All You Can Eat (Thursday)

Greetings Friends~

I love going out to eat and I especially like anyplace that does it buffet-style. It's like the restaurant manager is challenging me to see if I can make him lose money on my appetite.

Mexican? No problem. Chinese? No problem. Seafood. Undoubtedly, no problem.

When I go to a buffet, I mentally think that I must not be getting my money's worth unless they have to wheel me out with a hand cart. Come on, I know I'm not the only one out there that feels this way.

So there I was on the elliptical machine a couple of days ago, when I was struck by this thought. Isn't it odd that most of us would make a glutton out of ourselves just to "get our dollars worth," yet some of us have no problem joining a gym and then never going?

I mean...really? Isn't that like going to the Mexican buffet and stopping after one taco? Going to the Chinese buffet and stopping at one eggroll? Or, going to the Rock Pizza lunch buffet and stopping at one slice?

If we really want to get the most bang for our buck then why aren't we working out at the gym until the manager screams, "Enough, you are going to bankrupt me"! Afterall, we pay that monthly fee, why shouldn't we use the heck out of it?

I know you chubsters are moaning and saying that this isn't the same thing. I beg to disagree. I have been told by some exercise fanatics that after exercising awhile, the endorphins produced are every bit as satisfying as a good steak or a large piece of cheese cake.

So get out there and go take advantage of that "All You Can Exercise" joint. I mean, you are paying for it.

Inspiration of the Day

No man ever woke up on the top of the mountain; he awakened one day and started his climb. -- Written in 2009 by Bill E. Williams

Recipe of the Day

I never think to post a recipe for a non-food item but here is one. It's a simple recipe, so it seems kind of silly, but you guys know I LOVE to save money. http://www.recipezaar.com/copycat-green-tea-lemon-drink-361955

Today's Link

Losing Weight and Keeping It Off

Concentrating on the "now" has helped me keep on track this week. Yesterday I really didn't feel like going to the gym after work. I was tired, cranky and feeling overwhelmed. I told myself I would go anyway, and if I did, then I could think about skipping tomorrow. Now that tomorrow is here, my gym bag is packed and I'm committed to going. My nocturnal eating is still plaguing me but I have figured out a compromise. Now if I need a late night snack I am eating "diet" foods like cucumbers, chicken breast meat or 94% fat free popcorn. Hopefully this will keep me away from the peanut butter jar. My small step for today is to drink all my water.

Happy Trails!

One Step (For Today)

Greetings Friends~

That's a lot of stairs, and because of my knees, I hate stairs.

But, sometimes there is no alternative route. When we go to Safeco Field, to take in a Mariner's game, there are at least one or two staircases, depending on where we sit. So, I huff and I puff my way to the top. Why? Because; I have spent some good money on tickets, driven all the way there, want to see the game, and I'm not going to quit at this point.

Here is the thing though. Suppose I had to climb those stairs first, and then drive all the way there, and buy a ticket. Hmmm..having to climb them at the start might be enough that I would convince myself to stay home and watch the game on the television.

That's the problem with obstacles in my life. I often make the staircase the very first thing.

I could say to myself, climb one stair. Stop. Now climb another stair. Now climb another stair. Stop. You get the point. I think I could manage that, especially if I looked at it as; I am going to climb one step and see how I feel. It's when I tell myself that I have 100 steps to climb... then I figure...naw...I can't do that.

Lately I've been playing mental games with myself. I'm broke so that's the reason I am not eating healthy food. I'm hurt so that's the reason that I have not been to the gym. This thing doesn't end until mid-May so I have a long time before I have to get serious.

Wrong, wrong, wrong...triple dog dare wrong.

Not having much money, because it's a few days before pay day, doesn't mean diddley. I should eat less of a dish that is fattening. Afterall, it's about calories not quantity. Being broke doesn't cause me to grab the peanut butter and a spoon.

My shoulder might be killing me but that doesn't stop me from walking to China and back on the treadmill.

Mid-May is right around the corner, and if I keep on the pace that I have, well I can probably expect to lose about 5 more pounds.

Yesterday I talked about the "basics" and how I need to concentrate on them.

Today, I need to concentrate...just for today...just for that first step...on eating when and what I should (and nothing else)...and going to the gym.

Tomorrow I can figure out...tomorrow. TODAY is what is important.

Inspiration of the Day

Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake. – Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862, American Essayist/Poet/Naturalist

Recipe of the Day

This recipe has several things that I like; it's salad, and tuna, and cilantro. What else could I ask for?
http://www.recipezaar.com/South-Beach-Style-Tuna-Salad-With-Lowfat-Cilantro-Mayo-94399

Shopping Tips

Safeway has the following items on sale this week; Lean Cuisine frozen entrees for $1.69, baby carrots in the 2# bag for $2, red seedless grapes (Saturday only) for $.99 a pound, Campbells Select Harvest soup - Buy One Get One Free (this works out to $1.25 each) and 4 pound bags of organic oranges for $3.99.

Albertson's has the following items on sale this week; Starkist Albacore Tuna $1, canned veggies for $.59 and Progresso High Fiber or Traditional soup for $1.50 each.

Top Foods has the following items on sale this week; Milk for $1.99 a gallon, asparagus for $1.25 a pound, pears for $1 a pound, tomatoes for $1 a pound and bananas for $.57 a pound.
Today's Link

Easy Ways To Lose Weight

Mrs B and I received the results of our fasting blood tests yesterday. We are both down to levels that are considered normal or "non-diabetic". Woohoo!! It goes to show that eating right, losing weight, and exercising do make it possible to control Type II diabetes. When I first was diagnosed with this disease, my A1C (us diabetics know this know number is a reflection of how well we are doing) was a 9.1. Average is supposed to be in the 4.5 to 6.0 range. I am now at 5.9 and she is at 5.8. That darn woman has to beat me at everything.

So my hope for the next three to six months is that we can continue on this course and drop some more pounds. Maybe by the end of the summer we will both be able to get off the diabetes medicine.

My small step for today is to eat three healthy meals. One Step at a Time will work if I concentrate more on today and less on tomorrow.

Happy Trails!

Week 10 Results

Greetings Friends~

Congratulations to this week's Biggest (and only) Loser, my dedicated and motivated sister Rebecca. Way to go! She lost another 3 pounds this week which gives her a grand total so far, in Part II, of 22 pounds and a percentage of 10.38%. Isn't that amazing? Wait, it gets even better. So far since she has started her journey, she has lost a grand total of 64 pounds!! I am extremely proud of you, Kiddo.

It goes to show what can be accomplished if we work at it on a regular basis. While Rebecca has had a few "big" weeks, for the most part her loss has been slow and steady, and I don't mean that in a bad way. Not slow like me where I have week after week with a zero but slow and steady where she loses 1 to 3 pounds. It is her tenacity in continuing to push herself that has gotten her this far towards her goal. I haven't seen her since Christmas but I am sure that I will be even more impressed when I do.

So Rebecca, I want you to know this; you are now my inspiration, and I am going to do everything I can this week to see that I get back to doing what I'm supposed to. As I said yesterday, I need to concentrate on the basics, and that is what I am going to do. I hope to be with you next week in the "losers" bracket.

Thanks for reminding me that this is possible.

Inspiration of the Day

When you feel weak, just take one more step. Just place one foot in front of the other (just once), think of yourself walking- can you really not drag one foot in front of another, just one more step? -- Written in 2009 by Sekola Phakoe

Recipe of the Day

Flavors galore in this turkey recipe.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Thai-Inspired-Turkey-Burgers-Low-Fat-299431

Today's Link

Eating In Season - A Recipe For Life
So the first parst of my most recent lab tests came back yesterday afternoon. My cholesterol levels are decent. I won't bore you with all the numbers but I will tell you that they are the lowest they have been in 5 years (when I was last at the 200 pound mark). The best news though is that my other tests showed the level of current protein in my urine (sorry for the gross details) is almost down to nothing. This means that a year ago, I was in serious jeopardy of experiencing serious kidney damage and failure, and now I have corrected that to some very repectable "normal" levels. I am VERY happy about that.

The moral of this story is...no matter how bad off you think you are right now, by taking small steps and losing weight, One Step at a Time, you can change the path you are on.

Happy Trails!

One Chewed Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Greetings Friends~

Personally, I often think that obesity carries with it a certain amount of mental illness or instability.

I can have "good" diet days and "bad" diet days which makes me entertain the thought that I am bi-polar or something. Heck, I don't even know what that means but I do know that one minute I can be dedicated and devoted to the task at hand, and the next I can be wondering when I am going to get my next Oreo fix.

What will it take for me to get on the straight and narrow, and stay there? I believe that the answer lies in continuing to reinforce the basics, which I have gotten away from lately. So, for Chip's benefit, here they are again.

1. Drink 6 to 8 glasses (8 ounce) of water daily (and more). The higher the water intake, the better. It hydrates the body as well as kicking the metabolism into high gear.
2. Eat regularly; this means breakfast, a snack, lunch, a snack and dinner. An evening snack can be optional.
3. Be cautious about my sodium intake. I don't add salt to anything but pre-packaged foods have significant amounts of sodium, so be a "label reader".
4. Weigh in weekly and use this as motivation for my behavior during the week. If I know that I have to post a number on Monday, then I am more likely feel a sense of responsibility to lose weight.
5. Do 30 minutes (minimum) of exercise, at least three times a week.
6. Since I am a diabetic, I need to check my blood sugar levels regularly.

My shoulder is still hurting so I am experiencing some depression to go along with that. I need to "man up" and get back on track. This morning I went in for my lab work, which will show how I am doing. Hopefully there will be some progress from November.

I'll keep you posted.

Inspiration of the Day

Castles were built a stone at a time. -- Old Irish proverb

Recipe of the Day

Dieting can be boring when meals are the same thing over and over. I often overlook pork but it can be an excellent choice is a leaner cut is used. Give this a try. I'm going to skip the salt though.
http://www.recipezaar.com/boneless-pork-chops-with-spicy-rub-401397

Today's Link

Why Drink Water?

Today is a new day, a new week and a new opportunity for me to prove that anything is possible with one small step after another. I need to remember that I will not make any progress if I don't force myself to do what I should. One Step at a Time can work, but only if I work my program.

Happy Trails!

Weekend Update or Never Give Up

Greetings Friends~

My apologies for not blogging lately...life has been hectic...no, that's not the reason...I've been lazy. That's the real truth.

So the diagnosis from the doctor is vague. I have either strained or torn my rotator cuff. We won't know for sure until I have an MRI, and that cannot happen until the swelling goes down. If the pain goes away by the time the swelling does, then it is a strain. If not, and it is a tear, I will need surgery. Time will tell.

I met my new doctor at Group Health and was pleasantly surprised that I like her. She seemed very pleased that I had lost over 50 pounds since my last visit with the previous doctor. On Monday, Mrs B and I are going in for our 3 month blood work so I should have some new results, on how well things are, by the end of the week. My last A1C was 7.1 so I am hoping that I am now closer to 6.0.

I discussed my desire to get off the blood pressure and cholesterol medicines that I am currently taking. She let me know that until I can post "normal" numbers, i.e. numbers that are healthy, that I need to continue with my medications. Here is something that she told me that I was not aware of. Diabetics have the same (higher) risk for a heart attack or stroke as those that have already experienced one. Wow, I know that I'm a higher risk but not like that. Scary...reminds me of that old saying, "there's a heart attack waiting to happen," and that is another reason to keep working towards a thinner, healthier self.

I haven't had as much success as I would like AND, I have no one to blame but myself. It is easy to give up and harder to keep going. Remembering that there is a reason for this journey...and that reason is to live longer...should be some motivation. I need to remember that. Constantly.

What a shame it would be to struggle through the hardest parts of life, and when I finally arrive at a destination that allows me to enjoy that effort, I drop dead because of my own unwillingness to change. I'm not the only one here that may fall victim to diabetes. Is it time that you made some changes?

Inspiration of the Day

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet and Essayist

Recipe of the Day

As a healtier alternative to something high in fat and loaded with pasta, this recipe replaces the calories and adds a bunch of flavor. http://www.recipezaar.com/I-Lost-My-Noodles-Low-CarbSouth-Beach-Eggplant-Lasagna-83464

Today's Link

28 Days To A Healthier Heart

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend and I hope to take advantage of the weather by accomplishing something, (injury permitting), outside. Gardening time is will be here before I know it and I hope to be ready when it arrives. The thought of fresh wholesome vegetables that are within 50' of my back door is almost more that I can stand to think about. Yum! I plan to bore the heck out you all with pictures as the garden progresses.

My small steps for the weekend are to go to the gym, even if all I can do it the treadmill, and to do something around the house that needs to be done. I'm not sure what that is, because there are so many things I have neglected, but I'm going to cross something off the list.

No journey is completed without taking that first step. Anything is possible if you do it One Step at a Time.


Happy Trails!

Week 9 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 9.




Kudos to Rebecca for being this week's Biggest Loser and to all the others that lost some poundage. Keep up the good work. For the rest of us, remember that there is still about 12 weeks (approximately) left to go. There is still time to make a great showing.
I played racquetball with Scott on Saturday morning. Somehow during our intense set of games, I injured my shoulder. In the past, I have occasionally experienced some mild discomfort from a sore elbow or shoulder, but nothing like this. As the weekend progressed, my pain got worse as did my range of motion on my right side. I finally broke down and scheduled a doctors appointment for later on today. I'm not sure what they can do but at least I might get some pain medication to lessen the constant throbbing. Icing it seems to help.

I really have to say that I hate getting older. It seems like this body just doesn't function as well as the model of twenty or thirty years ago. One of these days I am going to have to learn to live within the limits of my current physical abilities...and I really hate the thought that I'm not a young gun any longer.

I did manage to get rid of almost all of my vacation gain...almost but not quite...hopefully by next week, I'll be back on the minus side. I might have to live with walking as my only exercise for a few weeks until this shoulder gets better but I suppose if I do enough of that and watch my diet, maybe I can post a modest loss.

Inspiration of the Day

"The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it." – Alan Saporta

Recipe of the Day

This looks like a great starting point for a hearty weekend breakfast. Feel free to add spices per your own taste. http://www.recipezaar.com/Core-Weight-Watchers-Farmers-Breakfast-Casserole-292430

Link of the Day

16 Simple Ways To Eat Less

I'm in a mental funk at the moment and when this happens, I want to fall back on food. Hopefully things will be better in a day or two so I can post a loss for this week. I really am tired of being stuck in the 270-280 range.

Happy Trails!

Weekend Update or Competing for the Gold

Greetings Friends~

Here it is Friday already and almost the start of a three-day weekend. Sweet.

First of all, I want to say how proud I am of Rene` for deciding to join a gym this week and then braving the throngs of fitness fanatics. Kudos!

If any of you read the recent Link of the Day, you saw that exercise is instrumental in decreasing blood sugar levels, and it doesn't just effect it as we work out, but continues to have an effect up to 72 hours. So, if I work out at least every third day, I can count on that being one more GOOD thing that I am doing which makes me healthier.

I have lost 50+ pounds so far but it is weird because I have a hard time seeing it. Don't get me wrong, my pants are smaller, my stomach isn't so pronounced and my face has one less chin. But, I have a hard time seeing it like others might because this is the face and body that I stare at every day in the mirror.

This week I met with a customer at work that I usually see about once a month. Most of his interest was not in how he should be submitting his reports. It actually was about my weight loss journey; how much had I lost, what foods am I eating and how often am I exercising? I have to say that it is nice to have others notice.

I have changed my workout up a little this week. I now have the strength and endurance to begin doing "training" programs on the elliptical instead of my regular "manual" program. I have been doing it for two days, and while it was scary at first because I wasn't sure if I was capable, I now find that the beginning level of "total body workout" is manageable. I am looking forward to working up the scale so that someday I can attain the highest level.

The other thing apparent is that I now have lots more energy. I have big plans for this three-day weekend and don't care if it rains or not; I'm going to shovel gravel into the mine field I call a driveway, finish (with Mrs B's help) the scotch broom removal in the small garden area, clean out the garage and pump house, and haul a load to the dump. This time last year I would have been looking forward to several naps to restore my energy level for the following week of work.

Small steps have gotten me to where I am today. I have a long ways to go yet on my journey to becoming half the man I once was, but not as far as I once did.

Inspiration of the Day

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. - Carol Burnett, 1936-present

Recipe of the Day

This is a vegetarian dish that has lots of potential. Feel free to read the reviews and add other items to the basic recipe for a fast, nutritious dinner entree. http://www.recipezaar.com/Spinach-Sauce-for-Pasta-74282

Today's Link

Breakfasts That Jump-start Your Brain

I hope you all have a great weekend. Since this is a three-day weekend, please get your weight to me no later than 5 pm on TUESDAY. The results for Week 9 will be posted on Wednesday.

My small step for today is to go to the gym after work and have a challenging workout. I still have a few pounds of New Orleans indulgences to shed.

Happy Trails!

Tick Tock

Greetings Friends~

Anyone that follows the television show Deadliest Catch is probably aware that Capt. Phil Harris died on Tuesday from a stroke that he experienced on January 29th. He was 53 years old.

On frequent episodes of the show, the viewers were able to observe Capt. Phil chain smoking cigarettes, repeatedly downing can after can of Red Bull, yelling until he was red in the face, and many other obviously unhealthy behaviors.

I am sad that he passed away, because he was entertaining and quite a character, but is it really a surprise that at age 53, he is gone?

I think it is safe to say that most of us are captains of our own destiny. Very few people are in a situation that is not of their own doing. So, the question can be posed, do we want to end up like that or do we actually do something to change the path we are on?

Most of the people that I know, want to make changes in their daily lives. Some are small changes and some are major changes. For me, I have about a hundred things about my life that I would love to change, and it would be possible, if I just put out an effort to do it.

Wanting something is not enough. Working for it is the answer, no matter how small the step, as long as the effort is being made. We have about three more months in this part of the competition and several people really have never gotten started. Well, maybe that's not accurate. Seems like they got started, made some progress and then put it on the back burner, thinking someday they would get back to it.

As Phil once said, "This ain't a hamburger stand out here, y'know? This is the real deal and people really die."

Many believe they can take care of their health another day. Good luck on that.

Capt. Phil Harris was 53.

Inspiration of the Day

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. - Anais Nin, 1903-1977

Recipe of the Day

Here is a salad that you might want to keep handy as we begin to see more fruit in the market.
http://www.recipezaar.com/south-of-the-border-fruit-salad-1-ww-point-370586

Today's Link

Remarkable Diabetes Treatment

My small step for today is to do something...anything...that will lengthen my life.

Happy Trails!

Welcome Back AND Count Me In

Greetings Friends~

If you read yesterday's Week 8 Results, you can see that I am struggling. That fun filled trip to the Big Easy, while very exciting, certainly put me back SEVERAL steps.

I look at my progress since the end of Part One in December and I am very disappointed in myself. Hey, I'm a LONG way from my goal so there is no reason that I can't be hitting a solid 5 pound a week loss. The key is dedication and determination.

As Ebby Calvin LaLoosh (Tim Robbins) said in the movie Bull Durham, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. Think about that for a while."

Well, losing weight is almost that simple. As a life long FAT ASS, I just go out of my way to make it complicated.
 
Dieting is very simple. You eat less, you exercise more, you keep doing it every day. Sometimes you lose weight, sometimes you don't, sometimes (since we live in WA State) it rains. Think about that for a while.
 
The thing is this. I have never seen a single person on a diet, who is following a proper diet, gain weight. Have you? Nor, have I ever seen someone who is following a proper diet, go week after week without a loss.
 
I've been away from the blog for a couple of weeks trying to take care of some ghosts. I don't know that I was successful. I do know that being away didn't help me lose any weight. In fact it probably hurt me. So now I am back. Those that want to read, can. Those that want to comment, can. Regardless, I'll be writing away. I'm no Mark Twain but I'm getting there.

Inspiration of the Day

There are admirable potentialities in every human being. Believe in your strength and your youth. Learn to repeat endlessly to yourself, 'It all depends on me.' - Andre Gide, 1869-1951

Recipe of the Day

Sometimes a hearty healthy vegetable filled meal is needed after a hard workout. Here is my choice for today. http://www.recipezaar.com/ratatouille-bake-weight-watchers-412275

Shopping Tips for the Week

Safeway has the following items on sale thru next Tuesday; Yoplait yogurt for $.50, Bumblebee solid white albacore in the can or chunk light tuna in the pouch for $.88 each, asparagus for $1.49 a pound, Wish Bone salad dressing 2 for $4, and Nabisco 100 calorie snacks at 2 for $4.

Top Foods has the following items on sale thru next Tuesday; gallon milf for $1.99 each, Haggen chunk light tuna for $.29 each (limit 4), hot house peppers for $1 each, 5 pound bag of carrots for $2, leaf lettuce for $.89 each and green cabbage for $.55 a pound.

Today's Link

Cut 100 Calories From Every Meal

I have spent considerable time talking about taking small steps and how each of us can lose weight if we take life One Step at a Time. One problem with this is that some people refuse to take that first step, OR they take one step and quit for the week (or month). I don't have a solution for you but I can tell you that I personally know that it is possible to change.

Five months ago I was a wreck. On a scale of 1 (a slug) to 100 (the Energizer bunny), I was about a 5. Now I would have to say that I am at a 60, energy-wise and climbing. I thoroughly enjoy the new energy level that I have. My hope is that all of us lose something for Monday's weigh in. I know that wishing for this is a long shot, but what the hell, one day I just might get my wish.

Happy Trails!

Week 8 Results

Greetings Friends~

Congratulations to this week's Biggest Loser Rebecca. Double kudos to her since she was the week's ONLY loser. Way to go. She lost 3 pounds which works out to 1.51% and her new overall total is a whopping 16 pounds and 7.55%.

The rest of us obviously enjoyed Super Bowl week a little to much. Time to get back on track Travelers.

Happy Trails!

Week 7 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 7 of Part II. Congratulations to all those that lost this week and keep up the good work.



Tomorrow we are off to New Orleans, land of the Hurricane (that's a drink made famous at Pat O'Brien's), Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street and shiny beads. Being the food addict that I am, I already have every meal planned, right down to where we will eat and what is good to order there. I don't know that I will ever get over being like this but for right now it is under control.

Monday is usually our one day off per week from the gym but because of the trip and the possibility of gaining back some poundage, we went to the gym. I did a half hour of laps in the pool, then grabbed the water dumb bells for another half hour of pool work.

Hopefully, while we are down south, the weather will quit raining long enough that we can do a huge amount of walking, and sightseeing, in amongst the gumbo and po'boys.

I had to solemnly swear to my wife that we will split meals wherever we go but I'm not sure if that is going to be possible at Willie Mae's where they serve the best (according to Bon Appetite magazine) fried chicken in the US. I'm tempted to try the sweet potato fries there as well. The thing about New Orleans is that it is almost impossible to get a good salad there unless you are planning on going to someplace very fancy, which we are not.

We return on Sunday and the priority will be to get back to the gym and do a Last Chance workout, all the time hoping that we will not gain when we step on that scale Monday. With that in mind, we are off to NOLA at O'Dark:30 tomorrow morning.

Happy Trails!