crunch during the holidays.  Last year my sister bought me the 10 MINUTE SOLUTION HOT BODY BOOT CAMP DVD.  And can you believe, I just got around to opening it?  The video is a quick, high energy workout led by Amy Bento a NASM certified group fitness instructor in Norwalk, Connecticut.  It includes workouts called Hot Body Cardio, Ab Assault, Rock Bottom Sculpt, Calorie Blasting Drills and the Better Body Stretch.  Although 10 Minute Solution may not be winning any awards for production quality, it's a great answer to the excuse "I don't have any time" to workout.

     Today I found 10 minutes and did the Hot Body Cardio, my heart rate got up there and I worked up a sweat.  Although 10 minutes doesn't sound like a long time, it is an efficient workout and did take my body into the fat blasting zone.  My legs actually hurt a few hours later because Amy leads you through some unique cardio moves. Have you used this video before? What did you think?

I weighed in at Weight Watchers today and dropped .2 lbs.  I guess that's better than gaining. I went to American Girl for dinner with the family and had a little bit of dessert and I kept the wine drinking to a minimum.  Besides that I stayed right on track.  5 lbs by Christmas or bust!

Waiting Tables-confessions of a bitter waitress

SIT DOWN, EAT SLOWLY, CHEW YOUR FOOD 20 TIMES AND ENJOY IT.


     This was the advice from my trusty nutritionist and I've heard it several times before.  Supposedly, it will help you to avoid overeating and will help you to digest your food.  With three little children under foot that is NEVER GONNA HAPPEN.  Mealtime is the craziest part of my day and to say crazy is an understatement.  That time of the day is what I refer to as the POWER HOUR at my house.

     It's like I'm waiting tables at a popular restaurant (and I'm the chef, busboy and owner).  I've got three of the most demanding (but adorable) customers.  They don't understand that they must wait until the waitress has helped the person before them before they start barking out orders like "more" and if I'm lucky it's "more please".  The first customer finishes his milk before the last has even received hers.  And one of the customers can't talk at all and just groans and moans and yells and screams.  Pretty soon a food fight has broken out because he can't communicate what he needs.  That same customer poops in his pants so the waitress must take care of that situation before the other two need something.  While the waitress changes her cute little patron, the other two get in a fight about the words to "Jingle Bells" and are shouting at each other.  The second customer spills milk down her shirt and yells for the waitress to help.  The first customers now has to go potty and needs the waitress to help wipe and wash hands.  All of the customers simultaneously decide they don't like the Prix Fixe menu so they tell the waitress how they really feel.  Food that has been selected with the utmost care and healthfully cooked by the waitress/chef is abandoned.  The waitress sometimes shoves the food in her own mouth when she disposes of their plates because she is resentful.  The same customers dare to ask her what is for dessert.  When she tells them there isn't any, they scream and cry and yell.  The waitress craves a glass of wine and a bowl of ice cream.

     Now, try to imagine eating during that.  I'm lucky if I get two bites of food in my mouth and it's less than enjoyable.  When (or if) the dishes get done I'm exhausted but still really hungry, almost ravenous and looking for something appetizing to make memories of my last shift go away.  I would LOVE to sit and eat quietly and slowly making sure to chew my food at least 20 times.

I'll have to reserve that for my much deserved night off!

Vitamin Efficiency

  

    I have walked up and down the aisles in Whole Foods overwhelmed by the variety of weight loss supplements.  I'm extremely conservative when it comes to taking any type of medication, much less some hippy dippy herbs and vitamins - particularly when they have not been evaluated by the FDA.  I don't even like to take Tylenol.  But I was relieved to sit down with my nutritionist to navigate through all the marketing ploys and find out what products and supplements might actually help me to lose.  I am very curious to hear what some of you may be taking.  And if you've had any experience with these products I'd really love to hear from you.


Here's what we came up with.


Digestzymes (designs for health):  A combination of the most important enzymes for the absorption of nutrients and the digestion of proteins, fats and carbs.  Alleviates bloating, gas , constipation. The key to vibrant health, disease prevention and anti-aging.

Endotrim (designs for health) :  
A comprehensive endocrine balancing formula, promotes optimal insulin, leptin and cortisol balance.  For anyone wishing to improve body composition.  Contains non-stimulating American ginseng for cortisol balance.  Banaba, chronium and vanadium are included to enhance glucose control and insulin performance.  ForsLean, Garcinia cambogia and green tea promote lean body mass through ergogenic activity.  Activated B vitamins, magnesium and L-carnitine provide nutrients for optimal mitochondrial function and metabolism.  N-acetyl-tyrosine supports thyroid function and proper catecholamine balance.


Pyruvate One Thousand with CitriMax and ChromeMate (dc):  An all natural diet pill that works as an appetite suppressant.  Known for having numerous benefits which include: reduction of fatty mass, the lowering of blood lipids, improved endurance during aerobic activity, increased ATP/energy production, and a decrease in the chance of regaining previously lost fat mass.


Harmony Formula's Super II: 12 powerful herbs act as a bowel cleanser and jump start an inefficient colon.  


Harmony Formulas Cleansing Complex with Herbs:  29 herbs aid in the cleansing of 29 different body parts.  Stimulates the release of toxins and aid the five channels of elimination; the bowel, kidneys, lungs, skin lymphatic system as well as the bloodstream, cells and body tissue.


Harmony Formulas Cleansing Complex with Fibers:  A blend of 13 fibers and herbs that stimulate bile and act as a cleanse.


For right now, this all seems to be helping.  The only problem for me, is that it's a lot of pills and I am on the go so much, I never have time to plan ahead and bring what I need for each meal.  I have seen some weight loss though and that's exciting!