Back In The Saddle Again!

No, I'm not riding a horse or a bull or any other critter! However, I am back on my diet program with Metabolic Direct.

I have always been different! Most people gain weight in the winter when they are shut indoors and indulging in comfort foods.  Me, well, I gain in the Summer.  It probably has more to do with the fact that I seem to travel a lot and eat out a lot in the Summer, than it does with the season itself.

Every Summer about this time, I get on the scales one morning and go - YIKES! How did that happen? Where did it come from?  Well, probably from the delicious Zeppe's Italian Ice and Vanilla Custard...oh yum.  Then there are the Smore's cooked over the open fire, and the hot dogs, and the travel to Paris where ALL the food is irresistible and delicious!  Oh my.  Back to my normal routine or I will have a whole closet full of clothes I can not wear anymore! Nope, can't afford that for sure! And, to add to the drive, I'm going on a Cruise in December! You can't hide fat in cruise clothes!  Aaaauuuggh...

I wish it were as easy to be thin now as it was when I was 17!  Of course, back then I walked everywhere, played basketball and softball and probably didn't have access to junk food.  I was too busy to eat!  The first time I really gained weight was when I was in Nursing School.  There was never time to eat properly and so McDonalds Quarter Pounder with cheese and fries became a staple in my world..to the tune of probably 40 pounds or more...I really didn't take a lot of notice about it until the graduation pictures! Oh my, is that me?  A size 20?  How on Earth???

I have dieted and changed the way I eat several times and lost weight, but it was about three years ago when I looked at a picture of myself with my husband at Universal Studios. Who are those people?  That did it.  I got busy and took off 50 pounds on my own, but then I was STUCK!

So I began to hunt for some program or method that would work for me.  I had been to WW in the past and wasn't really impressed...oh I lost some weight, but it came right back...counting points and still eating hamburgers isn't the way to go for me.  I had tried Fit For Life, geesh that is a lot of fruit!

Anyway after having tried so many programs and still being overweight, I came across the Metabolic Research people in Macon, Georgia.  I reviewed the program and it seemed like a sensible way to lose weight.  Between October 3rd and December 20 I lost 50 pounds! Success.  They hired me to work for them!  My clients would walk in and not believe my "before" picture.  I actually had one man say "I want to talk to that tall skinny blond."  I hadn't been a tall skinny blond since High School.
Losing weight is not just about vanity.  It is more about "health."  I don't want to be one of those who has to have knee replacements and can't do all the things I did 30 years ago.  I want to keep healthy and keep moving.  I want to motivate others to do the same.  Life is short...let's live it!

I ran my first 5K 100 pounds lighter than I was the year before on February 23, 2012 (my 66th birthday).  I actually came in third in my age group..(I was just happy I didn't DIE trying).  I have managed to do pretty well until this Summer.  A trip to London and Paris in May, Maryland in June and then to Georgia and finally two weeks in Norway (where my host was a Chef!), and a one week visit from my College age grandson (and I ate hot dogs and fun stuff like that) and I have found myself 25 pounds up!  Oh my gosh!

So this week beginning on Sunday I got back to the program that has been so good to me. It really isn't hard to follow and it works great.  I have already lost 8, yes EIGHT pounds! While I know that rate of loss will not continue, I intend to have lost 20 more pounds by October 15th! I don't do any ridiculous amount of exercise.  I do like to walk about 4 miles at least 3 times a week while the weather is good and I snowshoe in the Winter.  If you have a dog, taking him or her for a nice brisk walk will be good for both of you; and despite previous evidence to the contrary, you need to get at least 15 minutes of sunshine on your body a day to make adequate Vitamin D...so many are deficient in Vitamin D now because of Sunscreen...leave the sunscreen at home and get your 15 minutes.  Recent research is saying exactly that! No, don't get burned...get 15 minutes!

I have fought the "weight loss" battle many times, but I never intend to get back to the weight that I was before Metabolic Research.  I am actually an independent Weight Loss Consultant for them now out here in Utah.  That is good for me and good for my clients.  So, my blogging friends, I will let you know how I progress, and if you want to join me give me a message.

PEACE, LOVE and JOY

I Never Met A Carb I Didn't Like!

That is a salad sitting in front of my Hubby Kevin and I.  We are actually at a local place in Utah, Slackwater, which serves the best pizza!  Now, don't get me wrong, I love pizza!  Unfortunately Pizza Loves Me!

Some people can get away with eating those luscious carbs, I am one of those who can not!  I though moving to Utah would be a "healthy" lifestyle, but I have found that people out here eat a heck of a lot of CARBS!  There are bakeries galore with loads of delicious breads and pastry.  There is even a doughnut shop that specializes in the MOST DECADENT doughnuts you have ever seen...dripping in bacon, maple icing..OMG!  They display them prominently at the Farmer's Market in Downtown Ogden during the summer.  They advertise everywhere.

Then, there are the "scones."  Now, I have always known scones to be small wedges with a texture between biscuits and cake, slightly sweet, sometimes containing fruit and a dribble of icing.  Yum, but not too terribly calorically loaded.  BUT, scones in Utah, well that is another thing altogether.  The first time we ordered scones in Utah this enormous thing the size of a plate, deep fried, sweet and with a huge blob of honey butter came out!
I thought it might just be that particular restaurant's interpretation of scone.  However, it didn't take long to realize that they call "fried dough" a scone out here! Holy Mackeral!

I really never met a carb I didn't like.  I love potatoes no matter how you fix them.  I love really good bread and pie and cake and and and...well, you get it, don't you?  There is some kind of magical draw which pulls us into the "carb trap."   There are some good carbs, for sure like whole grains, fresh fruits and legumes and fresh vegetables.  The things to AVOID are refined and processed foods, foods that include "oses" those are simple sugars....dangerous.  

Although statistics say that only 24% of Uthans are "obese," I have my doubts!  I see more than 24% of chubbies shopping and in those restaurants!  In defense of some of those who eat those carbs, they do a lot of hiking, biking and skiing out here!  Sooooo, I guess some of them can get away with all those extra carbs.

I have managed to take off 100 pounds in the past couple years.  I want to keep it off!  I fell off the wagon right after we moved into our new apartment and I wasn't walking the way I had been, nor was I eating the low carb foods which I had made my staple for the past couple years.  I managed to gain TWENTY pounds in the blink of an eye!  I am now back on the low carb wagon.

Oh, not all carbs are BAD, but you do really have to watch the balance.  I have found it critical that I eat more protein and raw low carb vegetables to maintain my weight loss.  You don't have to exercise, but it really doesn't hurt. 

These yummy snow crab claws are on my "good" list.  Kind of like the naughty and nice list, I have a good and bad list.

I find the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat a lot of white fish, white meat chicken or turkey and very little beef or pork.  NO FRIED FISH!  No fried anything by the way.







We are having some lovely prawns for New Year's Eve.  These are also acceptable as a good alternative to red meat.

Stay away from the drawn butter.  Walden Farms makes some great salad dressings and sauces, including a Marinara, which have NO calories.  They are amazing. 

Potatoes, although I love them, are off my good list right now.  A serving of potato, baked or boiled when you are dieting is only 2 ounces....I would rather have something else that will allow me a larger serving.  Mashed Cauliflower well seasoned is a great substitute for mashed potatoes (my grandkids love it) and will allow you a 4 ounce serving.  Raw veggies are great, and you can make great dips from FAT FREE yogurt!

I don't want to forget to say that drinking water, 64 ounces a day, I know it sounds like a lot, but it works is crucial to good health.  As a side note, recent studies show that if you eat a BALANCED diet you do not need multi-vitamins. 

I hate the word "diet" because what really needs to happen is a "lifestyle change" which involves portion control and discipline.  I'm not saying that you need to NEVER have any carbs at all.  You can even have the "occasional" doughnut or piece of cake if you don't make a habit of it, once you get to your goal weight. 

I will tell you this, if you are interested in a great program that really works and won't drive you nutty, contact Metabolic Research.  These people have done their homework and really know how to help you.  They not only provide you with dietary guidelines, but with counseling and support which is crucial to long term weight loss. 

I went from wearing very tight size 20's to size 6-8 slacks!  I haven't worn that size since High School.  If you want some "lifestyle change" advice, please feel free to contact me, I would love to help you achieve your goals.

Here is an example of a low carb recipe for you to enjoy!

Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients
4 egg whites/substitutes
1/2 whole-grain or Ezekiel English muffin
3 slices tomato
1 dash Mrs. Dash
3 tbsp salsa

Directions
Cook and stir egg whites in a skillet over medium heat until scrambled and done to your liking. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash.

Place scrambled egg whites on toasted English muffin.

Add tomato and enjoy!

You can also make a "crustless" quiche with egg whites, bacon bits, cheese and if you like spinach which is very low cal and low carb.  Get busy, do some research, and find HEALTHY LOW CARB and low FAT recipes you can enjoy!

PEACE - LOVE and JOY

Linda

Keeping Christmas Light!

 There is sooooo much terribly fattening food around during the Holidays.  I decided that in order to "keep things under control" I would come up with a Chili Rellenos Recipe which would be delicious and not blow the calories through the roof.

The result was really pleasing and allowed me to use my Bountiful Baskets fresh Serrano peppers in a really delicious and healthy way.

You can modify this recipe to suit your family's needs...for instance using egg substitute or egg whites rather than whole eggs, using Almond Milk (unsweetened of course) instead of 2 percent milk..white flour or rice flour or even brown rice flour can be substituted.  This is an easy, forgiving recipe which will delight kids as well as adults...kind of like a Mexican Lasagna! (No pasta of course)

Casa Linda Chili Rellenos Casserole

Preheat Oven to 350F

6-8 good sized Serrano Peppers, split lengthwise and de-seeded

1 Pound ground turkey breast

  (or 8-10 ounces “grounds” meat substitute)

4 Ounces of Chorizo (optional)  (If you don’t use the Chorizo, use 4 more oz meat)

1 Medium Onion, chopped

4 – 5 Tablespoons Tomato Sauce

4 whole eggs or equivalent Egg Substitute or Whites

8 Ounces Low Fat Cheese (I used Monterey Jack, but Mexican, Cheddar, etc fine)

¾ cup 2% Milk (can use unflavored Almond or Rice milk)

½ cup brown rice flour (if you can’t find this regular all-purpose flour will do)

1 Tablespoon Mrs. Dash Southwest Seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1.     De-seed and split peppers. 

2.     Rub peppers with a “little” olive oil and place in non-stick frying pan

3.     Cook peppers a few minutes on each side just to help “tenderize” them a

Bit before you put them into the casserole.

4.     Remove peppers from pan and place half of them in the bottom of a 9 x 13

Baking dish

5.     Brown your turkey meat/chorizo, etc. in the same frying pan (if you are using      “grounds you may skip this step)

6.     Spread half of cheese on peppers in baking dish, then top with half of the browned meat. Repeat with a layer of peppers, cheese then meat again.

7.     Beat eggs, flour, spices, tomato sauce and milk in bowl until completely mixed and

8.     Pour egg/flour mixture over entire casserole

9.     Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until set and slightly browned on top.

10. .Let cool 5-10 minutes before cutting into serving squares.

11. Serve with diced avocado, sour cream (or plain yogurt) and side salad!

Those lovely serrano peppers after being LIGHTLY sauteed in the frying pan!

The following picture is the "egg" mixture just before being poured over the layered meat, cheese and vegetables.

As you can see, I only used about 1 Teaspoon of oil to saute both the peppers and the onions...this allowed the peppers to be slightly "slippery" which I used to grease the casserole dish.

Dieting - One Size Doesn't Fit All!

If you have ever had to fight the "battle of the buldge" you know it can be either very rewarding if you succeed or very frustrating if you don't.

I have been on both sides of the battle off and on for most of my adult life.  As a teen I was an athlete and never had to worry about my weight.  As a child I had actually been quite skinny.  But, once I had children, all that changed.

Over the years I have done everything from Weight Watchers to HCG!  Sometimes I had reasonable success, but the problem is I never managed to lose the weight and keep it off until now.  I think I know the reason why.

For example, with WW you are given a certain amount of "points" you can use throughout the day to lose weight.  It does work and many people lose weight doing it.  However, there are some fatal flaws which set the losers up for future failure.  One of those is that while you are counting points it isn't emphasized that there is a difference between eating a cheeseburger for 15 points and eating 15 points worth of lean protein or vegetables.  Also, the weekly meeting provides accountability, and while that is a valuable tool, unless you intend to go to meetings the rest of your life you need to learn to be accountable to YOURSELF!  Consequently, most of the people (including me) who lose weight on WW gain it back.  Siggggghhhh...

HCG has been around for over 30+ years.  It involves taking Human Chorionic Gonatrophin in either drop (not as effective) or injection.  This diet also involves and extremely restrictive change not only in your eating habits (500-700 calories a day) but you can't even use any type of oil or lotion on your skin or it will not work!  You can not exercise on this regime.  It does work.  But, once again, when people lose weight this way they haven't changed their eating habits and as soon as they go back to eating the way they were, the weight returns and usually even more.

I could go through each and every diet plan presented and give you the pluses and minuses, but here is the plain truth.  Unless you are willing to change your eating HABITS you will never get the weight off and keep it off.  Oh, I'm not saying you can NEVER have a piece of chocolate cake again, but just that you have to learn how your body works and exactly what you have to change or modify to obtain an ideal weight.

For me, a trip to Metabolic Research Center was the beginning of my journey.  The diet plan I chose to follow involved reducing caloric intake, increasing protein and decreasing carbohydrates.  I also decided that adding walking/jogging to my life would help with my efforts.  Now I know that some of you HATE exercise, and others of you have gotten so obese that exercise is not an option until you get some of the weight off.  So, lets start with MOTIVATION.

What is your motivation for losing weight?  Have you tried before and failed? Why?  Do you have any "support" in this effort, or are you going to have to overcome a spouse or friends who will attempt to sabotage you at every turn?  No matter how you look at it, this is going to require WILLPOWER.  If you can't summon up a considerable amount of that, then you are doomed to fail.  After all, you didn't put on those extra 50 plus pounds overnight and you can't expect them to fall off overnight either!

I can say all this because over the last couple of years I have managed to lose 100+ pounds!  I have also managed to keep it off for six months so far.  I am not going to tell you that it is ALWAYS easy, or that I don't have moments of weakness and temptation...I DO!!  But, if I fall off the wagon one day, I hop back on with both feet the next!

There is NO magic pill or injection that will make the weight disappear overnight, but if you are willing to work at it, you CAN get your life back.  You CAN wear that sexy dress or those size 6 slacks again.  I am willing to help anyone interested in learning healthy ways to take it off!  If you are interested in joining me on this journey to wellness, let me know! 

PEACE - LOVE & JOY!!!

Linda

The 17 Day Diet

This picture was taken about 6 years ago, when I was weighing i at about what I would like to weigh now. I am working on it!

Still sticking like glue to the 17 Day Diet Plan...37 pounds gone and about 27 to go.
If you haven't gotten this book yet, you need to have a look see. I actually went to Barnes & Noble and read part of it before I bought it that day. I was so impressed with the science in it. It isn't a "fad" diet. It is nutritionally sound and easy to follow.

I am enjoying delicious meals, not feeling hungry and feeling well and healthy. Exercise is not "pushed" but encouraged. 17 minutes twice a day. Anyone can do this diet, and anyone can lose weight this way.

I enjoy the protein I am allowed, but it is not really a "low carb" diet....nothing like Adkins, which I felt was terribly unhealthy.
Fat is limited, but not eliminated. You will not feel hungry or deprived on this plan.

So come and join me in this quest to lose weight and be healthy. I will keep you posted as to my progress, and you can contact me with questions and your progress too!

Good Health and Happy Eating!

Before and After

Like many of you out there, I have battled with my weight for so many years I have lost count. I have clothes in every size under the heavens, and I am sick and tired of "growing out of" those things I love!

So, May 22nd 2011 I began a new program in an effort to finally and once and for all get rid of the weight and keep it off. Believe me, I have tried everything from Weight Watchers (which works as long as you NEVER go off the program) to HCG shots and everything in between. All of them worked to a degree, but only a real lifestyle change is going to make the weight go away and stay away.

Finally, I seem to have landed on a life changing program which is sensible, easy to follow and really will be a change of habits for me. It is called THE SEVENTEEN DAY DIET by Dr. Mike Moreno. Now, as an RN, I have seen many doctors recommend diets, and their knowledge of nutrition is less than stellar. They just didn't focus on that much in Medical School. Dr. Moreno seems to have done the research however, and I immediately found his book and diet plan intriguing.

As I said above, I started on the plan on May 22nd. I lost nearly 20 pounds in the first seventeen days! The hardest time period of the diet. I made up my mind before I started that I could do ANYTHING for 17 days. I have continued to follow the next cycle and have now lost a total of 35 pounds, feel great, and am getting into some of those great clothes I love. My skin is looking great, and everything in my body just seems to be working better. I have only had to do about 17 minutes a day of exercise to get this far. I will be stating back to water aerobics as soon as the temperature drops a bit, and I am sure that this combined with the diet will take care of the next 28 pounds. I want to reach my goal by Thanksgiving. NO, not so I can eat whatever I want. I just need a date to focus on and that seems reasonable.

I have a picture of me when I was at the weight I like to be...I look at it every day, and when I reach my goal in November, I will take another and post it for all to see. Do you need to lose a little or a lot of weight? Then perhaps you should check out THE 17 DAY DIET!! It works.

A Drug Shortage? Give Me A Break

Now the pharmaceutical companies have gone just too far! I just heard on the news that there is a "shortage" of numerous drugs used to treat ovarian cancer. Why the shortage? No explanation.

Some hospitals and doctors may start "hoarding" these drugs. I am sure that the price will go up. And, there you have it! We are constantly being held hostage by the pharmaceutical companies. When will this change. It will NOT unless we begin to look deeply into the cause of so many other issues in this Country. That issue is GREED.
More money, more money, more money and there is never enough.

One of the ways we need to combat this problem is to find ways to deal with our health issues that do not include pharmaceuticals. For example, a vegan (and I do mean a very strict vegan) diet can derail cancer in weeks. Does any oncologist tell you this? Probably not. He recommends a chemotherapy that will give you more time or cure you. Problem is, it might kill you too!

There are some things you can do to help keep cancer at bay. Don't smoke! Don't drink to excess. And, most important of all, believe it or not, watch what you eat.

Did you know that meats create a more acid environment in your body? Did you know that vegetables create an alkaline environment in your body? And, guess what? Cancer doesn't grow well in an alkaline environment! Neither do lot of other diseases. I know most people aren't going to become vegetarian or vegan overnight, but I am telling you one thing, that if you are seriously ill, you should consider it!

See a really good nutritionist and find out what works best for you. Find out if you have food allergies, sensitivities, and what foods will help you feel great.
You won't be sorry. Lets help ourselves to better health, and prove that pharmaceuticals are not the ONLY answer to illness!

More later...Move On!!!

Weighing In

I got on the scales this morning. I am down 32 pounds since May 22nd and I am going to keep going for another 32 pounds!

The book that got me motivated is called THE 17 DAY DIET by Dr. Mike Moreno. Now, if you only have ten or twelve pounds to lose, you can probably do it in 17 days, but if you are like me and need to lose quite a bit more, Dr. Moreno's book will still work for you. Dr. Moreno has put in the time and seems to have the best grasp of how to not only lose a small amount of weight, but much larger amounts. His plan is broken down into four 17 day plans. The first causes a rapid initial weight loss. The second 17 days are designed to cause "metabolic confusion" which I have long felt is the answer to sustained weight loss. One day is nearly carb free the next allows a limited amount of carbs, and the body continues to burn fat at a steady, somewhat slower rate than the first day. There is no calorie counting involved, there are no special "shots" or "medications" or "supplements". Just good sound nutrition.

Two things have happened to me since I began this diet. I have, indeed, lost a considerable amount of weight ... 32 pounds in two months, and I have felt better than I have in a long time. Additionally, my skin has improved, my digestion has improved and I just generally feel that my overall health has also improved.

I am drinking more water than I used to, 64 ounces minimum per day. Yes, this does involve going to the bathroom more frequently, but the detox effect caused by the diet and the increase in water/elimination is part of the reason I am feeling and looking so much better.

I still have about 32 more pounds to lose, and I am sure it will take more than two months to finish up, but I am planning on reaching my goal by Thanksgiving. No, not so I can gobble up on potatoes and gravy! I have made a lifestyle change and I intend to stick to it for the rest of my life. I want my Golden Years to actually be golden so that I can continue to travel, paint, play with my grandchildren and generally enjoy a rich and healthy life.

Join me on this journey, and you will feel and look better too. Let me know how you do...I am interested!