Week 6 Results or If a Tree Falls

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results from Week 6, Part 2. If you notice, I have changed the spreadsheet so that the To Date tab that was previously showing is missing. I will include that sheet every fourth week now instead of weekly.



Congratulations to Katherine who is this week's Biggest Loser as well as to Sharon who had a fabulous first week. Kudos to everyone else that managed to lose this week. Way to go Travelers.

I want to let you know that I have decided to discontinue the blog at the end of Part 2 in May. Between now and then I will be posting weekly results every Tuesday for the group but will not post daily as I have been.

The Biggest Loser of Part 2 will still be awarded the prize money. A deal is a deal.

I could explain all my reasons for this but I really don't have the energy or the desire. It is my intent to continue writing and blogging, because I really enjoy it, so maybe we will meet again on another site.

Inspiration of the Day

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. - Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States.

Happy Trails!

Monday Monday

Greetings Friends~

I am happy to report that I made it through the weekend cheat free. Woohoo! I think my list actually worked because every time I was tempted, I thought about the questions on my list and it brought me back into focus.

I worked out Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. I am hoping that when I stop by Group Health this morning before work that my efforts pay off. Instead of dreading the weigh in, I'm looking forward to eat.

Overall, it was a great weekend. I didn't get any work done outside, like I had hoped, but I checked all the other things off of my list that I wanted to accomplish. On top of that Mrs. B and I made it to the movies for "date night".

I seem to set expectations of myself high and am ofter disappointed when I do not achieve them. I'm bummed that I didn't make any progress on the garden spot but I realized that things don't always work out the way I planned. Part of my growth with One Step at a Time is that now I am able to look at things as they really are and not how I want them to be. There are so many things in my life that I can't control. I want to learn to be a "glass half full" kind of guy instead of the "glass half empty" guy I am now. Seems that I may be making progress on that journey as well.

Tonight I cooked a fabulous meal of chicken vegetable stir fry that was so tasty AND low calorie. It contained chicken, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, snow peas, celery, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. It was delicious and low in fat and calories. I decided to stay away from the soy sauce because I don't want to gain a bunch of water weight before tomorrow. I made extra so we can take it in our lunches tomorrow.

I also spend some time making my salad stock for the week, turkey spaghetti sauce for tomorrow night (and to freeze) and cut up lots of veggies to snack on.

I shouldn't have to tell you but I will anyway. Take some time and prepare healthy foods ahead of time. It will streamline those busy times when you are getting ready for work in the morning, provide you with a healthy alternative to Mickey D's for lunch and make getting dinner on the table a snap.

I am anxiously awaiting everyone's weights this week so we can see how things went.

Inspiration of the Day

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - Walt Disney, 1901-1966, American Film Producer/Director/Animator

Recipe of the Day

There is something comforting about eating a nice warm bowl of soup on a mid-winter day. This is a nice way to warm up without all the calories and fat. http://www.recipezaar.com/Mexican-Lentil-Soup-160173

Shopping Tips

Fred Meyer has the following items on sale through next Saturday; FM canned vegetables 2 for $1 (with coupon - limit 8), Kraft shredded cheeses 4 for $5, navel oranges 3 pounds for $1, Kraft salad dressing for $2 each, bell peppers and cucumbers for $.58 each, turnips and celery (great for snacking) for $.68 a pound, Roma tomatoes for $.98 a pound and FM peanut butter for $1 each (with coupon - limit 10).

If you haven't tried the Cameo apples that Top Foods has for $.68 a pound this week, you should. I tried them instead of my standby Fuji and found them to be delicious. Not quite as sweet as Fuji but definitely juicier, and really crisp.

Link of the Day

A Magazine That Is All About Fitness

A journey often has detours which we cannot control. Make the best of the situation. Don't sit in your car, in your driveway, afraid to start out just because there is a chance that you might get in an accident. This is a new week and a new opportunity to get going, One Step at a Time. If you don't like what the scale reads this morning, use that disappointment productively to achieve a weight loss next week.

My small step for today are to eat healthy, rest up (Monday's are my day off from the gym) and keep Chet away from the liquor cabinet.

Happy Trails!

Mirror Mirror On the Wall

Greetings Friends~

I've been giving yesterday's post a lot of thought. I spent about an hour at the gym working my ass off and used that mundane time to think things out so the next time I want to go on a gorge-fest, I'm ready.

What did I come up with?

Here it is. If I want to gorge, then go right on ahead. Eat until I bust. But...

Before I do it, I have to get permission from myself. Not Chet. Myself. If I asked Chet, that evil bastard would probably be on the phone to Domino's before I got the question out.

I apologize if some of the questions below cause you to visualize something that you would rather not. If you are faint of heart, please go directly to the Inspiration of the Day qoute. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

Next time I will ask myself the following (feel free to give me your suggestions as well).

1. Did you eat recently? If so, has it been 20 minutes? If not, please wait 20 minutes.
2. Have you tried on your black Texas A&M shirt recently? Does it fit?
3. Name 3 healthy foods that you should be eating instead of the junk you desire.
4. How many hours on the elliptical and treadmill will you have to do tomorrow in order to cancel out the calories you are about to consume.
5. Did you workout today?
6. Do you want to post a loss this week?
7. Are you willing to video tape your gorge-fest so you can post it on the blog?
8. Are you willing to drop right now and do 100 crunches before you eat that junk?
9. Would you eat what you are desiring right now if you had to weigh in tomorrow?
10. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror today naked? Were you happy with what you saw?

These questions might seem stupid to most but they are reminders of why I am doing this. It is my hope that if I can just slow down and think, that I will be able to realize that I don't need to give in to this kind of destructive behavior. I need to make controlling my behaviors a habit.

What about you? Can you come up with your own personal list that helps to curb your appetite?

Inspiration of the Day

No one has ever drowned in sweat. – Lou Holtz, American College Football Coach and Motivational Speaker

Recipe of the Day

Add some spice to your weekend by eating this dish that has bold delicious flavors.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Babzys-Better-Butter-Chicken-Ww-4-Points-354755

Link of the Day

People That Did It!

Last night when we got home from the gym I decided to stay busy. I worked on cleaning and organizing the office. I didn't get it done but it no longer qualifies for the show Hoarders either. It felt great to accompish something.

Later I relaxed with a bowl of 94% fat free popcorn as I watch the episode of 24 that we had recorded. When that bowl was done, I did get the desire to jump up and forage through the kitchen. Oink oink. The mere thought of my list was enough to keep my butt parked on the couch.

I want to thank all of you for your support and inspiration. I am beginning to see some real changes in my health and I am liking what I see.

My small step for today is to get some scotch broom pulled for the veggie garden.

Please think about your small steps for this weekend and remember that One Step at a Time will work but only if you put out the effort.
Happy Trails!

Weekend Update

Greetings Friends~

Here is a picture that personifies how I feel when I go off my diet. I'm the one in the middle who appears surprised that someone is snapping my photo. All I heard, as I was rooting through the feed trough, was someone yelling, "Say slop." Yikes, the evidence is indisputable.

Of course I am being less than serious about the picture but not the behavior. I can't, for the life of me, figure out why I do the things that I do. I'm not a psychiatrist, nor do I play one on TV, but if I spent some time on their couch, I bet that they would tell me some costly and enlightening things about myself.

I get these monstrous cravings. It's like I've been smoking pot and now I have the munchies. Any food will do but the non-diet kind is the most desirable. I start out slow and then the chomping builds to a frenzy. Afterwards I am satiated but the level of hatred that I feel for myself is huge. Why am I so weak? Why can't...wait...why DON'T I control these urges?

I really wish that I had an answer here but I don't.

Maybe it is because I have bad foods around the house that tempt me. No, that really isn't it either because I can do a gorge-fest with half a box of Raisin Bran, a couple of bananas and a quart of skim milk.

Maybe it is because I am hungry. No, I could eat a horse for dessert if I got the desire.

Maybe it is because, deep down inside, I am so insecure about being the new skinnier version of myself that I constantly sabotage the diet. Come on Chet, get real. The only insecurity I have about being 180 pounds is whether or not I can finally keep it off and I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Like I said, I really wish I had an answer. I suppose I'll have to start wearing a fat, tight rubberband around my wrist and everytime I feel like heading to the trough, I'll snap the living crap out of it till I can't even lift my arm to open that bag of cookies...or make those pigs in a blanket. Oink oink.

Such is the burden of being on a diet. My name is Chip and I am a food-aholic.

Inspiration of the Day

Don't make excuses - make good. - Elbert Hubbard

 

Recipe of the Day

A dish filled with flavors and ingredients so wonderful that this can't possibly be diet, but it is. http://www.recipezaar.com/Ww-Core-Italian-Chicken-Cacciatore-156634

Link of the Day

10 Tips to Control Your Portion Sizes

Don't forget your Last Chance workout this weekend. I can't wait for Monday to see how many members get their weight to me without being asked. My small step for the day is to do something productive tonight when I get home from the gym instead of laying on the couch.

One Step at a Time may not get you there today but if you stick with the journey, you will get there eventually.

Happy Trails!

Why is My Life So Chaotic Or Organizing For Efficiency

Greetings Friends~

I want to get business out of the way first, and then I can get to today's post. Week after week there seems to be a general malaise about getting your weight to me. This is not from everyone but a select few.

Here is the new deal or new rule. Starting now, anyone that is in Part 2 for the MONEY, is required to get their weight to me by 5 pm on Monday. You can do it anytime before that and it is not necessary to wait until the last minute. If you do not get me a weight by the time I have set, and this happens three times between now and the finals in May, you will be ineligible to compete for the prize. I really hate to have to take a hard line on this but as the sign says in the utility room at work, "I am not your Mother." After all, it's not like this Monday deadline is something new. Some of us have been doing it for over 16 weeks now.

Now, onto the real business at hand.

My small step for yesterday was to come up with a way to save time. I've been racking my brain for ideas and what I finally came up with was, GET ORGANIZED. Specifically what I mean is this. I have a tendency to procrastinate and be lazy. Why do today what I can put off until tomorrow, right? The result of years of procrastination is chaos, especially around the house.

I promise not to bore you with a long dissertation on what I am going to do to achieve this but I will pledge to tell you occasionally how this is going for me and the time savings that it results in.

As I have demonstrated week after week here, the simple act of planning and making meals has resulted in a huge time savings for us. I think it is time to spread that philosophy to other aspects of the household. The hardest part about doing something like this is that it always takes an investment in time and effort at the start, in order to reap the rewards later.

Stay tuned for updates, and send me your ideas, Travelers. I can use all the help I can get.

Inspiration of the Day

We must use time as a tool, not as a crutch. - John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, 1917-1963.

Recipe of the Day

Time and time again I've heard people rave about the Benihana restaurant chain and this dressing in particular. The reviews are remarkable. http://www.recipezaar.com/Benihana-Ginger-Salad-Dressing-1985

Link of the Day

5 Reasons You Can't Lose Weight

So far this week I have been in the "zone", eating right and exercising. I have a hard time understanding why I can't sustain it the whole week anymore without tumbling out of control. This week I am going to do everything possible to concentrate on doing what is needed TODAY. Odd, I preach about taking things One Step at a Time yet I still keep looking at the destination thinking I have lots of time to get there. While, on the surface, there is nothing wrong with this line of thought, it gives me an "out." I can be bad today because I have all the tomorrows to make up for it.

Not this week! I am going to work hard and l look forward to seeing if it makes a difference come the weigh in on Monday morning.

Happy Trails!

Week 5 Results Are Now In

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 5, Part 2.



Kudos to Elizabeth who is this week's Biggest Loser. For all of you that lost weight this week, here is a big golf clap. If you didn't lose anything, or neglected to report your loss by 5 pm on Monday, this is a new week so let's get in the groove. I also would like to point out that Rebecca is over the 20% mark. That is very impressive and inspirational.

I find that life often interferes with me achieving my weight loss goals and, to tell you the truth, this irritates the crap out of me. Or maybe it is me that interferes. I don't know.

On Saturday, I decided to go fishing which I knew would end up lasting so long that I wouldn't get a workout in. That is what happened. I didn't get home until 5:30 and by then the thought of working out didn't appeal to me much. So, did the fishing interfere or was it just being tired so I made excuses?

Sunday we worked outside in the rain and cold pulling scotch broom with the tractor. After that I had to shower off the mud so I could go to the movies with Mrs B. So, was it the garden work and/or the movie that interfered?

Monday the power was off until noon, I needed to drop the crash-mobile off at the body shop, go to the post office, get coffee, do grocery shopping and get a haircut. What interfered?

That's my dilemma. So many things going on, so much to do, so little time. And, weight loss and workouts on top of that? I get overwhelmed and frustrated because I want to lose weight, and get in shape, but I also would like to accomplish other things, major things, or so they seem. Like weeding the fricken flower beds. That kind of thing.

If this sounds like a whine-fest, I apologize. Hey, if I am frustrated, imagine how people that have kids feel. They have the added activities that children bring, like birthday parties and sports.

I'm not complaining but I am frustrated. Surely I am not the only one out there that feels like there are never enough hours in a day.

I need to ponder on ways to multi-task or come up with a system to streamline so that I can accomplish more in less time. If you have some ideas or tips for me, please post a comment. It might help me (and others).

Inspiration of the Day

Nothing happens until I make it happen. - Author Unknown

Recipe of the Day

I love vegetables and I love stir fry. If you like versatile dishes that you can add your touch to, try this. http://www.recipezaar.com/Veggie-Stir-Fry-146603

Shopping Tips

Safeway has the following items on sale this week; Braeburn and Gala apples for $.99 a pound, broccoli and cauliflower for $.99 a pound, Fresh Express Salads for $.99 each, Weight Watchers Smart Ones frozen entrees for $1.89 (must buy 5), assorted pears for $.99 a pound and English cucumbers for $.99 each.

Albertson's has the following items on sale this week; cantaloupe for $.44 a pound, Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine frozen entrees for $1.88 each, green peppers for $.69 each and boneless skkinless chicken breasts for $1.88 a pound.

Top Food's has the following items on sale this week; Braeburn and Gala apples for $.68 a pound, wild Alaskan True Cod fillets for $3.97 a pound, Yoplait yogurt for $.50 each, assorted colored peppers for $1 each, cauliflower for $.79 each and assorted leaf lettuces for $.89 each.

Link of the Day

Your Personal Power Foods

My small step for today is to think of ONE new thing that I can do, daily or weekly, that results in making my life simpler.

Eaingt right, exercising and losing weight all contribute to a longer, healthier life. One Step at a Time, with small steps, will make the journey bearable.

Happy Trails~

Week 5 Results

Due to the following factors, the blog is closed temporarily; the windstorm damage has effected my ability to connect to the internet, new equipment installation is not complete and only 33% of the participants reported in this week on their progress.

Chip

I Have A Dream

Greetings Friends~

I was extra good on Friday. I made sure I followed my set food plan, drank LOTS of water and worked out at the gym. Hopefully I can continue this through the remainder of the weekend and post a loss on Monday. If I don't post a loss, I know the reason and have no one to blame but....hmmm...Chet.

Lots of people have been asking me if I bought my new gym bag yet and the answer is no, I have not. But, I did find one that I like online. I need to take a few measurements at the gym to make sure it will fit in the lockers. Once I know for sure that it is going to work, I will be ordering it. I think I can afford it at the end of the month, if all goes well. I will keep you all in the loop.

Today should be a good one because our new super-charged computer arrives. We decided to finally upgrade because the old dinosaur is getting so frustrating to use that we thought we could add years to our life by getting rid of that stress. I am REALLY looking forward to being able to navigate through the ethernet quickly and the new magic box should make blogging much quicker. I only hope that I can figure Windows 7 out and all the other new technology.

Personally, I find any change difficult. Be it a new computer, a new car, eating healthy, working out or whatever. So when I consider something that requires change, my first impulse is to either say no or hell no. Then I will procrastinate on it. Finally, when I convince myself that I can't put something off any longer, I go do it.

Do you know what? In almost every case, all of the pain and suffering that I imagined the change would bring does not happen. Then I kick myself in my mushy butt and ask Chet what he was thinking. It's like that old saying, "the bark is worse than the bite". I think on stuff so much that I either get exhausted just debating with myself or I exaggerate what it will take to complete it and I never get started.

Here is my favorite example; we had lived in this house for over 10 years and I still hadn't finished installing the trim in the master bath. I'd look at it everyday and think I should do it but then I would look at the toilet and think, how am I going to trim behind there? As an old trim guy, you usually want to put that piece in before the toilet is installed because afterwards it is too difficult to get it in. So there I sat, literally, for 10 years scratching my head. One day Mrs. B broke the pocket door (AGAIN) and I had to fix that. I hauled in all my tools annd compressor and trim. I fixed the door with only a moderate amount of swearing. So I thought to myself, this is a good time to do that trim. I am embarrassed to say that it probably took me all of 30 minutes to finish and I did so with no problems whatsoever. I was extremely pissed at myself for fussing and procrastinating for all that time. That's the way I am.

My dream is that when I grow up, I can see what needs to be done and do it, without having needless days, months and years go by as I am trying to reason it out.

Inspiration of the Day

Life is an adventure, dare it. - Mother Theresa, Humanitarian and Advocate for the poor and helpless, 1910-1997

Recipe of the Day

Wow, once again another delicious looking and sounding recipe that just begs to be tried. I will make it as written and then I might try it again with some additions like mushrooms, bell pepper and bean sprouts. Yum!! http://www.recipezaar.com/cashew-chicken-lettuce-wraps-363601

Link of the Day

Thirteen Things You Never Knew About Your Weight

Take the time today to set some goals for the next week or month. This always helps me gauge how well I am doing. My small step for today is to get a workout in. I hope we all have a great weekend. Thanks for supporting me One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

Weekend Update or Everyone Loves A Three Day Weekend

Greetings Friends~

Here is your weekly reminder that I need your new weight NO LATER THAN 5 PM ON MONDAY. The due date has not been extended to the next business day. No weight, no reported loss.

Also, get in a Last Chance workout on Saturday or Sunday because it could make a difference.

So yesterday I went off my diet. Not off the diet like I had that cookie Jirish mentioned in her latest comment. Off the diet like Mrs. B went to a meeting and I raided the candy stash in the garage. I have no idea why I did that, but I did. Maybe it was because during Christmas I stayed out of that stuff and in the back of my mind the temptation was still calling me. I don't know.

Once in a blue moon I get this weird feeling about my diet. It is like I'm a little kid again and my mother has restricted me to the back yard for the day. I have to play all alone but I get all my toys. At some point during that day I felt like I was going to explode if I didn't get free and see my friends. Last night was like that. I had a great dinner so it wasn't like I was really hungry. I had eaten a flat iron steak with broccoli and zucchini. It was wonderful. But about an hour later I got the munchies and, here is the bad part, I told myself no crappy apple or yogurt would suffice. I wanted to see my old friends and wasn't going to take no for an answer.

I get like that sometimes. I have no idea why either. What I do know is that I can choose to get depressed about it and keep eating more crap OR I can say "oh well" and move on. It is one day. Like a detour on my journey. So now I get back on the main road, eat healthy today and work extra hard at the gym tonight. On this trip there is no time for a pity party that turns into a major detour.

Just because I've lost 50 pounds doesn't mean I'm the Diet Superman. I too have my weaknesses. The important thing for me is that I move on. So, that is what I am doing. My name is Chip and I am a foodaholic.

Inspiration of the Day

Attitude is everything. - Anonymous

Recipe of the Day

Here is a great starter recipe for Spring Rolls. I found that wrappers at the local Asian market. Feel free to add items according to your tastes such as shrimp or chicken. Katherine really loves Spring Rolls so I may give these a try this weekend. http://www.recipezaar.com/Vegetarian-Fresh-Spring-Rolls-44177

Link of the Day

Stoke Your Metabolism

No matter what I did yesterday, today I get a clean slate. My small steps for today are to do 30 minutes on the treadmill at an increased pace, 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30-60 minutes of swimming laps. I hope that I learn from my mistakes and hope you learn from yours (and maybe mine as well). This journey is not a short one so when I get tired, distracted or take a detour, I remember that the pounds have come off so far, by taking things, One Step at a Time.

I hope you all have a great three day weekend.

Happy Trails!

But Diet Food Is So Boring

Greetings Friends~

First of all, let me welcome Sharon who joined our group yesterday. We are glad to have you with us on our journey.

When I think of dieting, and the foods that I should eat to be successful, I always think that the "correct" foods to eat are those that are flavorless and devoid of much nutritional value. I mean things like rice cakes. Hey, I know some of you think these are great, but to me, it is like eating little circles of Styrofoam packing peanuts.

I was talking with a person on Weight Watchers yesterday and she got a puzzled look on her face when I started talking about "diet" and "allowable" foods. She explained that on her diet she could eat any food she wanted, as long as she had the points available. This got me to thinking about the whole subject of food.

First of all, it really doesn't matter what I eat, as much as it does the quantities involved. Pizza is probably fine as long as I have one slice, blot the grease and add a garden or dinner salad to go with it. Also, I should look at the things that I am eating and figure out if there is a tastier alternative. For instance, why would I eat a 35 calorie rice cake when I can have 16 ounces of Sugar Free Strawberry Jell-o or 1/2 of a medium apple?

We really don't have to punish ourselves for being fat by eating bland, unappetizing foods. We've punished ourselves enough along the way with self guilt, depression and many other things. Let's start rewarding ourselves by making, and eating, food that is worth every calorie.

Another thing that I am discovering since I fled the Adkins coop is that there is a lot to be said for variety. Eating the same things day after day gets to be boring and unsatisfying for me. So add some spice to something that you usually wouldn't or choose a different fruit to have that day which you haven't had for awhile. Then take your time and savor the flavors. I find that a banana tastes better if I don't wolf it down on my way out the door.

Take some time, search for new food ideas and talk with your friends and family. You will be surprised with the ideas that other people have. I have found that if I ask people what they eat, I will usually get ideas because their "boring" foods are new to me, so those foods become my new "exciting" foods.

One good thing to do that really is not cost prohibitive is to build your own little salad bar that you can have in your refrigerator. Right now if I want to make a salad, I can grab the basic salad stuff (romaine, cucumber and tomatoes) out of the container and then I have other individual containers that hold things like (hide your eyes Mrs B) shredded beets, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, cheddar cheese crumbles, etc. for a really great flavorful and filling salad. Other ideas are roasted or raw peppers, diced eggs, turkey taco meat, shredded Costco rotisserie chicken, raw vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower and shredded or sliced carrots. The combinations are endless. The idea that you have all this stuff also helps you to keep from giving in to splurging. Hungry? Go make a large fiber filled salad and drink a tall cold glass of water with it. Wait 20 minutes and you will no longer be hungry. If you decide to go eat even after this, then you aren't eating because you are hungry. You would then be eating for a whole different reason that we can cover at a future date.

Experiment with healthy foods and food choices so that you too can discover that losing weight is now possible even when you eat GREAT tasting food.

Inspiration of the Day

I have often been afraid, but I would not give in to it. I made myself act as though I was not afraid and gradually my fear disappeared. -Theodore Roosevelt, 1858-1919, Twenty-sixth President of the USA

Recipe of the Day

Salmon is a delicious source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial in maintaining a healthy mind. Give this a try (and remember, Safeway has salmon on sale this week) http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/honey-soy-broiled-salmon-recipe-5772

Link of the Day

Top 25 Healthy Recipes

In 2010 we are lucky because there is a wealth of resources available to us which can assist us in our journey to being slim and fit. So if you are not on your way there yet, get going. My small steps for today are to get in a workout, write my blog and create a fun meal for the family. Do one thing today that moves you forward and you are One Step at a Time closer to the new you.

Happy Trails!

The Choice is Yours

Greetings Friends~

Every so often I must remind you that you have a choice in how long you are going to live. Today is that day.

Type II Diabetes will claim thousands of lives in 2010. Will I be one of them? Will you be one of them? Foods like pizza, Jumbo Jacks with cheese, Fritos, Doritos, cake, cookies and huge plates of spaghetti can be my downfall. Healthy eating and exercise can be my salvation.

What to do about a life that revolves around food and a lifestyle that invites early death?

Change is the answer. Losing weight is the way. One Step at a Time is the way.

If you have not invested in your future by being motivated to lose weight and be slim, then today is the day that you should get down on your knees, AND DO SOME SITUPS.

Life is way too short as it is. Do you really want to cut it even shorter due to your own laziness? If you are honest with yourself, as I am, then the answer is no. Sure, it is hard; sure, it is not quick. Ask yourself this; would I rather die young with 12 pall bearers straining under MY weight or would I prefer to live to break a world record? Going out fit and screaming that this was the ride of my life?

You decide. You do it today. You take your small steps to ensure that you squeeze as much time out of this life as possible.

It is up to you.

I choose FIT. Won't you please join me?

Inspiration of the Day

Every morning you are handed 24 golden hours. They are one of the few things in this world that you get free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy an extra hour. What will you do with this priceless treasure? Remember, you must use it, as it is given only once. Once wasted you cannot get it back.-Unknown

Recipe of the Day

Fish and tacos? I like the combination. If you don't, substitute chicken for it. Bon Appetite`.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Light-and-Yummy-Fish-Tacos-107477

Shopping Tips of the Day

Safeway has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillets for $5.99 a pound, Progresso Traditional soups for $1.11 each, cabbage for $.59 a pound, asparagus for $2.99 a pound and lemons/limes for $.99 for a 1 pound bag.

Top Foods has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; Fresh Express Salad Blends for $2 each, Bay scallops for $4.99 a pound, broccoli or cauliflower for $1 a pound, cabbage for $.49 a pound, beefsteak tomatoes for $1 a pound and carrots in a 5 pound bag for $2.

Albertson's has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; Fuji, Gala or Jonagold apples for $1 a pound, Fresh Express Garden Salad or Cole Slaw mix for $1 each, Kellogg's cereals (with coupon) for $1.59 each, assorted frozen vegetables for $1 each and assorted pears for $1 a pound.

Link of the Day

Outsmart Restaurant Menus

My small step for today is to get this post done in the morning. Guess I have done that. Have a great day, eat right and get some exercise! The results that we have achieved are possible because we did it One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

Week 4 Results -- Important Notice Below -- Gym Bag Shopping This Weekend!

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 4.



Congrats to Elizabeth for being this week's Biggest Loser, kudos to all of this week's contestants that lost weight and are back on track, AND kudos to Rebecca for being the winner of the Bragging Rights!

Here are the results after the first month of Part II. Bear in mind that these weights are personal weigh in results, as reported by the member on their own scale, and are not the "official" progress of how people are doing FOR THE MONEY.



Big CHEERS to those of us that posted a loss in the first month! I know that it was hard to do since we had Christmas and New Years to contend with, but we managed. Rebecca is still the front runner in Part II. Good job (again) Sister. Your progress and results are a motivation for me. You are the person that I am chasing when I am on the elliptical, on the treadmill, and in the pool. Thanks for being an example of what can be done if we put our minds and souls into it!

This week has been rough for me. Work has been busy and I suppose, I got a little comfortable with the slow pace of December. That relaxed atmosphere is long gone. In fact, it is super hectic right now and the cheese people seem to be winning the battle.

I skipped my workout tonight because I needed to get this posted. I am not happy, but that's life. From now on, I will make sure that I stick to my policy writing each post the day before. My plan is to get up early so that I can now post each day's entry in the morning before work. This will allow me to workout and not be (typically) obsessing about rushing home to publish.

On to better things. I AM AT THE 50 LB MARK which means that I have achieved a reward...my new gym bag. I can not tell you how hard it has been to wait. But I did wait, and I did lose 50 lbs, and so now I will be going shopping. Rest assured that next week on a post, you will be bored senseless with remarks and pictures about the new bag.

I really think that it is important to set realistic goal and rewards. My next goal and reward will be at the 75 pound mark. I will then weigh 259. I have not figured out what my reward is yet. I want to give that some thought. I want to make it REWARDING and important. Maybe that Amish hat that Chet has been coveting. I will keep you posted.

Inspiration of the Day

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. - Herm Albright, 1876-1944

Recipe of the Day

Lately, I have been eating less beef and more poultry and fish. Please excuse the abundance of chicken recipes. This does appeal to me because of the ricotta cheese and herbs. Bon Appetite`.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Chicken-Capri-SB-Diet-Phase-1-107268


Link of the Day

Power Foods

After you have read this, don't forget that Black River Blues blueberries are my berry of choice. It is never to late to plan for later in the year. They have U-pick and farm sales...and my cute, witty, sister Rebecca sells their bounty at the Olympia Farmers Market. Plan a day of berry picking at there farm in Rochester in July or August. Blueberries freeze well ,and you will feel much better about what you are eating because you actually harvested it from a farm that you visited.

Important Notice

No offense intended Travelers, but starting next week, if you do not get your weight to me by 5 pm ON MONDAY, then you will be posting a zero for the previous week. No exceptions. I won't bore you with how much time this is taking...suffice to say that Monday's are my only day off from the gym and I need write (not post) the results on Monday night for Tuesday publication.

Also, (please excuse Chet), I'm not the results GOD here, so from here on out, I will not be contacting each of you to remind you when your weight is due. In case you missed it, your weight is NOW due by...repeat after me...5 pm on Mondays.

No weight reported...no loss reported.

I hope that each of you understand how important it is to do the little things on this journey. Act like making your lunch ahead of time is like fastening your seat belt. Most accidents happen within 10 miles of home. Most weight gain or gorging happens within 10 miles of home...Get it?

If you lost weight this week, use that feeling of satisfaction to lose more. If you did not lose weight this week, use that envy to lose. Little steps complete a long journey if we do it One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

Put Yourself In The Other Guys Shoes

Greetings Friends~

Boy, rough day. Cheese people were coming out of the woodwork. It was all Chet could do NOT to go postal on them.

Hmmm...guess I did go a little postal today. I was standing in line at the grocery store, after enduring 8 hours of stupidity, when I saw a woman cut the line...not my line...the line for that stupid self-check...what the hell?...don't we PAY for checkers? Anyway, I digress...she cut the line like..."easy peasy lemon squeezy"...Then...wait...wait... a lady cut in front of HER. Oh my GAWD...you should have seen the look on her face...PURE EVILLLLLLLL...she looked like someone had farted close to her.

I hate to tell you...no...not really...I actually LOVE to tell you...this is what followed...

Chet, that devious, night snacking, sum-bitch, leaned over and said LOUDLY..."If it is any consolation, that lady cutting your line made you feel EXACTLY how that lady behind you (who had been patiently waiting for 10 minutes) felt.

Like a Mastercard commercial, PRICELESS.

Wish I could talk about dieting and how you should workout, but honestly, I don't have the energy.

Inspiration of the Day

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not.-- Mark Twain

Recipe of the Day

Mrs B and I made a trip to Trader Joe's this weekend. I guarantee this will be on our menu sometime this week. I beleive that in order to expand our taste buds, we need to try new things . This is that time. http://www.recipezaar.com/edamame-bean-salad-380629

Link of the Day


Best Time Of The Day To Exercise
Get well, eat lean, exercise hard...One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

Dammit Jim, I'm A Doctor Not A Nascar Driver!

Greetings Friends~

So, first things first. As you can see from the picture above, some yay-hoo backed into us at Costco. In his quest to get the perfect parking place, he paid no attention to his rearview mirror, jammed it in reverse and disregarded my horn, that was blaring. He was driving a huge 4 wheel drive Ford 350 pickup which crushed the entire front end of our car. Woowee, Mrs B knows some choice swear words. Not just one either but she can really string them together.

No one was hurt thankfully but now my frustrating odessy with Allstate begins. I won't bore you with that. I sure could use a six pack of Jumbo Jacks right now to get over my anger.

The weekend has arrived and in keeping with a New Year's resolution, I was up early...well, not early for a farmer maybe...but Chet was grumbling when I got out of bed at 7am. Early for me anyway.

I love the weekend because there are opportunities to get some many things accomplished that I normally can't do during a workday/weekday.

So today I will be running around doing my workout, shopping, getting a haircut and many other things. One challenge on weekends is eating when I should. I often get so busy that I forget it is mealtime. By the time I figure it out, my usual inclination is to skip and wait for the next regularly scheduled meal. The problems with this are many. My metabolism slows and I end up over eating at that next meal.

Another challenge on the weekend is drinking all the water that I should. Once again, I get so wrapped up in all the activities that I forget to hydrate.

It is important to enjoy the free time but hopefully it won't derail all my progress from earlier in the week.

Link of the Day

Tips To Take Off Pounds

Sorry this is so short but having an accident put me behind. I did have a great game of racquetball last night and again today. My knees currently hate me. I think that two days in a row is too much. Next week I will give it a try, every other day. I'm going to get in my POS looking car and go get groceries. No going to the movies tonight as I do not want to drive after dark.

Don't forget your One Step at a Time workout this weekend.

Happy Trails!

Weekend Update or Hey You Guys!!

Greetings Friends~

Here is your weekly reminder that I need your new weight by Monday. Please try to get it to me that day (or before) because it takes time to put the spreadsheet together. Don't forget to get in your Last Chance workouts this weekend for a good showing on Monday.

I did water aerobics Thursday night and I can honestly say that the only thing I hate more than this is lifting weights. The instructor's name is Siri and she is one of those early thirty-something, hard body types, that are overflowing with enthusiasm. Me, not so enthusiastic. For those that have never tried water aerobics, pardon my French, but it is a bitch. She works us non-stop for the whole hour and I can tell you that when I get out of the pool, I feel more exhausted than I do after a hard workout on the elliptical. I am sore in places that I didn't know COULD get sore and my knees are complaining mildly.

So why did I do it? The first reason is that I think it is important to mix it up sometimes. Work on a different muscle (or maybe fat) group. The second reason is that earlier this week, as I got into the jacuzzi during her class, she indicated that she was disappointed that I hadn't been in class for a couple of weeks. Last, she ain't hard on the eyes. Hey, why lie about it?

That being said, I plodded my way through the hour long class. At the 20 minute mark, I thought I was having a heart attack. Seriously, my chest was burning, hurting and throbbing.

As an added bonus Lori, my boss, came to the class tonight.

So here I am with a pounding chest thinking that my boss is going to see my fat assed self, with my over-sized stomach, pulled from the pool by some EMS workers with a long hook.

Thankfully, I discovered that it was just Mother Nature's way of telling me that I shouldn't have eaten all those kidney and garbonzo beans on my salad at lunch. False alarm.


Inspiration of the Day

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom. - George S. Patton, US Army Retired, 1885-1945

 

Recipe of the Day

Serve this over rice, pasta, salad or in a low carb or low fat tortilla. Exciting on all counts.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Southwestern-Chicken-32932

Link of the Day

As a new feature, each day I will post a link to a website or article that you may find helpful.
How To Resist Temptation

I made a court reservation so that Susan and I can play racquetball tonight. I know I swore that I had to give it up, but I miss it. Also, it is a hell of a workout, and once again, a whole different muscle (or fat group). I'll let you know whether this turns out to be a good idea or a crippling one.
My small steps for the weekend are to get in a workout, take Mrs B to the movies (sans popcorn) and to hopefully work in the yard and blueberries. Oh yeah, I also get to do some of my favorite things...grocery shopping...I HAVE COUPONS...and some cooking ahead for next week.

Keep up your good deeds and efforts. By using small steps, to acheive success in small things, we can demonstrate that One Step at a Time is a shorter journey than we ever thought possible.

Be positive and keep coming back!

Happy Trails!

Chew Slowly or Know Someone That Can Do the Heimlich!

Greetings Friends~

Today's picture is courtesy of Rebecca. Too funny. I don't think I've ever had to worry about eating a carrot too fast but there may have been a rib or two that got the best of me!

Sounds like people are starting to get back into a regular routine and are now ready to proceed on their weight loss program. Way to go!

If you are a regular here, you know that I am an old hat at diets. I have lost the same 100 pounds many times over so I think it is fair to say that I am an expert on what it takes, for me, to lose weight. As I've said in the past, controlled, healthy eating and regular exercise are very important.

Some people utilize a food log or a journal or a website like FitDay to monitor their daily intake of food. This is a great idea but it does take some effort. We hear Bob and Jillian explaining to the contestants that they need to make sure that they are entering the food and exercise into the computer each day. The reason for this is that it provides a clear picture of what is going on, calorie-wise. At the end of the day, it is all about the calories.

People that don't keep track of their food, may be surprised to find out that the extra Starbucks Tall Skinny Vanilla latte added up to an additional 130 calories. Add in pretzels (130 calories) and a banana (110 calories) they had, as a snack, while watching TV, and it could make a difference. Certainly, each of these are healthy choices. What we each have to decide is whether or not it fits into that day's allowance. If I have already consumed 1800 calories, then maybe I should skip these and drink three more bottles of water (because that is filling too). Now, if I have only had 1400 calories for the day, then these would be great food choices. This is why it is important to have a good idea on calorie counts and totals.

Here is another great article that is filled with information.

What is the BEST diet plan?

I too, have a dream. Well, I have lots of dreams. This is my dream concerning members on this blog. I would love to see a week in which every single one of us posted a weight loss. Wouldn't that be great? Recently with all the zeros posted (myself included), it appears that this experiment, overall, has failed. Personally, I know it isn't, but this is about more people than just myself. I know this isn't easy. Nobody ever said it would be. Maybe next week will be the one where everyone loses.

Inspiration of the Day

You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality. – Walt Disney, 1901-1966, American Film Producer/Director/Animator

Recipe of the Day

I'm not sure if anyone ever tries these recipes. I do know that I have a LOT of fun searching for them and when I do make them, they are usually a welcome change from my routine.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Weight-Watchers-Parmesan-Chicken-Cutlets-185342

Mrs B has a meeting tonight so she won't be able to go to the gym. My first inclination is to skip the workout and go straight home. My small step for today is to go to the gym and do water aerobics...maybe more. I am having fun experiencing new foods and exciting tastes that make my taste buds explode. Who would have ever thought that I could actually be enjoying food that is good for me?

Get out there and do something healthy for yourself today, Travelers. Life is too short to do nothing. Take a step in the right direction and remember that you can reach your destination if you plan your journey One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

No Catchy Subject Here...But I Love The Picture!

Greetings Friends~

Mrs B and I watched Biggest Loser last night. Wow, there are some guys competing that make me look tiny...well, small in comparison to them anyway. I am afraid if this keeps up, there will be contestants that weigh 700 pounds. Yikes. One man on the show had an initial weight of 526 pounds. Come on! Like he said, he has to lose 200 pounds just to be a 300+ pound fat guy. Double yikes. Also, enough with the men weighing in shirtless and the women in their sports bras. Cheese and rice. Give them t-shirts and spare us the trauma.

Check out Rebecca's comment on yesterday's post if you want to see a link to a helpful website. Looking at her weight loss stats, she must be doing something right so give it a glance.

This morning I had a pleasure of eating a bowl of Cheerios with skim milk and blueberries from Nik and Rebecca at Black River Blues. It tasted SO good. That's the first time I've eaten cold cereal in awhile. My blood sugar did climb a bit but it came back down to a normal level pretty quick.

At lunch I ate an Eating Right entree. It was chicken and pasta. Not bad. Something different. Twice as many carbs as I use to eat for the whole day. Once again, my blood sugar did climb but recovered in the normal manner.

Before on the low-carb type diet, I knew what I could or couldn't eat, so I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to my blood sugars except in the morning and before bed. With my new plan and increased carbs, it appears that I am elevated right after eating but when I check in two hours, the blood sugar count is reasonable.
Right now I'm happy with reasonable.

I think this new plan is a winner. I love the frozen entree for lunch because it is automatic portion control. That helps me stop when I need to. The other nice thing about them is that they have WW points right on the box. Score one for the home team.

Last night the gym was packed. All the new people, with resolutions, were there. Add in the regulars, and some current members that had been absent for a time, and you had quite a crowd. I have to remember to be patient and not get pissed about having to wait or alter my workout. Tonight should be better. It's a pattern that Mondays are packed and then as the week progresses, it tends to be less hectic. Guess that's why I really like Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I can do my thing, at my own pace. Oh well, I shouldn't complain since each soul there is trying to get fit and live better. Patience, Chet, patience.

Inspiration of the Day

Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man's training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly. - Thomas H. Huxley, 1825-1895

Recipe of the Day

The reviews for this recipe are excellent. A quick, low fat, low calorie snack. Mrs B isn't much on spicy foods but the great thing about this is that you can tweak it for each person. I'm going to give it a try. Now all I have to do is find some jicama. http://www.recipezaar.com/Jicama-Chili-Sticks-16901

Shopping Tips

Safeway has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; Eating Right frozen entrees at $1.69 each, Yoplait yogurt at 10 for $5, Select Harvest soup - Buy One Get One Free - this works out to $1.25 each when you buy 2, Foster Farm lean ground turkey 20 oz at 2 for $7, Nabisco 100 calorie snacks for $2 each, Special K cereal at $1.99 each (must buy 3), zucchini at $.99 a pound and deli sliced turkey for $4.99 a pound. Saturday and Sunday only; Fuji apples for $.78 a pound and Hostess 100 calorie snacks for $1.89.

Ralph's has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; (must be Turkey-palooza days) Jennie O lean turkey or patties 16 - 20 oz package for 2 for $4, Jennie O pan roasted turkey 32 oz. at 2 for $7, Jennie O turkey franks $1 per pack, Jennie O turkey burgers in the 3 pound package for $5.99, mini-carrots in the 1 pound bag for $1.29 each and yellow, red or orange peppers at 2 for $3.

Albertson's has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; Yoplait yogurt at $.50 each (if you buy 20, then you only pay $.40 each), Albertson's brand cheese, 6-8 oz package, chunk or shredded, for $.98 each, General Mills cereal for $1.88 each, Lean Cuisine frozen entrees, selected varieties, for $1.67 each, Progresso classic vegetable soup for $1 each and other Progresso soups (traditional, low sodium, less sodium and light) for $1.39 each.

Top Foods has the following items on sale through next Tuesday; Lean Cuisine frozen entrees, 75 varieties, for $1.69 when you buy 4 or more, Roma tomatoes for $1 a pound and Cameo or Braeburn apples for $1 a pound.

Christmas seems like a long time ago already. I AM back in the groove. My small step for today, and the next several, is to be vigilant about checking my blood sugar. FYI~ I am so darn close to getting that new gym bag that it is driving me crazy. Each day when I pack my bag and each night at the gym as I struggle to get stuff out of it, all I can think about is, how nice it would be, to have a bag that works for me. I am committed to waiting for that reward until I get to the goal (-50 pounds) that I set.

Don't forget to get your entry in each day for the gift card contest by making your comment. Mrs B is frustrated with this because we forgot her password and Google is slow in responding with assistance. Hopefully this will be remedied soon or we are going to have to start a new account for her.

Do your steps and get healthier, One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

Week 3 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 3.



Kudos to Randy for his substantial weight loss. I would like to welcome a few people. Elizabeth is back for Part II and she brings her significant other, Scott, with her. Nice to have you both.

Like I mentioned before, there is a huge amount of information on the web concerning weight loss. Here is a link to 10 easy ways to lose 10 pounds. There are some interesting tips that even an old dieter like myself was not aware of, as well as some explanations for why it is important to do certain things while trying to lose weight.

Easy Ways to Lose 10 Pounds This Year

Tonight is the premiere of the next season of Biggest Loser. Woohoo! I am so looking forward to coming home tonight from the gym and watching it.

I'm going to attempt to make a radical change in my diet plan. As you know, I have been following an Adkins type plan, which I love because I get things like bacon, omelets, butter and full flavored ranch dressing. I'm kind of burned out on it though so I am going to switch back to my old tried and true Weight Watchers diet. No, I'm not going to meetings but I am going to use that system and see how that goes.

My concern with WW is how it is going to effect my blood sugar. Right now I keep my carb count low or at least I try as long as Chet is in check. My blood sugars have been pretty good. They are usually no higher than 120 and sometimes as low as 85. This is where I like it to be.

So beginning tomorrow morning when I have yogurt and cereal for breakfast, I'll be keeping a close eye on how I react.

Why am I doing this? I think the single biggest reason that I am swayed to change is because I am certain that the Biggest Loser contestants, many of who are diabetic, do not follow an Adkins type diet. I figure that it may be time to try something a little different. I haven't had any fruit in months. An occasional apple or half an apple would be a real treat. Plus, a guy can only eat so many eggs before he begins to cluck.

I guess we will find out by this time next week when the results are posted whether it is working or not.

Inspiration of the Day

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future. – George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950, Irish Dramatist and Literary Critic

Recipe of the Day

This looks crazy good and it seems pretty healthy. I suppose when you don't have all that greasy meat on a pizza, it can even be good for you, in moderation. http://www.recipezaar.com/Zucchini-and-Fresh-Tomato-Pizza-With-Fontina-95528

Each day that I take small challeges, as they come, I get stronger. Life is better if I take these challenges One Step at a Time and don't let them build up to such a heavy load that I am crushed.

Happy Trails!

Change

Greetings, My Little Nose Miners~

Today's guest is Mr. Change. He is a star at this time of year because everyone wants him to make an appearance. All the hip cats, and cool dudes, want to change and Mr. Change is the guy to tell you how to do it.

So here is the abbreviated version of Chet's interview with Mr. (Chase) Change~

Q: A lot of people want to know how they can be like you and change. Any advice?

A: Yes.

Q: Well?

A: Get off your ass and do it.

Q: Really? That's it.

A: Listen Chet. Life is really simple. Really simple. It is people that make it so complicated. If you have a problem, solve it. Now I understand that some things aren't that simple, like having a crappy job or being out of work or being homeless, but for the majority of your readers, it is.

Q: Please explain Chase.

A: It's Mr. Change to you, Chetster.

Q: Please explain Mr. Change.

A: As I see it, we are talking about a group of fatties...chubbies...almost fitsters...right? Well, even Einstein or that guy on NUMBERS didn't need several blackboards to realize that it is simple math. Take in less calories than you burn and add some daily exercise, there you have it!

Q: Have what?

A: An equation for winning a pot of money and getting thinner. Chet, this really isn't rocket science.

Q: How do you stay so fit and thin, Mr. Change?

A: Celery is the answer Chetster.

Well, you heard it here first Travelers. Celery is the answer. That and a simple equation for losing weight. That's it for today from Fat Central...and remember, everyone loves eating radishes.

Inspiration of the Day

Get happiness out of your work or you may never know what happiness is. - Elbert Hubbard, 1856-1915

Recipe of the Day

My favorite citrus fruit is grapefruit. For those of you that aren't diabetics, you are lucky because all the prescription drugs we take ALWAYS cautions about eating grapefuit. This sounded VERY good to me.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Fabulous-Broiled-Breakfast-Grapefruit-106986

Shopping Tips

Fred Meyer has the following items on sale thru next Saturday; Fresh Express Salad or Blends $1, Foster Farms bone-in chicken breasts for $.99 a pound, Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal for $1.88, Texas Grapefruit 3 for $1, organic carrots 2 lb bag for $1.25 each, assorted pears for $.98 a pound, Alaskan True Cod for $3.99 a pound, mushrooms (8 oz) sliced or whole for 2 for $3, Lean Cuisine frozen entrees (coupon) 6 for $10, and canned tomatoes 2 for $1.

It's a New Year. I can't stress enough about how we now have a clean slate. Don't worry about what was. I have the whole year ahead of me and I plan on using every day. My small step for tomorrow is to eat a healthy breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a healthly lunch, a mid-afternoon snack...and to workout at the gym like this is the last day of Part II. I can not stress how important it is to take LIFE, One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!