I am Southern. I was raised on sweet iced tea. I warned my husband, who is from Oregon, when we went to North Carolina to visit the first time, that his tea would be sweet unless he specifically asked for unsweetened and then he would get strange looks.
When Splenda was invented, I stopped using sugar in my tea and started using the Splenda. I loved it. I got my sweet tea with no calories! I didn't like any of the blue or pink package types of artificial sweeteners.
And as any Southern cook knows, good sweet tea is sweetened when it is made, not by the individual glass anyhow.
I have been reading and doing a great deal of research about eating organic foods. Some of the research I have discovered says that using ANY kind of artificial sweetener tricks our bodies into thinking we are eating something sweet and causes us to crave sweets just like eating sugar does.
So...in keeping with my desire to eat as healthy as possible, I have decided to eliminate all artificial sweeteners from my diet.
Today is my fifth day of drinking unsweetened tea. Let's just say I am tolerating it. I haven't reached the point of enjoying it yet. I AM drinking more water because the tea just isn't as appealing.
I'll let you know when it becomes enjoyable.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Jillian Michaels Radio Prgram
I listened to Jillian Michaels radio program on the computer the other day. Anyone that doesn't know who Jillian Michaels is...she is one of the trainers for the NBC TV Show Biggest Loser. She does a Sunday morning radio talk show in LA, but you can listen to the prior shows through her website at www.jillianmichaels.com.
One tip that Jillian gave on the show I listened to was Stop Counting Reps. She said that we get in our head we are going to do 10, 12 or whatever and just stop when we get to that number. She said a better way to train was to lift until tired, then do two more.
That is a good tip for me. I get caught up in counting the reps rather than thinking about my form and doing the movement correctly. I am going to try it!
One tip that Jillian gave on the show I listened to was Stop Counting Reps. She said that we get in our head we are going to do 10, 12 or whatever and just stop when we get to that number. She said a better way to train was to lift until tired, then do two more.
That is a good tip for me. I get caught up in counting the reps rather than thinking about my form and doing the movement correctly. I am going to try it!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Getting Organized for Weight Management
(I am a professional organizer and wrote this article for my weekly newsletter a few months ago. Thought I would share it here with my blog readers. )
I released 42 pounds in five months and have kept it off for over a year now. People still ask me how I did it, so I wanted to give you some tips on organizing your weight management.
1. Change your thinking. Instead of thinking about losing weight, think about releasing weight. Losing something implies that it is only misplaced and will eventually be found. But, when you release something, you let it go.
2. Organize your kitchen. Clean out the cabinets and the fridge. Get rid of the stash of candy, the sugary cereal, the refined foods, the high fat cheese, the cookies, the crackers, etc. If it is not there, you can’t eat it. An example of this for me is crackers. I love crackers…any kind of crackers. I can’t eat just a few. I don’t stop until I have eaten half the box. So, I just don’t buy crackers….problem solved.
3. Stock the pantry. Stock the pantry with whole grain pastas (spelt pasta or brown rice pasta are my favorites and the closest in taste to the refined kind we all grew up on). Stock up on dried or canned beans and fruit (choose fruits without sugar) for those times when you are too rushed or tired to cook. Stock up on some healthy snacks for those times you just have to have an extra snack. I keep light popcorn, various soups and Cheerios on hand for those occasions.
4. Plan your meals. Leaving your meals to chance helped contribute to the extra pounds. Plan ahead, do your grocery shopping, and cook ahead on the weekend, if you don’t have time to cook during the week. For example, I have been very busy this week, so I made a big pot of brown rice spaghetti, a healthy spaghetti sauce, a turkey breast in the crockpot and cut up a big container of salad. We have had plenty to eat all week without cooking. (I’m heating up a plate of that spaghetti as soon as I finish this article!)
5. Schedule your weight releasing activities. Whether it be a book to read about weight release, a tape to listen to, seeing a therapist about emotional eating, or especially exercise, schedule those activities into your day. Make them a priority and don’t skip!
6. Quit making excuses. Cut out the excuses for your weight woes. You know the ones I am talking about…
“I don’t have time to exercise every day!”
“I am too busy to cook and plan my meals.”
“My mother made me clean my plate so it is her fault.”
“I have to keep refined foods in the house for my spouse and/or children.”
“My parents were overweight so my problem is genetics.”
You have a choice as to what you eat and how much you exercise. Excuses don’t accomplish getting rid of your household/office clutter or getting rid of your body clutter. Eating healthy and exercise do. That is how I accomplished it and so can you.
I released 42 pounds in five months and have kept it off for over a year now. People still ask me how I did it, so I wanted to give you some tips on organizing your weight management.
1. Change your thinking. Instead of thinking about losing weight, think about releasing weight. Losing something implies that it is only misplaced and will eventually be found. But, when you release something, you let it go.
2. Organize your kitchen. Clean out the cabinets and the fridge. Get rid of the stash of candy, the sugary cereal, the refined foods, the high fat cheese, the cookies, the crackers, etc. If it is not there, you can’t eat it. An example of this for me is crackers. I love crackers…any kind of crackers. I can’t eat just a few. I don’t stop until I have eaten half the box. So, I just don’t buy crackers….problem solved.
3. Stock the pantry. Stock the pantry with whole grain pastas (spelt pasta or brown rice pasta are my favorites and the closest in taste to the refined kind we all grew up on). Stock up on dried or canned beans and fruit (choose fruits without sugar) for those times when you are too rushed or tired to cook. Stock up on some healthy snacks for those times you just have to have an extra snack. I keep light popcorn, various soups and Cheerios on hand for those occasions.
4. Plan your meals. Leaving your meals to chance helped contribute to the extra pounds. Plan ahead, do your grocery shopping, and cook ahead on the weekend, if you don’t have time to cook during the week. For example, I have been very busy this week, so I made a big pot of brown rice spaghetti, a healthy spaghetti sauce, a turkey breast in the crockpot and cut up a big container of salad. We have had plenty to eat all week without cooking. (I’m heating up a plate of that spaghetti as soon as I finish this article!)
5. Schedule your weight releasing activities. Whether it be a book to read about weight release, a tape to listen to, seeing a therapist about emotional eating, or especially exercise, schedule those activities into your day. Make them a priority and don’t skip!
6. Quit making excuses. Cut out the excuses for your weight woes. You know the ones I am talking about…
“I don’t have time to exercise every day!”
“I am too busy to cook and plan my meals.”
“My mother made me clean my plate so it is her fault.”
“I have to keep refined foods in the house for my spouse and/or children.”
“My parents were overweight so my problem is genetics.”
You have a choice as to what you eat and how much you exercise. Excuses don’t accomplish getting rid of your household/office clutter or getting rid of your body clutter. Eating healthy and exercise do. That is how I accomplished it and so can you.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I am Such an Outdoors Girl!
I loved the nice weather the early part of last week. I did all my cardio outside rather than in the gym. It seemed to take less time and effort, not to mention giving me a sunnier disposition!
But...all good things come to an end and sunshine this time of year in Oregon is a rare thing, so it was back to the gym for me yesterday. Did a good 30 minutes of weight lifting and 20 minutes on the stairstepper at a pace that sweat was dripping off the end of my nose onto the stair treads! Yeah...good workout!
Today is my rest and recovery day although Steve and I may take a bike ride this evening after dinner if there is a break in the clouds.
But...all good things come to an end and sunshine this time of year in Oregon is a rare thing, so it was back to the gym for me yesterday. Did a good 30 minutes of weight lifting and 20 minutes on the stairstepper at a pace that sweat was dripping off the end of my nose onto the stair treads! Yeah...good workout!
Today is my rest and recovery day although Steve and I may take a bike ride this evening after dinner if there is a break in the clouds.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Missing!
We have had nearly five days of rare sunshine so I have been outside and not even thinking about being near a computer! I have been going for a run/walk for 2.7 every morning and riding bikes with Steve every evening. We have also been doing yard work. Planting flowers, digging holes, spreading mulch, building a fence section, laying landscape blocks, planting herbs and pepper plants on the patio...etc. Fun stuff as I love to garden and do yard stuff, but boy, does my back ache. Thank goodness I have a chiropractic appointment for an adjustment next Wednesday!
I have only been to the gym and lifted weights once in the past five days, but it is supposed to turn cloudy and start the rain again this afternoon and tomorrow. I'll have plenty of time to hit the gym the remainder of the week. Being outdoors and feeling the sunshine just makes me feel good!
I have been too busy to think about overeating much...a very good thing!
Yesterday, Steve took me to lunch at a new Thai restaurant in town. I am not a big Thai food fan, but their food was very fresh and tasty. I had Spicy Prawns...which really wasn't that spicy. 6 shrimp and veggies, including green & red peppers, onions and bamboo shoots. Of course, they only have white rice, so I ate all my shrimp and veggies and a very small portion of the rice. I love most Asian food and I wish they would give the choice of brown or white rice, but none around here do.
I have only been to the gym and lifted weights once in the past five days, but it is supposed to turn cloudy and start the rain again this afternoon and tomorrow. I'll have plenty of time to hit the gym the remainder of the week. Being outdoors and feeling the sunshine just makes me feel good!
I have been too busy to think about overeating much...a very good thing!
Yesterday, Steve took me to lunch at a new Thai restaurant in town. I am not a big Thai food fan, but their food was very fresh and tasty. I had Spicy Prawns...which really wasn't that spicy. 6 shrimp and veggies, including green & red peppers, onions and bamboo shoots. Of course, they only have white rice, so I ate all my shrimp and veggies and a very small portion of the rice. I love most Asian food and I wish they would give the choice of brown or white rice, but none around here do.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Off to a Good Start Today
It was 41 degrees and cloudy this morning, but at least no rain, so I walked/jogged outside on my 2.7 mile loop.
Yesterday afternoon the sun made a rare appearance so Steve and I rode to the hardware store on our bikes. It is probably about a 5 mile round trip and we didn't push, but had a nice ride. Steve hasn't been exercising at all for awhile so 5 miles was a good start for him.
Yesterday afternoon the sun made a rare appearance so Steve and I rode to the hardware store on our bikes. It is probably about a 5 mile round trip and we didn't push, but had a nice ride. Steve hasn't been exercising at all for awhile so 5 miles was a good start for him.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday Weigh-in
Well, well, well. Today was weigh-in day. I gained two pounds since last Friday. Why? Two reasons:
1. Not making the best food choices.
2. Pull a muscle in the back of my calf on Monday and didn't go to the gym Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
The pain in my calf was gone this morning so I headed back to the gym. Did 20 minutes of weight lifting, 25 minutes on the treadmill...walking at 4.0 speed at no incline. (I think walking backwards with a 4.5% incline is what caused the injury.) I did walk 5 of the 25 minutes backwards today, but no incline. I also did 5 minutes on the bike flat out as hard as I could push.
I felt bummed for awhile about the gain, but it is what it is. Back to the gym, back to better eating choices.
1. Not making the best food choices.
2. Pull a muscle in the back of my calf on Monday and didn't go to the gym Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
The pain in my calf was gone this morning so I headed back to the gym. Did 20 minutes of weight lifting, 25 minutes on the treadmill...walking at 4.0 speed at no incline. (I think walking backwards with a 4.5% incline is what caused the injury.) I did walk 5 of the 25 minutes backwards today, but no incline. I also did 5 minutes on the bike flat out as hard as I could push.
I felt bummed for awhile about the gain, but it is what it is. Back to the gym, back to better eating choices.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
My Story
On October 17, 2007, I weighed 199.5 pounds. I am 5 feet, 5 inches tall. On April 22, 2008, I weighed 159 pounds. I lost 40.5 pounds in six months.
How?
I was counseled by a hypnotherapist, who specializes in weight loss and quit smoking therapy. During our one hour weekly sessions, we talked about my issues with weight, she hypnotized me, and gave me homework to do during the week. Homework consisted of guided meditation, setting goals, answering some questions about my emotions and listening to CD's.
I exercised, I ate healthier and I ate less. So I lost weight.
In the past I tried
How?
I was counseled by a hypnotherapist, who specializes in weight loss and quit smoking therapy. During our one hour weekly sessions, we talked about my issues with weight, she hypnotized me, and gave me homework to do during the week. Homework consisted of guided meditation, setting goals, answering some questions about my emotions and listening to CD's.
I exercised, I ate healthier and I ate less. So I lost weight.
In the past I tried
- Weight Watchers
- South Beach
- Conway Diet Center
- Water Pills
- Diet Pills
- Optifast
- Acupuncture
- Richard Simmons tapes and diet plan
- Denise Austin show
- Dr. Phil's Weight Loss Book
- Biggest Loser website
- Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle book
- Book about eating for your blood type
- Flex magazine diet plan
- Muscle & Fitness diet plans
- Naturally Thin book
- Diet's Don't Work book
- Mediterranean diet given to me by a doctor
- Nutritionist (recommended by a doctor)
- A whole host of other books, magazines and websites that I have long since forgotten
Why did hypnotherapy work when nothing else did? Because we got to the issues of why I overate.
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