weigh in at the doctors office

I went to the doctors today because I needed my prescriptions filled for my blood pressure medicine. The nurse took my blood pressure 120/70. She couldn't believe it was so good. On my last visit, it was 150/90 and that was with taking the meds.

Since my last visit, (two months ago) I started exercising regularly and trying to eat healthy. The nurse weighed me today and I have lost 13 pounds. That made me feel pretty good. I don't have to go back again for an entire year. Yippeeeeeee!!!!!

My next goal is to take off 14 pounds in the next two months. This short term goal should be reached on April Fools Day. I just gotta keep working on this weight loss so the joke won't be on me. Slow and steady as they say.

Healthy Diet combats High Blood Pressure

My husband and I both have high blood pressure. I've only been on medication about 1 year. Mine wasn't real bad, just high enough along with my age and being over weight, the doctor decided to put me on medication.

My husband has had high blood pressure for over 15 years. I think his has to be mostly hereditary. He doesn't have as much weight to lose as I do and the guy NEVER uses salt. His medicine is a lot stronger and he is taking some twice a day and one of them 3 times a day. The doctor has had hard time trying to regulate his blood pressure. Hopefully, all this new stuff he got last week in Florida will do the trick.

I was reading an article in Reuters, and it states that one of the benefits of healthier eating---weight loss---may also help lower of prevent high blood pressure. The AHA recommends the "Dash Diet".

Selecting the right running shoe

I'm looking forward to doing some jogging on our nature trail when the weather gets better. Right now I'm on the treadmill watching Oprah and The View along with my Ipod playing in one ear. The music makes the jogging easier.

I remember when I first started using the treadmill, I bought so many different pairs of shoes. I finally found a pair that was comfortable with great cushioning and didn't give me blisters. It's a man's shoe...MacGregor. I don't really care...they feel good and that's what is important. When I was young, I'm sure I wouldn't have worn them for the life of me. I would have prefered sore feet and blisters.

I found a website that tells you how to select shoes. I'm going to give myself the wet foot test. At age 55, I'm going to find out what kind of feet I have. I must say, that sure sounds funny.

Who's going to lose the most weight...hubby or me

I got up about 9 am today. My husband called to let me know he was at the airport in Orlando waiting to board his plane. I had just hung up the phone from him and my sister from West Virginia called to visit. I told her she always keeps us on track. She usually only calls on Mondays...so when I've had my days of the week screwed up...she straightens me out. I find now that I'm retired, it is so easy to forget what day of the week it is. Guess that's ok...means no stress.

Mom and I ran to the store and I picked up two helium balloons that said welcome home. Of course while we were gone, he had called three times to let me know he had landed and was on the way home. It was so cute. The third time he called, he was playing a song by Allison Krause, When You Say Nothing At All over the phone. You can hear and buy the cd Now That I've Found You at Amazon.com. That was a song from our early dating days. It sure made me smile hearing it again.

I started going through all the directons and possible side effects of all his new prescriptions. I'm hoping he can remember when to take them all. I'm going to have to be watching for the side effects.


The doctor also has him on an 1800 calorie diet.......this is going to be interesting....getting to change his eating habits. I got rid of almost all of his junk food before he got home. (Pop tarts, slim jims, cheetos, doritos and cheese dip) I'm going to make it a weight loss contest between the two of us. We both are competitors...it should make it interesting. The bottom line is, we both have to lose...might as well have fun doing it.

"Supermarket Diet"

I always look at the contents of items I'm buying. I try and keep low sugar and low fat. I just read an article in which Janice Janis RD, author of "Supermarket Diet" said that cereals vary greatly and the rule of thumb is per 100 calories, you want 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of sugar or less.

I decided to check out the cereals I have on hand. WOW........Great Grains by Post, it says iti s a great source of whole grain with raisins, dates and pecans...but sugar is 14 g an the fiber is only 4g. Frosted Mini-Wheats by Kelloggs....says lightly sweetened whole grain wheat cereal...12 g of sugar and 6g of fiber. I found a good one.....Kelloggs Special K, it has 2 g of sugar and 5 g of fiber.
The box talked me into buying it. The front of the box says " A low fat part of your Heart Healthy diet" , General Mills, Basic 4 Whole Grain cereal. This one has 14 g of sugar and 3 g of fiber.

This article has been an eye opener for me. I just keep learning and learning. Fortunately, I keep losing weight as well. Definitely a win-win deal.

Sticking to an exercise plan

I found an interesting article in the Marco Island newspaper on exercise. I've never used a personal trainer but it sounds like good advice. I hate asking those people at the gym anything. I feel like I'm bothering them. They showed me once how to use the various machines. I can't remember how to do them all, so only use the 6/7 I remember. I've been trying to watch people on the other machines to see how to do them...maybe I'll get up enough nerve to try them one of these days.

I know one thing...using a personal trainer to get my health back makes a lot more sense than having to use a physical therapist to help me after a stroke. I'm going to ask at the gym tomorrow. I've never seen anyone there with one.....perhaps I did and didn't know it. One more thing to check into to help my on my weight loss journey.

Passing by the Bakery

January is coming to a close. I'm wondering how many people have given up on their new years resolution on losing weight. Life is so fast paced, it's hard to change habits or incorporate new ones into an already busy schedule.

I was reading an article earlier this month in which a donut shop owner was interviewed. He said his business falls off every year in January but stated the slump only lasts two to three weeks. I think about that article every time I drive by a donut shop here. I just keep telling myself....you are not going to be one of those statistics.

I never get tempted by the bakery items in the grocery store. I think perhaps it's because when I'm shopping there, they aren't baking so it doesn't have the sweet bakery aroma. Hmm...just realized there must be something seductive about those smells.

Losing weight by my new scale

I'm starting to like my new Taylor digital scale now. I had words with that darn thing when I first got it because the first time I weighed myself on it, I weighed 5 more pounds than my old scale said. Oh...that hurt!!! I see they are on sale at Amazon.com.

I weighed myself today, and I've lost 2 pounds since the 16th. Yippee!! I had weighed myself yesterday and it was the same 2 pounds..so today just verified it for me. I really think that logging my food intake and water intake has really helped me. When I realized how much diet coke I was drinking a day....I was shocked (6-7 cans). I buy the stuff when it is on sale and have cases and cases in my garage. I now have lots of bottled water on my front porch.

I like losing weight this way, as I don't feel hungry. The last time I lost weight, I starved myself...only eating every 3rd day. I use to get such terrible terrible cramps in my legs, it would wake me at night and I'd have to pace the floor. The only two things I did right on that diet journey was, worked out and drank lots of water and sun tea.

This time, it's the gradual life changes I've made that will make this weight loss permanent. Since my husband had that stroke last week, he is now going to have to make changes too. I think now I'll get him to go to the gym with me and start eating what I do. It's amazing the different ways God goes about getting out attention.

Time to throw the clothes in the dryer.

low fat/low surgar/low carbs

My husband got out of the hospital tonight after his five day stay. He flies home Monday. The doctor called me and told me he's a mess. He had a mild stroke, his cholesterol is way too high, his sugars are too high, and they changed his high blood pressure medicine. The doctor says he has to lose some weight too.

I'm wondering...is there any diet books out there that cover low fat, low carbs, and sugar free? I'm going to run to the book store tomorrow to see what I can find. I've already removed all the snacks from around his chair in the front room. Mom has decided he gets to walk the dog (weather permitting) every afternoon.

These golden years....they sure aren't so golden sometimes. I have to be thankful though, he doesn't have any paralysis. I just keep remembering, God doesn't give us any more than we can handle.

Time for bed!! I didn't sleep much last night.

Why is drinking water so important in losing weight?

I had read that our bodies are made up of 55-75% water. At my age, I can't believe all the things I'm learning in all areas of my life on here. The computer is such a great tool. Ok Ok..I need to quit rambling and reread why it is so important to drink water for weight loss.

I was reading Calories Per Hour. They have a great section covering the importance of drinking water.

My newest snack

Alyice let me a comment on my snacking and suggested sugar free popsicles. I had never gave them a thought. I ran to the store and got picked them up. WOW...only 15 calories. I've tried the cherry one already and it has a great flavor.

I have so many of those 100 calorie packs of oreo, and snack crackers. I'm sure going to cut back on them now that I've got these popsicles. This has to help with my weight loss.

The Top Ten Foods You Should NEVER Eat

According to Nutrition Action the top 10 foods to stay away from are:

1. Pepperidge Farm Original Flaky Crust Roasted Chicken Pot Pie: Half a pie=510 calories and 9 grams of fat.
2. McDonalds Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips: 5 strip order has 630 calories and 11 grams of fat.
3. The Cheesecake Factory's 6 Carb Original Cheesecake: one piece 610 calories and an unbelievable 29 grams of saturated fat.
4. Marie Callender's Herb Roasted Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Florets + Carrots: 530 calories and 12 grams of fat and 1,270 mg of sodium.
5. Mrs. Fields Milk Chocolate & Walnut cookie: one cookie=300 calories and as much saturated fat as a 12-ounce sirlion steak.
6. Starbucks Venti Strawberries & Creme Frappuccino Blended Creme: 1 cup=770 calories and 19 grams of fat.
7. Burger King French Fries: One biggy fries=600 calories
8. Campbell's Red and White Label Condensed Soups: Half a can equals half the amount of salt a person should have per day.
9. Swoops: 200 calories and 7/8 grams of saturated fat
10. Haagen-Dazs Mint Chip Dazzler: 1,270 calories and a whopping 38 grams of saturated fat.

This shows how important it is to read the labels. Just a couple of these items could really slow down a person's weight loss.

talked myself into going swimming

I've decided to go swimming this morning. I got this YMCA membership at the end of August and have not been utilizing it. I had gone to water exercise classes in September/October but never signed up for the next class. (I hate paying extra when I'm already a member)

Every morning they have lap swimming from5:30 until 9:00. I'm going to finish my green tea and head uptown for a few laps. Of course, I don't care for their workout machines so I pay to go somewhere else. I'm not sure if it's the machines, or all those young fit folks working out. The gym I go to, I'm one of the younger ones. (I'm just sitting here chuckling to myself) No one there is fit as a fiddle.

It just shows, if I talk to myself long enough....I get answers!! Just another day in my weight loss journey.

Losing weight--maitaining weight=healthy heart

Did you know that more women over 50 die from cardiovascular disease and any 5 other diseases put together...including breast cancer. I was surprised to learn that.

The good news is, the American Heart Association says it can largely be prevented through healthy eating, and exercise. Other factors include, quit smoking, maintaining weight, and of course the ever important blood pressure.

It was interesting to read that men have more heart attacks, but more women die from them. This is just one more reason to stay on this weight loss journey.

A cool Contest site

There are lots of contests to enter out there besides the milk diet contest. Check out BlogContestSite.com........she has a number of them listed.

The Milk Diet Contest

There are still 12 trips to be won at 2424 Milk Diet Contest. Nothing to buy.....just enter the upc code off your milk carton. The site also has good weight loss tips.

That's what I call a win-win site. Lose weight and win a trip...can't do any better than that.

Finding Balance/Water..Water...Water

Finding Balance: "The human body is 55%-75% water. This means that weight goes up and down on a daily basis, depending on our fluid status. As a matter of fact, it’s perfectly normal to weigh 2-3 pounds more in the evening than the morning, because we retain fluid in the lower body area as the day progresses. Other contributors to water retention include atmospheric pressure, humidity, salt intake, and certain medications. We also lose and gain water in response to exercise and drinking. This is why it is pointless to weigh yourself throughout the day, because the changes are not a true measure of body fat.



Dieting, especially the low carbohydrate plans, result in significant fluid loss, particularly during the first week as glycogen stores are depleted. When carbohydrate foods are reintroduced, fluid is retained and weight goes up. Again, this has nothing to do with body fat.



Lastly, hormonal changes definitely impact our fluid status. As menstruation approaches, it is extremely common to feel bloated, because water is retained as estrogen levels drop and progesterone rises. This is part of the normal cycle of life, and is not a reflection of body fat. Don’t even bother to weigh yourself—just accept this temporary change."

Laugh the Pounds Off with this Richard Simmons skit

I found this video with Drew Carey and Richard Simmons. I laughed and laughed and laughed....almost wet my pants.

Just seeing Richard in those short shorts was funny...but this skit...it's over the top.

I had to go back and watch it again....what a hoot!!!!!! Laughing the weight away.

I shared this video in January...but figured it was worth sharing again. I still laugh just as hard now as I did the first time I saw it.

Other blogs other than weight loss

It seems I find myself just reading weight loss blogs. It seems like all I think about is losing weight. I'm changing my tactics....broadening my horizons so to speak. Enough of thinking about the weight loss. Just tell myself eat right and exercise...all will fall in place..in time..in due time.

I found a great site on here this morning purely by accident. It's called the Village Garden Web. There are several forums in which a person can participate. They have tons of information on such things as flowers, ponds, even a place where people can exchange flower bulbs.

Within this site, they also cover the home. Sharing all kinds of ideas from remodeling to redecorating.

Sabatoging my weight loss

I am my own worst enemy. I'm having another one of those late nights. Tried and tried to sleep, finally just got back up. So what do I do, eat tootsie rolls and powdered donuts. Now I really feel crappy. I don't know I think I'm ever going to lose weight like that.

I've got to learn to deal with stress in another way. My husband is suppose to be home from Florida next Monday. Three weeks is just too long. Now he's in the hospital down there. He says he is doing fine. My sister in law says they think he had a mini stroke. Our realtor called tonight about the house and told me he was sorry to hear Alex was doing so bad. I don't know what to think.

I haven't told mom that he is in the hospital. The doctor verified for sure today she does have leukemia. That's enough to deal with for one day.

I feel like I have a migraine coming on. I sure hope not. When I get one of those, I can't even get out of bed. I usually take a pill before they get bad...that makes it tolerable...but I'm out. Well, at least if I can't get out of bed, I can't eat.....that's good for my weight loss.

Guess I'm going to go fix myself a cup of that sleeptime tea and see if that does any good.

My son's weight loss contest

My youngest son has decided to lose weight. He and a friend have a contest going between the two of them. My son told me the loser has to eat haggis. I've never heard of it. His friend lives in the Uk and I guess it is something eaten over that way.

Well, today I decided to look it up on here. OMG....it is sounds so gross. I think if that was all I had to eat, I'd lose weight FAST. Here are a few recipes. Does anyone REALLY eat that stuff?

I can see now why my son is really gung ho on his weight loss. He has been going to the gym twice a day. I'm wishing him the best of luck.

My newest weight loss cereal

We are up early. 7:00 is early for me these days. (I remember 5:00am when I was working) Today is mom's appointment with the oncologist. I've got to take her out to the hospital for some blood tests this morning. I'm not sure how they can get them processes in time for her appointment at 11:30. Oh well, just doing as instructed.

The dog is going crazy seeing both of us with our shoes on so early. She thinks we are going to take her outside to play frisby. Gosh, that tail of hers is a deadly weapon. She spilt my pop the other nite when her tail gave my glass a swipe.

I've started my day with a cup of green tea. It's just too hard to eat breakfast this early. We have to leave in about 10 minutes anyway. I found a new cereal called Healthy Promise. I couldn't find it online. But it's phone number is listed on the box. 1-800-964-4832. There are 9 grams of fiber in this. It is naturally sweetened, multigrain cluster cereal. It is low in fat and also has 9 grams of Protein. I'm going to give this a try when I get home. I couldn't find a cereal with more than 4 grams of fiber...that includes all those bran flake type.

Well, it's time to go. Feeling great about sticking to the weight loss plan today. Gotta finish this tea before we go. Later All!!

Another late night

Here it is 3:30 am and I'm still up. I figured this would happen. I fell asleep on the couch about 8 and slept until 9:30 tonight. I do this way too often. It always takes me a few days to get back to a normal sleep.

I'm yawning and hungry right now...what a combination. I'm going to try going to sleep before I start feeding my face.

Beware of drugs unapproved by the FDA

The FDA is warning people not to take two unapproved Brazilian drug products sold on the Internet as dietary supplements for weight loss.

The products are Emagece Sim, also known as the "Brazilian Diet Pill and Herbathin.

The FDA stated they contain ingredients found in a sedative, antidepressant, and unapproved simulant, and could cause serious health problems. The entire article can be read here.

10 Fattening Foods in Disguise

There are many foods out there that may seem Ok but are actually high in calories or fat. Ten of them are:

1. Rice Cakes---they can contain considerable amounts of high glycemic index carbohydrates. When eaten, foods rated high on the glyemic index will cause a rapid rise in your blood sugar level. These simple carbs may stimulate unwanted fat storage and slow your body's fat-burning capabilities.
2. Fruit Juice---it is not only calorie-dense, but also high in sugar. By drinking water instead, you can save between 110-200 calories per cup as well as reducing your sugar intake.
3. Flavored Oatmeal---sugar is usually high on the indredient list in flavored oatmeal packets. It's better to cut down on the packets or use unflavored oatmeal.
   
4. Alcohol---although it doesn't contain fat, it is loaded with calories.
5. Salad Dressings---salads can be an ideal food for supporting weight loss. They may not be your best choice when you add fat-loaded dressings. A typical dressing has between 6-8 grams of fat and 75 calories. A person usually puts on 3-4 teaspoons equaling 30 grams of fat and 300 calories. The best choice is a low fat dressing...such as vinegarette.
6. Muffins---they can be very calorie-dense. Beware of the low fat muffins, many of them contain more sugar to compensate for the lack of fat.
7. Breaded Chicken or Fish---they may contain ample servings of protein, but also lots of unwanted fat. Opt for grilled or broiled.
8. Frozen Yogurt---it has long been one of the most popular "health foods" available. What many don't realize is that while non-fat frozen yogurt might have less fat, it is not calorie free. It can still contain carbohydrates that can be converted to fat. Many of the frozen yogurt varieties are low in protein and calcium.
9. Deli Meats---may commercial deli meats are high in fat and sodium. Some may also contain sugar. Your best choice is lean turkey or chicken.
10. Regular Sodas---a 16-ounce glass of regular soda contains 197 more calories than a diet soda. The majority of these calories come from simple sugars. If you have to drink soda, stick with diet.

Some of these items have been an eye- opener for me. I'm going to start reading all the ingredients on what I buy.

Top Five Ways to Feel Full and Eat Less

I was reading an article by Eric Sabo in Healthology. He listed five ways to fell full while eating less. They are:

1. Super-size filling foods (fruits and vegtables)
2. Eat your protein
3. Limit fatty foods, can the soda
4. Snack "Smart"
5. Eat until you are hara hachi bu (meaning until you are 80% full)

I know I need to eat more fruit. I buy it every week. It never fails, when I go to clean out the refrigerator, 90% of what I'm throwing out is old fruit. I had to throw out strawberries and blueberries and raspberries this week.

I'm finding it is easier to drink water than it is to eat fruit.

I tried something knew today. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Fat Free. There are only 5 calories per tbspn. It has zero fat and zero carbs. The only thing is......I don't like it. It has a funny flavor. I like the regular kind which has 80 calories per tbspn with 9 grams of fat but still no carbs. Of course when I read how low the calories were, I bought 3 containers of it. I am always so gung-ho when I think something is going to help me with this weight loss. Perhaps the flavor won't be so noticeable in a recipe. I put a little on a soda cracker.....ewwww!!!

I just noticed at their website they have a lite version. There is only 50 calories per tbspn. I guess I'll give that one a try. I figure every little calorie helps. Has anyone found one lower that has a decent flavor? Please drop me a line.

I'm off to drink some more water.....quart number 2.

My Soul Mate

I can't believe how much my husband and I are alike. I thought I'd surprise him and send him a missing you card. If the mail is running like it is suppose to, he should get it today. Our mail just came, wouldn't you know it, he sent me a missing you card. The same kind and brand of card. It sure made me smile. He is the light of my life.

I guess this really isn't a weight loss post today. I was divorced for over 25 years when I met him. Raised four kids alone, working two..sometimes three jobs never once receiving child support from the dead beat dad. Needless to say, I was rather cynical as far as men go.

I figured I'd never remarry...and that was fine with me. My kids were all raised and gone by then and I was down to only working one job. Actually loving this new found freedom. It was like my second childhood. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

My youngest son had gone to the Navy and decided a computer was what I needed to take up my spare time. He brought one home when he was on leave in 1998. Of course, I was totally afraid of the thing. I learned how to play euchre on it.....that was it.

When he came home again to visit...he asked if I had meet any nice people on the net. I told him..you have to be kidding...I'm too shy. He just jumped in a chat room under my name and started talking. He then said, sit down and get talking. Since that time, I have gone to many chat meets and met so many of these people from the room I call "home" on here. Most are even nicer in person.

Anyway, to make a long story short...I met my husband on here. This July will be our 6th anniversay. It had to be God and that little guardian angel of mine that talked me into meeting him one on one. I can remember my girlfriends saying...OMG...he could be an ax killer. I just laughed and said...how does he know, maybe I am an ax killer. (A woman's tools: hammer, screwdriver and duct tape) Needless to say, he's the best thing that ever happened in my life. My kids even think he is great....that's really saying something because my only daughter is so protective of me. She never thought anyone was good enough for me. (kind of reminds me of my way of thinking about her when she was younger).

The only sad thing is we have gained weight. I went from a size 10 to a size 22. (I'm down to 18/20) He's gone from a 34 inch waist to a 38. I'm trying to get him to get on this weight loss band wagon too...not with much success. He says he is trying but continues to keep tons of snacks around his chair in the living room. When those all disappear...I'll know he is serious. Until then, I just keep encouraging him and fixing healthy meals.

7 Smart Snacking Strategies

While I was reading WebMD, I came across "7 Smart Snacking Strategies."

1. Keep a snack diary
2. Plan your snacks in advance
3. Change your habits
4. Indulge your sensations with healthy substitutes
5. Include protein
6. Try single-serving prepackaged snacks
7. Allow small indulgences

I haven't thought about keeping a separate snack diary but I think that is a good idea. I never plan my snacks either, that is going to be the next thing I do. Number 3 is just common sense. I think number 4 is what we all are learning to do. I already do 5 thru 7.

I'll be starting tips one and two tomorrow. I'm hoping these tips help others too.

Another good day on this weight loss journey

It's 4 pm and so far, I've been having a great day on this weight loss journey. I've already drank a quart and half of water. We're suppose to get 3-7 inches of snow tonight so I did all my running this morning. I didn't even take time to make myself a cup a tea. I got dressed and grabbed my purse and off I went.

I went to Krogers yesterday but forgot a few things, so that was my first stop. I love using my coupons especially when the product is on sale. I bought a small tub of I Can't Believe its not Butter(Lite) for a $1.oo and got 80 cents off.

My second stop was WalMart. I wanted to get hair color. I like my hair cut I got yesterday, now for the new color. Actually, I got light brown, which is close to my own color. I looked at them so long that after awhile they all looked so similar. I eventually walked over to a mirror to match one to my hair. I bet people thought I was a real nut case. So, I bought two boxes..this way I'll always have one on hand so I won't have this guess work again. (I can make the easiest things seem so hard)

I never gave a thought about not eating...wasn't hungry while I was shopping. When I got home, the mailman had just came. Mom and I went through the mail and made out our checks to pay the couple of bills we each got. We decided to run and mail them.

It was 12:30 when we had finished our running. Mom wanted to go to Wendy's to eat. I had a small chili and a baked potato = 570 calories. So far that's it. I'm feeling really motivated because I got on the scale and I'm down another half a pound.

Although this is the first time I ever lost weight so slowly, I really believe I will be able to sustain it when I reach my goal. It just kind of reminds me of when I was a kid, I saved and saved to get my class ring in high school. That ring meant so much more to me than if my parents would have coughed up the cash. It seemed like it took forever..but the end product...it was worth it....like this weight loss process.....it will be worth it!!!

I'm gonna go grab another bottle of water and read a book. It's starting to rain now..gonna watch it turn to snow. Ugh!!!

Junior Mints are my weight loss downfall

I can do so well all day long...but let me see a box of Junior Mints, and my will power is out the window. I just threw away two unopened boxes..of course, this wasn't until I had eaten one....a BIG box.

I came across a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." This statement made it easier to throw those mints away. I CAN lose this weight!!! I just keep telling myself that. I've continued to lose weight since I quit smoking 6 months ago....not as fast as I'd like...but reminding myself, each pound is a victory.

I got on the scale today and see I had lost a half a pound since the 16th. I think that is why I justified eating those darn mints tonight. When I went to the grocery store today, I didn't pick up any snacks. I thought about it as I was loading the groceries in the car/...smiling....so proud of myself. It's funny what little things we can do for ourselves that feel like a sense of accomplishment.

I've just added up my calories for today and end up at approximately 1500. It's kind of sad though to see 600 of them are from the mints. I've drank little over two quarts of water today.

I bought all new make up yesterday and got a new hair do today. Tomorrow I'm going to get my hair colored....all part of the new me.

Overview of some popular diets

While surfing the net, I came across a site called World's Healthiest Foods. They have three main sections: eating healthy, cooking healthy, and feeling great.

They have done an overview of 11 popular diets. Three of these so called diets I've never heard of:

1. Ayurvedic Diet
2. Blood-type Diet
3. Macrobiotic Diet

This just shows me, there is tons of money to be made in the weight loss field and there are lots of people cashing in on it. If people would just quit looking for short cuts for weight loss and concentrate on healthy eating, and exercise, there would be a lot less scammers getting rich on us wanna-be thinner folks.

I just keep telling myself" less is more." As I tried to explain what that meant to me...it sounded dumber than a box of rocks so I just erased it. I think we all can relate "less is more" differently in our lives.

This weight loss journal is really more than just about weight loss to me. Sharing my thoughts, and feelings with others, hoping I can make a positive impact on just one person...it makes this all worthwhile.

Losing weight----missing my husband

The two things that are always in my mind is this weight loss and my husband. He left on January 9th, (my birthday) to help his sister mover from San Diego to Florida, and I sure do miss him. 12 days until he gets home. Unlike the weight, I don't miss a pound of that I've lost.

Although this new digital scale I have shows I weigh 5 more pounds than my old one, it just means I must have weighed 5 more pounds when I started this weight lose journey. I'm not going to be discouraged. I used my exercise bike and my stair stepper tonight. It had been so long since I've used my own equipment...the poor stair stepper had this horrible squeak as I stepped down with my left foot.(wishing my husband was home..I know he'd fix that noise.)

Writing down everything I do and everything I eat, has really helped me to see a pattern in my life. I can see that after 7:00 pm, I start my snacking. Instead of eating candy tonight, I fixed myself a serving of oatmeal. This was the first day I've drank 3 quarts of water in quite awhile. I think that helped too.

Well, it's late...I'm off to bed. One day closer to Alex being home, as well as a day closer to my weight lose goal.

Writing letter = losing weight??

One thing I've never been much of is a letter writer. It's easy to sit here and type..not having to look at my fingers (I thank my strict typing teacher for that). I'm sure you're wondering what the heck I mean by my title.

This morning I took my mom over to the pharmacy to pick up her prescription. They were suppose to have it ready, so I just waited in the car. The post office has one of those little mini stores next door to the pharmacy. Needless to say, I could tell by my wait, they must of screwed up mom's prescription. Anyway, I was watching people entering and exiting both places. More people were smiling that entered the post office.

There was at least a 50% higher rate of over- weight people going into the pharmacy than people going into the post office. They all walked out with prescriptions in their hand. I told myself, I need to get this weight off before I start having health problems. I've decided the next time I want a snack, I'm going to sit down and write a letter to someone.

This past week I have started documenting everything I do...not just what I eat. Writing letters....... This will just be another facet of this ever ending quest of weight loss.

Great site for Weight loss tips and Success Stories

There is a site called smallsteps.gov. They have 119 tips listed as small steps we can take to losing weight. I've printed them out. Of course, I realize I can't apply all of them to my life...but there are lots I can. I'm real glad the first one (Walk to work) isn't applicable....I love retirement!!!

They have four steps listed to the weight loss process:
Step one: Get the facts. They state how important it is to learn the facts about health, nutrition, and physical activity. They also have a activity tracker..I signed up for that today. Free of course. On this page they list:
* The issues
* The consequences
* The Resources
* Take small steps today (119 of them)
Step two: Eat better. I think we all know by eating better and losing weight, we can prevent a multitude of diseases. On this page they list:
* Goals
* Resources
* Choices
* Recipes
* Take small steps today
Step three: Get Active. They offer tools that make it easy to integrate activity into our lives to reach our weight loss goals. On this page they list:
* Goals
* Resources
* Choices
* Take small steps today
Step four: Learn more. They have additional sites listed to help with weight loss.
On this page they list:
* Resources
* Organizations
* Additional Reading
* A Parents Guide (New)
* Link to small steps

I haven't been able to go through all the information that is available at this site. I found those 4 success stories very motivating. I need to set more realistic goals for this weight loss process. I just get so impatient, it just makes me want to through the towel in sometimes.

I'm going to finish my cup of green tea and mom and I are off shopping.

Weight -----Weight Go Away

Weight Weight GO AWAY...and don't come back another day. That's just what I'm telling myself after finally getting the nerve to get on new scale I got for Christmas this morning. Darn...it weighs 5 pounds heavier than the one I had been using. I can't say it surprises me though, as the original scale has probably been around longer than me. Since I'm now considered a senior citizen, (geesh, that's hard to type) that's a long time.

My new scale is made by Taylor. It's a precision tech which weighs to the ounce. The thing I really like about it, the digital numbers are big so I don't need to wear my glasses to read it. It stays lite for 30 seconds after you get off and then turns it's self off. It has a life time lithium battery and it is very light weight.

I'm restarting this weight loss at this new weigh- in number. I said my morning prayers and am in the process of fixing a cup of green tea. I've got my clothesand water set out for the gym this morning. My mom says she will be all right while I'm gone. She hates when I fuss over her. Here I am, trying to help her to gain weight...and I'm trying to lose weight.....what a combination.

I don't like to eat breakfast before I go to the gym. I have noticed when I do that, I feel uncomfortable and work out for a shorter period of time. I'm just going to finish my tea and take off.

Diet Bites....Lots of free weight loss information

Diet Bites is a website so full of free weight loss information. There is a plan for everyone. If you want to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds...they have a plan for you. There are over 24 diet menus listed. There are exercise tips as well.

I've been looking at the site for over an hour and still have lots more to read. From weight loss to diet plans to exercises to motivational information to Fad Diets. They cover it all here.

This is definately a great website. It's hard to believe they can provide so much weight loss information FREE!!!!!

Part 2...my busy Saturday

I got home from my visit with my cousin at 9:45 pm. The time went by so fast, I hadn't realized how late it was. We are going to start having a Bible study next Saturday. I'm looking forward to that. I've got so much to learn.
I had my supper at 10:00 pm which consisted of two pieces of lite bread and a can of cream of celery soup. I only drank about about a quart and half of water though. My whole day added up to approximately 1000 calories. Perhaps the key to my weight loss is visiting. I don't seem to think about food when I'm talking/listening.

For some reason, I can't get my server to publish my entries. Ugh...computers......lots to learn on this thing too.

A busy Saturday.....but sticking to my plan

I've had a busy morning. It started with my husband calling me from Tuscon Arizona...telling me his trip so far has been heck. His sister is who is moving from San Diego to Florida, took two of her cats with her in the pick up truck. My husband is mad...she has them running loose in the cab. He said they are crawling all over...even on his feet while he is driving. YIKES!! Of course, I told him to put his foot down and make her put them in the back of the truck. He said, "You know what happens when I do that, I miss my turn." That was kind of an inside joke. When we were on vacation in Ireland...his driving drove me crazy. One time after we were getting back in the car after lunch..he says I'M DRIVING AND THAT'S IT...I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD. So, I thought to myself.....hmmm...I'm just going to let him screw up in the directions..then we'll see how that driving goes. Needless to say, he missed the very next turn. I wanted a few minutes....and then said...by the way MR DRIVER....you just missed your turn back there. Gawd...he hates it when I'm right. So with that..... he had to concede, he needed my help. I was back again to being the back seat driver.

I made myself a cup of green tea and got the package ready to mail my son. Since Monday is a holiday at the post office, I wanted to get it mailed today. Mom and I waited until the mailman came to see if we had any bills to pay. Hurray..none today!!! Since the bank and the post office closes early on Saturday....we went to those two places first. I couldn't believe there weren't any cars in the drive thru at the bank. I patted myself on the back for having such good timing. We weren't so lucky at the post office. My girlfriend waited on me ...they were so busy,I couldn't visit with her. I told her to call me to do lunch soon.

Our next stop was Value City Department store. We got some good deals on little girl's clothes. Every year we pick a little girls name off the Angel tree that wears a size 6x. I'm not sure why we decided on that size...but I think maybe we thought that was the size of a first grader. Anyway, we got some cute clothes there.

Next stop was Walmart. There I found some shirts for my husband. Doesn't matter that he doesn't wear half of the ones he owns. If I like it....I just buy it. I actually went in there to look for pinking shears. They were out last week and said they would have them in this week...NOT!!! Now they are going to get me back there next week and I'll probably buy more things I don't need while looking for those shears. Sneaking I say...just plain sneaky.

I wanted to run into the Dollar Tree store just to grab some Pine Sol cleaner. Right...run in..Hah. I waited in line to check out a longer period of time than it took to find the cleaner and get in line. Why on such a busy day...do they only have one clerk checking out. I stood there watching another clerk blowing up birthday balloons and get well balloons. I don't understand management skills.....I think those could have waited until there were less people waiting to check out. The lady waiting behind me looked so mean.....I was glad to get out of that store.

Our final stop was lunch at Wendy's. I had a small chili and a baked potato with chives. I checked at Wendy's site and that equaled 540 calories. That's all I had today and am still feeling full. I've drank about a quart of water so far. I think I'll make my 3 quarts before the day is over. I wish water wasn't so important in losing weight.

We got home and unloaded the car. I scan my shopping for Neilson's. Mom usually readings the stuff of the reciept as I scan the items. Low and behold.....I got overcharged 10 bucks at WalMart. I was mad at myself for not adding stuff up in my head before I got to the check out counter. Off I went..back to Walmart to get my money back.

Just got a phone call from my cousin....he's on his way to get me....were off for coffee. Toodles....will finish my day later.

Losing Weight Forever....50 Habits of Naturally Thin People

I was reading the Readers Digest and came across this article of Losing Weight Forever. It states it is not a diet or a rigorous exercise program. Instead, it is a simple way to make weight loss a natural part of life. And the hard thing to believe is.........that it's fun!! You don't have to give up foods or join the gym. It is about balancing calories in tiny ways that add up to big benefits.

They have 50 things listed to do to start losing weight. Pick the ones that work for you and get started.

Do You Want to Eat Less?

A recent study found that people could eat 800 less calories a day and still feel satisfied. Hard to believe? It turns out most of us eat a lot more than we are aware of. There are easy ways to begin tracking.

The key? Focus on your snacking--it's probably where most of your calories are coming from without you being aware of it. Thats where these portion control tools come in handy:

1. Mesu bowls are beautifully designed snack bowls that let you know exactly how much you are eating. They come in measurements from half a cup to 2 cups. You can get the perfect portions everytime without the hassle of measuring. $49.95 for a set of 6.
2. Zevro's known for their great kitchenware, and their latest innovation is perfect for snack foods. The Indispensable dispenser is a wall-mounted gadget the dispenses the exact serving size of anything from cereal to nuts to trail mix. The cost is $29.99.

I always have been one that liked gadgets. I love household gadgets while my husband loves the garage gadgets. (I think his are a lot more expensive than mine.) I don't complain about his, and he doesn't complain about mine...it all works out...that's the bottom line.

The Snack lovers Diet

When you are trying to lose weight, snacking can be a real battle. If you are consistantly nibbling through out the day, it is hard to keep track of what you are actually eating.

If you learn to snack smart, you can actually lose weight. Eating small amounts of food at regular intervals, will keep your hunger pains at bay. Planning snack calories into your daily diet also allows you to have small treats so you don't feel deprived and end up over indulging.

Woman's Day Magazine has a flexible snack- the- pounds -away plan (combined with exercise), you can expect to lose one to two pounds a week.This plan allows for approximately 1350 calories per day.

Woman's Day Snack Lovers site provides:

1. one week of menus (printable)
2. substitutions
3. calorie chart (printable)

This plan also allows you to convert it to a grazing plan.

Getting Back on Track with this Weight Loss

I'm doing better today. It's surprising what a good night's sleep can do for a person. I've put things into persective and realize things could be far worse. The sky was blue and the sun was shining today.....we've had so many cloudy gloomy days in a row..it was really bothering me. I don't know how those people in Seattle are coping with all that. I think I'd have to buy a sun lamp.

Anyway..back to this losing weight issue. I think about the last time I lost weight, I didn't have a computer or didn't go to any weight loss groups. I just told myself ..it's time...and lost over 100 pounds in 6-7 months. It was rather wacky the way I did it. I didn't document my eating or exercise but remember eating lots and lots of green beans. I think part of my problem this time is reading so much information on here all of which says how hard it is to lose weight. I've got myself believing it.

I still have the new scale sitting here in the box. I've been afraid to get on it. I know I haven't gained ALL my weight back because I'm still now one pant size. My husband went and bought this photo package for me for Christmas. He wants a picture of us together....I told him, "NO WAY!!" I can't stand looking at myself. I won't even go back to the small town I use to live in to visit anyone because the last time anyone there saw me, I was a size 10. I still own a house there andI make my husband go to cut the grass and check on it. I hate feeling like this...looking like this. I wanted to post my picture....but gawd.....I just can't.

We went to Ireland and England this past May for vacation. My husband took lots of pictures. I went through them and took out everyone of them that had me in it. I also grabbed the ones my mom had with me in it too. I either am going to have to lose the weight or learn to accept who I am. (sighs)

So, today, I told myself I've got to get with it. I went to the store and bought peaches, strawberries and grapes. I made up a big container of my concoction of cucumbers, onions, celery, tomatoes, and hot peppers with a small about of low fat Italian dressing. I have an early post of 5 foods that burn fat. I'll be using 4 out of the 5. You know that old saying 4 out of 5 ain't bad.

Enough of my whining....I'm off to watch tv with mom.....water in hand.

Good intentions....fell through again

My plans today were to fast and go to the gym early this morning and be back home in time to take my mom to the doctors at 9 am. I woke up at 5 and decided to lay back down for a few minutes....bad mistake. I didn't wake up again until 8:15. There went my trip to the gym this morning. This has to be the worst time I've ever had trying to lose weight.

The doctor's visit really upset me. He told mom the leukemia was in her lymph nodes. I couldn't cry...I always have to be the strong one. (I'm crying as I'm typing this) Mom wanted to go out for breakfast. Since I usually have a hard time getting her to eat anything....I agreed. So....there went my fasting for the day.

I find myself sitting here eating dang tootsie rolls...worrying so. I have to take her to another doctor on the 24th. I'm so worried about the pain she is having in her groin area. I'm hoping they can give her something that doesnt make her sleep all the time but manages the pain. The doctor says the pain is caused by swollen lymph nodes.

I've got to start doing some research on this CLL leukemia. I want to know what I can do to help. I had her quit smoking when she was in the hospital the week before Christmas. Her coughing has subsided. She still wants one so bad. I'm torn as to what to do. Guess I'll ask that oncolgy doctor on the 24th. If the doctor says ok...I'm going to let her. I had bought her 10 cartons for xmas...I've got them hid.

My husband is gone for 3 weeks helping his sister. I havent felt this stressed in over a year (when I retired). I just turned 55 two days ago....thinking...these golden years ...they aren't so golden.

I don't want to leave mom alone so I'm going to have to put the gym on hold until my husband gets back.

Your folks prayers should would be appreciated.

24/24 milk your diet.....Lose weight

We know there isn't a sure fire method to taking weight off. Finding the one that works for you...that's the real challenge. Since I am a milk drinker...this one interested me.
24/24 milk website states there are studies which show you can tip the scales in your favor by drinking 24 ounces of fat free or low fat milk a day.

the 24/24 weight loss plan is quite simple:

1. cut calories
2. burn calories
3. drink 24 ounces of milk per 24 hours

The average expected weight loss is between 1 and 2 pounds a week. When I read that, made me think, this sounds like a realistic weight loss program.

This site is also giving away 24 trips to Nasau. This contest just started today (January 9th) There is nothing to buy. I've never been lucky...but it would be nice to think I may have lead a winner to the site!!!

This site offers a lot of free information. They have tips and tools as well as actvity ideas. They also have a 24-day recipe plan. I enjoyed this very informative site. Definitely worth checking out.

100 calorie treat snacks

I usually compensate my night time munchies with sweets. I have started purchasing the Nabisco Oreo thin crisps in the 100 calorie packs. These chocolate wafers have a great flavor and are quite satisfying. They also have chip ahoys, cheese wafers andRitz bits in the 100 calorie packages.

Now I need to set up actually snack times. I turned 55 today, and I am more determined to loss weight. I didn't have a cake....I ate a package of my Orea thin crisps to celebrate.

Tomorrow I'll be getting on my new scale. I'm sure it isn't going to be good. (Sighs)

Are you a victim of the late night munchies?

I find myself being a victim of the night time munchies. I'll catch myself snacking without even realizing it. This is my biggest downfall in my weight loss journey.
The late night munchies may be a result of:

• undereating at breakfast/or lunch
• emotional eating
• fatigue
• normal hunger pains

Here are a few tips to help:

• consume adequate calories at breakfast and lunch
• incorporate snacks
• honor your hunger
• set late-night snack times

I am going to try these tips and see if it helps. I'm glad I have started to write a food journal...it has made me so aware of my eating habits.

New Obesity Website Resource

Launching this week, is a new website called Obesity Resource. The website answers questions and provides guidance to prospective bariatric surgery patients, as well as for those who have already undergone one of the types of weight-loss surgery.

It is seeking to create an online supportive online community. It will include message boards as well as recipe boards. It will offer links to various bariatric surgeons, dieticians specializing in obesity diet management, plastic surgeons, psychologists and sleep specialists.
This new weight loss website is worth checking out...Obesity Resource.

The Flavor Point Diet

There is yet another diet out there..........called The Flavor Point Diet. Just when you think there can't possibly be another one out there, another one pops up. According to the Medical News Today, a major cause of overeating is eating too many flavors at once. (When I read that, reminded me of those kamakazie drinks we use to make as kids, everything but the kitchen sink in them and of course mom yelling...what are you kids doing!!!! ahhhh...what memories)Ooppss side-tracked again....back to the article.

"We stay hungry longer the more diverse the flavors of a meal or snack," said Dr David Katz, a professor at Yale school of medicine. "If flavors are thoughtfully distributed, we fill up on fewer calories. This explains why, for instance, people can eat a holiday meal to the point of feeling unpleasantly full, yet still have room for dessert. No, that's not because you have a 'hollow leg'. It's because of sensory specific satiety; the hypothalmus is hard-wired to respond to flavors."

Katz says his book has three goals: to empower people to purse their weight loss goals immediately and responsibly; to play a significant role in the way America thinks about the very concept of dieting, and to change the food supply.

The Flavor Point Diet has three phases, each of which makes use of flavor themes, more obvious in the beginning, subtle by the end.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone that tries this one.

Help with my weight loss blogging

There is a new website that gives lots of good information FREE on blogging. It is called Blog Goodies.

I'm quite the novice when it comes to doing stuff on here other than writing on my weight loss blog. This site is great for beginners. He is great about responding to remarks and questions as well.

If you have time, jump over and take a look, I'm sure you will learn something or go away with another perspective on blogging.

Self Diet Club...my newest venture

Self Diet Club is free to Self Magazine subscribers. It is only $12 a year for a subscription. Their motto is "Lose Weight.....Eat Healthy.....Get Fit". They offer some great tools. Here are a few of them:

1. keeping track of your meals
2. tracking your exercise
3. measuring your progress
4. getting advice from experts as well as members
5. create custom meal plans
6. create shopping lists

I've decided to subscribe and will be evaluating the articles. I will share interesting and helpful stories. I figure $12 per year is still a bargain compared to the majority of books/ programs available in the weight loss industry.

Weight loss products very profitable on Ebay

I decided to check out ebay searching under "weight loss" to see what were the hot items people were bidding on. La weight loss juice called Take Off wins hands down!!! Right now there has been 27 people bidding on 1-32 ounce bottle of this stuff listing running the price up to $41.00 with over 3 hours left to bid, not to mention the postage is $9.50. I found this ad to be misleading as it shows two bottles of this stuff but says in the description..one bottle. People have to think they are bidding on two...don't they? In case you want to get your bid in....there are more of this product up for bid. (I'll keep my money in my wallet......thank you)

The ad states that La weight loss is discontinuing this product. To me, that ought to be a hint right there....stuff probably isn't what it's cracked up to be. Here is the line that made me laugh: The all natural way to lose weight in just 2 days. The descriptions says, La weight loss Take Off will rid your body of the residual impurities left behind by your existing diet with an all-natural formula consisting of fruit juices, vitamins, minerals, and esential oils.

I was unaware that vitamins and minerals would rid a person of impuritites. Sounds hokey to me. I just shake my head when I see products such as these. I know we all like short cuts and things made easier ...but reality is....losing weight is not easy.....and there are no short cuts.

Pledge Bank needs pledges/My Ipod as a weight loss tool

I accidentally stubbled upon this website called Pledge Bank. I found it interesting. Most of us would like to do something to help others but don't always know how to go about it. At this site, a person can create their own pledge and ask "X" amount of people to join. The other option is to join a pledge that already exists.

Although this site doesn't have anything to do with weight loss, I wanted to share it. I've decided to complete an organ donor card. I've talked about it, but have never gotten around to it. I'm going to the driver's facility to see what I have to do to complete it.

I wish I could give my extra weight to someone that was too thin. It's too bad it isn't that easy.

Well, I'm off to the gym with my Apple Ipod. I love my Ipod....I use an arm strap and listen to my favorite tunes.I only use my Ipod when I go to the gym. To me, it is another weight loss tool...along with my Omron Pedometer, Model HJ-112. I have decided to start tracking the calories I burn when I use it versus when I forget to take it with me.

They are both quite affordable. The Ipod ranges in prices from $99 to $399. The cheapest place I found for this model of Pedometer is Walmart...only $18.74.

5 Foods that Burn Fat

It's hard to believe there are foods that take more calories to digest than they contain. Especially since everything I like is quite the opposite. I'm adding the following to my grocery list:

1. Peaches: The absorbic acid apparently make it easier to burn fat. A study done at the University of Colorado found that participants easily burned an extra 100 calories after ingesting the nutrient. Peaches also contain vitamin E, which can help to prevent long term skin damage and fight off wrinkles.
2. Coconut/Coconut Oil: You can burst energy with coconuts or coconut oil. Coconuts are full of medium-chain fatty acids which are used in your body as an immediate source of fuel. Unlike margarine or hydrogenated oils, which are hard to break down and get stored as fat.
3. Onions: Onions are a natural source of chromium, a nutrient that improves insulin efficiency and keeps blood levels stable. This helps to eliminate blood sugar crashes and subsequent snacking.
4. Hot Pepper and Cayenne: Hot peppers and cayenne pepper contain capsaicin, a compound that naturally speeds metabolism and burns fat.
5. Strawberries: Strawberries are great if you want to burn fat. They are lower in sugar than other fruits and high in fibre which fills you quickly. They are also a rich source for vitamin C, which has been proven to increase metabolism.

Believe it or not, there is actually a diet plan out there called:The Negative Calorie Diet I'm a little leery of this diet after reading their testimonial. Miranda says, after 5 days my pants wouldn't stay up. I had lost 11 pounds. That just sounds a tad shady to me. My pants sure didn't fall off me when I had lost 11 pounds....they didn't even fall of when I had lost 20.

G 2 Fitness Ball

Although I enjoy going to the gym, I sometimes for one reason or another...don't make it there. I tell myself, if I had this or that...I would workout more at home. (In the basement,I've got two treadmills, a rowing machine, stair stepper, bicycle, and power rider) As much as I use these machines, they will never wear out.

So, I tell myself, if I had something I could use upstairs, I'd really use that...since I don't like to go down in the basement. That is how I became the proud owner of a G2 fitness ball. It came with a DVD showing various exercises. This DVD shows a young guy going to town doing these exercises. I think in his real life, he is an acrobat.

I tried sitting on that thing....whoaaaaa...it's not as easy as it looks. And the exercise where you lay across the ball and lift one leg and one arm.......well.....I fell off the ball. The only one I can do is holding the thing in front of me and doing these squats.

I've not got another item to add to my collection in the basement. I'm sitting here smiling, knowing, when I see another product out there that looks do-a-ble....I'll be buying it. Since my birthday is on the 9th, (the big 55) I'm sure I'll have another product or two to write about. Wondering.......hmmmm.....will I ever learn?

Treatment for Weight Loss is TAX DEDUCTABLE!!!!

A new year is upon us and it is time to start thinking about filing our dreaded taxes again. I was surprised to see that weight loss treatment is tax deductable while reading the AOA website. I found this site interesting as it has answers such questions as:

• Who is elibible for the deduction?

• What is the definition of a weight loss program? Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers were a couple of examples given. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a change in its policy regarding how taxpayers may deduct the costs of weight loss / weight control programs.

1. What has changed?
The IRS set out a new policy in a Revenue Ruling (2002-19) on April 2, 2002.

New Policy: In Revenue Ruling 2002-19, the IRS stated that, 'Obesity is medically accepted to be a disease in its own right.' The IRS ruled that, 'Uncompensated amounts paid by individuals for participation in a weight-loss program as treatment for a specific disease or diseases (including obesity) diagnosed by a physician are expenses for medical care that are deductible under § 213, subject to the limitations of that section.' It's an informative site....check it out!!

My critique of yesterdays weight loss commercials

I can't believe all the various weight loss commercials I saw in just a few hours on the tv. When I wasn't watching, I had my mom write down the weight loss commercials she saw. So, in a 6 hour period, we saw 25 weight loss commercials representing 12 different programs or products.

Watching Kristie Alley, doing back flips and dancing up a storm promoting Weight Watchers wore me out. And then there was Hydroxycut, wow...People did 4 and half times better on this product than people that excercised and dieted. Yea right......I couldn't read that fine print at the bottom of the screen. This pill is only 49.95 for a 30 day supply.

How about the LA Weight Loss. One lady stated she couldn't even eat all the food and it was really easy. Just 7 bucks a week. One lady lost 46 pounds in 17 weeks. I noticed there was small print at the bottom of screen.

Then there was one called Medifast. The average weight loss on this program is 2-5 pounds a week and it is delivered to the door for $1.54 a day. At least the two pounds sounded more realistic than most of the commercials.

Dexatrim Max was really a popular one....I saw that one 4 times. It says it gives maxium help in a maxed out world. Another one just as popular was, Women's Workout World. These gyms are located in the Chicago area. They do offer a free trial membership.

Other commercials I saw included Bally Total Fitness (3 times), Nutrisystem, Bariatric Surgery, WeightSmart Vitamin, and Curves. (all shown once)

It angers me to see absurd claims made on the various products. I see it as an insult to the public's intelligence. I know that whatever program a person selects to lose weight, it is never easy. It takes committment and a change in one's eating choices.

Tracking weight loss commercials

I decided today, to keep track of all the weight loss commercials I saw on tv. I've noticed the last few days an onslaught of these commercials. Everyone is trying to cash in on this booming market.
I'll make my post on my findings tomorrow.

When I went to the Kroger grocery store today, they had the Sonoma diet book displayed near the check out counters.......40% off. I picked it up but set it back down without opening the cover. I just told myself........NOT one more book!!! I was rather proud of my self-control. I do like the one picture on their website showing the curvy road with the beautiful blue ocean on the left. I'm just not sure what that picture has to do with weight loss. It must be those waves you tackle when you use this diet. hmmm......wonder if that is part of wave number one. I know, I know, I have a goofy sense of humor.

My Omron Pedometer and the Gym

It's been over two weeks since I went to the gym but I started back today. I wore my Omron Pedometer, Model HJ-112. It is so light weight, I don't even realize I have it on. When I read the reviews of others, the only complaint they had, was the clip used to hold it on your belt was faulty. I have been clipping it just to my pants since most of my clothes don't have belts. It seems to hold quit snug. I believe Omron has improved this clip. It shows good companies listen to customers.

I was able to walk on the treadmill for an hour and 10 minutes. This equaled 500 calories to my weight loss. My Omron pedometer showed I walked 8520 aerobic steps. I am determined to make my 10,000 steps at least 5 days a week. I go a cramp in the muscle above my right knee and my right hip was also aching. I tried to do the rowing machine but my leg hurt too much. I called it a day and came home.

I've drank 20 ounces of Dasani lemon flavored water. There are zero calories and zero carbs in it. It has a great flavor and doesn't leave an after taste in your mouth. It is quite refreshing.

It's time to make some green tea and plan out my day. I'm going to write in my journal as soon as I log off here so I don't forget. It's just too easy to say..........LATER!!

Mixed Emotions about this Weight Loss

Happy New Year everyone.

I haven't been to the gym since my son was here to visit....t