There is some advantage to being sick. I guess- if you look at it that way.
I went to my PCP Wednesday she diagnoised me with Strep and double inner ear infections, she wanted to see me again today to check the ear infections- I am pleased to say that they are improving- not totally cleared up but much better then they were. The Throat is better too- I can actually swallow again.
Between Wednesday and today I haven't had much of an appetite and have pretty much exsisted on chicken broth, and frozen sugar free popsciles.
Well when I stepped on her office scale today - it revealed that I have lost 51 pounds. I was at 47 down on Wednesday.
My coach and I agree its not about lost pounds or inches lost- its about being healthy- and yeah I know spending 3 days in bed with strep and ear infections isn't really healthy - I am living a much healthier lifestyle.
Gone are the dinners for Mac and cheese, double cheese pizza, or cheese steak subs. No more Pancakes smoothered in butter and syrup for breakfast. Instead breakfast is fruit or oatmeal, lunch is a salad or some kind of veggie based soup, dinner is protein and veggies.
Thanksgiving dinner for me was Chicken broth, hot tea and latter in the eveing a strawberry popscile.
The journey thru life is a marathon not a spirnt so pace yourself.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Double ear infections and strep throat
That is the doctors diagnosis. Started feeling bad yesterday and by this morning I was walking like a drunk person, running a fever, and could barely swallow.
My boss made me go see my PCP. She was the one the diagnosised the double inner ear infections and the strep throat.
I was given an anti-botic and a medication to help with the dizziness. That medication makes me very sleepy.
I will be home tomorrow. So far the only thing I have been able to even get down are a couple of sugar free popsciles..
The doctor suggested - Juices , lots of fluids, popsciles, tea , vitamin C and lots of rest.
I hope all you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the day.
Life is a journey - enjoy the ride.
My boss made me go see my PCP. She was the one the diagnosised the double inner ear infections and the strep throat.
I was given an anti-botic and a medication to help with the dizziness. That medication makes me very sleepy.
I will be home tomorrow. So far the only thing I have been able to even get down are a couple of sugar free popsciles..
The doctor suggested - Juices , lots of fluids, popsciles, tea , vitamin C and lots of rest.
I hope all you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the day.
Life is a journey - enjoy the ride.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ramblings on a Cold Friday night
It's a very cold Friday night here in Maryland, so here are some of my thoughts and ramblings tonight.
Pets- Today my kitten Ariel had surgery to be spayed. I was a nervous wreck all day- as it was just a year ago that my first kitten Sebastian died while being neutered due to a hole in his heart. I am pleased to report that Ariel's surgery went well and she is recovering nicely at the vet's. I get to bring her home tomorrow afternoon.
It about broke my heart last night when she gave me this hurt sad look, as I picked her food and water bowls up.
Snow- I HATE IT. It was snow showering here today, ALOT. When we left the office for lunch- it was like a white out , mess. No it didnt stick to the ground, but still it had everyone crazy. Currently our office is next to a Mars grocery store. No joke they had lines all the way to the back of the store today with people waiting to check out. What where they buying- well of course - Milk, Bread, eggs and Toliet paper.
Shopping- I never used to pay much attention to the lay out of stores , but now I am begining to wonder if store lay outs could be contributing to the obesity problem in this country . I stopped at CVS on my way home, I needed a dicongestant for my nose, and some vitamins that I was out of.
The second I stepped into the store- bam- this is a huge rack of gourment chocolates, then its an aisle full of cakes, cookies, and other candies. Then an aisle full of sodas, and ice creams. These are the first 5 aisles of the store. OMG this is unbelievable in a DRUG store. No I was not even tempted. I got my decongestant, my vitamin B12, Vitamin C and D, and 2 bottles of Fugi water, and was out the door as quickly as I could be.
Water- I never thought much about water- but now that I am drinking alot of it, its became more of a priority. I like Fugi water the best- its just got a cleaner, almost sweeter taste to it.
Holidays- Well we have the first in the Triple crown of Dieters Hell next week. Thanksgiving- please don't get me wrong- I love being with my family, but I prefer to do it on my own terms and in short doses. Being a widow, my brother automatically expects I will be going to his house for dinner. Well that isn't so bad - really kind of not bad .I guess. I have to pick my Grandmother up first- she lives 35 miles in the opposite direction from my brother's, she doesn't hear well, she doesn't like people, she hates being around my nephews, and generally will be cranky all day. Then my sister in law calls me to day to ask my to pick up wine- not a problem. I ask what she is serving. Turkey ( of course) my brother is going to deep fry it- oh well that makes it healthy?????- what else I ask- candied sweet pototoes, mashed pototoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, honey glazed carrotts, asparagas in hollandaise, home made rolls with sweet butter, and jellied cranberry sauce. ( Note none of these are things I am able to eat on my plan) Oh yeah my brother is making a Chocolate ,chocolate chip, mint chip, cheesecake for dessert.
I love my family- but would much rather stay at home and order shrimp chow mein from my favorite chineese place.
Dinner- cooking for 1 person SUCKS. Thank heavens for my mini George Forman Grill- it's perfect for just 1 person. Tonight- I grilled a piece of sirlon, and had some steamed veggies. I hate cooking for just myself.
Well thats about it for my ramblings tonight.
Enjoy the journey
Pets- Today my kitten Ariel had surgery to be spayed. I was a nervous wreck all day- as it was just a year ago that my first kitten Sebastian died while being neutered due to a hole in his heart. I am pleased to report that Ariel's surgery went well and she is recovering nicely at the vet's. I get to bring her home tomorrow afternoon.
It about broke my heart last night when she gave me this hurt sad look, as I picked her food and water bowls up.
Snow- I HATE IT. It was snow showering here today, ALOT. When we left the office for lunch- it was like a white out , mess. No it didnt stick to the ground, but still it had everyone crazy. Currently our office is next to a Mars grocery store. No joke they had lines all the way to the back of the store today with people waiting to check out. What where they buying- well of course - Milk, Bread, eggs and Toliet paper.
Shopping- I never used to pay much attention to the lay out of stores , but now I am begining to wonder if store lay outs could be contributing to the obesity problem in this country . I stopped at CVS on my way home, I needed a dicongestant for my nose, and some vitamins that I was out of.
The second I stepped into the store- bam- this is a huge rack of gourment chocolates, then its an aisle full of cakes, cookies, and other candies. Then an aisle full of sodas, and ice creams. These are the first 5 aisles of the store. OMG this is unbelievable in a DRUG store. No I was not even tempted. I got my decongestant, my vitamin B12, Vitamin C and D, and 2 bottles of Fugi water, and was out the door as quickly as I could be.
Water- I never thought much about water- but now that I am drinking alot of it, its became more of a priority. I like Fugi water the best- its just got a cleaner, almost sweeter taste to it.
Holidays- Well we have the first in the Triple crown of Dieters Hell next week. Thanksgiving- please don't get me wrong- I love being with my family, but I prefer to do it on my own terms and in short doses. Being a widow, my brother automatically expects I will be going to his house for dinner. Well that isn't so bad - really kind of not bad .I guess. I have to pick my Grandmother up first- she lives 35 miles in the opposite direction from my brother's, she doesn't hear well, she doesn't like people, she hates being around my nephews, and generally will be cranky all day. Then my sister in law calls me to day to ask my to pick up wine- not a problem. I ask what she is serving. Turkey ( of course) my brother is going to deep fry it- oh well that makes it healthy?????- what else I ask- candied sweet pototoes, mashed pototoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, honey glazed carrotts, asparagas in hollandaise, home made rolls with sweet butter, and jellied cranberry sauce. ( Note none of these are things I am able to eat on my plan) Oh yeah my brother is making a Chocolate ,chocolate chip, mint chip, cheesecake for dessert.
I love my family- but would much rather stay at home and order shrimp chow mein from my favorite chineese place.
Dinner- cooking for 1 person SUCKS. Thank heavens for my mini George Forman Grill- it's perfect for just 1 person. Tonight- I grilled a piece of sirlon, and had some steamed veggies. I hate cooking for just myself.
Well thats about it for my ramblings tonight.
Enjoy the journey
Friday, November 14, 2008
My Program
I have been asked by a couple of people what program I am using. Well Coach Dr. Joe has a program based on a book called the Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity- by Daniel Reid. He had me read the book when we first started – he calls it a bible- I tend to agree and would recommend the book to anyone.
So there were 8 components we needed to address to start me on my weight loss journey.
#1- As the book talks about- we have to have a balanced PH in our bodies- our bodies have to be balance. Chemistry was never my strong suit. However I did understand what the book was talking about. When we eat protein the body produces an enzyme to break it down, that enzyme is very acidic – it needs to be to break down the proteins. When we eat a carb or starch the body produces an enzyme that is much more alkaline to breakdown the carbs. So when we eat things like a cheeseburger on a bun or pizza- the body produces both and they cancel each other out. Those nothing gets digested and the food just lays there. So it’s important that I eat 1 thing at a time to keep the PH balanced.
#2- Fueling the Machine- when we first start, Coach Dr. Joe asked me if money were no object and I could have any car I wanted – what would it be? My answer was an ASTON MARTIN- then he asked me if the owner’s manual stated to use only high test unleaded gas in the car, and for what every reason I decided to put diesel in the gas tank- how well would the car run. Like Crap. Some goes for our bodies. So we talked a bit more about what I crave- sugar- sweet things. Ok so we have a few simple and easy food rules. Fruit starts the day- fresh and health, and as much as I want. Rule #2 Veggies go with everything. #3- Protein first, #4 its better to eat several small meals then 1 or 2 large ones.
#3- SLEEP- I wasn’t getting enough sleep- there are 2 reasons sleep is important. #1- When the body doesn’t get enough sleep it goes into STRESS mode, stress mode means the body starts to produce excessive levels of a hormone called CORTISOL. Cortisol is nature in our bodies- it’s called the internal alarm clock. However in high levels it slows the metabolism, inflames the joints and keeps us awake, thus cause a cycle of stress and no sleep and stress and no sleep. The second is most sleep deprived people tend to eat too much and eat the wrong stuff to keep themselves away and energized.
#4- Hydration- WATER WATER WATER- so important and something I frequently forget. The human body needs water. I used to drink a lot of coke, iced tea and ginger ale. Not good – these things do nothing to rehydrate the body. Currently I am shooting for 200 ounces of water a day- not there yet but I am working on it.
#5-Core stability- Because of events in my past, my core i.e. my pelvis has become unstable- so Coach Dr. Joe has me doing a bunch of strengthen and stabilizing stretches and exercise. They are working and I am walking better.
#6- Exercise- I sit for a living- like a lot of us do. So one of the first things Coach Dr. Joe had me do was purchase a “GOFIT- PRO GYM band set” this are easy to use and very portable. They came with a DVD on how to use them. There are simple yet effective exercises. I do about 20 to 30 minutes of band exercise each evening after work.
#7- Breathing- don’t laugh I know breathing is automatic but I am taking about specific breathing, breathing from the diaphragm. This isn’t as easy as it may seem. One of the practices I am working on is laying flat on the bed with a book over my navel- the object is to make the book go up and down- this isn’t easy.
#8- My head space- We all create stories about ourselves- mine is that I am worthless, so in my world why should I bother, but that doesn’t work at this point. I am worth it, and am worth the work this journey is taking.
So that’s my program.
So there were 8 components we needed to address to start me on my weight loss journey.
#1- As the book talks about- we have to have a balanced PH in our bodies- our bodies have to be balance. Chemistry was never my strong suit. However I did understand what the book was talking about. When we eat protein the body produces an enzyme to break it down, that enzyme is very acidic – it needs to be to break down the proteins. When we eat a carb or starch the body produces an enzyme that is much more alkaline to breakdown the carbs. So when we eat things like a cheeseburger on a bun or pizza- the body produces both and they cancel each other out. Those nothing gets digested and the food just lays there. So it’s important that I eat 1 thing at a time to keep the PH balanced.
#2- Fueling the Machine- when we first start, Coach Dr. Joe asked me if money were no object and I could have any car I wanted – what would it be? My answer was an ASTON MARTIN- then he asked me if the owner’s manual stated to use only high test unleaded gas in the car, and for what every reason I decided to put diesel in the gas tank- how well would the car run. Like Crap. Some goes for our bodies. So we talked a bit more about what I crave- sugar- sweet things. Ok so we have a few simple and easy food rules. Fruit starts the day- fresh and health, and as much as I want. Rule #2 Veggies go with everything. #3- Protein first, #4 its better to eat several small meals then 1 or 2 large ones.
#3- SLEEP- I wasn’t getting enough sleep- there are 2 reasons sleep is important. #1- When the body doesn’t get enough sleep it goes into STRESS mode, stress mode means the body starts to produce excessive levels of a hormone called CORTISOL. Cortisol is nature in our bodies- it’s called the internal alarm clock. However in high levels it slows the metabolism, inflames the joints and keeps us awake, thus cause a cycle of stress and no sleep and stress and no sleep. The second is most sleep deprived people tend to eat too much and eat the wrong stuff to keep themselves away and energized.
#4- Hydration- WATER WATER WATER- so important and something I frequently forget. The human body needs water. I used to drink a lot of coke, iced tea and ginger ale. Not good – these things do nothing to rehydrate the body. Currently I am shooting for 200 ounces of water a day- not there yet but I am working on it.
#5-Core stability- Because of events in my past, my core i.e. my pelvis has become unstable- so Coach Dr. Joe has me doing a bunch of strengthen and stabilizing stretches and exercise. They are working and I am walking better.
#6- Exercise- I sit for a living- like a lot of us do. So one of the first things Coach Dr. Joe had me do was purchase a “GOFIT- PRO GYM band set” this are easy to use and very portable. They came with a DVD on how to use them. There are simple yet effective exercises. I do about 20 to 30 minutes of band exercise each evening after work.
#7- Breathing- don’t laugh I know breathing is automatic but I am taking about specific breathing, breathing from the diaphragm. This isn’t as easy as it may seem. One of the practices I am working on is laying flat on the bed with a book over my navel- the object is to make the book go up and down- this isn’t easy.
#8- My head space- We all create stories about ourselves- mine is that I am worthless, so in my world why should I bother, but that doesn’t work at this point. I am worth it, and am worth the work this journey is taking.
So that’s my program.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cold, Cold, Cold
It's cold- correction I AM COLD. Freezing actually. I am down a little over 45lbs and I'm cold all the time now. Last weekend I was in Atlanta for business and was cold there to0.
I have 2 close male friends that have both lost alot of weight in the last few years and both tell me Cold it par for the course.
Coffee has become my new best friend. I never drank alot of it, but as I sit in my living room sipping my second cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee ( its the best and smoothest around) I wonder how in the world I am going to make it thru the winter, afterall it is only mid November and the worse of the Maryland winters is ahead of us.
I might need to build a bon fire in my living room come January.
Well time for another cup of coffee. Stay warm.
Life is a Journey- enjoy the view along the way.
I have 2 close male friends that have both lost alot of weight in the last few years and both tell me Cold it par for the course.
Coffee has become my new best friend. I never drank alot of it, but as I sit in my living room sipping my second cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee ( its the best and smoothest around) I wonder how in the world I am going to make it thru the winter, afterall it is only mid November and the worse of the Maryland winters is ahead of us.
I might need to build a bon fire in my living room come January.
Well time for another cup of coffee. Stay warm.
Life is a Journey- enjoy the view along the way.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Atlanta and back
On Thursday afternoon my boss, co-worker and I left Baltimore for Atlanta on an Amtrak train. Yes you read that right.... its a 15 plus hour train ride. I was over night, my boss who apparently can sleep thru just about anything and anywhere slept most of the way down and back. From Friday morning till Saturday evening we were attending The Family Practice -chiropractic seminar. Dr. Erik Plasker is the head of the Family Practice, he has written a book called the 100 year lifestyle.
If you havent read the book- I highly recommend it.
So a 15 hour train ride each way , could have proven to be a chellenge for eating right, but I did well. I had plenty of fruit with me, nuts, and water with me. Eating while there was also relatively easy- the hotel resturant had a breakfast buffet that included lots and lots of fresh fruit and protein choices. Dinner at Bricktops resturant was great.
I did come home with several things: ( Besides a pink princess cap)
Its not about pounds or inches lost- its about living healthy for a long and fun filled life.
That a healthy long life is work, and its not an automatic.
That change is the only constant in life.
I am also feeling more confident about myself, my choices and my abilities at work and in life.
Life is journey- enjoy the scenery along the way.
If you havent read the book- I highly recommend it.
So a 15 hour train ride each way , could have proven to be a chellenge for eating right, but I did well. I had plenty of fruit with me, nuts, and water with me. Eating while there was also relatively easy- the hotel resturant had a breakfast buffet that included lots and lots of fresh fruit and protein choices. Dinner at Bricktops resturant was great.
I did come home with several things: ( Besides a pink princess cap)
Its not about pounds or inches lost- its about living healthy for a long and fun filled life.
That a healthy long life is work, and its not an automatic.
That change is the only constant in life.
I am also feeling more confident about myself, my choices and my abilities at work and in life.
Life is journey- enjoy the scenery along the way.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Went to see the coach today
My weight loss coach is a Chiropractor, Dr. Joe Wood - he has put together an awesome stregthening and stretching protocol and today he held a workshop on just that.
So my boss and I went up to Langhorne PA to attend the workshop. It was awesome,but Dr. Wood always is.
Langhorne is about 20 miles North of Philly. About 2 and 1/2 hours from here ( reisterstown, MD). I did most of the driving. 275 Miles round trip. I did however get to drive the boss' mustang convertible- I love that car it moves so fast. At one point coming down 95 tonight I looked down and WHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO I was going 90 miles on an hour- yeah way over the speed limit. I slowed down and paid more attention the rest of the way home.
Dr. Wood said he could real see a different in the 3 weeks since we were there last. That made me smile.
He showed me a couple of stretches that helped the back pain I have been experiencing, they are really helping.
Some may ask why I need a coach- well my answer to them is this- have you ever seen an team make it to the super bowl or the world series without one. All great player have a coach. Besides its always good to have someone that can Hug you and kick you in the butt at the same time.
So my boss and I went up to Langhorne PA to attend the workshop. It was awesome,but Dr. Wood always is.
Langhorne is about 20 miles North of Philly. About 2 and 1/2 hours from here ( reisterstown, MD). I did most of the driving. 275 Miles round trip. I did however get to drive the boss' mustang convertible- I love that car it moves so fast. At one point coming down 95 tonight I looked down and WHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO I was going 90 miles on an hour- yeah way over the speed limit. I slowed down and paid more attention the rest of the way home.
Dr. Wood said he could real see a different in the 3 weeks since we were there last. That made me smile.
He showed me a couple of stretches that helped the back pain I have been experiencing, they are really helping.
Some may ask why I need a coach- well my answer to them is this- have you ever seen an team make it to the super bowl or the world series without one. All great player have a coach. Besides its always good to have someone that can Hug you and kick you in the butt at the same time.
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