My sister is coming to visit.

I just got an email from my sister, Doreen. She is coming home to visit on March 15th. I have to pick her up at O'Hare airport. (I hate driving in Chicago) I havent seen her since my dad's death which was 4 years ago today. She is rather a drama queen so I'm hoping I can withstand it all for 6 days.

I'm excited to see her but also embarrassed. She has always been a size 6. Although I think she got down to a 4 when she was having trouble with her teeth. Here I am.....bigger than a cow. She is going to be shocked to see how much weight I've gained. (And I've even lost over 20 lbs since she's seen me last) There's no hope in losing all this weight in 15 days. (I'm feeling stressed and want to head for the candy.)

Realistic Weight Loss Infomercial???

Last night I was up late again. My husband had left the TV on when he went to bed. I was on my computer so wasn't really paying attention to what was on. Low and behold, a half hour program came on, getting in shape by someone named Gunnar (I think). Guaranteed even.

It showed a bunch of people doing exercised on and with one of those balls. All the women looked to be about a size 3. None of the men were over weight either. Only thing I saw were people holding up various large pants during the show...(the old me)

To make these programs more realistic, they should be putting heavy people in them. It sure would make it more believeable. Perhaps they sell enough without including people like me. I can't believe that many people could be convinced with a program like that.

I said to myself....oh pleaseeeeeeee....after I saw the second pair of huge pants displayed. The good thing that come of that program, it made me tired. I turned it off and went to bed...just shaking my head in disbelief.

My new diet scale

I bought a new scale yesterday to weight food. I've never seen one quite like this one before. It is made by Taylor.....model #3803. It has a lot of unique features. It's called a Commercial Healthy weigh nutritional scale. It has a weight capacity of 6.6 lbs. I bought it at Blain's Farm and Fleet store.

With this scale you can get specific nutrient values based on the weeight of the actual food. It provides dietary information for 500 foods. It displays quantities specific to the food for:

1. fat 2. calorie 3. fiber 4. sodium 5. cholesterol 6. protein 7. carbohydrate 8. glucose

It also has a memory function to set target values. It only takes a nine volt battery. It also shuts off by itself after 2 minutes. With my memory, I love that function. It also has a 3 year warranty.

This thing is going to make dieting more fun. I just have to figure out how to use it. That's what husbands are for...isn't it? (grinning) I find the older I get, the more I like gadgets. When I was younger and raising kids, I couldn't afford the luxury of such items. I'm making up for that now.

5 ways to get your metabolism moving faster

I was reading an interesting article in an older issue I saved from Woman's World. According to Dr. Gillespie, the real key to losing weight and keeping it off is to keep your metabolism operating at a high speed. In fact, scientific studies have shown that a few simple strategies can boost your fat-burning potential by 40% or more. They're practically sweat-free.
Metabolism booster #1:
Remember your mulitivitamin. People who take a simple multivitamin/mineral supplement daily burn 4% more than those who don't and they tend to weight 15 pounds less.

Metabolism booster #2:
Take off your sweater. Research suggests that when your body has to work a little to warm you up, it automatically burns 12% more calories than when you are warmer. If you normally keep your house at 70 degrees F, dropping it down to 68 could help you burn an extra 100 calories daily.

Metabolism booster #3:
Drizzle on a little MCT oil. European doctors have proved that taking 3.4 grams of conjungated linoleic acid (CLA)--a batgyrak fatty acid found in beef, lamb and dairy products--daily could help women shed 8 solid pounds of body fat without dieting. CLA is a liver enzyme that helps countrol how quickly you burn calories, especially fat calories, for fuel. MCT oil, can do the same thing. Two table spoons daily could pump up your calorie-burning power as effictively as a 30-minute run. (Wow...that seems unbelievable to me.)

Metabolism booster #4:
Switch from coffee to tea. Experts say green tea is the beverage of choice for super-fast fat loss. Swiss research has revealed that besides caffeine, it is also rich in catechins, unique plant compounds that boost your metabolic rate up to 4% better than coffee and increasebrain levels of noradrenaline, a hormone that helps our body burn fat for fuel. Experts say, four cups could help you burn 80 extra calories daily. But take the concentrated, catechin-rich capsule form, and Swiss doctors say you could up our metabolic rate as much as 40%.


Metaboism booster #5:
Pig out---then nibble all day long. Doctors at the University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health reported that just eating a big morning meal is so effective at kick-starting a sluggish metabolism, it helps women lose up to four pounds without dieting or exercising. Experts now recommend splitting up your lunch and dinner into four mini-meals. Everytime you eat, your metabolic rate surges 10% higher for up to 3 hours. So if you eat every two to three hours, your metaboic rate will stay 10% higher all day long.

I've never been one that likes taking pills. I know I have vitamins sitting around here somewhere. I'm going to start taking them making sure I document them in my journal. I'll see if I notice a difference. I do drink green tea although I've been rather lax recently. I'm going to up my intake from 2 to 4 cups a day. We'll just see. As they say, the proof is in the pudding.

Another night...I can't sleep

Here I am sleepy but awake. I hate these kind of nights. I laid in bed for about an hour....couldn't take looking at the clock anymore and got up. Sitting here munching on Jalapeno Pringles and drinking a diet coke. What a combination~~

I bought a couple of new cd's that are suppose to help u sleep. The one with the ocean waves just makes me want to go on vacation. I love the water. I'm going to take my mom to see her sister out east in the spring. I should get some ocean time in then. I still haven't been deep sea fishing in my life.

When I can't sleep like this...I'm always so groggy the next day and can't seem to make myself go to the gym. It's like I'm on a self destuct path. At least I've put the top back on the pringles. It made me feel bad, typing about weight loss ...and eating junk food.

I just talked to a friend that is coming up this way on June 2nd.....that should be an incentive to get some weight off. Knowing me though, I'll make an excuse and won't go. I'm so good at doing that.

I'm going to go lay on the couch and watch tv...that should put me to sleep. That way I can wake up with a crink in my neck in the morning. I'll have to weigh which is worst...sleeplessness ...or a sore neck.

Good night all!!

Old Habits are Hard to Break

I have read it takes 21 days to break a habit. hummmm....I must be a darn exception to that rule. I was doing to good documenting everything I ate and the time I ate it. I did that for over a month. Here I am again....off the track.

It's been a week since I tracked my food intake. I have been keeping track of my water and soda I drink and also my time at the gym. I can't for the life of me, understand why I haven't been writing down what I've been eating. I have been gone quite a bit the last 4 days but I know that's just an excuse. (Sighs)

I did get on the scale and I haven't gained any weight this past week. Today's a new day and I'm starting again writing down what I'm eating. So far, nothing. I don't like going to the gym after I've eaten. I plan on a bowl of oatmeal when I get back.

I've been reading a blog by M. She writes so well and is so upbeat. Check it out...I know you will leave it with a smile on your face.

My Mom is My Priority

I didn't make it to the gym yesterday. I decided to call the tanning place to see if I could change the time on my tanning. Good thing I called, the girl had wrote me in on the wrong line. I was scheduled for 11:30. I figured that would just cut short my workout by a half hour.

I noticed my mom getting her shoes on and ready to go. Ahhh, I had forgotten, we were suppose to go shopping. I knew then, I should have went to the gym EARLY in the morning. My plans for the day were totally changed. I ran up to the tanning place and got in a little early and then came home and picked up mom.

It was one of those marathon shopping days. We shopped in town then had to drive to the next town to hit the mall and their surrounding stores. I was really proud of myself, didn't buy myself anything. My mom pooped out in the mall so I had to leave her on a bench and kept going. I was looking for a peach colored size 6x little girl's shirt to go with these pants I bought. I never thought that would be such a hard task. I wondered to myself, why is it, things you think should be so simple, never are. Needless to say, I never found one that matched.

We knew we weren't going to want to cook a thing when we got back home. We stopped at Wendy's. I had a baked potato and a small chili. That was all I had eaten up to that point in the day. (When I'm shopping, I never am hungry)

We had a good time. At this point in mom's life, that is my priority...making her happy. Missing the gym was worth it for sure. Yesterday was just another adjustment in my weight loss journey. A good one.

I'm sounding like a broken record

Yesterday I worked out for a total of an hour and 50 minutes. I burned off 820 calories. I only walked a mile on the treadmill because of that dumb leg of mine. The darn thing still hurt in the afternoon. I also went swimming for a half hour. I'm sounding like a broken record though..it seems that is all I do...gym...swimming....swimming...gym. (sighs)

The hospital gym I attend is only open until noon on Saturday. I have to go out of town this morning so I can't go. I hope I can talk myself into working out on some of my own machines when I get home. Knowing me though...I probably won't.

I'm going to finish my green tea and get going. I sometimes wonder how I ever had time to work. It seems like the time goes by even faster now that I'm retired. It's just too bad the weight doesn't come off as fast.

Over 10,000 Steps Achieved on the Treadmill

I went to the gym today...and as I figured...my friend didn't show up. That was ok. I had my Ipod and just listened to Cher for my entire workout. (100 minutes on the treadmill). I only made 5 and three quarter miles. Since I hadn't done the treadmill since last Friday, I was happy with my effort. The only thing, my right leg has been bothering me again all day. I think tomorrow, I'll just go 5 miles. That is the magic 10,000 steps a lot of weight loss programs say you need to burn off a day. (I read so much I get myself confused)

My husband actually showed up to workout today. His ankle started bothering him so he cut his time on the treadmill short. We all need to listen to our bodies. I should have quit the treadmill at probably 4 and half miles today. I was just starting to feel an ache in my right leg at that distance. Let's see if I remember that tomorrow.

I haven't decided whether to go swimming before I go to the gym tomorrow. I felt pretty good the other day when I did it that way. I guess I'll just see what the morning brings.....I'm off to drink some more water.

I'm having a better afternoon..back in the weight loss mode

I went swimming and feel much better. I can tell I'm getting stronger. I'm able to swim 4 laps before I have to take a break. I remember when I first started, I use to have to take a break after each lap. I'm still have no idea how many calories are used in swimming a lap. I'm going to have to try and find that on here.

After swimming, I went to the gym. I decided not to use the treadmill. I spent over an hour in the rowing machine and burnt off 511 calories. I moved to this arm machine and burnt off another 100 calories. I called it a day after that. It totalled about an hour and half at the gym. I ran into the girl I use to workout with there. We had a nice visit. She said she is going to meet me in the morning at the gym. I'm going...we'll have to see if she shows up. I remember the past...unreliable. I feel sorry for her though..due to health issues, she has gained back all the weight she had lost the past 7 months. I tried to encourage her...but it made me remember how I felt this morning.

I've got to get drinking more water today. It's time for me to fold another load of laundry. I'm glad that blah feeling has left me.I'm back on track with my weight loss journey.....YEAAAAAA

Weight gain? ....can't be!!!

I just woke up and feel so yucky. My back was bothering me last night and I took 3 viacdon pain pills. All they do is dull the pain and then I feel rotten the next day. It's kind of like a hang over. I just don't have the energy to go to the gym.

I've decided I'll go swimming at 11:30. Perhaps that will wake me up and I will fee like going to the gym. I got on the scale this morning. I looked and said...WHAT????....NO WAY!! It says I've gained two pounds. I realized I skipped the gym the last two days but geesh...how can that be? I'm hoping it is water weight. It just makes me feel like throwing in the towel.

I think I'll go lay back down for a few minutes. Maybe I'll have a different frame of mind when I get up. I just want this blah feeling to go away!!! This feeling is worse than feeling fat!!

I'll write more later...with a better frame of mind I hope.

Stalling my own weight loss

Some people say you should get on the scale, other say you shouldn't. I'm just not sure. I get disgusted when I get on the scale and see I've stayed the same or gained. On the other hand, I get so thrilled when I see I've lost. The problem I have when I see I've lost, I think I can cheat.

I lost two pounds through my hard work last week. Here I sit this morning, I'm planning on skipping the gym. I'm telling myself, I'll just eat less today. I know deep down, I won't. I've got that little voice telling me to get off my butt. I'm just not budging...yet. Perhaps later. (Sighs)

Weight Gain is not caused by Late Night Eating

I have always had a hard time with night eating. Since I've started documenting everything I consume, it has gotten better for me. I've always blamed my inability to lose weight to my night eating. I was surprised to read the results of a study done at Oregon Health and Science University.

Some of the preliminary data presented at the 2005 Society for Neuroscience Meeting shows that a person's activity level was a better indicator of weight gain and weight loss. They stated, if a person is interesting in losing weight, a diet change alone may not be enough.

I've been losing weight ever so slowly. It is only through my change in diet and my workouts at the gym that are helping me accomplish this weight loss.

Choosing a diet that works

There are so many diet plans out there. It doesn't matter which diet you look at, there are always people who leave rave reviews having lost 100 lbs on 90% of them. I am a firm believe in the old statement, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is." In other words, which ever weight program a person selects, it's not easy. It's all about making permanent life changes. Being able to stay focused and stick with the diet you have selected. Of course it is important to check with your doctor and get his approval.

My doctor signed me up for exercise program at my local hospital. At least this way, if I have a stroke or heart attack working out, they won't need an ambulance to transport me. I really like working out there, most people are my age or older (50ish on up). No one dresses to the 9's. It's just a very comfortable atmosphere. It makes you want to come back.

My diet is a combination of many. I've read so many books and tried so many diets I've lost count. I've lost over 100 pounds not once, but twice. That is why I consider myself a novice at dieting. I was suppose to weight myself this morning after the great week I had, but I forgot. I ended up fixing bacon, eggs, and hash browns for my husband and mom. I ate a few hash browns and feel blouted. I'm going to wait and weigh myself tomorrow.

The Diet Channel has so much information on diets and have them grouped making it easier to select one you feel might suit you. They have diets listed by:

1. Diets that are in the news
2. Diets by food groups
3. Fad diets
4. Diets by food
   

Donuts at Church Today

I got up this morning about 7 am. I decided to go to 7:30 mass so had to do some scurrying around to get ready. It's a good thing I only live about 5 minutes from the church. I didn't have time to get anything to eat but I did gulp down a glass of water. Wouldn't you know, one of the announcements at church, donuts and coffee over in the school gym after mass. Ugh!! I wrestled with that thought until mass was over. Here we go again, me and that little voice in my head. First, I'm telling myself it's ok because I've been so good all week. Then that little voice kept saying, no no don't go.....you want to register a weight loss tomorrow.

When mass was over, I walked out of church and glanced towards the school. I just sighed and turned away and walked towards my car. That was tough and easy both. Anyway, I had victory over that temptation.

I just crushed up some fresh strawberries and used some Splenda to sweeten them. I'll treat myself to a strawberry shortcake tonight. I know that has to be better.

Saturday workout ...remembering calories in....calories out

Today I just did not want to go to the gym. I got dressed, grabbed my Ipod, grabbed my two drinks and instead of heading for the door I sat back down. I agrued with myself. I told myself it was ok to skip a day...then this little voice said no no, you need to go. So after arguing with myself, I decided there was a happy medium, I just wouldn't say as long as I normally do. I got on that treadmill and started watching the laps go by, 1, 2,3,4....yea one mile. I was listening to Cher's album, Believe...that really motivates me. I told myself, you can do another 4 laps before you call it a day. I kept it up making it a game to see how long it would take me. I kept moving the speed up and down. I actually ended up walking a little over 6 miles (24 laps). I was so proud of myself for sticking it out. I just wish this weight loss journey wasn't so hard.

I talked myself into going to the gym 6 days in a row. I also went swimming 4 days. I'm going to weigh myself on Monday. I've kept track of the calories I've burnt off at the gym this week. They add up to 4730. I'm not sure how to really measure the swimming. I've read enough articles which state a pound equal 3500 calories. I should have lost more than a pound this week. Monday will tell how well I'm moving on this weight loss journey.

Weight loss resolutions are falling to the wayside for many

Today I went to lap swimming at the YMCA. I don't usually go at noon and wasn't sure how many people swam in that hour. I was talking with the life guard. She told me she was sure glad everyone's new years resolution had fallen to the wayside. She said that the first 3 weeks of January were awful busy. So many people showing up to swim that they actually had to take turns because only 2 at a time could swim in each lane.

Today there were only 5 of us swimming. She told me on Monday, there was only one person during that hour. This only makes me more determined to stick with my weight loss plan. I hate being part of a failing statistic.

I walked 5 and half miles on the treadmill today at 6.5 elevation. My leg was bothering me when I finished. I told myself I wasn't going to go so long today...but I kept telling myself, one more lap and one more lap. It took me an hour and half to walk that far. I'm glad I went swimming after I got done at the gym, it really helped my leg.

I plan on weighing myself on Monday. I'll have gone to the gym 6 days (wishing they were open on Sunday) and swimming 4 days. I've been working so hard this week, I'm sure hoping I show some kind of weight loss.

When Should You Replace Your Running Shoes

We all spend time walking whether it be on a treadmill, a mall, or walking our neighborhood. Having shoes that fit and aren't worn out is so important whether you are trying to lose weight or not. Over time your shoes can lose their stability and also lose their ability to absorpt shock.

I've read various articles and most say to replace shoes between 350-550 miles. Although I did read one article which said to replace shoes every 800 miles. I just keep track of my time on the treadmill and the amount of calories, I don't usually write down the mileage. Guess I'm going to start.

By placing your shoes on the table and looking at them from behind, you can tell if they are worn out. If you shoes lean to one side or the other, it is time for replacement. I'm going to use mine for working in the garden. I am so bad about throwing anything away.

Sides of midsole wear are:

1. If you start feeling aches and pains you never experienced before doing the same amount of exercise.
2. Look for creases in the midsole material especially in the heel and ball of the foot areas of the shoes.
3. Try twisting your shoes. A worn midsole will make a shoe twist easily.
4. Try on a new pair of shoes just like the ones you are use to wearing. If the cushioning feels flat in comparison, it is worn out.

Wearing proper foot wear is important. I know I always say....gosh I've finally got these shoes broke in. Actually, most of them are finally worn out.

I use to be a mail carrier so I've tried many many kinds of shoes in all price ranges. I've always found that men's shoes wore much better and longer than women's shoes.

It's time for me to get my shoes on and head to the gym. I'm having a great week so far on this weight loss journey. I know it is all because I changed my mind set. I just keep remembering the juggling act I had daily at work and now I'm apply it to my retired life. I'd have to say, my priority list has changed. This weight loss journey has become number 1.

Off I go...Ipod in hand along with two bottles of sunrise drink by Crystal Light (5 calories per bottle).

Husband is faltering on his weight loss journey

He was so gung go about losing weight. I took his snacks away from around his chair and gave 3 sacks of food away. It seems to be to no avail though. He lasted about 2 days of watching what he is eating...snackwise that is. I keep telling him, you aren't going to lose weight that way. He just says, I'm doing better than I was. That statement is true but it seems he is trading one thing for another.

When we went the gym two days ago, he spent more time visiting than he did working out. He did the same thing at swimming. Yesterday he only worked out less than a half hour and only swam 15 minutes. I noticed this morning, during the night he got up and ate a chunk of cheese, he left the wrapper sitting on the kitchen counter.

I can't get him to drink enough water. I'm lucky to get him drink two small bottles. You know the old saying, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it. All I can do is keep trying.

I'm heading off to go swimming.

Another day of adjusting to meet my daily weight loss goal

This morning slipped by so fast. I had planned on going swimming at noon but got side tracked by my husband. I was checking airfares from various airports for him. Before I knew it, it was 12:15. This changes my whole plans. Now I have to go swimming at 2:00 and then go to the gym at 3:00.

I've never worked out in the afternoon before. It is going to be interesting to see how long last. My legs are rather sore today. I had the incline set on the treadmill part of the time at 7.0. I'm guessing that was too much for me. That old saying, No Pain No Gain...I don't believe that...I got a sharp pain in the front muscle on the top part of my right leg after about 45 minutes on the treadmill. It bothered me most of the evening. Today if it starts hurting, I'm getting off and moving on to another machine.

I've drank over a quart of water already today. I had one sausage link, one piece of toast, egg beaters and some dry hash browns for breakfast. Lunch consisted of one banana. It's now 1:20 and I don't feel hungry.

It's time to get my swimsuit and gym clothes together.

Weight loss Methods and Strategies That Work

I am reading a website called The Diet Channel. It is loaded with all types of diet information. The section I'm concentrating on right now is the weight loss methods and strategies that work. They offer a free 8 week on-line self-study weight loss program. Each week is broken down with information and activities.

I've always believed that no one diet works for everyone...that's why there are so many out there. The Diet Channel offers a multitude of weight loss programs to choose from. For me, it is a combination of various weight loss programs that work for me.

I'm going to finish my green tea and head off to the gym. I'm planning on working with the weight machines today as well as the cardio machines. I guess I never realized how important it is to build muscle. It just makes me realize what a novice I am at permanent weight loss.

Off I go.....water in hand.

Adjusting my weight loss schedule

Now that I am using the same technique I did to accomplish my goals, I've already had to make an adjustment for today. I laughed to myself when I woke up at 8:00 am, knowing I had missed the timeframe I had given myself to go swimming. Before, I would have just told myself, it's too late, just forget it....but now....no way. This weight loss journey is too important. I always took great pride in my work and had great work ethics. I'm just changing the mode in which I need to be that same person.

They have senior swimming from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. I'll be going to that session. The gym went well for me today. Walked 4 and half miles on a 6.0 incline and did the rowing machine for 11 minutes....total of 660 calories.

My husband worked out too. His blood pressure is still too high in the morning. I'm going to give him another week and send him back to the doctor if it doesn't come down. He's my problem child all right. He sure hates drinking water. I'm trying to make it fun for him though, giving him little rewards when he does what he's suppose to. I found him sneaking in the peanuts last night after he had already had a few cheese nips. I told him it was ok this time since it was super bowl night. I let him know he wasn't going to be making a habit of all that snacking again. He just smiled.

Planning my strategy....goal....continued weight loss

I was thinking about a recent post I made in regards to looking for another job. I'm sure you're wondering...how does this pertain to weight loss. I use to leave for work at 5:15 am and usually get home about 5:00 pm unless I had errands to run. While working I always had short term and long term goals for my office and had to set up my strategy to accomplish these goals. I was always quite determined and loved that feeling of success when I could check off the tasks I had completed in a successful and timely manner.

I've decided I need to be use this type of system to continue losing weight. I still get up early every morning. So instead of leaving for work at 5:15 am, I'm going to go swimming at 6:00 am. After swimming for an hour, I'm going to go to the gym where I'll be working out a least an hour a day. I will be doing the various weight machines 3 days a week in addition to my workout. I make excuses that I don't have time...but I'm fooling no one but myself. Writing this makes me realize why my weight loss is so so slow.

I've got out my day planner and have made my entries on things to do this upcoming week. I'll be checking them off daily. It is going to be interesting to see how many times this week I fool myself into not completing the tasks I've set for myself.

Goals:
1. swimming 1 hr M-F
2. gym 1 hr M-S
3. weights 3 days per week
4. drinking water 2 quarts per day

I'll post next Sunday on how well I did.

Losing my Patience with this Federal Tax book

We decided to figure out our taxes today. Needless to say, I've been sitting here eating gum drops while added, subtracting and multiplying. He's doing it on the computer and I'm figuring it out the old fashioned way. I hate this time of year....I always seem to jump on him. He never takes the required amount out during the year. I always take out extra.

I retired February 1st last year. It was surprising to check my income for January against what I made the other 11 months. I had so much vacation saved, I made more in January than I did the rest of the year.

I've thought about going back to work just to help me with this weight loss. Even if it's volunteer work. I think if I was busier, I'd have less time to hit the refrigerator or the spice drops or my favorite, junior mints. I just haven't gotten past the thinking stage yet.

I keep thinking I'm better off just being here for mom. She needs me more. I figure I've got a roof over my head, groceries, my bills are paid and still have some left for fun. I see I've just talked myself into forgetting about the job. I better talk myself into doing what is necessary to keep this weight loss going.

I haven't been drinking enough water that last few days. It sure is obvious when I don't drink like I should. When I take my socks off, I'm so bloated, it looks like I had rubber bands around my ankles. I can also tell by the way my pants fit me around my waist. I sometimes think I am in a self-destruct mode.

Time to do the state tax now. ( Sighs)

Drive thru bakery?

I just got back from the grocery store. I was waiting at a stop sign and looked over at dunkin donuts. Low and behold, there was a long line at a drive thru window. I was so surprised. I'm not sure when that started...but that just about takes the cake. It's no wonder we just keep getting fatter and fatter....businesses just make it easier for us.

No wonder the weight loss industry keeps growing and growing each year....we do too as a society. It makes me wonder if these places have stock in the various diet enterprises available. It only makes sense, we get 'em fat, you sell the idea of getting thin.

I had to get that off my chest...time to go have a cup of green tea and a bowl of oatmeal. I don't care how convienent they make that stuff, I'm sticking to my weight loss program.

Hubby is getting serious about this weight loss

When I was at the doctor I told him Alex needed to start working out at the gym again. I knew the only way I'd get him there was if the doctor wrote out a prescription ordering him to go. Starting Monday, he is going to have to start working out.

I had him start a food journal two days ago. I think when he sees what he is eating, he'll understand his weight loss much better...or weight stall...whichever mode he's in. I'll be having him keep track of his workouts as well.

Since he knows there isn't anyway of getting out of going to the gym, he went out and bought himself an Ipod Shuffle today. He's decided, if he has to workout, he'd rather be listening to music than watching the Oprah show. That's what is always on the TV when I'm there. I love her show.
We are going to each have to drive our own vehicles at first. I've been working out and will be there longer than him to start.

He's been doing real good and only eating what I tell him is acceptable. That old saying do as I say, not as I do.....(I had 2 little trick or treat size bags of M+M's last night.) I made him eat a peach. I need to do that myself. I have more weight to lose than him, so I better be the one that gets REAL REAL REAL serious about this weight loss. I HATE losing...but in this case....I want to lose!!!...weight that is....weight.

Losing weight on the dash diet---7-day plan

I found another site on the Dash Diet. This one is very comprehensive and has lots of information to share in regards to lowering blood pressure and losing weight.

It has a 7 day diet plan shown. I love when people give me ideas on what to eat. I always seem to get in a rut. It makes weight loss harder for me when I limit myself on so many things.

Weight Loss Tips! What is the best way to lose fat?

I was reading an interesting article written by Justin Leonard over at Health Recipes. He states the first and best way to burn fat is to modify your current diet. Three simple ways to can begin to modify are:

1. reduce calories
2. reduce sodium
3. reduce fat

Excess sodium along with fat can cause water retention. But what causes these unwanted gains in weight and body fat? He lists three possible reasons:

1. late night eating (that's me)
2. exceeding your normal caloric intake
   
3. lack of exercise and physical activity

He lists ways in which to increase a person's metabolism. This inturn will cause weight loss as well as fat loss. It's a great article.

Lowering Blood Pressure naturally...Dash Diet

High blood pressure should be a concern of everyone. In fact, one out of two people over the age of 60 has high blood pressure. The Dash Diet has shown through studies it helps to lower blood pressure. Dash stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

Of course, we all know that losing weight and exercise can help lower blood pressure as well. The combination of the three will definitely be an optimum way of achieving normal blood pressure are even sustaining it.

In this article is shows as same of a 2,000 calorie diet which would be easy to adjust to a 1,500 calorie diet. I'd love to think it would be possible to quit taking my blood pressure medicine.

I realize that high blood pressure is also hereditary and I'm not sure how this diet works with that. I am going to do some research on that subject. Gosh, I feel like I'm back in college. The big difference is the use of a computer to assist in finding related material. Back in my dinosaur days, we didn't have computers. I use to read books and journals.

Time for me to dash off to the gym.

What Body Type Are You?

I didnt' realize there were names for body types. I always think in terms of short, tall, thin or fat. That's sure not scientific. It was interesting to read at weightlossforall and article on the various body types. They are:

1. mesomorph
2. ectomorph
3. endomorph

What I found interesting, was depending on your body type, different programs should be used to lose weight.
Sad to say, I'm an endomorph. This means, I store fat easily. It also states that there is more fat around the internal organs making it harder to lose weight. Weight loss is a constant struggle.

I've printed out all the things I should be doing. It always makes it easier seeing things in black and white.

Check this website out so you can see what body type you are. It just might help you with your weight loss journey.

Tracking weight loss along with healthy information

The USDA has a wonderful site in which you can track your food intake. They also have a game that kids can play. It shows the pyramid of foods. It allows you to individualize your own pyramid. Definitely a site to check out.

I'm off shopping with hubby and mom...will write more later. So far I haven't had a thing to eat or drink. Ugh