I recently watched (again) the movie "Kate & Leopold" in which Leopold, a duke from the 18th century, is transported to modern day New York through some weird time continuum. Far fetched, but cute. So is Leopold. Falling for New York ad exec Kate, he agreed to participate in a screen test for, and then shoot a commercial for "Farmer's Bounty", a margarine that was supposed to taste like butter. The day he shot the commercial was the high point and explains my distaste for margarine. The scene goes like this (sort of)... Leopold has a close up with him after his 'butler' serves him the Farmer's Bounty. "Fresh, creamery butter.... is there anything that tastes so good...." and then goes on to talk about how Farmer's bounty is lower in fat, and will add to your taste buds while not adding to your waistline. Then, he bites into his bread that he smothered in the supposed delicious tasting butter substitute, Farmer's Bounty. The look of utter anguish on his face as he tries hard to swallow it is priceless. He then goes on a rant about how disgusting it is. He lost the commercial! Kate, later tells him it's margarine, it's supposed to taste bad. And that, my friends, is where I enter the debate.....
This week, I had a debate with a fellow dieter *gasp*, about the use of butter or margarine. I love butter, and butter loves me! We have a mutual understanding - I won't discuss the saturated fat in butter if it doesn't add pounds to my thighs. I've kept my end of the bargain. Butter on the other hand, did not! It has wrapped itself nicely around my thighs ... and butt... and other places. I have forgiven butter because I love it so.... But, before I discard with my affair with butter, let me present my argument.
Until recently, all margarines were hydrogenated (a process of heating refined vegetable oils) which of course, produced a dangerous type of fat called Trans Fatty acids. Nasty things, these trans fats. I also learned that another way of "disguising" trans fats was to label them as partially hydrogenated oils. Gasp! Imagine! Partially! Now, of course, with the emphasis on lowering the nasty cholesterol (LDL) margarines have been 'healthified' - yes that's a word, I made it up myself! It means they are not totally healthy, but healthier than they were! They now contain omega 3 and plant sterols. According to my university nutrition course (that's supposed to make me sound like an expert) omega 3 keep your brain functioning and also acts as an anti-inflamatory. Omega 3 is also good for the health of your heart. Plant sterols, apparently, help reduce cholesterol.
So, what about my beloved butter?
Well, butter is natural. it is also an excellent source (seriously) of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. It is a pure fat (okay that sounded bad as soon as I wrote it down) and doesn't contain many of the allergens found in other dairy products, so people who are generally sensitive to dairy can tolerate butter very nicely, thank you!. Unfortunately, the downside to butter is that it contains dietary cholesterol (the bad stuff) and saturated fat. *Here, I hang my head in shame* One teaspoon of butter contains 7 gms of saturated fat. The recommended daily allowance of saturated fats is no more than 10-15 gms per day. Yikes. Saturated fat is the leading cause of heart disease.
So, I concluded that butter and margarine both have their good and bad points. It comes down to personal preference. Given the pros/cons of each, I choose butter! I do limit my intake of the creamy indulgence, and count each point (1 tsp = 1 pt). Other than the omega 3, lower fat content, and plant sterols, I still believe that butter is a healthy choice especially for the fat soluble vitamins! but agree it must be used in moderation! Your body NEEDS a certain amount of fat. (he he... i can justify anything). I do try to eliminate much of the crap in my diet as possible, and I therefore choose unsalted butter. Next time you are in the grocery store check out the sodium level of your beloved margarine over my beloved unsalted butter! Butter wins.
Butter is my treat. I don't use it everyday. I use it sparingly. I count the points. I make sure that I get my other things in, the other plant sterols, omega 3, etc., that my body and brain need to keep functioning. It seriously comes down to personal preference, and I prefer the taste of butter over the falsely labeled margarine...."I can't believe it's not butter"... who ever came up with that slogan should be shot! I can't believe it's EDIBLE should be the real name! Ick. I have weighed the health benefits/risks of both.
Feeling quite justified in my argument with my friend and now I have only one thing left to say....
Please pass the butter!!!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Well, here I am in Savannah, Ga. The weather is delightful. The food is more delightful. Savannah is home to the sensational murder featured in the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"... a freaky movie with Kevin Spacey based on a true story. My problem with Savannah is that at midnight, I'm usually up here with others who are drinking and eating all the bar snacks. So I'm being good with my club soda's but evil with the bar snacks. I don't even know how to count them. I'm not. I'm getting ahead of myself... let's start at the beginning.
Leaving Toronto airport I had my Timmies card with me and thought I'd grab a bite at the airport - sorry ma'am, this is a cash only location. ARGH. Cash, cash... think Heather, what does that look like. Cash... oh here it is! Okay, I have... no cash! I had enough in my wallet to buy an all important coffee (no winning cup) and yogurt. Okay, so far I'm on plan! Arrive in Washington, D.C. No U.S. money. Thankfully only 55 minutes between flights and that's not enough time to switch terminals, find my new gate and settle in. Arrive in Savannah - at 7:00 p.m. Starving! Seriously starving. I'm sure that another 1/2 hr and I would have passed out cold. We got to the hotel... and by 'we' I mean myself and my boss and other science geek types. we decided to meet for dinner in the hotel at 7:45. The restaurant was phenomenal - decadent - not on plan! Figured I'd be okay though, because I hadn't eaten all day. I ordered chicken, grilled. No wine. I got to bed after midnight.
The next morning I met my trainees (I brought 3 with me, 1 from Toronto and 2 from Calgary) for breakfast in the same location as we had dinner the night before. The menu was full of delightful things as eggs bene, etc. I ordered a bowl of fresh berries and an english muffin, butter on the side. I'm in control! Off to Savannah via water taxi for a morning of walking - it was quite warm. Found the most delicious store "Savannah Candy Factory" where they were giving out free samples of the pralines. YUMMY!!!! Yes, of course I had one, or two... and then went back from a different direction, for a third! Back at the hotel, lunch was 'boxed' at the first session of this conference. I ate my sandwich (no mayo), the apple, and a club soda to drink. I reluctanty let my brownie disappear from my box and into the trash. It didn't want to go. It went kicking and screaming... oh wait, that was me!
Dinner, again, was quite decadent and I gave up the chocolate cake for dessert... I clervly said "I can't eat chocolate"... so they brought me key lime pie - REAL key lime pie... I ate half of it - the slice not the pie! Then an evening at the hotel bar where I had more club soda this time sexed up a bit with a slice of lime. I didn't get to bed until after 1:30 a.m.
Friday, we took the water taxi over into Savannah and ate at Huey's, a wide-open waterfront cafe. Not much healthy on the menu here... in fact NOTHING healthy. The three trainees had (a) a seafood omlette (scallops, shrimp, lobster) smothered in hollandaise, (b) Eggs benedict & cheese grits, and (c) bacon & eggs. I had french toast with pecan butter.... it was so covered in sugar I was almost ill eating it. I didn't finish it, couldn't finish it. I also had 2 cups of very strong coffee (I was tired!). Strangely, I was slightly hyper for the morning! We walked the entire morning, again, in the historic district of Savannah. Side note: if you ever get the chance to visit here, you should! Arriving back at the hotel for lunch.... we found out lunch was not provided. Okay, I'm still living on my caffeine although I did have a sugar crash. Thankfully there was a 'snack' provided to delegates - fruit kabobs. I had 2.... and a granola bar. At the break - more fruit. Dinner was beef....and shrimp. I had the beef with asparagus and grilled tomatoes.. and some ooey gooey good potato dish... YES I ATE IT!
So here's where it pays to know the meeting planner.... She knew my efforts to try to lose weight and tried to plan her menus around what was 'healthy'... remember we are in the south and healthy means skipping the grits with breakfast. The meals had sauces that were not creamed, the salad was caesar - mine came without dressing and they brought me a vinegarette on the side, the soup the second night was lobster bisque... I had vegetable soup - the only one in the room! I feel good!
Mid afternoons are my down time and danger time... to easy to grab something not healthy to stuff down my throat. Thankfully, I packed a few 2 pt bars, and MJ gave me a really yummy granola bar with chocolate (1 point) that was phenomenal!!! These little treats are getting me through to dinner.
Now it's 8:48 a.m. on Saturday and my friends back home are all weighing - in. Me.... I'm off to a fresh berry breakfast again and a morning poolside. I'm feeling in control. I'm feeling good. I'm feeling a little tired, but sitting by the pool, in the 80 degree sunshine, relaxing, will feel good today. I just have one question.....
Where did I put my pralines?
Leaving Toronto airport I had my Timmies card with me and thought I'd grab a bite at the airport - sorry ma'am, this is a cash only location. ARGH. Cash, cash... think Heather, what does that look like. Cash... oh here it is! Okay, I have... no cash! I had enough in my wallet to buy an all important coffee (no winning cup) and yogurt. Okay, so far I'm on plan! Arrive in Washington, D.C. No U.S. money. Thankfully only 55 minutes between flights and that's not enough time to switch terminals, find my new gate and settle in. Arrive in Savannah - at 7:00 p.m. Starving! Seriously starving. I'm sure that another 1/2 hr and I would have passed out cold. We got to the hotel... and by 'we' I mean myself and my boss and other science geek types. we decided to meet for dinner in the hotel at 7:45. The restaurant was phenomenal - decadent - not on plan! Figured I'd be okay though, because I hadn't eaten all day. I ordered chicken, grilled. No wine. I got to bed after midnight.
The next morning I met my trainees (I brought 3 with me, 1 from Toronto and 2 from Calgary) for breakfast in the same location as we had dinner the night before. The menu was full of delightful things as eggs bene, etc. I ordered a bowl of fresh berries and an english muffin, butter on the side. I'm in control! Off to Savannah via water taxi for a morning of walking - it was quite warm. Found the most delicious store "Savannah Candy Factory" where they were giving out free samples of the pralines. YUMMY!!!! Yes, of course I had one, or two... and then went back from a different direction, for a third! Back at the hotel, lunch was 'boxed' at the first session of this conference. I ate my sandwich (no mayo), the apple, and a club soda to drink. I reluctanty let my brownie disappear from my box and into the trash. It didn't want to go. It went kicking and screaming... oh wait, that was me!
Dinner, again, was quite decadent and I gave up the chocolate cake for dessert... I clervly said "I can't eat chocolate"... so they brought me key lime pie - REAL key lime pie... I ate half of it - the slice not the pie! Then an evening at the hotel bar where I had more club soda this time sexed up a bit with a slice of lime. I didn't get to bed until after 1:30 a.m.
Friday, we took the water taxi over into Savannah and ate at Huey's, a wide-open waterfront cafe. Not much healthy on the menu here... in fact NOTHING healthy. The three trainees had (a) a seafood omlette (scallops, shrimp, lobster) smothered in hollandaise, (b) Eggs benedict & cheese grits, and (c) bacon & eggs. I had french toast with pecan butter.... it was so covered in sugar I was almost ill eating it. I didn't finish it, couldn't finish it. I also had 2 cups of very strong coffee (I was tired!). Strangely, I was slightly hyper for the morning! We walked the entire morning, again, in the historic district of Savannah. Side note: if you ever get the chance to visit here, you should! Arriving back at the hotel for lunch.... we found out lunch was not provided. Okay, I'm still living on my caffeine although I did have a sugar crash. Thankfully there was a 'snack' provided to delegates - fruit kabobs. I had 2.... and a granola bar. At the break - more fruit. Dinner was beef....and shrimp. I had the beef with asparagus and grilled tomatoes.. and some ooey gooey good potato dish... YES I ATE IT!
So here's where it pays to know the meeting planner.... She knew my efforts to try to lose weight and tried to plan her menus around what was 'healthy'... remember we are in the south and healthy means skipping the grits with breakfast. The meals had sauces that were not creamed, the salad was caesar - mine came without dressing and they brought me a vinegarette on the side, the soup the second night was lobster bisque... I had vegetable soup - the only one in the room! I feel good!
Mid afternoons are my down time and danger time... to easy to grab something not healthy to stuff down my throat. Thankfully, I packed a few 2 pt bars, and MJ gave me a really yummy granola bar with chocolate (1 point) that was phenomenal!!! These little treats are getting me through to dinner.
Now it's 8:48 a.m. on Saturday and my friends back home are all weighing - in. Me.... I'm off to a fresh berry breakfast again and a morning poolside. I'm feeling in control. I'm feeling good. I'm feeling a little tired, but sitting by the pool, in the 80 degree sunshine, relaxing, will feel good today. I just have one question.....
Where did I put my pralines?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Rrrrroll up the Rrrrrrim
Yes indeed. It's Roll Up The Rim time at Tim Horton's. I love Timmies. They are so polite. Every year I am handed cup after cup that very politely gives me an invitation to visit them again any time! The infamous "please play again" cups! I get one every time. The irritating thing about Roll Up The Rim (RUTR) is the crazy long line ups both in store and at the drive thru's. As if the line ups weren't long enough already! People desperate to win a free coffee, or a muffin! Me? No, I'm content to receive my polite invitation to come back again anytime I feel like it!
Today is Friday. Weigh-in is tomorrow. Today is also dress down day at work so I'm wearing my jeans. I have my own 'rim' that I can roll up! Yep. The tummy fat - probably left behind from Fat Tuesday - has rolled itself over the top of my jeans. I can literally pick it up and roll it now! Roll up the fat! That's my new mantra! I mean, after all, there could be a prize under it!!! Ooooh maybe there's a flat tummy in there somewhere. So what if I roll... up.... and dream of pushing all that rolled up fat into my breasts! Eureka... I rolled up a winner!
Nope, nothing.... so now my middle looks like a muffin. Mmm, muffin...
I'm on my way to Timmies... the muffins are calling me. My flat tummy will have to wait.
Today is Friday. Weigh-in is tomorrow. Today is also dress down day at work so I'm wearing my jeans. I have my own 'rim' that I can roll up! Yep. The tummy fat - probably left behind from Fat Tuesday - has rolled itself over the top of my jeans. I can literally pick it up and roll it now! Roll up the fat! That's my new mantra! I mean, after all, there could be a prize under it!!! Ooooh maybe there's a flat tummy in there somewhere. So what if I roll... up.... and dream of pushing all that rolled up fat into my breasts! Eureka... I rolled up a winner!
Nope, nothing.... so now my middle looks like a muffin. Mmm, muffin...
I'm on my way to Timmies... the muffins are calling me. My flat tummy will have to wait.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fat Tuesday
Fat Tuesday... the mere sound of that sends shivers up my spine. Today is the day we are supposed to indulge in 'fatness' in preparation for Ash Wednesday... or as it is better known, the start of Lent. So in keeping with a healthy lifestyle, today the cafeteria at the hospital is serving pancakes, bacon, sausages, etc. Strangely Fat Tuesday never really held a fascination over me. The one day of the year that I am NOT obsessed with food, I think. I guess the purpose is to fatten yourself up so that you can live off that fat during lent. Not entirely sure. Sounds reasonable though.
So, here's the problem. What happens when Fat Tuesday started in 1997? I did go through a "lean" period for about 2 years (2002-2003) when I was just 5 pounds away from my ultimate goal weight. Sigh. Really I'm living in Fat Decade. I figure lent can last for about 15 years now! I've got enough padding to see to it that I don't waste away to nothingness. This week at weigh in, I was up 1.6 lbs. That's my first gain in a while, well, since Fat Christmas anyway. I'm calling it Fat Setback. In order to discipline myself to get through this week, I found a new route into work - one that goes right through the centre of just about every underground food court imaginable. I found a Great Canadian Bagel! I thought they were out of business! I was so excited I had to buy a Cheddar Jalapeno Bagel, toasted, with butter. *Note my self control in not getting cream cheese. Hey I'll take every little plus I can! Okay, thought I, one bagel is not going to hurt me. The next day... I had a Cheddar Jalapeno Bagel, toasted, with butter... and a muffin when I got to work. I'm on a downward spiral.
Today - I took the subway! No underground walking which I foolishly call exercise! I did stop at Timmies and got an herbal tea and no muffin, no bagel, nothing. Today, it is Fat Tuesday. Today I will be like Jack Sprat who could eat no fat. Unfortunately the rest of the week I'm more like his wife who could eat no lean!
Today, I am very aware that fatness is all around me (and apparently stuck to my thighs and butt), today I made my lunch, which is lean, and I have it here with me. Today, on Fat Tuesday, I am JACK SPRAT!!!
Tomorrow.... well, that's another story.....
So, here's the problem. What happens when Fat Tuesday started in 1997? I did go through a "lean" period for about 2 years (2002-2003) when I was just 5 pounds away from my ultimate goal weight. Sigh. Really I'm living in Fat Decade. I figure lent can last for about 15 years now! I've got enough padding to see to it that I don't waste away to nothingness. This week at weigh in, I was up 1.6 lbs. That's my first gain in a while, well, since Fat Christmas anyway. I'm calling it Fat Setback. In order to discipline myself to get through this week, I found a new route into work - one that goes right through the centre of just about every underground food court imaginable. I found a Great Canadian Bagel! I thought they were out of business! I was so excited I had to buy a Cheddar Jalapeno Bagel, toasted, with butter. *Note my self control in not getting cream cheese. Hey I'll take every little plus I can! Okay, thought I, one bagel is not going to hurt me. The next day... I had a Cheddar Jalapeno Bagel, toasted, with butter... and a muffin when I got to work. I'm on a downward spiral.
Today - I took the subway! No underground walking which I foolishly call exercise! I did stop at Timmies and got an herbal tea and no muffin, no bagel, nothing. Today, it is Fat Tuesday. Today I will be like Jack Sprat who could eat no fat. Unfortunately the rest of the week I'm more like his wife who could eat no lean!
Today, I am very aware that fatness is all around me (and apparently stuck to my thighs and butt), today I made my lunch, which is lean, and I have it here with me. Today, on Fat Tuesday, I am JACK SPRAT!!!
Tomorrow.... well, that's another story.....
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day... I Heart Chocolate
Happy day-after Valentine's day! My weigh-in yesterday - I was down 0.4 lbs again. Okay not earthshaking but hey, that's three weeks in a row with a weight loss, so I'm happy about it.
Yesterday was also Valentine's Day... I need a T-Shirt that says "I survived Valentine's Day". My husband, my biggest supporter, did not buy me chocolate. I was glad he didn't. I was disappointed he didn't. No, really, I was glad he didn't. We decided not to go out for a price-inflated dinner and opted to cook. Yes! I could control what I ate if I ate it at home. So, we had steak - which Scott bbq'd (a little too well done for my liking, but... meh.... still tasted good!) T-Bones! I baked a few potatoes, steamed some asparagus, and made a delicious spinach salad. Very healthy dinner. Until the bread. My weakness is carbs.. bad carbs... like delicious french bread! sigh... tasted great! Okay, I did limit the bread so I did maintain some control. Dinner was great, I didn't finish my steak and gave half of it to Scott.
Oh, I found a new salad dressing that I love! Renee's Wellness, Tuscan Vegetable... 0 points!! HUGE flavour. Try it.
Did I say I 'heart' chocolate? Yep. I do. So while Scott did not buy me chocolate, we did have a delicious chocolate swirl cheesecake for dessert. Why, pray tell, do I not check these things out before I eat them? I had a tiny piece - and I mean tiny - and it was 7 points. 7! ARGH. I vowed never again would I waste so many points on such a tiny bit of food again. NEVER! Oh the determination. The resolve. The guts!
I survived Valentine's Day. Today is Sunday. I had some delicious black-bean soup for lunch with the leftover salad and my new favourite dressing. Total lunch points - 3!! Ya baby. I'm good. I feel in control. I feel successful. I need to celebrate my success...
um....please pass the cheesecake!
Yesterday was also Valentine's Day... I need a T-Shirt that says "I survived Valentine's Day". My husband, my biggest supporter, did not buy me chocolate. I was glad he didn't. I was disappointed he didn't. No, really, I was glad he didn't. We decided not to go out for a price-inflated dinner and opted to cook. Yes! I could control what I ate if I ate it at home. So, we had steak - which Scott bbq'd (a little too well done for my liking, but... meh.... still tasted good!) T-Bones! I baked a few potatoes, steamed some asparagus, and made a delicious spinach salad. Very healthy dinner. Until the bread. My weakness is carbs.. bad carbs... like delicious french bread! sigh... tasted great! Okay, I did limit the bread so I did maintain some control. Dinner was great, I didn't finish my steak and gave half of it to Scott.
Oh, I found a new salad dressing that I love! Renee's Wellness, Tuscan Vegetable... 0 points!! HUGE flavour. Try it.
Did I say I 'heart' chocolate? Yep. I do. So while Scott did not buy me chocolate, we did have a delicious chocolate swirl cheesecake for dessert. Why, pray tell, do I not check these things out before I eat them? I had a tiny piece - and I mean tiny - and it was 7 points. 7! ARGH. I vowed never again would I waste so many points on such a tiny bit of food again. NEVER! Oh the determination. The resolve. The guts!
I survived Valentine's Day. Today is Sunday. I had some delicious black-bean soup for lunch with the leftover salad and my new favourite dressing. Total lunch points - 3!! Ya baby. I'm good. I feel in control. I feel successful. I need to celebrate my success...
um....please pass the cheesecake!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Swiss Chalet - Okay!
Hi. My name is Heather. It's been 2 days since my last Swiss Chalet binge. (HI HEATHER)
I am a [hangs head] Swiss Chalet-a-holic. I ate at SC (as we addicts fondly call it) on Saturday. Chicken breast (I ate the skin), fries (I ate the fries) ordered a multigrain roll but got a white roll instead (I ate the roll), and sauce (I had the sauce) and sauce (I had another sauce)... and butter... and coffee (with milk in it, because after all I am watching my weight!)
Damage:
Chicken - 6
Fries - 11
Roll - 2
Butter - 2
Famous Chalet Dipping Sauce (x2) - 2
Coffee - 0
Milk - negligible
Grand total: 23 points
Then, a colleague of mine called and asked if I wanted to grab lunch with her. Grab lunch? Grab my bulging gut instead! "Sure, I'd love to. Where are we going"... Ya, Swiss Chalet. So, determined to be better with my choices, I chose a very healthy lunch but somehow when the server asked me it came out as "Chicken, white, with fries and a multi grain roll... oh and can I have a glass of water please?" Clever, I know... throw in the water to make it "healthy".
Ashamed of myself, and riddled with guilt... I ate my chicken - with the skin, I ate my MULTI-GRAIN roll (one butter thank you!) and I ate most of my fries. I was proud of myself - I left abut 1/2 dozen on my plate! I'm improving! Grand total for lunch: 23 p0ints. Okay, really... who doesn't like SC fries? Really.
I went home that night and had soup. Just soup.
I determined that I must be better at this if I'm ever going to get my wardrobe pay-off. As I rolled into bed I scolded myself and then drifted off with a heartburn filled fitful sleep - fries drenched in sauce were chasing me!
I am a [hangs head] Swiss Chalet-a-holic. I ate at SC (as we addicts fondly call it) on Saturday. Chicken breast (I ate the skin), fries (I ate the fries) ordered a multigrain roll but got a white roll instead (I ate the roll), and sauce (I had the sauce) and sauce (I had another sauce)... and butter... and coffee (with milk in it, because after all I am watching my weight!)
Damage:
Chicken - 6
Fries - 11
Roll - 2
Butter - 2
Famous Chalet Dipping Sauce (x2) - 2
Coffee - 0
Milk - negligible
Grand total: 23 points
Then, a colleague of mine called and asked if I wanted to grab lunch with her. Grab lunch? Grab my bulging gut instead! "Sure, I'd love to. Where are we going"... Ya, Swiss Chalet. So, determined to be better with my choices, I chose a very healthy lunch but somehow when the server asked me it came out as "Chicken, white, with fries and a multi grain roll... oh and can I have a glass of water please?" Clever, I know... throw in the water to make it "healthy".
Ashamed of myself, and riddled with guilt... I ate my chicken - with the skin, I ate my MULTI-GRAIN roll (one butter thank you!) and I ate most of my fries. I was proud of myself - I left abut 1/2 dozen on my plate! I'm improving! Grand total for lunch: 23 p0ints. Okay, really... who doesn't like SC fries? Really.
I went home that night and had soup. Just soup.
I determined that I must be better at this if I'm ever going to get my wardrobe pay-off. As I rolled into bed I scolded myself and then drifted off with a heartburn filled fitful sleep - fries drenched in sauce were chasing me!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Let's Make A Deal....
Let's Make A Deal... Monty Hall.... game show... come on, you've heard of it!! Hmm, maybe I'm dating myself here. LMAD was a game show where people in the audience dressed in the wackieste costumes they could think of to get the attention of MC Monty Hall. He would then ask them for stupid things like "I'll give you $100 right now if you have a used tea bag in your purse" Usually somebody did! But then there was the big deal at the end "do you want to trade your veg-o-matic chopper for what's behind door number 1, door number 2, or door number 3? And yes people did. Sometimes they got awesome trips, sometimes they got, um, teabags!
Fast forward to 2008 - Deal or no deal. You don't even need a teabag for that one! Just figure out where the money is in the briefcases (held by very trim models) and you win.
Fast forward again - February 8, 2009. Let's Make A Deal or No Deal - Nash version!
Yes, that's right... I struck a deal! I was complaining that I had no clothes to wear - okay well I had clothes, just not anything I liked wearing! sheesh... don't be so technical! Anyway...... My husband asked me the dangerous question about what my 'goal weight' was. Gulp. I told him! Yikes... right out on that proverbial limb! So here's the deal.... My darling man made me a deal - reach my goal weight and he would give me this certain sum of cash to buy a new wardrobe with. Really? Well, hey, if I lose all that weight I'm going to need to unmentionables (to mention them here that would be, well bras, etc.) So the deal includes a seperate budget for lingerie! Oh ya baby.
Deal!
I am pretty darn freaking motivated now. My lunch is packed today. I have healthy fresh lunch in my work fridge here. I have a case of water sitting beside it (I like it room temp). My weigh in on Saturday gave me a bit of oomph as well as I was down 1.4 lbs. Ya, yippee for me! It was a triumph, a small one, but a triumph in an otherwise tough week. I still haven't lost the weight I gained over the Christmas Season! Sigh. But now, oh yes now... the motivation is on!
Hmm... I probably should have negotiated a budget for new shoes too... sans used teabags!
Fast forward to 2008 - Deal or no deal. You don't even need a teabag for that one! Just figure out where the money is in the briefcases (held by very trim models) and you win.
Fast forward again - February 8, 2009. Let's Make A Deal or No Deal - Nash version!
Yes, that's right... I struck a deal! I was complaining that I had no clothes to wear - okay well I had clothes, just not anything I liked wearing! sheesh... don't be so technical! Anyway...... My husband asked me the dangerous question about what my 'goal weight' was. Gulp. I told him! Yikes... right out on that proverbial limb! So here's the deal.... My darling man made me a deal - reach my goal weight and he would give me this certain sum of cash to buy a new wardrobe with. Really? Well, hey, if I lose all that weight I'm going to need to unmentionables (to mention them here that would be, well bras, etc.) So the deal includes a seperate budget for lingerie! Oh ya baby.
Deal!
I am pretty darn freaking motivated now. My lunch is packed today. I have healthy fresh lunch in my work fridge here. I have a case of water sitting beside it (I like it room temp). My weigh in on Saturday gave me a bit of oomph as well as I was down 1.4 lbs. Ya, yippee for me! It was a triumph, a small one, but a triumph in an otherwise tough week. I still haven't lost the weight I gained over the Christmas Season! Sigh. But now, oh yes now... the motivation is on!
Hmm... I probably should have negotiated a budget for new shoes too... sans used teabags!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Superbowl, supersize, super disaster!
What do nachos, chili, hot wings, perogi's, and football all have in common? Ya, Superbowl Sunday! Why do they call it superbowl? I mean the trophy isn't shaped like a bowl, as the Stanley CUP and the Grey CUP are! So why 'bowl'?
My theory? Simple... it's because of the HUGE bowls of food that you eat around these events!
Last night my husband and I went to a neighbour's house to watch the superbowl. we consumed all of the above foods plus some (crackers & various cheeses, grapes, strawberries.... veggies & dip, etc.) None of the foods were low fat - okay with the exception of the wee bits of fruit and veggies. The one healthy choice I made was to drink mineral water rather than anything alcoholic or high in sugar, although my neighbour did try to get me to drink... she even poured me a drink which sat in front of me the entire night. At the end of the evening she apologized for trying to force it down my throat!
So, superbowl, supersize, super disaster! My eating.... argh... what can I say? I love wings!! I was able to stand up against the urge to eat nachos... they were so laden in cheese I could feel my arteries clogging just by looking at them. I tried to put a few on my plate but about 1/4 lb of cheese came with it... so I left it - untouched - on my plate. The wings however... wow, at 3 points each, I think I ate an entire day of points in just the wings! sigh...
Thankfully today is Monday and I have all week to eat healthy before weighing in on Saturday. I can do this!
My theory? Simple... it's because of the HUGE bowls of food that you eat around these events!
Last night my husband and I went to a neighbour's house to watch the superbowl. we consumed all of the above foods plus some (crackers & various cheeses, grapes, strawberries.... veggies & dip, etc.) None of the foods were low fat - okay with the exception of the wee bits of fruit and veggies. The one healthy choice I made was to drink mineral water rather than anything alcoholic or high in sugar, although my neighbour did try to get me to drink... she even poured me a drink which sat in front of me the entire night. At the end of the evening she apologized for trying to force it down my throat!
So, superbowl, supersize, super disaster! My eating.... argh... what can I say? I love wings!! I was able to stand up against the urge to eat nachos... they were so laden in cheese I could feel my arteries clogging just by looking at them. I tried to put a few on my plate but about 1/4 lb of cheese came with it... so I left it - untouched - on my plate. The wings however... wow, at 3 points each, I think I ate an entire day of points in just the wings! sigh...
Thankfully today is Monday and I have all week to eat healthy before weighing in on Saturday. I can do this!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Agony
What is agony? It's when you've been 'good' all week and your weight goes UP! AGONIZING to see the number for sure. Agony is seeing the perfect pair of boots and no money in the bank to buy them... AGONIZING! But really, agony is when you hurt your back and you have no stomach muscles. THAT, my friends, is real agony.
Last week, somehow I hurt my back. I had to go to Kingston and by the time i got there I was close to tears from the pain. Deciding that sitting in the Queen's U library for 5 hours working was not the best idea for my back, so I sat for 3 hours in a local Starbucks. Thankfully, I had some cash so I was well hydrated with my Skinny London Fog! Of course, after hour 2 I was a bit hungry but too sore to move much, so I had a pumpkin scone. This has got to be the yummiest creation ever made... at the sacrificial point range of 9. Sigh. I ate it.
Knowing that my pain was not going to go away in the too soft seats, I looked up the number of the hotel on the internet.. oh, another point... i'll come back to that one*... and called. Um no it's 10:30 and check in isn't until 3 p.m. Okay, but I am in agony sitting here at Starbucks. Yes, said the quasi-friendly voice at the hotel, I can understand how sitting in a Starbucks spending your life savings on designer coffee could be painful! No no, you don't understand, I'm in pain!
Finally, after giving a very convincing sob story, which had nothing to do with the price of coffee, I was told there was a room available but it was on the 4th floor. I really didn't care... as long as it had a bed I could lay my aching body down on! I walked the 2 blocks to the hotel and checked in. The 4th floor... is the same floor as the pool. The pool was a stone's throw from my room. The hallway reeked of chlorine... and so did my room. But... I was in too much pain to worry too much about it. I got on the bed and after crying for 20 minutes, finally found a spot that didn't hurt too much, and drifted off into a fitful sleep.
Later that evening, my husband (who was in Kingston with me, at another meeting) took our son and daughter-in-law (the son that is NOT married to our daughter-in-law) out for supper at a TexMex place where I set my sights on being "good" but after the free nachos and salsa, and a feast on fajitas... all sense of good was blown away like chaff.
I actually weighed-in while I was in Kingston, the morning after the texmex binge. I was up 0.8 lbs. ARGH. Of course lying around most of the week and then eating mass quanitities on a friday night, well, what could I possibly expect?
So, now it's Tuesday, I am at home. Blogging. The pain is worse than before. I am sure I will be up this week as well as any muscle I may have had is in such spasm right now that it's just no good. I'm in agony.
This blog is not as cleverly written (as if the others had been!) as my previous ones, pain prevents me from being too witty today!
..........................
* internet. Starbucks is listed as an internet hotspot. So, when you get a connection you get a message that tells you tht you can "buy" 2 hrs of internet time with your Starbucks card (those little gift card things). Are you nuts? I opened up the list of active sites in the area.... and voila, two doors down from Starbucks, in Kingston, is a quaint little place called "The Sleepless Goat" (http://www.thesleeplessgoat.ca/) (I highly recommend that for lunch... they have really different foods, kind of a hippie type atmosphere). Anyway, The Goat has free internet... free.... and the signal picks up in the Starbucks. So, thank you to the goat for letting me use your internet while sipping expensive tea in Starbucks.
Last week, somehow I hurt my back. I had to go to Kingston and by the time i got there I was close to tears from the pain. Deciding that sitting in the Queen's U library for 5 hours working was not the best idea for my back, so I sat for 3 hours in a local Starbucks. Thankfully, I had some cash so I was well hydrated with my Skinny London Fog! Of course, after hour 2 I was a bit hungry but too sore to move much, so I had a pumpkin scone. This has got to be the yummiest creation ever made... at the sacrificial point range of 9. Sigh. I ate it.
Knowing that my pain was not going to go away in the too soft seats, I looked up the number of the hotel on the internet.. oh, another point... i'll come back to that one*... and called. Um no it's 10:30 and check in isn't until 3 p.m. Okay, but I am in agony sitting here at Starbucks. Yes, said the quasi-friendly voice at the hotel, I can understand how sitting in a Starbucks spending your life savings on designer coffee could be painful! No no, you don't understand, I'm in pain!
Finally, after giving a very convincing sob story, which had nothing to do with the price of coffee, I was told there was a room available but it was on the 4th floor. I really didn't care... as long as it had a bed I could lay my aching body down on! I walked the 2 blocks to the hotel and checked in. The 4th floor... is the same floor as the pool. The pool was a stone's throw from my room. The hallway reeked of chlorine... and so did my room. But... I was in too much pain to worry too much about it. I got on the bed and after crying for 20 minutes, finally found a spot that didn't hurt too much, and drifted off into a fitful sleep.
Later that evening, my husband (who was in Kingston with me, at another meeting) took our son and daughter-in-law (the son that is NOT married to our daughter-in-law) out for supper at a TexMex place where I set my sights on being "good" but after the free nachos and salsa, and a feast on fajitas... all sense of good was blown away like chaff.
I actually weighed-in while I was in Kingston, the morning after the texmex binge. I was up 0.8 lbs. ARGH. Of course lying around most of the week and then eating mass quanitities on a friday night, well, what could I possibly expect?
So, now it's Tuesday, I am at home. Blogging. The pain is worse than before. I am sure I will be up this week as well as any muscle I may have had is in such spasm right now that it's just no good. I'm in agony.
This blog is not as cleverly written (as if the others had been!) as my previous ones, pain prevents me from being too witty today!
..........................
* internet. Starbucks is listed as an internet hotspot. So, when you get a connection you get a message that tells you tht you can "buy" 2 hrs of internet time with your Starbucks card (those little gift card things). Are you nuts? I opened up the list of active sites in the area.... and voila, two doors down from Starbucks, in Kingston, is a quaint little place called "The Sleepless Goat" (http://www.thesleeplessgoat.ca/) (I highly recommend that for lunch... they have really different foods, kind of a hippie type atmosphere). Anyway, The Goat has free internet... free.... and the signal picks up in the Starbucks. So, thank you to the goat for letting me use your internet while sipping expensive tea in Starbucks.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Mock Pizza
Forgot.. wanted to share my newest 'homemade' pizza.... well, not literally because you can't have any over the internet and besides, I ate the whole thing!
Okay so here goes -
1 Weight Watchers whole wheat tortilla (2 pts)
5 slices Yves veggie pepperoni - (0.6 pts - so count it as 1 so you don't mess up!)
20 gm shredded low fat (ugh) mozarella (2 pts)
onions (red or white.... thinly sliced or chopped)
green peppers
red peppers
mushrooms, sliced
and a partridge in a pear tree.
1 tbsp pizza sauce (0 pts)
Preheat oven to 400.
On a cookie sheet, place the tortilla, spoon the pizza sauce over top and spread.
top it with everything else. If you like soft pepperoni, put the pepperoni under everything else, if you like it crispier put it on top of the cheese.
Release the partridge outside (if you release inside it will just make a mess of your house!)
Bake the 'mock pizza' at 400 for about 12 minutes.
Eat. Enjoy.
Points: 5
Filling - extremely!
Taste - spectacular
Okay so here goes -
1 Weight Watchers whole wheat tortilla (2 pts)
5 slices Yves veggie pepperoni - (0.6 pts - so count it as 1 so you don't mess up!)
20 gm shredded low fat (ugh) mozarella (2 pts)
onions (red or white.... thinly sliced or chopped)
green peppers
red peppers
mushrooms, sliced
and a partridge in a pear tree.
1 tbsp pizza sauce (0 pts)
Preheat oven to 400.
On a cookie sheet, place the tortilla, spoon the pizza sauce over top and spread.
top it with everything else. If you like soft pepperoni, put the pepperoni under everything else, if you like it crispier put it on top of the cheese.
Release the partridge outside (if you release inside it will just make a mess of your house!)
Bake the 'mock pizza' at 400 for about 12 minutes.
Eat. Enjoy.
Points: 5
Filling - extremely!
Taste - spectacular
The Band wagon
What, pray tell, is a Band Wagon? Why must we either be 'getting on the band wagon' or 'falling off the band wagon'? Where's the music on the band wagon? Where's the band? Who IS the band? Hmmmph. I decided I hate the band wagon. Why is that I must choose to be on it, or falling off it? Whatever happened to marching to the tune of a different drummer? Was HE on the bandwagon? I have no idea about the band wagon, but I do know band 'width'... and my width is, well, it's wide.
Last week I tracked, like a good girl. I ate "filling foods." I used about half of my 35 flex points. I was, what I think is, ON the band wagon. What did it get me? .4lbs ya, that's not 4 as in FOUR pounds.. it was ZERO POINT FOUR as in 0.4 as in not quite 0.5 or half a pound. What is up with that? Well I'll tell ya... I went home after weighing in and ate all day. Yes I did. I ate. Ya, I quasi tracked it too. I was actually better than I thought - because in my mind I only used 4 of this week's flex points.
Why do we have husbands? Oh, let me tell you why... so they can tell you exactly what you DID eat. Did you remember to write down the 2 chocolates you ate. Yes I did! Thank you very much! Oh, well did you write down the other 2? Other 2? I had two more? Oh ya, thanks okay, I'll write that down. Did you write down the 3 cookies you ate too? I had 3 cookies? Really? Yes, you did. Okay, fine, I'll write them down too. What about the bite of Kirstie's souvlaki when you met her at the mall? Okay, now he was just getting annoying!
Today, I did much better. I tracked almost everything. I also packed my lunch for tomorrow and wrote it down in my tracker. So I feel justified, verified, vilified... and a little petrified... that he's going to ask me "did you write down....."
I think I'll accidentally toss him off the bandwagon... maybe he'll break something!
Last week I tracked, like a good girl. I ate "filling foods." I used about half of my 35 flex points. I was, what I think is, ON the band wagon. What did it get me? .4lbs ya, that's not 4 as in FOUR pounds.. it was ZERO POINT FOUR as in 0.4 as in not quite 0.5 or half a pound. What is up with that? Well I'll tell ya... I went home after weighing in and ate all day. Yes I did. I ate. Ya, I quasi tracked it too. I was actually better than I thought - because in my mind I only used 4 of this week's flex points.
Why do we have husbands? Oh, let me tell you why... so they can tell you exactly what you DID eat. Did you remember to write down the 2 chocolates you ate. Yes I did! Thank you very much! Oh, well did you write down the other 2? Other 2? I had two more? Oh ya, thanks okay, I'll write that down. Did you write down the 3 cookies you ate too? I had 3 cookies? Really? Yes, you did. Okay, fine, I'll write them down too. What about the bite of Kirstie's souvlaki when you met her at the mall? Okay, now he was just getting annoying!
Today, I did much better. I tracked almost everything. I also packed my lunch for tomorrow and wrote it down in my tracker. So I feel justified, verified, vilified... and a little petrified... that he's going to ask me "did you write down....."
I think I'll accidentally toss him off the bandwagon... maybe he'll break something!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Quesadillas and shopping for pants
I had lunch out with a work colleague yesterday.... I was a bit scared.
I ordered a quesadilla... Asked the server NOT to bring the sour cream or guacamole.... (I had checked the on-line menu first)
So...
Without my beloved sour cream and guacamole:
Calories: 534
Fat: 25 g
Sodium 1249 mg
Fibre: 1 g
Points: 13
WITH the good stuff, a.k.a. sour cream & guacamole, here is what it would have been:
Calories: 980
Fat: 55 g
Sodium: 1980 mg
Fibre 1
Points: 24
I feel I had a moment of success... I saved 11 points!
ALSO, it came with "homemade potato chips".... ya, so I didn't have them - my delightful server offered me a green salad instead, with balsamic vinegar/oil on the side. Thank you very much!
wish I could say my entire week has been good... yikes... i suck at this!
Unfortunately, I went from lunch to shopping for pants....... why is it that when all the good sales are on, the only size available is size 0 or 2? Need I continue?
I should have had the sour cream & guac...
I ordered a quesadilla... Asked the server NOT to bring the sour cream or guacamole.... (I had checked the on-line menu first)
So...
Without my beloved sour cream and guacamole:
Calories: 534
Fat: 25 g
Sodium 1249 mg
Fibre: 1 g
Points: 13
WITH the good stuff, a.k.a. sour cream & guacamole, here is what it would have been:
Calories: 980
Fat: 55 g
Sodium: 1980 mg
Fibre 1
Points: 24
I feel I had a moment of success... I saved 11 points!
ALSO, it came with "homemade potato chips".... ya, so I didn't have them - my delightful server offered me a green salad instead, with balsamic vinegar/oil on the side. Thank you very much!
wish I could say my entire week has been good... yikes... i suck at this!
Unfortunately, I went from lunch to shopping for pants....... why is it that when all the good sales are on, the only size available is size 0 or 2? Need I continue?
I should have had the sour cream & guac...
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year, New Me??
Well, it's been a while, so thought it best if I got at it again....
It's January. Time for resolutions. Time to break resolutions. Time for a new me!
After eating my way through December, it was time to get real again. I went at it, hard core, in November and early December and lost 9 pounds. Proud proud moment. ....Fleeting moment.
Christmas week - up 1.6, and the week in between up 3.6. Yikes. Who knew shortbread could be so fattening? Okay seriously. I know.
So, I'm back on track... and learning to love me. My 51st birthday is next month and I'm already dreading it. I am determined to lose my *gulp* 70 pounds this year. Seriously. I am. I have the cuteset clothes in my closet. Or at least they were cute when they fit me 6 years ago! They were also in style then too. Sigh. I read through my past entries.... I feel like such a gainer. I'd say loser, but even at losing weight I'm a reverse loser, so that makes me a gainer.
I feel encouraged - thanks to MaryJane, Sue (L) and Sue (N) and Jackie, and Mai, and everyone else in my WW group on Saturday mornings. Knowing that everyone asks every week "how'd ya do?" makes me want to crawl under a rock some weeks... but overall, I know they are serioulsy interested in how i'm doing, as I am in them.
Weighing, measuring.... tracking. I'm talking about food here, not my body! Weighing my food, measuring my food, tracking my food. Funny how that works!
Exciting news - have an exercise DVD.... I put it in.... I watched it... I didn't even break into a sweat! Hmmmph.
So I guess I need to be 'walking it off'..... I hate January. Stupid resolutions!
It's January. Time for resolutions. Time to break resolutions. Time for a new me!
After eating my way through December, it was time to get real again. I went at it, hard core, in November and early December and lost 9 pounds. Proud proud moment. ....Fleeting moment.
Christmas week - up 1.6, and the week in between up 3.6. Yikes. Who knew shortbread could be so fattening? Okay seriously. I know.
So, I'm back on track... and learning to love me. My 51st birthday is next month and I'm already dreading it. I am determined to lose my *gulp* 70 pounds this year. Seriously. I am. I have the cuteset clothes in my closet. Or at least they were cute when they fit me 6 years ago! They were also in style then too. Sigh. I read through my past entries.... I feel like such a gainer. I'd say loser, but even at losing weight I'm a reverse loser, so that makes me a gainer.
I feel encouraged - thanks to MaryJane, Sue (L) and Sue (N) and Jackie, and Mai, and everyone else in my WW group on Saturday mornings. Knowing that everyone asks every week "how'd ya do?" makes me want to crawl under a rock some weeks... but overall, I know they are serioulsy interested in how i'm doing, as I am in them.
Weighing, measuring.... tracking. I'm talking about food here, not my body! Weighing my food, measuring my food, tracking my food. Funny how that works!
Exciting news - have an exercise DVD.... I put it in.... I watched it... I didn't even break into a sweat! Hmmmph.
So I guess I need to be 'walking it off'..... I hate January. Stupid resolutions!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Dental surgery
You would think that having dental surgery, and not being able to chew anything - well, my weight should be down. Nope. Up 1.2 lbs. How on earth did that happen?
It seems that consuming quantities of prepared, prepackaged, easy to swallow without chewing foods is not healthy. Go figure! The sodium content in the soups is ridiculously high, so naturally I am retaining water. I figure i'm not eating enough to get my metabolism going so I'm stalled....
I have decided I will not step on a scale again until after I can start eating once again. Why put myself through the self humiliation? Why torture myself. At least when I'm eating I KNOW why I gain. But this semi-liquid diet has me stumped.
Okay, I'm walking it off... all the way to the kitchen to eat some ice cream...
Monday, September 8, 2008
"Your call is important to us...."
If my call is so important, why is it that I stay on hold for 15 minutes? Maybe I'm so important that "they" need to get their top person to speak to me? Maybe it's because they didn't anticipate my call and had to scramble to find someone to answer it? Maybe it's just because.... they are understaffed and really don't give a flying fadoo.
Banks - they put you on hold forever. Of course, I did have the option of choosing one of several different touch tone options. That means I never get to speak to a real person. Do real people still exist?
Oh wait... my call was just answered.....
What's my voice recognition password? I have one? I don't know. Who cares? It's me!! Don't you remember - we spoke a while ago, we shared that story, we laughed.... oh, you don't remember me. Of course, what was I thinking. Well, it's me and this is the fourth time I've called you about the same issue. What issue? THE issue! Don't you people keep e-records so that when frustrated customers call back you can access the information and see all the issues at once? You don't. Of course not. Okay, so about two months ago.......
and so it goes.....
Thank you for calling, you call is important to us.....
I'm hanging up.
Banks - they put you on hold forever. Of course, I did have the option of choosing one of several different touch tone options. That means I never get to speak to a real person. Do real people still exist?
Oh wait... my call was just answered.....
What's my voice recognition password? I have one? I don't know. Who cares? It's me!! Don't you remember - we spoke a while ago, we shared that story, we laughed.... oh, you don't remember me. Of course, what was I thinking. Well, it's me and this is the fourth time I've called you about the same issue. What issue? THE issue! Don't you people keep e-records so that when frustrated customers call back you can access the information and see all the issues at once? You don't. Of course not. Okay, so about two months ago.......
and so it goes.....
Thank you for calling, you call is important to us.....
I'm hanging up.
Friday, August 29, 2008
It's Friday but Sunday is coming!
Fridays. The name alone conjurs up images of frivolity, long weekends, sunshine and.... food.
Last weekend, we trekked to Kingston for a wedding, and between lunch at Lone Star with our daughter, son, and daughter-in-law, and the reception dinner at the University Club, and then a brunch at Ramekins (http://www.ramekins.ca/menus/breakfast/index.php) a wonderful little spot in Kingston - but make reservations if you plan to go on a sunday... the church crowd gets in and you can't budge!!..... well, we plum ate enough to feed a small african nation.
We didn't eat again until we arrived home from Kingston, and then just had toasted tomato sandwiches, which were divinely simple and delicious!
So, ya, it's Friday again. We have yet another wedding, this time on Sunday in Perth. How could people possibly break up a long weekend like that? Meh.
I had a bit of a health scare this week, nothing to joke about, so I won't. Suffice to say, it shook me up and I'm taking this thing seriously.
This will be my first Saturday morning in town for weeks, so I will be at WW for sure tomorrow. Sadly, I will have to confess the 2 pounds I lost, well, apparently I found them! They were hiding under a roll of fat on my gut.. but yep, found it! Whew, that was close - would HATE to lose something so close to me! I have to face 'The Terminator' on Satuday - Sue. I have sufficient pin pricks in my hands and arms to prove that I was not a well puppy this week. Hopefully she will have some pity on me - weep uncontrollably at my misfortune - and not say a word about the size of my 'assets'.
So, It's friday but Sunday is coming - and that's wedding time. Can I get through the day without blowing it? Yes.
YES YES YES.
Woohoo!
Last weekend, we trekked to Kingston for a wedding, and between lunch at Lone Star with our daughter, son, and daughter-in-law, and the reception dinner at the University Club, and then a brunch at Ramekins (http://www.ramekins.ca/menus/breakfast/index.php) a wonderful little spot in Kingston - but make reservations if you plan to go on a sunday... the church crowd gets in and you can't budge!!..... well, we plum ate enough to feed a small african nation.
We didn't eat again until we arrived home from Kingston, and then just had toasted tomato sandwiches, which were divinely simple and delicious!
So, ya, it's Friday again. We have yet another wedding, this time on Sunday in Perth. How could people possibly break up a long weekend like that? Meh.
I had a bit of a health scare this week, nothing to joke about, so I won't. Suffice to say, it shook me up and I'm taking this thing seriously.
This will be my first Saturday morning in town for weeks, so I will be at WW for sure tomorrow. Sadly, I will have to confess the 2 pounds I lost, well, apparently I found them! They were hiding under a roll of fat on my gut.. but yep, found it! Whew, that was close - would HATE to lose something so close to me! I have to face 'The Terminator' on Satuday - Sue. I have sufficient pin pricks in my hands and arms to prove that I was not a well puppy this week. Hopefully she will have some pity on me - weep uncontrollably at my misfortune - and not say a word about the size of my 'assets'.
So, It's friday but Sunday is coming - and that's wedding time. Can I get through the day without blowing it? Yes.
YES YES YES.
Woohoo!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday Monday....
Well, I made it through the weekend! I thought it would be awkward visiting with all the former 'in-laws' but it was not. My former mother-in-law looked feeble and had aged greatly since the last time I saw her. My brothers-in-law were genuine in their warmth. It was good to see everyone, almost everyone.
The reception - I know you are waiting to hear how I did. I had two 2 TWO small sandwiches. Small triumph! Also had some veggies and fruit. I felt I did great - until I got to the squares. Oh my! 'Nuff said.
My husband and I had a quieter afternoon, being home alone for a while. My daughter stayed in the city to visit with her dad and uncles. We ended up going to a friend's place for dinner and had the most delicious corn, picked that morning. It was also good to spend time with friends.
Sunday I was back on track and doing well.
Tonight, I am hosting a fall/holiday partylite launch at my house. I'm looking forward to it (please consider yourself invited!!) I became a consultant several months ago, mostly to feed my partylite addiction - it's probably better that I have THAT addiction, rather than my FOOD addiction.
So, now I am sitting here at home updating this blog, while chocolate chip cookies are baking in the oven. The smell is wonderful. I'll try my hardest NOT to overdo the cookies today.
I'm working at home this week (most of this week, anyway). It's a nice refreshing change. Okay, so right now I'm technically NOT working - I'm baking. But I've already put in a few hours of work, and now I'm taking a break.
I didn't get to weigh in on the weekend - it was just too busy, and the time lines were just too tight - tight, kinda like my jeans! TIGHT!
I started my day with a walk around the block - I was sweaty when I got home so I figured I had done a good workout.... or maybe it's just hot out today. Whatever. Its the idea of exercise!
okay, so I'm on track and exercising and watching what I eat... like the nice fresh hot cookie I just popped into my mouth.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Funerals, and those little sandwiches!
My former father-in-law passed away this week. We've never had a close relationship, but I did like the man. He was a good man. In his later years, I found a new appreciation for him. My children will miss him dearly.
The funeral is saturday morning - which means I miss my saturday morning weigh-in for the second week in a row. and the next two saturdays I have weddings out of town...makes it four weeks! Ugh. I'll have to weigh-in tonight.
If my scales are right at home (honest, i have NOT adjusted the numbers!) I think I've lost 2 pounds this week. Woohoo! Okay, so I gained 13 over the summer, so I'm still UP 11, but hey, I'm down 2. Are you following me? Up down up down. Right now I'm down so let's just keep the trend going.
Funerals - as much as I really do not like attending funerals - and who does? I mean, does anyone actually say "Oh boy! A funeral!!!" - I always like the little reception afterwards. Those little sandwiches! I love those! I know, they are JUST sandwiches... but for some strange reason, they always taste so good after a funeral. Maybe it's because you really appreciate life at that point, and the taste of "life" is in everything you see and eat. Those little egg sandwiches? Oh yummy! Perhaps it's best if I skip the reception? I can't do that. It would be rude. Okay, so I'll go, with my husband and my children, and politely turn down the food. Ya, right! Okay, so I'll LIMIT myself to two of those wee sandwiches. TWO (that's like asking for a toothpick and a glass of water!) I can do this! I can stick to plan.
It's been a weird week for me. Edmonton, Niagara-on-the-lake, home, work, preparing for a funeral. Weird week.
It's almost lunch time, and I'm looking forward to my fresh cherries and my yogurt. The taste of life. The tastes of summer are so refreshing. I am appreciating taste today.
Hey, another thought to share. I was in Edmonton (like I already said) for work and I also took in the Partylite National Conference while I was there. Listened to Cassie Campbell (captain of the Canadian Women's Olympic Hockey team, saw them to 2 gold medals in 2002 and 2006). Cassie gave some interesting life lessons that she learned over her career as an olympian and a team player. There were several, I can only recall a few!
1. Choose to go the distance every day. Make the decision - make the choice.
2. Embrace challenges. Challenges give us motiviation, they keep us from being complacent.
3. WAR - We Are Responsible! As a team, we are responsible for pulling together.
4. Celebrate success!
5. Celebrate the hard work! No matter if you win or lose, you worked hard - CELEBRATE!
6. Do not underestimate the importance of appreciation. Accept it graciously. Give it abundantly!
There were several more and if I could find my notes, I will post them.
I'll look for my notes.... after I have a few of those little sandwiches!
The funeral is saturday morning - which means I miss my saturday morning weigh-in for the second week in a row. and the next two saturdays I have weddings out of town...makes it four weeks! Ugh. I'll have to weigh-in tonight.
If my scales are right at home (honest, i have NOT adjusted the numbers!) I think I've lost 2 pounds this week. Woohoo! Okay, so I gained 13 over the summer, so I'm still UP 11, but hey, I'm down 2. Are you following me? Up down up down. Right now I'm down so let's just keep the trend going.
Funerals - as much as I really do not like attending funerals - and who does? I mean, does anyone actually say "Oh boy! A funeral!!!" - I always like the little reception afterwards. Those little sandwiches! I love those! I know, they are JUST sandwiches... but for some strange reason, they always taste so good after a funeral. Maybe it's because you really appreciate life at that point, and the taste of "life" is in everything you see and eat. Those little egg sandwiches? Oh yummy! Perhaps it's best if I skip the reception? I can't do that. It would be rude. Okay, so I'll go, with my husband and my children, and politely turn down the food. Ya, right! Okay, so I'll LIMIT myself to two of those wee sandwiches. TWO (that's like asking for a toothpick and a glass of water!) I can do this! I can stick to plan.
It's been a weird week for me. Edmonton, Niagara-on-the-lake, home, work, preparing for a funeral. Weird week.
It's almost lunch time, and I'm looking forward to my fresh cherries and my yogurt. The taste of life. The tastes of summer are so refreshing. I am appreciating taste today.
Hey, another thought to share. I was in Edmonton (like I already said) for work and I also took in the Partylite National Conference while I was there. Listened to Cassie Campbell (captain of the Canadian Women's Olympic Hockey team, saw them to 2 gold medals in 2002 and 2006). Cassie gave some interesting life lessons that she learned over her career as an olympian and a team player. There were several, I can only recall a few!
1. Choose to go the distance every day. Make the decision - make the choice.
2. Embrace challenges. Challenges give us motiviation, they keep us from being complacent.
3. WAR - We Are Responsible! As a team, we are responsible for pulling together.
4. Celebrate success!
5. Celebrate the hard work! No matter if you win or lose, you worked hard - CELEBRATE!
6. Do not underestimate the importance of appreciation. Accept it graciously. Give it abundantly!
There were several more and if I could find my notes, I will post them.
I'll look for my notes.... after I have a few of those little sandwiches!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Introducing.....
Introducing. It's an interesting word. Introducing - what? The new me? The new menu? The loser? Loser... THERE'S an interesting word. The only place LOSER is a good word is when you are intending to lose something - man, what a loser! She's a loser, he's a loser, wouldn't like like to be a loser too?
Okay, so I'm a loser at being a loser - I am probably the only person who can gain weight trying to lose it.
I digress... Introducing.... the new me, yes. Kind of like "The new adventures of the old Christine" - have you see that show? don't bother, it's not worth it. But here it is - the 'new adventures of the old Heather"... I want to win at losing. I want the GOLD MEDAL for being a loser.
I want to be slim again - not thin... just slim. I need to do all the cliche stuff... you know the words - "stay on course", put my nose to the grindstone (although that sounds painful), pull up my socks, suck it up buttercup, and of course "put on my big girl panties"... getter dun!
So, Introducing... the new improved Heather...
Now, if someone could just tell the scales to cooperate that would be very much appreciated.
Okay, so I'm a loser at being a loser - I am probably the only person who can gain weight trying to lose it.
I digress... Introducing.... the new me, yes. Kind of like "The new adventures of the old Christine" - have you see that show? don't bother, it's not worth it. But here it is - the 'new adventures of the old Heather"... I want to win at losing. I want the GOLD MEDAL for being a loser.
I want to be slim again - not thin... just slim. I need to do all the cliche stuff... you know the words - "stay on course", put my nose to the grindstone (although that sounds painful), pull up my socks, suck it up buttercup, and of course "put on my big girl panties"... getter dun!
So, Introducing... the new improved Heather...
Now, if someone could just tell the scales to cooperate that would be very much appreciated.
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