My first "before" photo was taken January 13. Since then I have been to the doctor to get cholesterol, blood pressure and a bunch of other numbers, but the one that caused the most trepidation was (say it with me!) how much I weigh. This caused me to wonder why we seem to give this number so much power. You may have noticed that even though I took a "before" photo, I did not include a starting weight. I wanted to...but when it came down to typing that number I just couldn't do it.
I can tell you how old I am (44), what my blood pressure is (120/80), total cholesterol level (141), and how many kids I have (2). I can tell you almost any number that pertains to me with the exception of the weight. Why is that? Why do I (we?) let that number define who we are? A good weigh-in leads to a good mood and a good day, an upward fluctuation leads to a bad mood, self doubt and a negative attitude. We've all been told over and over again that daily weighing is unnecessary, yet I just can't seem to resist taking a peek.
I recently read an article in the magazine O where Oprah Winfrey said how embarrassed and ashamed she was that she had gained some of her weight back. This from one of the most accomplished women in the world! What gives? Do men feel this way? I doubt it. My husband will hop on the scale and will almost proudly announce that he's up to a certain weight, it certainly doesn't affect his mood one way or the other. He'll just declare that he'll be cutting back for awhile and that's that.
So maybe this is one instance where it would benefit me to suck it up and be a man! That being said, I did record my weight on February 13 (one month in to the Fit for Life program!) and I weighed.....9.2 pounds less than I did on January 13! Well, there was technically a number there. Guess I'm just not ready to make that leap. I'll post a new "before" photo soon. Keep up the good work and let me know how y'all are doing!
Tami
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
To Skip or Not To Skip...
Breakfast that is. Interestingly enough, the survey answer that got the MOST votes was (d), that skipping breakfast was a good way to finally get to work on time. I see that I am not alone in my ongoing efforts to get to work (or anywhere for that matter) on time, but I think that's a whole different blog.
Skipping breakfast is a common weight loss strategy, but not a smart one. Your mother was right, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Research shows that those who eat breakfast lose more weight than those who don't. Your metabolism slows down while you sleep and won't get cranked back up until you eat something. Another pitfall of skipping breakfast is that it may leave you so hungry by lunch that you'll eat everything that's not nailed down! You won't be able to resist the day old donuts left out in the staff lounge or the half eaten chicken nugget from your kid's plate. Oh c'mon, I know you've done that!
So, have a little breakfast, will ya? It doesn't have to be much, although for optimal health benefits you would have a combination of some protein and whole grains. Couldn't hurt to throw in a piece of fruit to get you started towards your 5 to 9 serving of fruits and veggies. Just drive by the Krispy Creme, please.
Tami
Skipping breakfast is a common weight loss strategy, but not a smart one. Your mother was right, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Research shows that those who eat breakfast lose more weight than those who don't. Your metabolism slows down while you sleep and won't get cranked back up until you eat something. Another pitfall of skipping breakfast is that it may leave you so hungry by lunch that you'll eat everything that's not nailed down! You won't be able to resist the day old donuts left out in the staff lounge or the half eaten chicken nugget from your kid's plate. Oh c'mon, I know you've done that!
So, have a little breakfast, will ya? It doesn't have to be much, although for optimal health benefits you would have a combination of some protein and whole grains. Couldn't hurt to throw in a piece of fruit to get you started towards your 5 to 9 serving of fruits and veggies. Just drive by the Krispy Creme, please.
Tami
Monday, February 2, 2009
"The Smoothie" Recipe...
Okay, if you saw the new GPL Fit for Life show you probably want "The Smoothie" recipe after my ringing endorsement! :D If you didn't check out the show you can view it online at http://www.youtube.com/gadsdenlibrary . Here goes:
"The Smoothie"
1 medium banana
1 cup of vanilla soymilk
1 medium orange (we used mandarin oranges)
1 teaspoon of ginger
1 cup of ice
Throw all ingredients in a blender, give it a good whirl and you're ready to go. It is recommended that you peel the fruit, but if sufficient fiber is a concern...well, you may want to forget that step.
Just kidding - don't eat the peels!
This was not my favorite (pretty obvious if you saw the segment), so I'm going to try some smoothie recipes and post a good one for you. I will not rest until I have the perfect healthy smoothie! Notice how I snuck in healthy. I mean, c'mon, anyone can make a good smoothie with ice cream and other not so healthy ingredients.
Let me know what you think. Do you have a good smoothie recipe? Send it in to tami@gadsdenlibrary.org and we may try it on a future Kamikaze Kitchen segment. Until then, I've got my blender and I'm not afraid to use it!
Tami
"The Smoothie"
1 medium banana
1 cup of vanilla soymilk
1 medium orange (we used mandarin oranges)
1 teaspoon of ginger
1 cup of ice
Throw all ingredients in a blender, give it a good whirl and you're ready to go. It is recommended that you peel the fruit, but if sufficient fiber is a concern...well, you may want to forget that step.
Just kidding - don't eat the peels!
This was not my favorite (pretty obvious if you saw the segment), so I'm going to try some smoothie recipes and post a good one for you. I will not rest until I have the perfect healthy smoothie! Notice how I snuck in healthy. I mean, c'mon, anyone can make a good smoothie with ice cream and other not so healthy ingredients.
Let me know what you think. Do you have a good smoothie recipe? Send it in to tami@gadsdenlibrary.org and we may try it on a future Kamikaze Kitchen segment. Until then, I've got my blender and I'm not afraid to use it!
Tami
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