Sorry I'm late! Too much to do last night and couldn't stay awake long enough to do it!
Today's tip - the entire Special K family of products.
Kellogg's has gone above and beyond in the quest for fitness. They have developed so many different things, besides their cereals, to help in this battle of the bulge.
I have tried the cereal (4 of the 8 flavors), the cereal bars (4 of the 7 flavors), Bliss bars (tried both), waffles (have had both)and the snack crackers (both flavors). They also have protein drinks, protein bars, protein meal and protein water mixes.
I have, so far, missed the protein line.
I like that the snack foods are packaged in 100 calorie or less sizes.
I like that they are portable - couple of them made the trip last week and I keep some in my desk.
I like that there is enough variety that I don't get bored.
I like that some of them taste like I'm splurging but I'm really not.
They also have a nice website to help you design a plan, tips and tools, recipes, and so forth.
I think they are committed to better health, and that is what we're all about.
So, raise your spoon to Kellogg's and Special K!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Good Things - 11/23/09
Red Wine.
I hope I don't lose a lot of you with this one, as I know that some of my readers don't drink for a variety of reasons, but, as I always say, I'm saying what has helped me. I'm not stating that my way is the only way or even the best way.
When I say red wine I'm talking about one, four ounce glass with my evening meal. Not a lot. Nothing to excess. I'm not overindulging or doing anything stupid.
There is scientific evidence that red wine is good for your heart, lowers cholesterol, and, more recently, may even help in the fight against diabetes.
Here is what I know. For diabetics the high end of cholesterol is 180. Mine went from 187 to about 132 in one year after adding red wine to my daily diet. I had gotten it down from over 200 to the 187 mark with some other food changes, but the red wine was the only change in the second year.
My A1C test, a test of the last 90 days readings of blood sugar, was 4. That is comparable to a non-diabetic. The normal range is anything below 7.
So, it is only a suggestion. Just noting some things I've done to help myself take care of this one body I have. You can take it or leave it, as is the case with everything I put here. If you disagree that is fine, I can respect that.
But, I am currently in the heart of wine country and a lot of experts say the Mediterrean diet overall is a good one. I'm willing to keep sampling and see. :)
Ciao!
I hope I don't lose a lot of you with this one, as I know that some of my readers don't drink for a variety of reasons, but, as I always say, I'm saying what has helped me. I'm not stating that my way is the only way or even the best way.
When I say red wine I'm talking about one, four ounce glass with my evening meal. Not a lot. Nothing to excess. I'm not overindulging or doing anything stupid.
There is scientific evidence that red wine is good for your heart, lowers cholesterol, and, more recently, may even help in the fight against diabetes.
Here is what I know. For diabetics the high end of cholesterol is 180. Mine went from 187 to about 132 in one year after adding red wine to my daily diet. I had gotten it down from over 200 to the 187 mark with some other food changes, but the red wine was the only change in the second year.
My A1C test, a test of the last 90 days readings of blood sugar, was 4. That is comparable to a non-diabetic. The normal range is anything below 7.
So, it is only a suggestion. Just noting some things I've done to help myself take care of this one body I have. You can take it or leave it, as is the case with everything I put here. If you disagree that is fine, I can respect that.
But, I am currently in the heart of wine country and a lot of experts say the Mediterrean diet overall is a good one. I'm willing to keep sampling and see. :)
Ciao!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
WOOO HOOOO!
BB (one of our occasional contributors) got some wonderful news the other day. She finally got good results from her bone density test! She has struggled for about 4 years with osteoporisis and has tried 4 different medications to find one she could tolerate.
But the medication was only an assist. The exercise she gets - swimming, walking and Wii-ing - are the real champions here.
So, let's all give her a high 5 and hip hip hooray!
But the medication was only an assist. The exercise she gets - swimming, walking and Wii-ing - are the real champions here.
So, let's all give her a high 5 and hip hip hooray!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Good Things - 11/16/09
Green Tea.
Now that the weather is getting cooler, I enjoy a cup of hot green tea. I will confess that despite all the positive properties about green tea, I don't like it cold and I will only drink the hot if it is flavored. But when I start drinking it in the fall and winter, I usually end up drinking at least two huge mugs a day.
Green tea, according to sources, can help with preventing heart disease and certain types of cancers. Although it has not been scientifically proven - yet - I do fall into the camp that also believes that green tea helps with weight management. I have found over the last 3 years that I shed weight easier in the cooler months. This goes a little against conventional wisdom in that we tend to be less active when it's colder and it seems that, like the animals, we tend to add "insulation" in the winter months to protect us from the cold.
There are other reasons that I like hot tea for a healthy lifestyle. First of all, typically when you make a cup of tea you are having to stop what you are doing. You have to heat the water, wait for the tea to steep. I know you can get a cup of tea at Starbucks, but it still doesn't seem quite the same kind of "on-the-go" drink as a cup of coffee. And when you drink it, at least in my case, I'm actually just sipping on it so I'm slowing down. And slowing down can help reduce our stress levels.
And it has been proven that added stress equals added pounds. Certain hormones get released when we get stressed and we add fat.
There are some varieties of tea that help you sleep. A good night's sleep is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and a rested person is usually just better all the way around. And I would think that a natural sleep aid would be overall preferable to taking a pill. Call me crazy.
So, put the kettle on, grab a bag and a mug and enjoy a cup, or two, of good hot tea. I think you'll thank yourself later.
Now that the weather is getting cooler, I enjoy a cup of hot green tea. I will confess that despite all the positive properties about green tea, I don't like it cold and I will only drink the hot if it is flavored. But when I start drinking it in the fall and winter, I usually end up drinking at least two huge mugs a day.
Green tea, according to sources, can help with preventing heart disease and certain types of cancers. Although it has not been scientifically proven - yet - I do fall into the camp that also believes that green tea helps with weight management. I have found over the last 3 years that I shed weight easier in the cooler months. This goes a little against conventional wisdom in that we tend to be less active when it's colder and it seems that, like the animals, we tend to add "insulation" in the winter months to protect us from the cold.
There are other reasons that I like hot tea for a healthy lifestyle. First of all, typically when you make a cup of tea you are having to stop what you are doing. You have to heat the water, wait for the tea to steep. I know you can get a cup of tea at Starbucks, but it still doesn't seem quite the same kind of "on-the-go" drink as a cup of coffee. And when you drink it, at least in my case, I'm actually just sipping on it so I'm slowing down. And slowing down can help reduce our stress levels.
And it has been proven that added stress equals added pounds. Certain hormones get released when we get stressed and we add fat.
There are some varieties of tea that help you sleep. A good night's sleep is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and a rested person is usually just better all the way around. And I would think that a natural sleep aid would be overall preferable to taking a pill. Call me crazy.
So, put the kettle on, grab a bag and a mug and enjoy a cup, or two, of good hot tea. I think you'll thank yourself later.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Little Out of Character
OK, I don't normally share things like this. I've tried to be real low-key about all these lifestyle changes and such. But tonight was kind of cool.
I attended a Chamber of Commerce function. Standard stuff. Lots of people milling around, shaking hands and so on. And I went to speak to an acquaintance from one of our local hospitals. The hospital that helped sponsor the HealthQuest that started me on the right path. She'd been involved from the sponsor side so she'd seen the changes over the last couple of years. I was also in a play with one of her daughters so she'd seen me before HealthQuest as well.
She looked at me, paid me a compliment and then invited me to be a part of a wellness program that the hospital and the local nursing program were putting together (I'm also friends with the head of the nursing program). She said she wanted me to be in it because I was her inspiration.
That is cool. I guess its one thing for your family and close friends to call you that, but when someone really outside of your "circle" notices your changes and you leave that kind of impression - well, it just felt a little different.
Those of you that have read this for a while know that I really never wanted to draw attention to myself. I deluded myself into thinking that I could lose almost a third of my body weight and no one would notice.
But I've always said that if I can help someone, then that is what I need to do. That is why we blog. (Emphasis on "we") To help each other, to be supportive, to inspire, if possible.
So, it looks like there may be a new program on my horizon. I'm sort of excited about the possibility since there is no telling what all I'll learn that I can share with you. I hope a lot!
And I'll I have all of you to keep ME on the straight and narrow.
My reminder to all of you - even when you feel down, feel like giving up, don't see the point to all of this, someone might be watching. YOU are inspiring someone with your lifestyle changes, even if you don't know it yet.
So keep it up. Plug through the hard days, work through the plateaus. There is a reason. Like a lot of things, that reason may be revealed in its own time.
I attended a Chamber of Commerce function. Standard stuff. Lots of people milling around, shaking hands and so on. And I went to speak to an acquaintance from one of our local hospitals. The hospital that helped sponsor the HealthQuest that started me on the right path. She'd been involved from the sponsor side so she'd seen the changes over the last couple of years. I was also in a play with one of her daughters so she'd seen me before HealthQuest as well.
She looked at me, paid me a compliment and then invited me to be a part of a wellness program that the hospital and the local nursing program were putting together (I'm also friends with the head of the nursing program). She said she wanted me to be in it because I was her inspiration.
That is cool. I guess its one thing for your family and close friends to call you that, but when someone really outside of your "circle" notices your changes and you leave that kind of impression - well, it just felt a little different.
Those of you that have read this for a while know that I really never wanted to draw attention to myself. I deluded myself into thinking that I could lose almost a third of my body weight and no one would notice.
But I've always said that if I can help someone, then that is what I need to do. That is why we blog. (Emphasis on "we") To help each other, to be supportive, to inspire, if possible.
So, it looks like there may be a new program on my horizon. I'm sort of excited about the possibility since there is no telling what all I'll learn that I can share with you. I hope a lot!
And I'll I have all of you to keep ME on the straight and narrow.
My reminder to all of you - even when you feel down, feel like giving up, don't see the point to all of this, someone might be watching. YOU are inspiring someone with your lifestyle changes, even if you don't know it yet.
So keep it up. Plug through the hard days, work through the plateaus. There is a reason. Like a lot of things, that reason may be revealed in its own time.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Perfect!
That is what the Wii Fit said this morning after I headed all the soccer balls. Didn't miss a one!
Score of 655!
It was a perfect start to a Monday.
And just so you know, I played the soccer heading game 303 times before today. Every morning it is the first thing I do. Helps me get loosened up and makes sure everything is in working order.
So practice plus perseverance equals perfection!
Wonder which one I can capture next.....
Score of 655!
It was a perfect start to a Monday.
And just so you know, I played the soccer heading game 303 times before today. Every morning it is the first thing I do. Helps me get loosened up and makes sure everything is in working order.
So practice plus perseverance equals perfection!
Wonder which one I can capture next.....
Good Things - 11/9/09
Total Cereals
If you haven't checked them out lately, you should. This is not the same old boring flake cereal of yesteryear.
Everyone (at least those "in the know") will agree that getting your nutrition from your food is preferable to getting it all from supplements and vitamin pills.
Total makes it easy, and tasty!
In addition to the original whole grain cereal they now have Blueberry Pomegranate, Cinnamon Crunch, Raisin Bran, Cranberry Crunch and Honey Clusters. You can eat cereal 6 days a week and not eat the same one twice.
Great flavor and 100% of a ton of vitamins and minerals, at less than 200 calories a serving.
And did I mention the whole grains?
A great start to your day, a light supper, or a healthy snack. You choose.
I can testify to having tried, and enjoyed, all the flavors. There are currently two in my pantry as we speak.
So, take your vitamins if you must (and I must) but remember to boost that with natural sources wherever possible. I know a lot of you that read this are very "good" eaters, but there are also a bunch like me that do not fall into the "good" category. (We're just eaters.) So, anything that I can eat and that scoots me over closer to the positive side is what I'm looking for.
So, go grab a bowl, and, as they used to say at the service stations, "Fill 'Er Up!"
If you haven't checked them out lately, you should. This is not the same old boring flake cereal of yesteryear.
Everyone (at least those "in the know") will agree that getting your nutrition from your food is preferable to getting it all from supplements and vitamin pills.
Total makes it easy, and tasty!
In addition to the original whole grain cereal they now have Blueberry Pomegranate, Cinnamon Crunch, Raisin Bran, Cranberry Crunch and Honey Clusters. You can eat cereal 6 days a week and not eat the same one twice.
Great flavor and 100% of a ton of vitamins and minerals, at less than 200 calories a serving.
And did I mention the whole grains?
A great start to your day, a light supper, or a healthy snack. You choose.
I can testify to having tried, and enjoyed, all the flavors. There are currently two in my pantry as we speak.
So, take your vitamins if you must (and I must) but remember to boost that with natural sources wherever possible. I know a lot of you that read this are very "good" eaters, but there are also a bunch like me that do not fall into the "good" category. (We're just eaters.) So, anything that I can eat and that scoots me over closer to the positive side is what I'm looking for.
So, go grab a bowl, and, as they used to say at the service stations, "Fill 'Er Up!"
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Get Inspired!
It's working!
I'm not going to extol the virtures of the Wii Fit Plus since I know you all are tired of hearing about it.
But I will tell you what having new challenges is doing for me. That is the important part.
If you've read lately you know that I was getting a little down about not making any progress lately, and trying to be "OK" with where I was. I talked about how maintaining my weight loss was harder than actually losing it to start with.
BUT - since I have something that is challenging me again, things are changing. Those little niggling pounds that weren't coming off, as well as those "prodigal pounds" (the ones that went away and then came back!) have gone away. I've almost gotten back to my original goal of 53 pounds - which I touched earlier this year before the rebound.
As of this morning, I was about a pound away.
But, most importantly, I'm having fun again. I'm excited about working out. Billy and I got to play tennis again a few weeks ago for the first time since I hurt my foot in June. When I was out of town on business I worked out twice a day and logged anywhere from 90 to 110 minutes a day. And I still didn't want to stop. I'm having a ball right now!
So, find your challenge. I still have ballet lessons on my To Do list but because of work trips and pleasure trips and holidays I wasn't going to be able to do the whole 6 week class and I want to do the whole thing. No halfway for me!
Think about something you've always wanted to do. If you run, sign up for a 10K. That might work into a half-marathon, then the full thing. Take dance lessons. Buy a bike.
Find a challenge and get inspired!
Your body will thank you - well, not right away maybe, but eventually.
I'm not going to extol the virtures of the Wii Fit Plus since I know you all are tired of hearing about it.
But I will tell you what having new challenges is doing for me. That is the important part.
If you've read lately you know that I was getting a little down about not making any progress lately, and trying to be "OK" with where I was. I talked about how maintaining my weight loss was harder than actually losing it to start with.
BUT - since I have something that is challenging me again, things are changing. Those little niggling pounds that weren't coming off, as well as those "prodigal pounds" (the ones that went away and then came back!) have gone away. I've almost gotten back to my original goal of 53 pounds - which I touched earlier this year before the rebound.
As of this morning, I was about a pound away.
But, most importantly, I'm having fun again. I'm excited about working out. Billy and I got to play tennis again a few weeks ago for the first time since I hurt my foot in June. When I was out of town on business I worked out twice a day and logged anywhere from 90 to 110 minutes a day. And I still didn't want to stop. I'm having a ball right now!
So, find your challenge. I still have ballet lessons on my To Do list but because of work trips and pleasure trips and holidays I wasn't going to be able to do the whole 6 week class and I want to do the whole thing. No halfway for me!
Think about something you've always wanted to do. If you run, sign up for a 10K. That might work into a half-marathon, then the full thing. Take dance lessons. Buy a bike.
Find a challenge and get inspired!
Your body will thank you - well, not right away maybe, but eventually.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Good Things - 11/2/09
Hostess 100 Calorie Packs.
Betcha didn't see that one coming!
Hey, I like sweet stuff just as much as anyone, I just need to be a little more careful.
There are so many times when you just want that one little bite of something sweet after a meal. Just a taste.
I find these 100 calorie packs to be just the thing.
And I am singling them out from other 100 calorie snack packs. I like the Hostess because there are 3 single bite snack cakes.
It makes it much easier when all you truly want is just that one bite. I don't have to try and ration out a bag of lots of little pieces, or feel like I need to eat more than I want to.
Yes, it is hard but sometimes I really eat the pack one cake at a time, all spread out during the day.
Call me crazy!
So, the upsides: instant portion control, sweet enough to be satisfying, many different flavors to choose from.
The downsides: it is really, really hard not to eat all three at once.
Betcha didn't see that one coming!
Hey, I like sweet stuff just as much as anyone, I just need to be a little more careful.
There are so many times when you just want that one little bite of something sweet after a meal. Just a taste.
I find these 100 calorie packs to be just the thing.
And I am singling them out from other 100 calorie snack packs. I like the Hostess because there are 3 single bite snack cakes.
It makes it much easier when all you truly want is just that one bite. I don't have to try and ration out a bag of lots of little pieces, or feel like I need to eat more than I want to.
Yes, it is hard but sometimes I really eat the pack one cake at a time, all spread out during the day.
Call me crazy!
So, the upsides: instant portion control, sweet enough to be satisfying, many different flavors to choose from.
The downsides: it is really, really hard not to eat all three at once.
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