Smart Choices

Greetings Friends~

This Sunday is Easter. Don't worry, I'm not going to write about religion or the Easter Bunny or how there shouldn't be an Easter Bunny.

I am speaking about Easter as another holiday that involves food. As they say, where there is smoke, there is fire. Well, this weekend there will be a ton of lamb and ham devoured by the masses. Thank goodness we have no "organized" dinner plans so I shouldn't have to worry too much about overeating.

But this did get me to thinking about the rest of the Travelers that may be put in a situation where they are tempted to make a detour on the road to fitness. Now don't get me wrong, if you are satisfied with what you have lost in the last 14 weeks, eat to your heart's content, if you want. Occasionally we should reward ourselves.

I'm speaking to the others that haven't made the progress that they would like. What can you do to avoid temptation?

If you are going to cook dinner for a gathering, think about providing a healthy "second" choice. Maybe some poached salmon or some 97% lean ham or a platter of boiled shrimp. Use that as a foundation for a healthy plate of food. Make your deviled eggs with low fat mayo. Make a nice gourmet green salad that abounds in vegetables and offer some low fat choices of salad dressings.

As I have said repeatedly in the past, we Chubsters are a pretty savvy group. I am sure if you spend a short amount of time online, you can find some great alternatives to almost every fat laden dish that you usually make.

And, don't forget Bill Cosby's favorite, Jello. There is a huge variety of sugar free flavors available and they are all probably on sale this week (so stock up now). Even if you were to eat the entire package, which makes a quart, with fat free topping, you will only be into it for about 100 calories. Sure beats eating a piece of pie or cake and ruining your progress for the week.

Something that helps me avoid temptation is this. Picture yourself a mere three or four months from now, slim and trim, getting ready to devour an ear or two of fresh corn on the cob from the Farmer's Market. Isn't that worth waiting for? Worth a little discipline now in order to reap the results and rewards later?

I sure think so. Today I weigh 270. I can't wait to get into the 260's, and then the 250's.

I can forego the traditional holiday meal to acheive that that milepost on this journey.

Inspiration of the Day

In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it. - Robert Heinlein, 1907-1988

Recipe of the Day

Here is a recipe using my favorite vegetable. Hopefully you will enjoy it too. http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Roasted-Asparagus-50847

Shopping Tips

Safeway has the following items on sale this week thru next Tuesday; whole pineapple for $1.99 each, Eating Right frozen entrees for $2 each, Bumble Bee chunk light tuna for $.50 each and radishes or onions for $.79 each.

Top Foods has the following items on sale this week thru next Tuesday; fresh asparagus for $1.38 a pound, green seedless grapes for $1.48 a pound, Fuji and Granny Smith apples for $1 a pound, broccoli and cauliflower for $.89 a pound, Butter Ball frozen turkeys for $.79 a pound and Kraft salad dressing for $1.99 each.

Albertson's has the following items on sale this week thru next Tuesday; fresh asparagus for $1.28 a pound, Del Monte canned vegetables at $.50 each, Healthy Choice soups for $1 each, radishes and green onions for $.69 each, red bell peppers for $1.50 each and Jumbo sea scallops (previously frozen) for $7.99 a pound.

Today’s Link

6 Tips For Better Breakfasts

Keep up the hard work guys. Eveything you do today will effect that scale on Monday. My small step for today is to get in the gym and work up a sweat.

Happy Trails!

Week 14 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 14.



Congratulations to Chip who is this week's Biggest Loser, and kudos to the other who posted a loss. A big raspberry to the rest of youse.

Not the greatest of weekends for me. Mrs B was busy for most of the weekend with Junior League responsibilities and I was on my own. While some people might enjoy the solitude or have the opportunity for some "me" time, I'm not one of them. After being around people all week, I guess it is kind of a shock to my system when it is just me.

I remember this one time...at band camp...oh, sorry...I remember this one time when I was about 5 years old and had done some serious mischief. My mother punished me by making me stay in our fenced back yard, for the entire summer day, all by myself. That was one of the worst days of my life.

Now, this weekend wasn't quite that bad but I had some of the same feelings. I worked in the blueberries for a good part of the day and then came inside. No one to talk to. No one listening to me. No one to cook for. No one to nag. Yeah, I admit it. I get lonely.

And, what do I do when I am feeling blue? You guessed it. I eat, and that is what I did. Nothing horrible like pizza or tater tots (crap, I'm getting hungry). No, this was the constant foraging of diet foods. Slabs of cheese, those damn vegetable chips from Costco, apples, oranges, and more.

The glass half empty guy is pissed at me because I over ate.

The glass half full guy is happy because they were healthy foods.

Me? I'm just pissed that I still turn to food. Guess I could have started drinking but that would lead to pizza and tots, so I knew that was a bad road to start down.

Once again, I am puzzled by my behavior. But, as I said yesterday, this is a new day and a new week. This process of evolving is really a bitch sometimes. Where is that magic wand when I need it?

Inspiration of the Day

The best opportunities in life are the ones we create. Goal setting provides for you the opportunity to create an extraordinary life. -Gary Ryan Blair {Goals Coach & Founder of The Goals Guy}

Recipe of the Day

I am always on the lookout for recipes that highlight a food which can be prepared in a lower calorie version without losing the flavor of the original. Make sure you read the reviews for some additional ideas of how to make this. http://www.recipezaar.com/Oven-Fried-Chicken-Chimichangas-28148

Today’s Link

Silent Signals That You Are Stressed

Spring has sprung and my small step for today is to drink more water. I've slacked off the last few days.
Have you set a daily goal recently?

Happy Trails!

Could This Be You??

Greetings Friends~

I would like to talk to you today about a friend of mine.

He is in his 50's, morbidly overweight and suffers from Type II diabetes. It appears that we have a lot in common. Our physical ailments are the result of years of abuse. Too many forkfuls of the wrong kinds of foods, and not enough exercise, have got us to where we are today.

My friend desperately wants to lose weight and lead a healthier life but he just can't get started. I am afraid that the longer he waits, the harder it will be, and the sickness will continue to deteriorate his body.

I am at a loss as to how to help him and this grieves me. It is like knowing an alcoholic and watching them drink themselves to death. Each day that goes by is one day closer to an untimely end.

Have you ever seen someone that dies from this disease? If they are lucky, they suffer a quick heart attack from their weakened heart. If they are not so lucky, the amputations begin. First the feet, then the lower leg and knee, and finally the leg is removed at the hip. Once this begins then the chance of a fatal infection becomes likely, and then, the heart attack.

Let's not forgot the damage to the kidney and eyes either. Kidney failure and blindness are two other possible outcomes.

I put a high value on his friendship, as I do the friendships that I have with many of you.

I know that I can not do this for him. I know that we each have to reach that point in our lives that we are so sick and tired of being overweight that we finally decide to REALLY do something about it. I pray that he reaches this point soon, while he still has some time left to reverse the disease.

Unfortunately, I have several friends like this. You probably do as well. Please let them know that you care about them and that this disease is controllable. It may not be too late. Yet.

Inspiration of the Day

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. – Frederick Douglass, 1817-1895, American Abolotionist

 
Recipe of the Day

Seafood is a great alternative to red meat. Here is an recipe for a delicious kabob, which I love.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Soy-Wasabi-Shrimp-and-Scallop-Skewers-Weight-Watchers-237064

Today’s Link

Mood Boosters

I didn't get as much accomplished this weekend as I would have liked. I'm feeling disappointed in myself for my lack of drive. But, today is a new day and a new week so I get a clean slate. My small step for today is to eat my meals as planned and to drink LOTS of water. I hope you are still taking life One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

Time -- Where Does It Go?

Greetings Friends~

Life seems so hectic, and time so short.

Monday through Fridays, paying the bills (working) takes up the majority of the day. After work we scurry around trying to do all sorts of things in the little time that we have left. There is never enough time.

The weekends are my time to get caught up. Unfortunately, once again, there is never enough time. Now that the days are getting longer, I am thankful for some extra daylight. But, the gym is still only open 8 am to 8 pm, so if I want to get a workout in, during that time, something else has to be sacrificed.

Last Saturday I skipped the workout. Maybe not such a huge deal since I worked in the yard. Still, I felt guilty about it. Sunday we were patiently waiting with the other die hards when the gym opened at 8 am. Kudos for that.

There has to be a balance but I'll be darned if I have figured it out yet. Mrs. B has Junior League activities all weekend so she knows she won't get much of a chance to hit the gym. I have more garden work to do on Saturday. I am hoping I can finish what I need to by 3 pm, that way I can still get in some quality time on a treadmill.

Often it isn't a shortage of time that keeps me from completing all my desired tasks. It is the distractions.

I could probably get everything done each day if I could just stay away from the television and the computer. Besides food, these are my two other addictions.

I have never been able to balance very well (or some would say I am un-balanced). I hope to get better at it when I grow up.

Inspiration of the Day

For disappearing acts, it's hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work. -- Doug Larson, Newspaper Columnist.

 

Recipe of the Day

Give this sandwich a try when you are watching basketball this weekend or for lunch after doing some yard work. http://www.recipezaar.com/Light-Toasty-Turkey-Club-Sandwich-283744

Today’s Link

Walk Off A Size In 4 Weeks

I have been using the library a lot lately. Today I picked up a copy of The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. I was pretty sceptical about all the stuff that I see pitched on the show each week but if this book is any example, I am sold. There are a ton of tips and so many different recipes that I don't know where to start. Mrs B and I both have looked at the book and decided that we should buy it online. I will be sharing bits and pieces with you in the very near future and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Here is one example -- "Eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up. This will increase your metabolism dramatically and get you into a calorie burning mode".

You may have know that. I didn't, and any small things that I can do which helps me get to my journey by a shorter route, is greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend Travelers and remember that there is still lots of time left to post a loss for the week. My small step for today is to get in a workout. I know today is going to be busier than usual and my body will need to get rid of some stress. I am getting stronger, and thinner, One Step at a Time.

Happy Trails!

It's All About The Portions

Greetings Friends~

If you watch any television, or read anything online or in a magazine, you are sure to see all sorts of ads for Jenny Craig, Nutrisystems, and many others, whose sole purpose is to make money off your desire to lose weight.

Obviously, the weight loss business is booming. If it wasn't, we wouldn't see all the celebrities hyping the products, telling us how we can be successful like they are. It is enticing to think that I can sign up for any of these groups, and voila, I am skinny.

I commit for a period of time, pay them a substantial fee and they send me their pre-packaged freeze dried or frozen food. The problem is, there is still no guarantee that I am going to lose weight.

It is all about portion control. That's what will help me lose weight and that's what will help me maintain the loss once I achieve my goal.

Why not design your own plan? Take an hour this weekend and see what you can come up with. It would be fun to see how creative you can be. On top of that, think of how much you can save by cutting out the middle man.

For instance, let's look at ideas for breakfasts. How about yogurt with some Grapenuts or other similar cereal? Mrs. B likes the flaxseed cereal at Costco with her yogurt. A small container of Raisin Bran with non-fat milk. Trader Joes sells instant oatmeal with apples and cinnamon that is sugar free and gets great reviews. I like an english muffin with some butter spray and a microwave poached egg. The options are limitless.

How about lunch? A Lean Cuisine or Eating Right frozen entree and an apple. Campbell's or Progresso soups make a filling meal. Cottage cheese with tomatoes. Sliced turkey lunchmeat with Dijon and some cheese, all rolled up. A 6" Subway sandwich.

The key is the portion size. You can make your own meals and figure out the correct serving portion (palm sized is a good general rule) or you can stick to a pre-packaged option from the grocery store.

The point here is to do SOMETHING because... let's be honest...looking at the results each week has made it pretty apparent that most of us haven't been trying very hard...with the exception of Rebecca. The rest of us obviously aren't doing what we should be in order to reach our goal. I am talking about myself most of all.

Inspiration of the Day

Dreams are the touchstones of our character. -- Henry David Thoreau

Recipe of the Day

Wow!!  The picture alone is enough to make me want to try this. http://www.recipezaar.com/Mustard-Grilled-Chicken-Light-278735

Today’s Link

Make Your Exercise Program Stick

Last night at the gym, I ran on the treadmill for the first time. I mean I've ran before but usually it's for half a lap. This time I ran for a mile and a quarter without stopping. Six months ago that wouldn't have been possible (or recommended).

I started at 334 pounds and this week I weigh 273. I'm proud of myself for starting and continuing on this journey. Yesterday, my morning blood sugar was in the 80's.

Things are getting better. Why? Because I am taking One Step at a Time in my search for better health. The destination is getting closer.


Happy Trails!

Never Too Late

Greetings Friends~

Spring has finally arrived, and with it, the promise of summer is right around the corner.

This is the time of year that so many things seem possible. Daylight hours are longer and the temperatures are warmer. The bright sunny days have a way of warming me to the tasks ahead.

Now is the time to work hardest, at this thing we call dieting, because soon it will be time to start wearing our shorts out in public, or God forbid, our swim wear.

Why am I reminding you of this now? Because each year when summer comes, if you are anything like me, you wish that you had done more to change how you look during the last year. So, even though you may not have made the progress that you would like, there is still time to work on it.

I don't think that most of us will be getting into Baywatch shape but think of how good you will feel if you drop a couple of sizes from last summer. Whether you are planning a cruise or going to the lake or maybe just hanging out at a back yard barbecue, feeling good about how well we have done in our journey so far this year is important.

I figure that I have a good three months to go before it is warm enough to start wearing those shorts on a regular basis so now is the time to make some progress towards sporting a new image this summer.

While it may be considered vain to worry about my looks and how I appear to others, I say "so what". If my quest to look better motivates a change, and this change results in me being healthier, then that is a major accomplishment.

Cut out a picture of those new shorts or that swim suit and pin it on your refrigerator...or in the bathroom by your mirror. Let it be a reminder of just another goal that you are working towards.

Inspiration of the Day

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact. -- William James, American psychologist and philosopher, 1842-1910.

Recipe of the Day

Here is a recipe for some lighter fare. Feel free to get creative with your own personal ingredients.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Light-and-Yummy-Fish-Tacos-107477

Shopping Tips

Safeway has the following items on sale this week; Fresh Express Salad for $1 each, Kellogg's Raisin Bran for $1.88 each, zucchini for $1 a pound, red peppers for $1 each, assorted pears for $1 a pound and mini peeled carrots in the 16 ounce bag for $1 each.

Top Foods has the following items on sale this week; Bosc pears for $1 a pound, carrots in the 2# bag for $1 each, Cameo apples for $1 a pound, ruby red grapefruit 4 for $1 and Alaskan Salmon fillets, 1-1/2 pounds each for $7.99.

Albertsons has the following items on sale this week; Cameo apples for $.88 a pound, Bumble Bee solid white albacore tuna for $1 each, Progresso Classic Vegetable soups for $1 each, Honeysuckle whole turkey breasts for $1.79 a pound, Wish-Bone salad dressings for $1.49 each and Healthy Choice frozen entrees for $1.99 each.

Today's Link

20 Ways To Eat Healthier Right Now

Last week was a better week for myself and several others in the group. Let's see if we can keep up with that progress. There is approximately 6 weeks left in Part II so there is plenty of time to still post a loss. My small step for today is to drink lots of water. Remember that each step you take gets you closer to your destination. One Step at a Time, one day at a time; prove to yourself that you can make a difference.

Happy Trails!

Week 13 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 13.



Congratulations to Jamie for being this week's Biggest Loser!

Sorry that this post is so short but I had two fillings done this morning and a steroid shot in my shoulder this afternoon so I am looking forward to getting back on the couch and icing my shoulder.

Happy Trails!

Want To Break A Record?

Greetings Friends~

I'm going to make this first part short. The woman pictured above is Donna Simpson. She claims to weigh 600 pounds. You may have seen or heard about her in the news the last few days. It seems that this 42 year old mother of two aspires to be THE WORLD'S FATTEST WOMAN.

I'll let you think about that. If you want to know more about her, do a Google search. Personally, I believe that anyone that aspires to something like this is insane. I'll let you be the judge.

I have my own records I want to beat. How about..losing weight for 10 weeks running...or having the worlds loosest belt...or losing 50 pounds and keeping it off for 10 years. I could sit here all night and come up with these. Able to do 200 crunches without stopping...running in a race...climbing a mountain.

I feel sad that this woman's world is so small that all she can think about, and do, is to eat.

On to better things. There is still lots of time left in Week 13 to post a loss. If you have been struggling, take a deep breath and go for a walk. The weather is suppose to be gorgeous the next couple of days. Heck, you can even walk in the rain on Sunday. Whatever, and whenever, please do something for your health. We each have the possibility for greatness within us.

Inspiration of the Day

The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Recipe of the Day

Easter is quickly approaching and deviled eggs are a family favorite. Here is a twist on that, which may interest you avocado lovers. http://www.recipezaar.com/Avocado-Stuffed-Eggs-76494

Today's Link

Weight Loss Success Stories

This has been a great week for me so far. Not that I won the lottery or received a promotion or anything like that but I have done my steps and taken this week one day and One Step at a Time so I feel great. It's funny how success elevates my mood. My small step for today is to go to the gym. Mrs B has a party to go to this evening so it would be easy for me to skip but I need the workout.

Have a wonderful weekend, Travelers.

Happy Trails!

How Well Are You Running??

Greetings Friends~

The hardest part about losing weight seems to be getting started and then sticking to it. Once I have conquered that, then the rest is pretty simple. This week...so far, so good.

On the latest, episode of Biggest Loser, one of the female contestants only lost 2 pounds this week (her words, not mine). She was crushed because she believed she'd been eating right, and exercising 6 hours a day. She just couldn't understand how she could have posted such a low number.

I'm willing to bet BIG money that her weight loss (or lack of it...considering) was for one of the following reasons. Either she didn't drink enough water, didn't eat enough calories to fuel all that exercise or she ate too much sodium (those Subway sammiches are loaded with salt).

The physics of dieting are easy. It is the doing part that is hard.

Let me preface this part with my usual warning that I am not intending to offend anyone.

Compare dieting to owning a car. If you want your car to run in tip top shape then you have to take care of it; get the oil changed when it is due, get the car checked out and tuned up on a regular basis, wash it, wax it, and clean the trash out of it.

As an overweight person, my body works (or doesn't work) the same way. If I want it to run in tip top shape, I should eat right, take vitamins, get a certain amount of exercise, etc., so I can function well.

Maybe you saw the part above about washing and waxing and cleaning out the trash. I'd say this is important as well. If we care about how the car looks inside and out, it generally means that we are willing to do everything else to keep it like brand new. The desire to perform personal hygiene tasks and dressing well (just the opposite of wearing the same pair of sweat pants for two weeks running, without throwing them in the laundry) demonstrates how we feel about ourselves, to a certain extent. What I am trying to get at here is that when I'm feeling down or bad about myself, I will usually eat any old thing, skip the daily shower, and go to the store in an outfit that would make my wife embarrassed to be seen with me.

If we do the basic things that we all know are required to lose weight, then we will. Unfortunately, we get busy, and forget, and that is when the weight loss goes wrong.

Wouldn't it be grand if our bodies had a "Check Engine Light"?


Inspiration of the Day

Always remember that the future comes one day at a time. -- Dean Acheson, American statesman and lawyer, 1893-1971.

Recipe of the Day

Spice it up tonight with a low calorie version of the restaurant favorite. If you don't like it hot, adjust the pepper flakes according to you own preference. http://www.recipezaar.com/Weight-Watchers-General-Tsos-Chicken-162379

Today's Link

127 Foods That Fight Fat

Today my small step is to try to have more patience. Getting stress out doesn't help me to acheive my goals. Instead that stress pushes me towards the evil side. One day and One Step at a Time.
Happy Trails!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Greetings Friends~

There are certain foods that are like crack cocaine to me and corned beef is one of them. The only way for me to control my consumption of it is to either skip it entirely, or to cook such a small amount that I'm afraid Mrs B wouldn't get any.

I cooked two packages on Sunday night and served it for dinner Monday night with cabbage, carrots and boiled potatoes. I skipped it altogether and opted for a bowl of the leftover chicken stir fry instead. Not as wonderful as all-you-can-eat Irish fare, but I did maintain my plan to stay strong.

Yesterday at lunch I took a nice 30 minute walk down Capital Way to the Farmer's Market and back. It is great to get out of the office and people watch as I do my speed walking.

I am back to the gym full time now. My shoulder is getting better but it isn't anywhere near normal yet. I plan on trying to get a steroid shot next week. Hopefully that will relieve some pain.

So two days have gone by so far with no nocturnal eating mishaps or peanut butter massacres. Thank God for small things. Funny how just a couple of days worth of success can elevate my mood...well, that and the fact that the scale has shown a little progress.

Randy told me that he joined Weight Watchers Online. I wish him the best of luck and hopefully you will be seeing the results in the weeks to come.

Inspiration of the Day

Live out of your imagination, not your history. - Stephen Covey

Recipe of the Day

I wanted to find an Irish recipe for today but there doesn't seem to be anything low fat or low calorie so in the spirit of the day, at least this recipe has a lot of green in it, and it sounds down right tasty.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Avocado-Mandarin-Salad-27131

Shopping Tips

Safeway has the following items on sale this week; broccoli crowns for $.78 a pound, wild caught Alaskan Sockeye Salmon for $7.99 a pound (for the whole side or $8.99 a pound for smaller pieces), Green Giant Frozen Vegetable Steamers 2 for $4, Large frozen raw shrimp 31 to 40-ct for $3.99 a pound (coupon), Cheerios for $1.49 (coupon) and Buddig Deli Cuts Lunchmeat for $1.77 each (coupon). Saturday and Sunday only; Foster Farms ground turkey in the 20-oz package $1.99 each (limit 4), Hass avocados for $.68 each, and Kraft Salad Dressing $1.29 each (limit 3).

Albertsons has the following items on sale this week; Weight Watcher Smart Ones (selected varieties) for $1.88 each, Post Raisin Bran cereal for $1.59, Yoplait yogurt for $.50 each, cantalope for $.48 a pound, assorted pears for $1.29 a pound and Fuji or Gala apples for $1.49 a pound.

Today's Link

I apologize for the commercial you have to endure to watch this but I think that overall you might be interested in this site for lots of useful ideas about fitting in some exercise into your busy day.

Help Yourself in 5 Minutes with Bob Harper

So far my new "plan" is working. Funny, the key seems to be...to actually do it. I have no idea what my small step for today is. I suppose I'll wing it. What I do know is, that after two days of doing what I said I would, there have been results. I know if I take this one day and One Step at a Time, that I will see the rewards.

Happy Trails!

Week 12 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results from Week 12.



Congratulations to Rebecca for being this week's Biggest Loser. I saw her on Saturday and she looks amazing. Since last September, she has lost a total of 68 pounds!! That's my little sister folks!

As I said yesterday, and a multitude of times over the last couple of months, I have been sucking at this weight loss thing lately. It appears that I'm not the only one in that boat so some of you know exactly what I am talking about.

Here's the thing though. Over the last six months, I have gotten in much better shape than I was before I started. Not only physically but also mentally. When the weekends come around now, I look forward to getting outside, rain or shine, to do something around This Old House. I have to give myself a big slap on the back because I couldn't...and wouldn't...of done that last September.

I have had some people comment that I don't give myself enough credit, that I am too hard on myself and that the comments that I make concerning myself, like calling myself Fatso and Chubster, are offensive. You should understand this Travellers. I am hard on myself and I have never been anything but offensive. And, for those that know me best, you have heard me say a gazillion times, "why lie about it?" I'm not proud of it but I'm not ashamed either. It just is what it is...and will continue to be...until I do something about it.

That's the thing with me. I will be honest with you when it comes to almost everything, and I'll be brutally honest about myself. I figure that is all part of this blog.

Right now my Body Mass Indicator (BMI) is just barely under 40. What does that mean? Well, boys and girls, it means that I am packing...and I don't mean a firearm. I am fa...fa...fa...FAT. There, I said it. And I will keep on saying it until my BMI is under 30. Maybe then, I'll switch and call myself husky or slightly rotund. I don't know yet but it seems I have plenty of time to cross that bridge. And, if I ever get below that "magic" number of 25, I'll call myself George Clooney.

Why am I ranting about this? I'll tell you. I think in today's world that we spend too much time trying to be politically correct. Too much time avoiding reality. Too much time seeking a way to make our faults and failures acceptable.

That's why...and...that's not me. So, when I say I'm fat, it's because I am.

Is that WHO I am? No, and it is not WHO you are either. I'm just like you. A person that tries too hard, wants too much and succeeds too infrequently. But my "fat-ness" doesn't define me. And it doesn't define you.

Thanks for letting me vent. My name is Chip and I am a food-aholic.

Inspiration of the Day

Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long, WE KEEP MOVING FORWARD, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." -- Walt Disney

Recipe of the Day

Sometimes I just need something that isn't "diet." I think that this will do the trick. Combine this with a nice turkey or salmon burger with all the works and I bet you will feel like you just cheated, but you didn't! This might be good with some of that garlic flavored cooking spray. Almost like Safeco Field.
http://www.recipezaar.com/healthy-low-fat-ranch-fries-416573

Today's Link

What is Your BMI?

This is the second day of that new week. I managed to follow all the things on my list from yesterday's post so I think I'm headed in the right direction. My small step for today is to eat at my scheduled times (and nothing else...lol). I guess I forgot that my success depends on me doing this One Step at a Time.
Happy Trails!

Monday Monday

Greeting Friends~

Ah...Mondays...weigh in day. I either love it or hate it. Seems like lately I hate it. Today was no exception. I suppose I could go on with blah, blah, blah and waaaa, waaaa, waaa, but I have no one to blame but myself.

So, instead of getting down on myself, I chalked it up to experience and have decided to concentrate on this (new) week.

That being said, I am going to take this week ONE DAY AT A TIME and prove that I can get back on track.

Here are some of the things that I will do (and not do) each day so I can see if I can get a handle on the funk I have been in for weeks.

• Do eat breakfast
• Do eat a morning snack
• Do eat lunch
• Do eat an afternoon snack
• Do eat dinner
• Do eat an evening snack (optional)
• Do drink 10 glasses (8 ounces each) of water per day.
• Do go to the gym daily.
• Do keep a salad container full in the refrigerator.
• Do keep a food log listing foods eaten and the calories consumed.
• Do not drink soda.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not exceed 1 cup of black coffee per day.
• Do not eat foods that are high in sodium.
• Do not eat ANY FOODS AFTER 9PM. No excuses.

I am almost thru Day One and on track. I'll keep you posted about how I'm doing or better yet, you can look for the results in the Week 13 Results.
 
Inspiration of the Day
 
Success is dependent upon the glands -- sweat glands. – Zig Ziglar, American Sales Trainer and Motivational Author/Speaker
 
 

 
Recipe of the Day
 
I like the idea that this is low cal and a comfort food. I hope you like it. I think it would be good made with a lean pork loin too. http://www.recipezaar.com/Beef-Stroganoff-Low-Calorie-322411
 
Shopping Tip
 
March is Frozen Food month. For those of you that shop at Safeway, if you buy $25 worth of participating items in a single trip (like their Eating Right entrees and many other items), you get a coupon worth $10 on your next frozen food purchase. Mrs B and I went there and purchased entrees for our lunches. The next day we bought 5 more and our total bill was....aaaa...ZERO. This deal is good thru the end of the month so for you state workers, you still have time when you get that 25th of the month paycheck.
 
Today's Link
 
Walk Off The Weight
 
I went for a short walk at lunch today, bought a few used paperback books, enjoyed the sunny weather, and best of all, I was able to get away from the stress of the office. I'm hoping to make this a habit. My small step for today is to not eat anything after 9 pm.
 
Happy Trails!

To Blog or Not To Blog, That is the Question

Greetings Friends~

I believe that the major reason that I am struggling lately is that I haven't been taking my blogging responsibilities as serious as I should (and once was). I think is is entirely possible that writing this actually helps me to concentrate on the challenge at hand.

Today Mrs B and I went to Subway for lunch. I haven't been there lately but it seems that I bought right into the on air plug during The Biggest Loser this week. I have to admit that the Veggie DeLite was pretty filling. This got me to thinking. Five dollars for a sandwich that is much healthier but just as quick as McDonalds, AND I didn't have to feel guilty that I derailed my diet plan. Guess I might be heading back there more often.

I hope to have some time this weekend to stop by the Oriental Market on College St. in Lacey. I love the idea that I can get a ton of stuff for stir fry such as Napa cabbage, bean sprouts, edamame, snow peas and more, for about half the price of a regular grocery store.

Here is how I do my stir fry.

First I get any or all of the following; asparagus, broccoli, napa cabbage, green peppers, edamame (soybeans), mushrooms, celery, carrots, onion, snow peas, bamboo shoots and those little ears of corn that are so hard to eat.

I prepare all of this and put the vegetables that cook alike into my Zip and Steam bags, usually two types of vegetable per bag. I only do this for some of the veggies, so this is what I get. Bag 1 - asparagus and snow peas. Bag 2 - carrots and cauliflower. Bag 3 - broccoli and peppers. Bag 4 - cauliflower.

I clean and slice (or quarter) the mushrooms to get them ready.

Now I turn on my big wok-like skillet, get it real hot and throw in some chicken or beef that has been cut into thin pieces. I cook that very fast and then remove and set aside.

I now de-glaze the pan with some low sodium vegetable broth, maybe a cup or less. This is all I ever use anymore to stir fry. Much better than oil. I do realize that this should be called stir steaming but that is a mouthful.

Once the broth comes up to a bubble, I add the mushrooms.

While these start to cook (and add that wonderful mushroom nectar to the batch), I start steaming the veggies in the microwave. Bag 1 for 2 minutes, Bag 2 for 3 minutes, Bag 3 for 3 minutes and Bag 4 for 3 minutes.

As each of these are done, I set them aside.

Back to the mushrooms which have now started cooking. Add in the following order; bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, Bags 2-4, the cooked chicken or beef, napa cabbage. Stir well and add Bag 1.

Be careful because this will make enough to feed most of your neighborhood. The nice thing is that you can eat on this for several days and it is still delicious.

I dish this into a bowl and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Mrs B likes some soy sauce drizzled on hers but I try to avoid the salt.

I hope I have made you hungry enough to want to try some lower cal stir fry. That was the intent. Like Subway is to McDonalds, this is Chip's healthy alternative to Happy T.

My small step for the weekend is to eat right and drink LOTS of water.

Happy Trails!

Week 12 Results

Greetings Friends~

Sorry that I have been so bad about posting lately. Work and home seem to be consuming all my time recently. I hope to get back on track ASAP.

The results for Week 12 are..... Sharon lost 2 pounds....and the rest of us posted a zero.

I need to spend some time this week updating the spreadsheet so that next week, I can post results better.

Congratulations to Sharon who was this week's Biggest (and only) Loser. My apologies to you, Sharon, for not giving you your proper due on time. You posted a loss and I should have given you your kudos on time. Mea culpa.

As you can see, the results this week were nothing to brag about. It seems that most of us have either lost our momentum or, in the case of my sister Rebecca, are getting so close to goal that big numbers are harder to come by.

Personally, I wish that was the case, but it is not. I have been floundering for several weeks. My magic number (the lowest I have been) is 276. Needless to say, I am above that so I can't post a loss until I get below that damn number and I am really angry that I can't seem to do it.

I know the reason why I can't, and it is because I spend about 90% of my time dieting and 10% of my time either, overeating healthy foods or just wolfing down foods that I shouldn't. From the looks of things (the weekly results), I'm not the only one.

I would love to say that LIFE is getting in the way, but that would be less than honest. The real reason is that I have lost some of my previous enthusiasm about dieting and losing weight. I'm a smart guy, or at least I think I am, and I should be able to figure this situation out. But I haven't gotten there yet.

One day I am good and the next I am not. One day I am good all the way until dinner and then I fall off the wagon. The result of these wasted days are that when my Monday weigh in arrives, I am still above that damn 276 number and I begin to wonder if I will ever post a loss again.

Does anyone have any ideas for me about how I can get back on track?

Inspiration of the Day

Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age. - Christopher Morley, 1890-1957

Recipe of the Day

I'm trying to get back on track and I love salads. What I hate are lousy crappy nasty diet dressings. That being said, I haven't tried this yet but it sounded good. Read the review and let me know if yoyu come up with something good. http://www.recipezaar.com/Fat-Free-Lemon-Yogurt-Viniagrette-298244

Today's Link

I'm Exercising But Not Losing Weight. Why?

BREAKING NEWS!!

I am going to be a grandfather! My desire is that my first grandchild never see me as the fat self that I now am and when he (or she) looks through family pictures later in life, he (or she) wonders who that is. I have about 7 months to get there. Maybe this can motivate me to get over that "hump".

Happy Trails!

Week 11 Results

Greetings Friends~

Here are the results for Week 11.



Congratulations to Rebecca for once again being this week's Biggest Loser. She seems to have the routine down and should be a model for the rest of us.

Kudos go out to Rene` who was this week's only other loser. It just goes to show what is possible when we throw in some exercise along with our regular routine.

I don't have much else to say today. My shoulder is still out of order. I have a physical therapy appointment for later this week then it is back to the doctor next week. I'll let you know when I know something.

I would also like to acknowledge the good news that Lee gave me today. Her A1C has dropped dramatically and her doctor is pleased with the progress she is making. Lee gave up her gym membership but has now set up an exercise room at home. Good job!!

Looks like that is about all the news that is news. I hope to write more when able.

Happy Trails!