Checked my FaceBook page and there was an ad for Hooters Wings Day. My favorite wings, my favorite dish -- and out of the blue I had a craving for it...
Lunch is over. I'm not hungry. I had two V8s today and I'm actually quite full--but I *want* a Wings Day platter...
Drinking water... Ignoring cravings...
...listening to Green Day "Basket Case".
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Fast 3, Day 10, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Weight: 208.4
Two V8s for lunch--one spicy, one original, mixed.
For dinner I made a big juice and shared some with the kiddos. The first "batch" that I made was very veggie. The second was very fruity. I mixed some of the fruity into the veggie so that it was easier to get down. Then I used the remainder of the fruity for a tasty "dessert" after my "meal". :) It worked out very nicely.
I also managed to get down close to 70oz of water yesterday. 32oz at work. 32oz at the gym. About 6oz in the evening.
Sauna last night was better than usual. My youngest daughter asked to go with me. She's too young to go in the sauna, so she enjoyed the hot-tub while I was in the sauna. (I restricted her to 15 minutes maximum at a time with a minimum of 5 minutes cool down afterwards.)
My sauna time was:
35 mins sauna
5 mins cooldown
10 mins hot-tub
10 mins cooldown
15 mins sauna
I took along a book to read and I think I'm going to make some changes to my diet in the future. I'm still only a bit into the book, but I'd done some previous research that lead me to believe this might be a direction I want to go and the more I read, the more convinced I am.
The book is called "The Paleo Solution Diet" by Robb Wolf
http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330526573&sr=8-2
(I get no benefit for your clicking that link whatsoever. I do not use this blog for commercial puposes.)
He has a good writing style, very personal and conversational. Basically, the paleo diet is: if our ancestors could hunt it or gather it, it's fine to eat it. They didn't really have a means to "gather" bread, for instance. Bread required "processing". Lean meats. Veggies. Fruits. Limited (or none) legumes and grains. I'm only about 30 pages into the book, but from other research I've done, this looks like a path I'll take in the future.
I'm also debating the "hardcore" path I'm currently on.
On one hand, it would be really nice and a feather in my cap to continue on this 25 day fast. On the other hand, this weekend and next week present some challenges. However, I'm losing again. My brief uptick is resolved and I'm lower today than ever (by .2 lbs). I really want my steak dinner--which is 8.4lbs away. :) But I also want the milestone that it represents. If I had a third hand, I'd also say that tackling a 25 day juice-fast is a good stepping-stone to my planned 40 day juice-fast.
I'm still planning to finish my 25 day juice-fast--only 15 days to go.
Two V8s for lunch--one spicy, one original, mixed.
For dinner I made a big juice and shared some with the kiddos. The first "batch" that I made was very veggie. The second was very fruity. I mixed some of the fruity into the veggie so that it was easier to get down. Then I used the remainder of the fruity for a tasty "dessert" after my "meal". :) It worked out very nicely.
I also managed to get down close to 70oz of water yesterday. 32oz at work. 32oz at the gym. About 6oz in the evening.
Sauna last night was better than usual. My youngest daughter asked to go with me. She's too young to go in the sauna, so she enjoyed the hot-tub while I was in the sauna. (I restricted her to 15 minutes maximum at a time with a minimum of 5 minutes cool down afterwards.)
My sauna time was:
35 mins sauna
5 mins cooldown
10 mins hot-tub
10 mins cooldown
15 mins sauna
I took along a book to read and I think I'm going to make some changes to my diet in the future. I'm still only a bit into the book, but I'd done some previous research that lead me to believe this might be a direction I want to go and the more I read, the more convinced I am.
The book is called "The Paleo Solution Diet" by Robb Wolf
http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330526573&sr=8-2
(I get no benefit for your clicking that link whatsoever. I do not use this blog for commercial puposes.)
He has a good writing style, very personal and conversational. Basically, the paleo diet is: if our ancestors could hunt it or gather it, it's fine to eat it. They didn't really have a means to "gather" bread, for instance. Bread required "processing". Lean meats. Veggies. Fruits. Limited (or none) legumes and grains. I'm only about 30 pages into the book, but from other research I've done, this looks like a path I'll take in the future.
I'm also debating the "hardcore" path I'm currently on.
On one hand, it would be really nice and a feather in my cap to continue on this 25 day fast. On the other hand, this weekend and next week present some challenges. However, I'm losing again. My brief uptick is resolved and I'm lower today than ever (by .2 lbs). I really want my steak dinner--which is 8.4lbs away. :) But I also want the milestone that it represents. If I had a third hand, I'd also say that tackling a 25 day juice-fast is a good stepping-stone to my planned 40 day juice-fast.
I'm still planning to finish my 25 day juice-fast--only 15 days to go.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Fast 3, Day 9, Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Weight: 209
Small uptick. Which is interesting. I'll explain, but first a word of warning:
THIS MIGHT BE A POST YOU WANT TO SKIP (this means I'll be talking about my poo..)
Yesterday I had two V8s for lunch. I don't think that had anything to do with my uptick. It's just a piece of the puzzle. After I had two, I was *stuffed* -- like I'd eaten two plates of food at HuHot kinda "stuffed". An hour or so later I started burping a little. And then by 2:30, I was really, really hungry--and drinking water was just making it worse. However, I kept drinking water. I managed to get through my 32oz bottle before I left work.
I went to the RecPlex as soon as I got home, sat in the sauna (30 mins sauna, 15 mins cooldown in the pool with the kids, 15 mins sauna). I drank my 31.7oz of lemon water (why do they make bottles in strange sizes?) while at the RecPlex. Total water intake for the day: 64oz (give or take)
After I got home, I made another juice. I made a big one and shared some with two of my daughters. I ended up having about 40-50oz of juice.
About an hour after I'd had my juice, I really had to pee. I peed a *lot*. Then I felt an urge to do something more. I sat down and had to push a little, but managed to get out some solid waste. If I were eating solid food, I'd say it was a "small" amount. However, having had *zero* food for the last 8 days, I'd say it was a lot.
I watched a movie for an hour and a half, did some other stuff, so about two hours later, I felt like I needed to use the toilet again. I peed a bunch, not quite as much as before, and then felt the urge to sit down again. I figured it was gas or a little liquid. Oh, no. This was at least as much as before, if not double. And this wasn't anything I had to push to get rid of--it came out easily. There was a lot of liquid, and some solid. What was strange is that some of the solid stuff *stuck to the porcelain* even after three flushes. It had to be cleaned off the porcelain.
After all that, I was really expecting to have lost weight. In fact, as I went to bed last night, I was contemplating... 208? 207? 206? Then to wake up and see 209... I got on the scale three times just to see if I had a bogus reading. 209 every time. *sigh*
Small uptick. Which is interesting. I'll explain, but first a word of warning:
THIS MIGHT BE A POST YOU WANT TO SKIP (this means I'll be talking about my poo..)
Yesterday I had two V8s for lunch. I don't think that had anything to do with my uptick. It's just a piece of the puzzle. After I had two, I was *stuffed* -- like I'd eaten two plates of food at HuHot kinda "stuffed". An hour or so later I started burping a little. And then by 2:30, I was really, really hungry--and drinking water was just making it worse. However, I kept drinking water. I managed to get through my 32oz bottle before I left work.
I went to the RecPlex as soon as I got home, sat in the sauna (30 mins sauna, 15 mins cooldown in the pool with the kids, 15 mins sauna). I drank my 31.7oz of lemon water (why do they make bottles in strange sizes?) while at the RecPlex. Total water intake for the day: 64oz (give or take)
After I got home, I made another juice. I made a big one and shared some with two of my daughters. I ended up having about 40-50oz of juice.
About an hour after I'd had my juice, I really had to pee. I peed a *lot*. Then I felt an urge to do something more. I sat down and had to push a little, but managed to get out some solid waste. If I were eating solid food, I'd say it was a "small" amount. However, having had *zero* food for the last 8 days, I'd say it was a lot.
I watched a movie for an hour and a half, did some other stuff, so about two hours later, I felt like I needed to use the toilet again. I peed a bunch, not quite as much as before, and then felt the urge to sit down again. I figured it was gas or a little liquid. Oh, no. This was at least as much as before, if not double. And this wasn't anything I had to push to get rid of--it came out easily. There was a lot of liquid, and some solid. What was strange is that some of the solid stuff *stuck to the porcelain* even after three flushes. It had to be cleaned off the porcelain.
After all that, I was really expecting to have lost weight. In fact, as I went to bed last night, I was contemplating... 208? 207? 206? Then to wake up and see 209... I got on the scale three times just to see if I had a bogus reading. 209 every time. *sigh*
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lunchtime Observations...
I mixed an original V8 and a Spicy V8 today. I didn't have a means of storing half of the mixture for tomorrow, so I drank it all.
...now I feel stuffed and overfull! :(
...now I feel stuffed and overfull! :(
The #1 Food Scam That Makes You Fat
The #1 Food Scam That Makes You Fat
http://fitbie.msn.com/eat-right/tips/1-food-scam-makes-you-fat
http://fitbie.msn.com/eat-right/tips/1-food-scam-makes-you-fat
Some seemingly healthy foods hide hundreds of calories. Find out how to avoid getting ripped off the next time you grab a quick meal.
Some People Need to See It...
Here is my latest picture:
Shirt size: Large. :)
Here is my latest graph of my weight loss:
...and here are some interesting pictures... :)
Here is my latest graph of my weight loss:
...and here are some interesting pictures... :)
Fast 3, Day 8, Monday, February 27, 2012
Weight: 208.6 (or is it 209?)
I got onto the scale first thing this morning and it showed 208.6. I then peed a little and decided to weigh again, curious if it would change. It did. 209. O_o
I've already posted about yesterday. But I did want to share that when I go to the sauna, I usually take a bottle of lemon-water with me. Lemon-water is a 20oz bottle of water with either half or a whole lemon squeezed into it. The half or whole depends on both what we have on hand, how much time I have and whether I do it or my daughter does it. If my daughter does it, I have no idea what her criteria is for determining whether to use half or whole. Mine is almost always a time versus what we have on hand question.
Throughout my sauna, I sip on the water. In this way I'm giving my body the water its losing and I'm also supplying vitamin C, which is easily burned up in heat. I wrap my towel around the bottle so that the sauna doesn't cook the bottle. The nip that I drink from usually warms up to match the sauna heat.
I'm still trying to find out exactly how hot the sauna is. I had presumed 120-140 degrees--but someone told me this weekend that he thought it was 170 degrees. I checked the guages outside the sauna, but they didn't read an internal temperature. I'm tempted to bring along a meat thermometer next time. :)
Today I'm wearing a size Large shirt. It's comfortable. That would put me two sizes down in shirts (keeping in mind that I like a loose-fit, baggy shirt). Also my size 38 pants that I bought the other day (and were "comfortable") are now "loose". I'm getting my size 36 pants ready...
I got onto the scale first thing this morning and it showed 208.6. I then peed a little and decided to weigh again, curious if it would change. It did. 209. O_o
I've already posted about yesterday. But I did want to share that when I go to the sauna, I usually take a bottle of lemon-water with me. Lemon-water is a 20oz bottle of water with either half or a whole lemon squeezed into it. The half or whole depends on both what we have on hand, how much time I have and whether I do it or my daughter does it. If my daughter does it, I have no idea what her criteria is for determining whether to use half or whole. Mine is almost always a time versus what we have on hand question.
Throughout my sauna, I sip on the water. In this way I'm giving my body the water its losing and I'm also supplying vitamin C, which is easily burned up in heat. I wrap my towel around the bottle so that the sauna doesn't cook the bottle. The nip that I drink from usually warms up to match the sauna heat.
I'm still trying to find out exactly how hot the sauna is. I had presumed 120-140 degrees--but someone told me this weekend that he thought it was 170 degrees. I checked the guages outside the sauna, but they didn't read an internal temperature. I'm tempted to bring along a meat thermometer next time. :)
Today I'm wearing a size Large shirt. It's comfortable. That would put me two sizes down in shirts (keeping in mind that I like a loose-fit, baggy shirt). Also my size 38 pants that I bought the other day (and were "comfortable") are now "loose". I'm getting my size 36 pants ready...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Clean Out the Fridge Soup
We cleaned out the fridge tonight and used all the veggies that were on the edge for a soup. We made a vegetable stock from the remnants. Because I couldn't taste the soup, the kids told me that the spices were off. So, I added a few more spices, a little more salt and tasted a bit of the broth. More salt than I normally get.
I have to admit, it wasn't easy to make a soup and watch everyone enjoying it and not having some of it myself. *sigh* 18 more days...
Today I went to the RecPlex and enjoyed the sauna again.
30 minutes sauna
5 minutes cool down
10 minutes hot-tub
5 minutes cool down
15 minutes sauna
The work that I did on Saturday cleaning the house has given me sore muscles in my legs, lower back and buns. Must've been all the up and down and bending over to pick up the stuff on the floor...
It was a long walk to the RecPlex because there was another swim meet and I had to park in Egypt again, so I got in a little mor walking time than usual.
I have to admit, it wasn't easy to make a soup and watch everyone enjoying it and not having some of it myself. *sigh* 18 more days...
Today I went to the RecPlex and enjoyed the sauna again.
30 minutes sauna
5 minutes cool down
10 minutes hot-tub
5 minutes cool down
15 minutes sauna
The work that I did on Saturday cleaning the house has given me sore muscles in my legs, lower back and buns. Must've been all the up and down and bending over to pick up the stuff on the floor...
It was a long walk to the RecPlex because there was another swim meet and I had to park in Egypt again, so I got in a little mor walking time than usual.
Fast 3, Day 7, Sunday, February 26, 2012
Weight: 209.4 (Broke the 210 barrier -- almost to the 200 milestone...)
I've already posted yesterday's activities. My muscles are a little sore today from all the moving around I did while cleaning yesterday. My wife, looking over my shoulder while I type this, says, "You had boundless energy yesterday! I kept waiting for you to get tired and you were active throughout the day and even into the evening, putting up wall-hangings at 10pm! You were the Energizer Bunny!"
Many people have asked about energy on the juice-fast. That should be a good example of how much energy I have. :)
Today I'm going to visit a friend to work in his shop with him. Hoping I'll have time to sauna again tonight.
I've already posted yesterday's activities. My muscles are a little sore today from all the moving around I did while cleaning yesterday. My wife, looking over my shoulder while I type this, says, "You had boundless energy yesterday! I kept waiting for you to get tired and you were active throughout the day and even into the evening, putting up wall-hangings at 10pm! You were the Energizer Bunny!"
Many people have asked about energy on the juice-fast. That should be a good example of how much energy I have. :)
Today I'm going to visit a friend to work in his shop with him. Hoping I'll have time to sauna again tonight.
Another Post You Might Wanna Skip...
Today has been an intersting day in my digestion. It's day 6 of my 3rd fast. I haven't had solid food in six days. I've had a bowel movement every day this week. It's been less and less each day--but every day.
Tonight, however, things were a little different. I felt a need to visit the toilet and from the signals my body was giving me, I expected liquid. I was surprised that I needed to push and it was pieces of solid matter--followed by liquid. The odor wasn't bad.
An hour later, I felt the urge again. This was like greasy liquid--and smelled of rancid meat.
Coupled with an observation my wife made today, I'm wondering if my body has cleansed.
I woke up this morning with a lot of energy. i spent 6 hours completely cleaning out my closet, the alcove my closet sits in and my dresser. I cleaned out a bunch of clothes that we're donating to charity, reorganized my clothing and prepared my work clothes for Monday. I had been storing a lot of stuff for my shows in that alcove, and all that is now organized. My wife was marveling at my energy levels.
I didn't feel like eating when I was done at about 3:30pm. So, I went to the RecPlex. I sat in the sauna for 30 minutes, cooldown for 5, hot-tub for 10, cooldown for another 5, then back into the sauna for 15 minutes. From there I went shopping for produce (we were out of everything) at Costco. Then I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some items.
When I got home, the kids helped me unload and put away the groceries. Then I proceeded to make my dinner. My daughter had requested that I make juice for her, too. I decided to make juice for everyone. I juiced a *lot*. It was a very tasty juice.
The observation that my wife made was twofold. Firstly, that I had a lot of energy. Secondly, that when you are through with detox, you start to display a lot of energy.
Through with detox...
...and solid waste pushing through that smells of rancid meat...
Possibly connected details.
Tonight, however, things were a little different. I felt a need to visit the toilet and from the signals my body was giving me, I expected liquid. I was surprised that I needed to push and it was pieces of solid matter--followed by liquid. The odor wasn't bad.
An hour later, I felt the urge again. This was like greasy liquid--and smelled of rancid meat.
Coupled with an observation my wife made today, I'm wondering if my body has cleansed.
I woke up this morning with a lot of energy. i spent 6 hours completely cleaning out my closet, the alcove my closet sits in and my dresser. I cleaned out a bunch of clothes that we're donating to charity, reorganized my clothing and prepared my work clothes for Monday. I had been storing a lot of stuff for my shows in that alcove, and all that is now organized. My wife was marveling at my energy levels.
I didn't feel like eating when I was done at about 3:30pm. So, I went to the RecPlex. I sat in the sauna for 30 minutes, cooldown for 5, hot-tub for 10, cooldown for another 5, then back into the sauna for 15 minutes. From there I went shopping for produce (we were out of everything) at Costco. Then I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some items.
When I got home, the kids helped me unload and put away the groceries. Then I proceeded to make my dinner. My daughter had requested that I make juice for her, too. I decided to make juice for everyone. I juiced a *lot*. It was a very tasty juice.
The observation that my wife made was twofold. Firstly, that I had a lot of energy. Secondly, that when you are through with detox, you start to display a lot of energy.
Through with detox...
...and solid waste pushing through that smells of rancid meat...
Possibly connected details.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Fast 3, Day 6, Saturday, February 25, 2012
Weight: 210.4
Last night for dinner, I decided to take some pictures of my juicing efforts. Here they are:
This is what I juiced: I was low on apples last night, and used up the remainder of our viable fruit.
After juicing, I boiled the remains in a pot to render a stock. It's going to be sweet, so I'm not sure exactly what kind of use I'll have for it. Still working that out.
Here's the remains:
This is the juice I got out of it:
Each of those bottles is 32oz.
Here is the juice that was rendered from the grindings, including some eggshells and other remains of veggies that weren't really suitable for making into a juice.
Last night for dinner, I decided to take some pictures of my juicing efforts. Here they are:
After juicing, I boiled the remains in a pot to render a stock. It's going to be sweet, so I'm not sure exactly what kind of use I'll have for it. Still working that out.
Here's the remains:
This is the juice I got out of it:
Each of those bottles is 32oz.
Here is the juice that was rendered from the grindings, including some eggshells and other remains of veggies that weren't really suitable for making into a juice.
I included the peels of the lemons, oranges, grapefruit and all the chunks that weren't juiceable.
So, what do I make from the juice rendered from the leavings?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Today's Picture February 24, 2012
I just started wearing this belt because my other belt was getting too long and I'd run out of holes. When I started wearing the new belt, it was on the very first hole. Today I noticed that I was clipping it into the second hole. :)
And today's weight graphed:
Fast 3, Day 5, Friday, February 24, 2012
Weight: 211.0
Lowest weight so far in this effort. :)
Let's talk about the gross stuff first... ;) I had a bowel movement last night that I was expecting to be primarily liquid based on the fact that I've had no solid food since Sunday night. Nope. Apparently there was still some solid material in my system. I'm thinking it's through me, now. Perhaps that explains the further .8lbs drop.
I'm still feeling some hunger pangs now and then. I'm wondering if it's because my body still had some solid food it was processing and desired more. Cravings and pangs are not always easy to nail down as to why you have them. I am getting quite full with my juices, though--as evidenced yesterday when I drank my V8 and actually felt "stuffed".
Yesterday was a spicy V8 for lunch.
Dinner consisted of:
5 granny smith apples
2 kale leaves
1 broccoli stem
2 cups grapes
1 cup blue berries
2 cups strawberries
1 slice cantaloupe
2 lemons
1 wedge cabbage
That made enough juice for myself and my daughter to enjoy. She's been trying out a juice now and then and has lost 10lbs. (Which she didn't need to lose, I should point out...)
We're running out of produce, so I'm hoping the produce order that my wife placed arrives today--or it's gonna be a *long* weekend!
Last night I spent 30 minutes in the sauna, 5 cool down, 10 in the hot tub and 10 more in the sauna. I wanted to go 45 in the sauna, but I was starting to feel oppressed. And when I got back in the second time, I wanted to do 15, but again, felt oppressed. I take those "oppressed" feelings to be my body saying, "I can't handle this anymore!" It's essentially the same feelings I have when I run a high fever, which is basically what the sauna is causing in my body.
My 25 day fast is going to be full of lots of temptation. The week of March 5-9, we have out-of-town guests coming to the office. That usually means lunches out with co-workers. It looks like I'll be skipping those -- or bringing cans of V8 with me.
Then March 9-11 is my show in Cape Girardeau. That may be tough, as well. John Carter comes out that weekend. Maybe I can reward myself with a non-food treat if I make it through the Cape weekend. :) I'll go see John Carter! :)
However, I'm committed to getting 25 days done--which is a good preparation for my 40 day fast through the month of April. My other thought is that I might take in salads at lunchtime on those days that the co-workers are in town and juice in the evenings.
Lowest weight so far in this effort. :)
Let's talk about the gross stuff first... ;) I had a bowel movement last night that I was expecting to be primarily liquid based on the fact that I've had no solid food since Sunday night. Nope. Apparently there was still some solid material in my system. I'm thinking it's through me, now. Perhaps that explains the further .8lbs drop.
I'm still feeling some hunger pangs now and then. I'm wondering if it's because my body still had some solid food it was processing and desired more. Cravings and pangs are not always easy to nail down as to why you have them. I am getting quite full with my juices, though--as evidenced yesterday when I drank my V8 and actually felt "stuffed".
Yesterday was a spicy V8 for lunch.
Dinner consisted of:
5 granny smith apples
2 kale leaves
1 broccoli stem
2 cups grapes
1 cup blue berries
2 cups strawberries
1 slice cantaloupe
2 lemons
1 wedge cabbage
That made enough juice for myself and my daughter to enjoy. She's been trying out a juice now and then and has lost 10lbs. (Which she didn't need to lose, I should point out...)
We're running out of produce, so I'm hoping the produce order that my wife placed arrives today--or it's gonna be a *long* weekend!
Last night I spent 30 minutes in the sauna, 5 cool down, 10 in the hot tub and 10 more in the sauna. I wanted to go 45 in the sauna, but I was starting to feel oppressed. And when I got back in the second time, I wanted to do 15, but again, felt oppressed. I take those "oppressed" feelings to be my body saying, "I can't handle this anymore!" It's essentially the same feelings I have when I run a high fever, which is basically what the sauna is causing in my body.
My 25 day fast is going to be full of lots of temptation. The week of March 5-9, we have out-of-town guests coming to the office. That usually means lunches out with co-workers. It looks like I'll be skipping those -- or bringing cans of V8 with me.
Then March 9-11 is my show in Cape Girardeau. That may be tough, as well. John Carter comes out that weekend. Maybe I can reward myself with a non-food treat if I make it through the Cape weekend. :) I'll go see John Carter! :)
However, I'm committed to getting 25 days done--which is a good preparation for my 40 day fast through the month of April. My other thought is that I might take in salads at lunchtime on those days that the co-workers are in town and juice in the evenings.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lunch (Fast 3, Day4)
I had a spicy V8 for lunch today. Before I drank it, I was starting to feel a desire for something in my stomach. Not honger, exactly, but a desire for nutrients. I don't know how to describe the difference, but it's something I've noticed on my fasting. Hunger fades and the emptiness that replaces it actually feels good. Then something comes along that just says, "I really would like some nutrient." It's not hunger. It's not emptiness. It's almost emotional. As if my body, having been subdued, sends message to my brain that says, "Kind sir, it would be nice if you could provide me something to process."
My stomach in subjection to my mind. I like that. :)
Anyway, I drank my V8. Now I'm feeling *stuffed*! I feel as full now as I did when I had my two plates of Mongolian BBQ just a few days ago! How does *that* work?!
My stomach in subjection to my mind. I like that. :)
Anyway, I drank my V8. Now I'm feeling *stuffed*! I feel as full now as I did when I had my two plates of Mongolian BBQ just a few days ago! How does *that* work?!
More Energy
I walk faster these days. My co-workers have noticed and commented ("Hey, Ben! Slow down, man!") I breeze through stores. I used to be very leisurely about my movements, but now I'm moving faster -- and yet, not in an impatient manner. I don't mind slowing down. I don't mind waiting for slower people. (Although I'm still annoyed at drivers who don't pay attention to the road and don't look ahead of their immediate environs--like the person approaching a light who won't look to see about cross traffic until they get to the light. Then they turn their head, check the traffic and make a yielded right turn. If they'd just paid attention as they approach the intersection, they could've yielded without slowing the flow of traffic. But, I digress...)
I have a lot more energy in general. I'm more willing to run upstairs to get something. I'm more willing to walk to the mailbox. I get up and shower in the morning with less bleary-eyed lethargy.
More energy. :) It's nice. And with more energy comes the willingness to exercise, make more effort and become more active, which provides more energy. :)
I have a lot more energy in general. I'm more willing to run upstairs to get something. I'm more willing to walk to the mailbox. I get up and shower in the morning with less bleary-eyed lethargy.
More energy. :) It's nice. And with more energy comes the willingness to exercise, make more effort and become more active, which provides more energy. :)
10 Daily Gut Busters
10 Daily Gut Busters
http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/10-daily-gut-busters
By (Men's Health)
Don't let "lose my spare tire" find its way onto your list of failed resolutions this year. It doesn't have to be a struggle! With just a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can fire up your metabolism and say goodbye to fat forever. Make these strategies a way of life, and you'll find your six-pack in no time.
[Ben: I'd say "skip the milk and eat a stalk of broccoli". Your body can only absorb about 10% of the calcium that is in milk. The rest is fat and empty calories. However, your body can absorb 100% of the calcium in broccoli. Remember that cows' milk is best for *cows* -- not humans. If you must have milk, then drink goats' milk--at least you can absorb 25-30% of the calcium in that.]
http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/10-daily-gut-busters
By (Men's Health)
Don't let "lose my spare tire" find its way onto your list of failed resolutions this year. It doesn't have to be a struggle! With just a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can fire up your metabolism and say goodbye to fat forever. Make these strategies a way of life, and you'll find your six-pack in no time.
1. Eat eggs for breakfast
A study in Nutrition Research found that people who egg it up consume fewer total calories the rest of the day. [Ben: Grapefruit and an egg for breakfast is an ideal start for the day. (This from the man who disdains breakfast.) When I'm on that regimen, my body naturally keeps the weight off with little other effort.]2. Stand up
Stand up whenever you read or take a phone call at work. (You can also use a stand-up desk.) Standing burns 1 1/2 times more calories than sitting does. [Ben: When you've lost a bit in your hindquarters, sitting for long periods of time is downright uncomfortable. Trust me. :( Take a moment to stand. Walk around. Walk to your colleague's office instead of calling or IMing them.]3. Don't eat meals in front of the TV
In a University of Massachusetts study, people who did that took in nearly 300 more calories a day. [Ben: Make a rule that you never eat when the TV is on. That means pop-corn for a movie is right out...]4. Weigh yourself each week
Three out of four successful dieters do this, the American College of Sports Medicine Health & Fitness Journal reports. [Ben: Daily can be a bit of a downer if you're seeing the minor upticks. Weekly is nice if you're not on a focused diet plan.]5. Have an apple
At lunch, have an apple instead of apple juice. Chewing triggers satiety, so you'll likely consume nearly 15 percent fewer calories, notes the journal Appetite. [Ben: Oh yes, chewing definitely triggers satiety... *sigh* Here's one: eat the core. Don't eat the seeds, but eat the core. It's tougher, less sweet, full of fiber and takes more energy to digest than the soft "meat" of the apple. It also helps clean out your intestines as it travels through you.]6. Mix a shake
Consuming 55 grams of whey protein a day for 23 weeks can leave you 4 pounds lighter than if you'd eaten those calories in carbs, USDA scientists say. [Ben: Consider a Vitamix and make yourself some ultra-yummy smoothies and soups.]7. Put produce at eye level
You're 2.7 times more likely to eat healthy food if it's in your line of sight, say scientists at Cornell University. [Ben: Remove junk from your fridge. Put it in a bag, give it to a food-bank or to the homeless guy you pass every morning, or to your neighbors. Sure, it's crap and it's bad for you--but it's better than having *nothing* and it's less wasteful than tossing it in the trash.]8. Clean the house
People with the most spic-and-span abodes have the highest levels of physical activity, research from Indiana University reveals. [Ben: Clean the house, mow the lawn, walk to the park, park your car in the furthest spot in the grocery/Target/Wal-Mart parking lot, walk up and down the stairs in your home a few extra times, wrestle with your kids, play fetch with the dog-- BE MORE ACTIVE.]9. Add chickpeas to soup
Toss a half cup of chickpeas into your next pot of winter soup. You'll tack 6 more grams of flab-fighting fiber onto your bottom line. [Ben: This may only work for certain body types. Chickpeas are grains and some bodies don't do well with grains. You may actually add unwanted weight in this way.]10. Drink skim milk
Got milk? Drinking 2 1/2 cups of skim milk in the a.m. instead of the calorie equivalent in juice can lower calorie consumption by 8.5 percent, says an Australian study.[Ben: I'd say "skip the milk and eat a stalk of broccoli". Your body can only absorb about 10% of the calcium that is in milk. The rest is fat and empty calories. However, your body can absorb 100% of the calcium in broccoli. Remember that cows' milk is best for *cows* -- not humans. If you must have milk, then drink goats' milk--at least you can absorb 25-30% of the calcium in that.]
Fast 3, Day 4 Thursday, February 23, 2012
Weight: 211.8
Only .4 lbs from my lowest weight so far on this effort.
Yesterday
Lunch: 1 can (12oz) V8
Dinner: I had the remainder (about 32oz) of the juice that I'd made the day before. But, I was still hungry. After I'd let it settle for about 30 minutes, I made another juice.
3 granny smith apples
2 lemons
2 cups grapes
2 wedges cantaloupe
2 kale leaves
1 broccoli stem
2 plums
It was a drink for pure enjoyment. And I definitely enjoyed it. :)
Sauna: 40 minutes, 5 minute cool down, 10 minutes hot tub, 10 minutes sauna.
I took in a bottle of lemon water while I was in the sauna. That was very nice. It was simply a bottle of water with half a lemon juiced into it. It helped replace my lost water and the lemon gave me vitamin C, which I've heard is used up when your body is overtaxed/overheated.
When I got into the hot tub, where I could see the second hand on the clock better, I checked my pulse and I was cooking along at a healthy 120bpm.
I've had a bowel movement every day on this fast. In fact, I had two on Monday. Three days--and four movements--worth of processed food removed from my system. No wonder my weight loss these three days has been so striking. I'm not really losing fat, I'm losing processed food and water. Oh, I might be losing a pound or so. I mention this because it's really easy to lose this fecal and water weight in the early stages and get excited--and then leave the plan and put that weight (and more) back on.
This is not a sprint. It's an endurance race. It's a lifestyle change. It's a new way of doing things--for the rest of my life.
I'm almost out of my diabetes medication. I'm contemplating going off my meds.
Tonight is my youngest son's 4th birthday. I may not make it to the sauna because we're taking him shopping for his birthday present. Interestingly, I'm not dreading the cake and ice-cream that everyone else will eat to celebrate his birthday. I know I can manage those temptations. I've done it before.
Speaking of managing temptations, last night I was very hungry. I had been thinking all day about hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs, scrambled eggs... Thinik I was craving protein? ;) My wife, ever my strength and support, said, "Juice khan dew eet." :) The first three days on the fast are the hardest. Today I'm not craving food, but I feel the emptiness. And the emptiness feels very good. :)
Now I need to focus on more activity. I've taken to walking down the stairs from my office when I leave at night. It's three flights. I recall once walking down 10 flights and my legs being very sore the next day. Even if there's not as great a benefit as walking *up*, it's still *more* benefit that walking level and certainly *at least as good* as walking instead of riding the elevator. I'm also contemplating parking further away in the lot in the morning and when I go to the gym. Why try to nab the close spots if the point is to become more active? Little things, that become a habit and a lifestyle, are what make the changes in your life.
I'm just under 12 pounds from beginning my exercise regimen.
Only .4 lbs from my lowest weight so far on this effort.
Yesterday
Lunch: 1 can (12oz) V8
Dinner: I had the remainder (about 32oz) of the juice that I'd made the day before. But, I was still hungry. After I'd let it settle for about 30 minutes, I made another juice.
3 granny smith apples
2 lemons
2 cups grapes
2 wedges cantaloupe
2 kale leaves
1 broccoli stem
2 plums
It was a drink for pure enjoyment. And I definitely enjoyed it. :)
Sauna: 40 minutes, 5 minute cool down, 10 minutes hot tub, 10 minutes sauna.
I took in a bottle of lemon water while I was in the sauna. That was very nice. It was simply a bottle of water with half a lemon juiced into it. It helped replace my lost water and the lemon gave me vitamin C, which I've heard is used up when your body is overtaxed/overheated.
When I got into the hot tub, where I could see the second hand on the clock better, I checked my pulse and I was cooking along at a healthy 120bpm.
I've had a bowel movement every day on this fast. In fact, I had two on Monday. Three days--and four movements--worth of processed food removed from my system. No wonder my weight loss these three days has been so striking. I'm not really losing fat, I'm losing processed food and water. Oh, I might be losing a pound or so. I mention this because it's really easy to lose this fecal and water weight in the early stages and get excited--and then leave the plan and put that weight (and more) back on.
This is not a sprint. It's an endurance race. It's a lifestyle change. It's a new way of doing things--for the rest of my life.
I'm almost out of my diabetes medication. I'm contemplating going off my meds.
Tonight is my youngest son's 4th birthday. I may not make it to the sauna because we're taking him shopping for his birthday present. Interestingly, I'm not dreading the cake and ice-cream that everyone else will eat to celebrate his birthday. I know I can manage those temptations. I've done it before.
Speaking of managing temptations, last night I was very hungry. I had been thinking all day about hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs, scrambled eggs... Thinik I was craving protein? ;) My wife, ever my strength and support, said, "Juice khan dew eet." :) The first three days on the fast are the hardest. Today I'm not craving food, but I feel the emptiness. And the emptiness feels very good. :)
Now I need to focus on more activity. I've taken to walking down the stairs from my office when I leave at night. It's three flights. I recall once walking down 10 flights and my legs being very sore the next day. Even if there's not as great a benefit as walking *up*, it's still *more* benefit that walking level and certainly *at least as good* as walking instead of riding the elevator. I'm also contemplating parking further away in the lot in the morning and when I go to the gym. Why try to nab the close spots if the point is to become more active? Little things, that become a habit and a lifestyle, are what make the changes in your life.
I'm just under 12 pounds from beginning my exercise regimen.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Another Thing I've Noticed...
The padding in my backside is diminishing and now I can't sit as long without my butt aching. I have to get up and walk around more often. :)
Photos Before Solid Food and After
February 22, 2012, at work. Day 3 of juice fast after 10 days of solid food. (Note the smaller belt: it's on the first hole.)
February 11, 2012 at home, just before heading out for the weekend. After first solid food and before weekend. (Switched belt to smaller one, but you can't tell.)
February 10, 2012 at work. First solid food meal just eaten.
Another Thing...
I went to bed last night between 11 and 12. I woke up this morning--wide awake!--at 5:45.
My first alarm is set for 6:30. I usually reset it for 7:00.
Today, as soon as it went off, I got up and jumped into the shower. I got to the office about 7:10 and have been cranking all morning long. Going great gangbusters! :)
Is it the juice-fast? Is it just that I'm getting healthier? I have more energy. I'm more alert. I'm more active. I concentrate better. I sleep better.
I've also realized that as of tomorrow, I'll have been soda-free, sugar-free, aspartame-free, sucrolose-free and caffeine-free for 45 days.
My first alarm is set for 6:30. I usually reset it for 7:00.
Today, as soon as it went off, I got up and jumped into the shower. I got to the office about 7:10 and have been cranking all morning long. Going great gangbusters! :)
Is it the juice-fast? Is it just that I'm getting healthier? I have more energy. I'm more alert. I'm more active. I concentrate better. I sleep better.
I've also realized that as of tomorrow, I'll have been soda-free, sugar-free, aspartame-free, sucrolose-free and caffeine-free for 45 days.
Fast 3, Day 3, Wednesday February 22, 2012
Weight: 212.8
V8 for lunch yesterday.
Came home from work, went to the RecPlex with the family. I spent 30 minutes in the sauna, then cooled down in the pool playing with the kiddos. Becky commented that I had a lot more energy than usual. I was swimming against the current in the "lazy river" section and was fairly active with the boys.
When I got home from the RecPlex, I made my dinner juice. I made a big one and saved about half of it for tonight. I drank about 32oz.
4 apples (granny smith)
2 oranges
2 lemons
1 grapefruit
2 cups strawberries
1 cup grapes
2 kale leaves
3 broccoli stems
1/2 cup baby carrots
1 big chunk of ginger root
1 green (bell) pepper
1 cup cabbage
1 cup cantaloupe
Cantaloupe was my new taste. To be honest, I'm not sure it really blended well with the other flavors. The strongest flavor in the mix was the grapefruit. I am not a fan of grapefruit, but I hear that it helps with weight loss, so I included it. We're running low on produce, so I didn't have any spinach, tomatoes or cucumbers.
I've taken to boiling all the remains of the juicing process and the peels and rinds and stems and leftovers from the chopping process. I'm saving the stock for making future soups. I have *no idea* what boiled cantaloupe rinds and grapefruit, orange and lemon peels will taste like, but I'll find out.
It just seems to me that there is a lot of nutrition in the remains that hasn't been tapped yet and I don't want to waste it. Composting it would be a good idea, too--but I'm not setup for that just yet.
Some new things I'm noticing: My feet are sliding in my boots. My boots have always been snug and tight--but now my feet slide when I walk. Apparently, my feet are losing weight! LOL
Last night I was hungy. I wanted to eat. I mentioned this to my wife and she responded as always: "Jew khan dew eet!" I then said, "Juice khan dew eet." Then I realized that every time I fast, the second day, in the evening, is the hardest point. Today will be easier. Tomorrow will be much easier. After that, I'll hardly notice it.
In fact, right now, I feel very full. I've had some water, which has given me a "full" sensation and my body has no nutritional needs.
In the last two days, I've had three big bowel movements--which I think accounts for a large portion of the weight loss. I've also been sweating a lot in the sauna and my diet doesn't include much salt--so I'm losing a lot of water weight, too. Between food in my system and water losses, I think I'm accounting for most both my upturns in the last week and my downturn starting the fast. It would be really nice to drop below my lowest weight in the next couple days. Then the rest of the juice fast through the evening of March 16th will be actual weight loss.
V8 for lunch yesterday.
Came home from work, went to the RecPlex with the family. I spent 30 minutes in the sauna, then cooled down in the pool playing with the kiddos. Becky commented that I had a lot more energy than usual. I was swimming against the current in the "lazy river" section and was fairly active with the boys.
When I got home from the RecPlex, I made my dinner juice. I made a big one and saved about half of it for tonight. I drank about 32oz.
4 apples (granny smith)
2 oranges
2 lemons
1 grapefruit
2 cups strawberries
1 cup grapes
2 kale leaves
3 broccoli stems
1/2 cup baby carrots
1 big chunk of ginger root
1 green (bell) pepper
1 cup cabbage
1 cup cantaloupe
Cantaloupe was my new taste. To be honest, I'm not sure it really blended well with the other flavors. The strongest flavor in the mix was the grapefruit. I am not a fan of grapefruit, but I hear that it helps with weight loss, so I included it. We're running low on produce, so I didn't have any spinach, tomatoes or cucumbers.
I've taken to boiling all the remains of the juicing process and the peels and rinds and stems and leftovers from the chopping process. I'm saving the stock for making future soups. I have *no idea* what boiled cantaloupe rinds and grapefruit, orange and lemon peels will taste like, but I'll find out.
It just seems to me that there is a lot of nutrition in the remains that hasn't been tapped yet and I don't want to waste it. Composting it would be a good idea, too--but I'm not setup for that just yet.
Some new things I'm noticing: My feet are sliding in my boots. My boots have always been snug and tight--but now my feet slide when I walk. Apparently, my feet are losing weight! LOL
Last night I was hungy. I wanted to eat. I mentioned this to my wife and she responded as always: "Jew khan dew eet!" I then said, "Juice khan dew eet." Then I realized that every time I fast, the second day, in the evening, is the hardest point. Today will be easier. Tomorrow will be much easier. After that, I'll hardly notice it.
In fact, right now, I feel very full. I've had some water, which has given me a "full" sensation and my body has no nutritional needs.
In the last two days, I've had three big bowel movements--which I think accounts for a large portion of the weight loss. I've also been sweating a lot in the sauna and my diet doesn't include much salt--so I'm losing a lot of water weight, too. Between food in my system and water losses, I think I'm accounting for most both my upturns in the last week and my downturn starting the fast. It would be really nice to drop below my lowest weight in the next couple days. Then the rest of the juice fast through the evening of March 16th will be actual weight loss.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fast 3, Day 2 February 21, 2012
Weight: 215.8
This lends credence to my belief that a large portion of my weight gain when I return to solid food is water retention and solid food in my system. This leads me to further conclude that I may need to place my goal at 170lbs so that when I return to solid food I meet my actual goal of 180lbs.
My lunch yesterday was a Spicy V8.
My dinner yesterday was juice consisting of:
4 Apples (3 Granny Smith, 1 Red Delicious)
1 cup Grapes
2 large Kale leaves
1 small stalk Celery
1 1/2 Pears (half of one of the pears was ... icky)
2 oranges
2 lemons
Several loose broccoli stems
It made about 40oz of juice.
I also soaked in the sauna yesterday.
30 minutes sauna
5 minutes cooldown
10 minutes hot tub
10 minutes sauna
As I got to the end of my second sauna time, I was wanting to go 15 minutes, but I was starting to feel "claustrophobic". I was bored. I was feeling "oppressed". It seemed more of an emotional reaction than a physical one. It may have been that I stayed too long in the sauna. I'm not sure.
I was in the sauna from 6:00 - 7:00 and I made my dinner at 7:30. For my body (and it may not work this way for everyone) the longer I go between meals, the better my weight-loss is. Almost as if I get past a 4-6 hour interval and my body says, "Well, no food is coming, I better start eating up the fat reserves..."
Hunger hit me last night, but almost like a vague, "Didn't we used to have food about this time? Where is it?" The empty feeling is actually pleasant and welcome to me. I felt full and bloated and lethargic when I was eating solid food. And my body really responds to the juice. When I got home from the sauna last night, I was *Tired* -- note the italics and capital "T". After I had my juice, and I mean within minutes, I was perky and alert and functioning on all cylinders.
My wife even commented that she could see an immediate difference in my body, especially my face, now that I was on juice again. (It's the water-weight and associated bloating that's disappearing, I'm sure.)
This lends credence to my belief that a large portion of my weight gain when I return to solid food is water retention and solid food in my system. This leads me to further conclude that I may need to place my goal at 170lbs so that when I return to solid food I meet my actual goal of 180lbs.
My lunch yesterday was a Spicy V8.
My dinner yesterday was juice consisting of:
4 Apples (3 Granny Smith, 1 Red Delicious)
1 cup Grapes
2 large Kale leaves
1 small stalk Celery
1 1/2 Pears (half of one of the pears was ... icky)
2 oranges
2 lemons
Several loose broccoli stems
It made about 40oz of juice.
I also soaked in the sauna yesterday.
30 minutes sauna
5 minutes cooldown
10 minutes hot tub
10 minutes sauna
As I got to the end of my second sauna time, I was wanting to go 15 minutes, but I was starting to feel "claustrophobic". I was bored. I was feeling "oppressed". It seemed more of an emotional reaction than a physical one. It may have been that I stayed too long in the sauna. I'm not sure.
I was in the sauna from 6:00 - 7:00 and I made my dinner at 7:30. For my body (and it may not work this way for everyone) the longer I go between meals, the better my weight-loss is. Almost as if I get past a 4-6 hour interval and my body says, "Well, no food is coming, I better start eating up the fat reserves..."
Hunger hit me last night, but almost like a vague, "Didn't we used to have food about this time? Where is it?" The empty feeling is actually pleasant and welcome to me. I felt full and bloated and lethargic when I was eating solid food. And my body really responds to the juice. When I got home from the sauna last night, I was *Tired* -- note the italics and capital "T". After I had my juice, and I mean within minutes, I was perky and alert and functioning on all cylinders.
My wife even commented that she could see an immediate difference in my body, especially my face, now that I was on juice again. (It's the water-weight and associated bloating that's disappearing, I'm sure.)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Fast 3, Day 1 -- February 20, 2012
Weight: 219.2
I ticked up a little, but I expected that I would. I had a Chicken Fajita dinner last night at about 9pm. Everything I ate is still in my system. Over the weekend, I had two different Mongolian BBQ dinners. I consider Mongolian BBQ better than typical chinese cuisine because you can control the sugars, for the most part. I did make a mistake and get some fruit after the meal that may have had some sugar on it. It's sometimes hard to tell with pineapple.
My weekend was busy. I was in Kansas City all weekend.
I am back on my juice-fast again today. I had a Spicy V8 for lunch.
Tonight I'll juice and sauna. My next solid food is either March 9 or March 16. My target is the 16th, but I'm allowing a little wiggle room for the weekend of the 9-11.
I ticked up a little, but I expected that I would. I had a Chicken Fajita dinner last night at about 9pm. Everything I ate is still in my system. Over the weekend, I had two different Mongolian BBQ dinners. I consider Mongolian BBQ better than typical chinese cuisine because you can control the sugars, for the most part. I did make a mistake and get some fruit after the meal that may have had some sugar on it. It's sometimes hard to tell with pineapple.
My weekend was busy. I was in Kansas City all weekend.
I am back on my juice-fast again today. I had a Spicy V8 for lunch.
Tonight I'll juice and sauna. My next solid food is either March 9 or March 16. My target is the 16th, but I'm allowing a little wiggle room for the weekend of the 9-11.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Weight Loss Graph 2/17/2012
You can really tell the points where I reintroduced solid food, can't you?
The first little peak was January 23rd when I went on solid food, but only had a bowl of soup each evening with juice during lunches.
The second peak was after a weekend where I had more solid food, more animal protein.
The third (and biggest) peak was where I allowed myself very salty foods, ate out more often and even had a little beef sausage in my soups.
I'm noticing a trend that when I have: more salt, animal protein and more quantity, I peak up.
Makes sense, really. :)
The first little peak was January 23rd when I went on solid food, but only had a bowl of soup each evening with juice during lunches.
The second peak was after a weekend where I had more solid food, more animal protein.
The third (and biggest) peak was where I allowed myself very salty foods, ate out more often and even had a little beef sausage in my soups.
I'm noticing a trend that when I have: more salt, animal protein and more quantity, I peak up.
Makes sense, really. :)
Friday, February 17, 2012
Weight: 217.4
Last night I got home, changed and went straight to the RecPlex. I sat in the suana for 35 minutes. Toward the end, I was getting tired and uncomfortable. I realized that my body was demanding that I breathe faster. I started breathing faster--about like one would do on a strenuous walk--and the discomfort subsided. After a 5 minute cooldown, I slipped into the hot tub for about 10 minutes. Then I gave myself another 5 minutes cooldown and went back into the sauna for 15 more minutes. I really sweat a lot on the second sauna trip.
After the RecPlex, I had to run to Home Depot to buy a hand-truck. I felt weak and tired while in the store, as if I had just come back from a strenuous workout.
I had eaten a big Indian buffet for lunch, but I was still not very hungry when I got home at about 8:15. I decided to make some juice for dinner. I decided to make it a "fun" juice.
3 apples (2 granny smith, 1 red delicious)
1 lemon
1/2 cup strawberries
1 stalk of something that looked kinda like broccoli, not sure what it was
1 red pear
1 orange
2 thumb sized ginger root
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup red grapes
It was a yummy, fruity, tasty drink. I wasn't going for "I need to get all my nutrition from this drink" I was going for "I'm thirsty and want something tasty to enjoy."
I also had an apple that I dipped into almond butter, so I probably ate about 4 tablespoons of almond butter with my apple. I finished it off with an orange.
This morning, when I came into the office, I found more fruit in the lunchroom, so I nabbed some grapes, an apple and a couple oranges. I've eaten the grapes, but my body is complaining about it.
That's something worth mentioning... After fasting so much, my body is actually complaining and "grumpy" about eating. When I drank my juice last night, I felt my body expressing *relief*. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy eating and I enjoy making tasty dishes. But my body doesn't want as much as I've been giving it lately. Almost as if it has settled into a mode that juice and some light solid food is a perfect balance.
I'm not dreading my 3 1/2 week juice fast that starts monday--I'm looking forward to it! :)
Last night I got home, changed and went straight to the RecPlex. I sat in the suana for 35 minutes. Toward the end, I was getting tired and uncomfortable. I realized that my body was demanding that I breathe faster. I started breathing faster--about like one would do on a strenuous walk--and the discomfort subsided. After a 5 minute cooldown, I slipped into the hot tub for about 10 minutes. Then I gave myself another 5 minutes cooldown and went back into the sauna for 15 more minutes. I really sweat a lot on the second sauna trip.
After the RecPlex, I had to run to Home Depot to buy a hand-truck. I felt weak and tired while in the store, as if I had just come back from a strenuous workout.
I had eaten a big Indian buffet for lunch, but I was still not very hungry when I got home at about 8:15. I decided to make some juice for dinner. I decided to make it a "fun" juice.
3 apples (2 granny smith, 1 red delicious)
1 lemon
1/2 cup strawberries
1 stalk of something that looked kinda like broccoli, not sure what it was
1 red pear
1 orange
2 thumb sized ginger root
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup red grapes
It was a yummy, fruity, tasty drink. I wasn't going for "I need to get all my nutrition from this drink" I was going for "I'm thirsty and want something tasty to enjoy."
I also had an apple that I dipped into almond butter, so I probably ate about 4 tablespoons of almond butter with my apple. I finished it off with an orange.
This morning, when I came into the office, I found more fruit in the lunchroom, so I nabbed some grapes, an apple and a couple oranges. I've eaten the grapes, but my body is complaining about it.
That's something worth mentioning... After fasting so much, my body is actually complaining and "grumpy" about eating. When I drank my juice last night, I felt my body expressing *relief*. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy eating and I enjoy making tasty dishes. But my body doesn't want as much as I've been giving it lately. Almost as if it has settled into a mode that juice and some light solid food is a perfect balance.
I'm not dreading my 3 1/2 week juice fast that starts monday--I'm looking forward to it! :)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Taj Palace Indian Buffet
I had some amazing Indian cuisine for lunch today. I don't know what all was in it, but it was yummy. I had some basmati rice, some chicken, some potato and zucchini. I had some really tasty spices--and even some hotter spices.
To cap it off, I'm eating a banana and an apple. I might have another apple or an orange later. (Thank you to my company for having some more fruit put out in the break room.) :)
Tomorrow I'm heading to KC for a show. I'll have V8 for my lunch and a sensible evening meal. On Monday, I'm back on juice. :)
To cap it off, I'm eating a banana and an apple. I might have another apple or an orange later. (Thank you to my company for having some more fruit put out in the break room.) :)
Tomorrow I'm heading to KC for a show. I'll have V8 for my lunch and a sensible evening meal. On Monday, I'm back on juice. :)
Morning Nausea
Weight: 219.0
Yesterday I had a 1/2 a chicken (roasted) and some steamed broccoli for lunch. For dinner, I had two chicken breasts and 4 eggs with some onions and tomatoes. I also had 2 oranges and two apples--and dipped my apples in almond butter. I expected to have put on weight. However, I dropped by .2lbs. I also have a lot of my dinner still in my system. I can feel it churning around in my stomach...
I need to learn not to eat within 4 hours of going to bed or else I wake up with sulphur burps and feeling nauseous. Here it is lunchtime, about to go to the Taj Palace Indian Buffet and I can still feel last night's dinner churning in my stomach...
The sauna didn't work out last night. I worked late and didn't get home till after 7pm. I had a pre-arranged meeting with my co-writers on my writing project scheduled at 8pm, so I didn't have time. I made dinner and got on my conference call.
I'm really looking forward to juicing again.
I've also decided that I'm going to juice from February 20th through to March 15th. I might stumble the weekend of March 9-11 because I'm going out of town with the family and maintaining my juicing schedule may be difficult. However, I've also considered just fasting (no food at all) for those days.
I'll go on solid food again on March 19th through the 25th and then I'm tempted to try the longest juice-fast yet... March 26 - May 4. That's six solid weeks. I know I *can* do it. The question is really more "Do I *want* to do it?"
I saw a few things posted online about people having "fasting partners" that help each other and encourage each other on the journey. I've walked this path already and I'm planning to walk it again. Does anyone want or need an experienced fasting partner? :)
Yesterday I had a 1/2 a chicken (roasted) and some steamed broccoli for lunch. For dinner, I had two chicken breasts and 4 eggs with some onions and tomatoes. I also had 2 oranges and two apples--and dipped my apples in almond butter. I expected to have put on weight. However, I dropped by .2lbs. I also have a lot of my dinner still in my system. I can feel it churning around in my stomach...
I need to learn not to eat within 4 hours of going to bed or else I wake up with sulphur burps and feeling nauseous. Here it is lunchtime, about to go to the Taj Palace Indian Buffet and I can still feel last night's dinner churning in my stomach...
The sauna didn't work out last night. I worked late and didn't get home till after 7pm. I had a pre-arranged meeting with my co-writers on my writing project scheduled at 8pm, so I didn't have time. I made dinner and got on my conference call.
I'm really looking forward to juicing again.
I've also decided that I'm going to juice from February 20th through to March 15th. I might stumble the weekend of March 9-11 because I'm going out of town with the family and maintaining my juicing schedule may be difficult. However, I've also considered just fasting (no food at all) for those days.
I'll go on solid food again on March 19th through the 25th and then I'm tempted to try the longest juice-fast yet... March 26 - May 4. That's six solid weeks. I know I *can* do it. The question is really more "Do I *want* to do it?"
I saw a few things posted online about people having "fasting partners" that help each other and encourage each other on the journey. I've walked this path already and I'm planning to walk it again. Does anyone want or need an experienced fasting partner? :)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Recent Pictures of Me
This one was taken just before I left for my weekend with friends on Saturday. Those are my new jeans that are a size smaller:
This one was taken today at about 5:00pm:
This one was taken today at about 5:00pm:
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012
Weight: 219.2
Interestingly, I weighed right away after waking, then decided to sit on the toilet and then showered--and after that I weighed again. My first weight was 219.6.
Last night I sat in the sauna for 34 minutes, then swam with the family for 30 minutes or so, then back to the sauna for 15 more minutes.
I had a late meal--the soup from the day before, some almond butter, a banana, an orange and an apple. I finished my meal no more than an hour before I went to bed. I woke up still processing my meal. My soup was very salty, as it was the end of the soup.
This morning before lunch, I was actually quite full and even a little nauseous.
For lunch, I had half a roasted chicken and some steamed broccoli. Their were thin sliced battered onions on top of the chicken. I had some of them, but not all of them. The steamed broccoli also had some butter on it. Oh, and I had an appetizer of deviled eggs with some bacon bits in them.
I feel completely and totally stuffed.
I'm actually anxious to get back to my juices. I feel better when I juice. I like the feeling of being empty when I'm juicing. This feeling of being full is actually fairly unpleasant.
Interestingly, I weighed right away after waking, then decided to sit on the toilet and then showered--and after that I weighed again. My first weight was 219.6.
Last night I sat in the sauna for 34 minutes, then swam with the family for 30 minutes or so, then back to the sauna for 15 more minutes.
I had a late meal--the soup from the day before, some almond butter, a banana, an orange and an apple. I finished my meal no more than an hour before I went to bed. I woke up still processing my meal. My soup was very salty, as it was the end of the soup.
This morning before lunch, I was actually quite full and even a little nauseous.
For lunch, I had half a roasted chicken and some steamed broccoli. Their were thin sliced battered onions on top of the chicken. I had some of them, but not all of them. The steamed broccoli also had some butter on it. Oh, and I had an appetizer of deviled eggs with some bacon bits in them.
I feel completely and totally stuffed.
I'm actually anxious to get back to my juices. I feel better when I juice. I like the feeling of being empty when I'm juicing. This feeling of being full is actually fairly unpleasant.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Lunch with Co-Workers Feb 14, 2012
Went to Jason's Deli. Had the salad bar--which involved lettuce (real lettuce--romaine--not iceberg, which is virtually nutritionless), yellow/red peppers, raw mushrooms, onions, two kinds of olives, cauliflower, some nuts, two hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken breast and organic tomato-basil soup.
I'm *very* full.
I'm *very* full.
Conversation on Caffeine
I spoke with a co-worker today about caffeine. I was *addicted* before I started this health kick.
I was drinking two cups to start my day, usually one in the afternoon and having 6+ sodas a day, trust me, I know what caffeine addiction is! LOL Also, those "cups" of coffee were actually 24oz each.
The hardest part for me now is if I don’t get enough sleep the night before, I can’t rely on drinking a cup of coffee to keep me going in the afternoon. However, since I’m sleeping so much better, I’m much less tired and have energy through the whole day. Last night, for instance, I went to bed at 2am and was awakened early by my kids this morning, but I’m still going strong and don’t feel tired at all.
The trade off of "stimulant" for "better rest" is a no-brainer for me. At least, now that my brain is free of caffeine. ;)
I was drinking two cups to start my day, usually one in the afternoon and having 6+ sodas a day, trust me, I know what caffeine addiction is! LOL Also, those "cups" of coffee were actually 24oz each.
The hardest part for me now is if I don’t get enough sleep the night before, I can’t rely on drinking a cup of coffee to keep me going in the afternoon. However, since I’m sleeping so much better, I’m much less tired and have energy through the whole day. Last night, for instance, I went to bed at 2am and was awakened early by my kids this morning, but I’m still going strong and don’t feel tired at all.
The trade off of "stimulant" for "better rest" is a no-brainer for me. At least, now that my brain is free of caffeine. ;)
Dropping Quickly
Weight: 218.4
I droped 2.2lbs yesterday, giving credence to the supposition that my weight gain was primarily water weight. I didn't make it to the sauna last night. We had a winter-weather system move through and dumped some snow. While it was only 2-4 inches, people in St. Louis don't know how to drive on the white-stuff. I am not afraid of snow. I am afraid of St. Louis drivers on snow. :)
Last night I had a big lunch and a big dinner.
HuHot for lunch--which included two bowls of stir fry and some brown rice. I made one bowl of salmon, onions and egg and another bowl of chicken, onions, green peppers, bamboo shoots, cabbage, carrots and egg.
For my evening meal, I made a small soup (from my way of thinking, it should serve three meals at least) with broccoli and brussel sprouts, onions, some carrots and a can of rotel diced tomatoes and chilis. I added 4 chicken breasts sauteed in onions, spices, olive oil and coconut oil. After they were mostly cooked, I diced them up in the pan and let the fibrous interior of the chicken absorb the oil and spices. I also cooked them in an iron skillet to add iron to my diet. About 3 of the 4 chicken breasts were added to the soup, along with most of the juice remains. (I did add about 6 ounces of water when the juices cooking the chicken breasts got low.)
While the soup was cooking, I also scrambled up six eggs with onions and about half a tomato. I poured the remaining diced chicken breasts and juice into the scrambled eggs (also cooked in the same pan as the chicken had been cooked in--reusing oils, spices and adding iron to my diet.
It was a *lot* of food. I was quite full after a my eggs and a bowl of soup. Although I did eat three oranges--I was looking primarily for the juices as the salt content was higher than I'm accustomed to at this point.
Our office had a monthly acknowledgement of birthdays (we do it every month for everyone who has a birthday that month). There was cake--but also a lot of fruit. I had a banana, an orange, some grapes and an apple. I was quite full when I'd eaten all of it. Very happy that my office provided fruit as well as cake. :)
We still have a guest in the office, so I'll probably eat lunch out. For dinner tonight, I have my leftover soup. Produce is light today because the snowstorm interrupted our produce delivery.
I'm going to try to sauna tonight when I get home from work.
I droped 2.2lbs yesterday, giving credence to the supposition that my weight gain was primarily water weight. I didn't make it to the sauna last night. We had a winter-weather system move through and dumped some snow. While it was only 2-4 inches, people in St. Louis don't know how to drive on the white-stuff. I am not afraid of snow. I am afraid of St. Louis drivers on snow. :)
Last night I had a big lunch and a big dinner.
HuHot for lunch--which included two bowls of stir fry and some brown rice. I made one bowl of salmon, onions and egg and another bowl of chicken, onions, green peppers, bamboo shoots, cabbage, carrots and egg.
For my evening meal, I made a small soup (from my way of thinking, it should serve three meals at least) with broccoli and brussel sprouts, onions, some carrots and a can of rotel diced tomatoes and chilis. I added 4 chicken breasts sauteed in onions, spices, olive oil and coconut oil. After they were mostly cooked, I diced them up in the pan and let the fibrous interior of the chicken absorb the oil and spices. I also cooked them in an iron skillet to add iron to my diet. About 3 of the 4 chicken breasts were added to the soup, along with most of the juice remains. (I did add about 6 ounces of water when the juices cooking the chicken breasts got low.)
While the soup was cooking, I also scrambled up six eggs with onions and about half a tomato. I poured the remaining diced chicken breasts and juice into the scrambled eggs (also cooked in the same pan as the chicken had been cooked in--reusing oils, spices and adding iron to my diet.
It was a *lot* of food. I was quite full after a my eggs and a bowl of soup. Although I did eat three oranges--I was looking primarily for the juices as the salt content was higher than I'm accustomed to at this point.
Our office had a monthly acknowledgement of birthdays (we do it every month for everyone who has a birthday that month). There was cake--but also a lot of fruit. I had a banana, an orange, some grapes and an apple. I was quite full when I'd eaten all of it. Very happy that my office provided fruit as well as cake. :)
We still have a guest in the office, so I'll probably eat lunch out. For dinner tonight, I have my leftover soup. Produce is light today because the snowstorm interrupted our produce delivery.
I'm going to try to sauna tonight when I get home from work.
Monday, February 13, 2012
8 Surprising Foods for Heart Health
8 Surprising Foods for Heart Health
http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/8-suprising-foods-heart-health
http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/8-suprising-foods-heart-health
Choosing one of these antioxidant- and nutrient-rich foods is a bite in the right direction for a stronger heart
The Bad with the Good
Part of me had a desire not to report today. However, I believe I need to report the good with the bad.
Weight: 220.6
Wow. 9lbs up. I know that a lot of it is food still in my system. I also know a lot of it is water retention. I didn't realize how little salt I was getting on my diet until I had some salt this past weekend in my soups and other cooking. I know I didn't gain 9lbs of flab. I do notice a little more "puff" in my face and throughout my body, which I take to be retained water.
I am still burping, still have food in my stomach, I feel *full* so I know I have food in my system that hasn't processed through. Most of the weekend I "grazed". Mind you, I didn't go on a junk food bender or anything like that. I avoided breads, sugar, junk food, etc. The most "deviation" that I had was some beef sausage in my soup, some chicken and some eggs.
This week we have guests from out of town into my office, so we'll probalby be sharing lunches. I plan to eat smart, but I intend to have solid food.
We'll see how returning to my "austere" diet and sauna--while avoiding "grazing" behavior--affects me over the next few days...
Weight: 220.6
Wow. 9lbs up. I know that a lot of it is food still in my system. I also know a lot of it is water retention. I didn't realize how little salt I was getting on my diet until I had some salt this past weekend in my soups and other cooking. I know I didn't gain 9lbs of flab. I do notice a little more "puff" in my face and throughout my body, which I take to be retained water.
I am still burping, still have food in my stomach, I feel *full* so I know I have food in my system that hasn't processed through. Most of the weekend I "grazed". Mind you, I didn't go on a junk food bender or anything like that. I avoided breads, sugar, junk food, etc. The most "deviation" that I had was some beef sausage in my soup, some chicken and some eggs.
This week we have guests from out of town into my office, so we'll probalby be sharing lunches. I plan to eat smart, but I intend to have solid food.
We'll see how returning to my "austere" diet and sauna--while avoiding "grazing" behavior--affects me over the next few days...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Make Yourself Heart Attack Proof: Eat to Your Heart's Content
Make Yourself Heart Attack Proof: Eat to Your Heart's Content
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/heart-and-cardiovascular/make-yourself-heart-attack-proof-eat-to-your-hearts-content
Studies have shown that up to 70% of heart disease can be averted
with the right regimen, according to Walter Willett, MD, chair of nutrition at
Harvard School of Public Health. But is diet alone as powerful as drugs? "Oh,
no, it's much more powerful," says Dr. Willett. "Statins, the most effective
single medications for reducing heart disease, only cut risk by 25 to
30%."
In fact, you would need a cabinet full of prescription drugs to
bestow all the benefits of a serious heart-healthy meal plan. There's nothing a
drug can do for your heart health that foods can't do, too.
In that spirit, here are nine top foods for the heart. But this
list is only a beginning. A truly healthy diet features a broad range of fruits,
vegetables, nuts, and legumes--not a select few. Hippocrates understood the
concept more than 2,000 years ago: "Let your food be your medicine, and your
medicine be your food."
Oranges
Rx Effect:
Reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and heart failure
THE EVIDENCE: Oranges contain a
pharmacy's worth of salves for the heart. The soluble fiber pectin acts like a
giant sponge, sopping up cholesterol in food and blocking its absorption--just
like a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants. And the potassium in
oranges helps counterbalance salt, keeping blood pressure under control.
But new research shows something even
more startling: Citrus pectin helps neutralize a protein called galectin-3 that
causes scarring of heart tissue, leading to congestive heart failure--a
condition that is often difficult to treat with drugs. "Twenty percent of
Americans over 50 have high galectin-3," says Pieter Muntendam, MD, CEO of BG
Medicine in Waltham, MA. "A 2009 study showed that a diet high in fruits and
vegetables decreased the risk of heart failure by 37%."
TRY: Pectin is contained in the pulp
and pith. You'll get more of it in juice with pulp. Or better yet, eat your
oranges.
Kale
Rx Effect:
Prevents atherosclerosis
THE EVIDENCE: Your mom was right: You
need to consume your dark leafy greens. "Kale has everything you would want in a
superfood," says Joel Fuhrman, MD, the author of the bestseller Eat
to Live, who uses diet and exercise to help patients reverse their
cardiovascular disease. For starters, kale boasts a bumper crop of heart-healthy
antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin E. It's
also rich in lutein, which correlated in the Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study
with protection against early atherosclerosis. Kale even contains an unusual
compound, glucoraphanin, that activates a special protective protein called
Nrf2. "It creates a sort of Teflon coating in your arteries to keep plaque from
adhering," says Dr. Fuhrman.
TRY: For a snack, try Brad's Raw Leafy
Kale--actual kale that is dehydrated, then coated with ground cashews, sunflower
seeds, lemon juice, and garlic.
Garlic
Rx Effect:
Reduces blood pressure and plaque
THE EVIDENCE: Research suggests that,
much like the ACE inhibitor drugs that fight high blood pressure, garlic
ratchets down an enzyme called angiotensin, which constricts blood vessels.
Though the effect is modest compared with medications, garlic seems to have a
significant impact on the buildup of plaque. In three randomized trials, Matthew
Budoff, MD, professor of medicine at UCLA, found that plaque progression slowed
by more than 50% in people taking garlic extract, compared with the non–vampire
slayers--"and the nongarlic group was on standard drugs," he says.
TRY: The trials used 250 mg tablets of
Kyolic aged garlic extract to standardize the dose. "But it's always better to
eat the real food," says Gayl Canfield, PhD, RD, director of nutrition at
Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami.
Red wine
Rx Effect:
Boosts HDL, reduces unwanted clotting
THE EVIDENCE: Any alcohol nudges up
HDL, the "good" cholesterol that helps prevent plaque. But red wine may offer
additional benefits, says John Folts, PhD, professor emeritus of cardiovascular
medicine and nutrition at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. "The key is not
resveratrol--you would need 16 bottles a day," he says. Instead, compounds
called polyphenols help keep blood vessels flexible and reduce the risk of
unwanted clotting. "They're nearly as effective as aspirin," he claims. But
note: More than one glass of vino a day ups the risk of breast cancer for women,
and chronic heavy drinking damages the heart, so this is a case where more is
not better.
TRY: Dark beer such as Guinness stout
delivers many of the same beneficial polyphenols.
Dark chocolate
Rx Effect:
Reduces blood pressure
THE EVIDENCE: The Kuna Indians off the
coast of Panama have enviably low blood pressure--and unlike the rest of us,
they don't develop hypertension as they age. When Harvard cardiologist Norman
Hollenberg, MD, set out to unravel their secret, he assumed they carried some
rare genetic trait. Instead he found they drink enormous quantities of minimally
processed cocoa. It's rich in compounds called flavanols, which improve blood
vessel flexibility. We can all get them from chocolate--a few squares a day.
Dark chocolate is likely to have more, because it starts with a higher cocoa
content--but that's no guarantee, since different processing methods can destroy
them.
TRY: Dove Dark has been shown to have
high levels of flavanols.
Sardines
Rx Effect:
Lower triglycerides, raise HDL
THE EVIDENCE: The omega-3 fatty acids
in cold-water fish are crucial for heart health, and sardines have among the
highest levels. These "good fats" lower harmful triglycerides, raise protective
HDL, reduce potentially fatal heart arrhythmias, and tamp down inflammation.
It's inflammation that ultimately destabilizes plaque, causing it to rupture and
produce a heart-attack-inducing clot. Though you can get omega-3s from plant
sources such as flaxseed, the "long chain" omega-3s in fish are far more
powerful. A large Danish study last year in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition found a 38% reduction in ischemic heart disease among
women who consumed the most.
TRY: Wild Planet sells wild sardines
in extra virgin olive oil with lemon.
Lentils
Rx Effect:
Reduce blood pressure
THE EVIDENCE: One international study
followed 12,763 people in the United States, Japan, and six European countries
for 25 years. When the results were tallied, legumes--such as lentils--were
associated with an 82% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease. The
reasons include not only lean vegetable protein and fiber but also folate,
magnesium, and potassium. George Mateljan, the author of The
World's Healthiest Foods, calls magnesium "nature's own calcium channel
blocker"--a type of drug that fights hypertension. And by counterbalancing salt,
potassium is crucial for keeping blood pressure under control.
TRY: TruRoots's new Sprouted Lentil
Trio cooks in just 5 to 7 minutes.
Almonds
Rx Effect:
Reduce LDL and fatal arrhythmias
THE EVIDENCE: "You don't have to be
miserable to bring your cholesterol down," says David Jenkins, MD, PhD,
professor of medicine and nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto. The
plant sterols in almonds reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the diet,
while the unsaturated oils encourage the liver to make less LDL and more "good"
HDL. When Dr. Jenkins gave patients a vegetarian diet including almonds (along
with other cholesterol-lowering foods, such as lentils, eggplant, and soy) for a
month, he found LDL reductions of 28.6%--comparable to those on 20 mg of
lovastatin (Mevacor). Just 22 almonds a day will do. Another study found major
declines in fatal arrhythmias with 2 servings of nuts a week.
TRY: Don't limit yourself to almonds.
Walnuts, pistachios, and peanuts are also great.
Pomegranates
Rx Effect:
Reduce atherosclerosis
THE EVIDENCE: Bringing down LDL is
important, but so is preventing the oxidation of that cholesterol. When LDL is
oxidized, it tends to get stuck in arterial walls, initiating the formation of
plaque. But Michael Aviram, DSc, professor of biochemistry at the
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, found that pomegranate juice,
with its unique antioxidants, not only blocked the progression of plaque, but
actually reversed some of the buildup when patients drank 8 ounces a day for a
year. How does it do this? In later studies, Dr. Aviram learned that
pomegranates activate an enzyme that breaks down oxidized cholesterol.
TRY: For those who love pomegranates
but not the messy job of cracking them open, Pom Wonderful now does the work for
you. Look for the fruit-covered seeds (or "arils") in clear plastic cups under
the brand name Pom Poms.
No Half-Hearted Measures
Unfortunately, you won't disease-proof
your heart by simply adding chocolate, wine, and nuts to a diet full of
doughnuts and bacon. Groundbreaking new studies explain why.
For years, government panels told us
that the main villain in heart disease was the saturated fat in meat and dairy.
We did the logical thing and cut down on total fat while upping refined
carbs.
Bad move. Research now shows that the
sugar and refined flour in our bagels, pizzas, cookies, and sodas are even more
problematic. Stripped of fiber (and other nutrients), these unhealthy carbs
zip-line through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream, where they
deliver a triple dose of heart damage--raising harmful triglycerides, lowering
protective HDL, and raising blood pressure.
But saturated fat isn't off the hook.
Some studies have appeared to exonerate it--but only because people in these
studies replaced the bad fat in their diets with harmful carbs. "When you eat
good fats instead of bad ones, cardiac risk goes down," says Harvard's Walter
Willett, MD. So treat cheese as dessert, not the main course, and favor lean
meat such as grass-fed bison.
Why Skinny Jeans Are Good For Your Heart
Sliding into smaller-size jeans isn't just a confidence booster. A whittled-down waistline could also help you fend off heart disease.
By
Ahhhh... Lunch! :)
HuHot was wonderful. I'm stuffed to the gills. My first plate was chicken, turkey and eggs. I had lots of veggies with it. It was *very* spicy and yummy in every way.
My second (much smaller) plate had salmon cubes (I didn't even know they offered salmon until after I'd already put chicken and turkey in my bowl the first time, so I had to get a second!). I also tried tofu.
On the tofu thing... Does anyone actually *like* tofu? Does anyone actually *dislike* it? Aside from mild resistance when I chewed, I didn't even notice it in my mouth--no flavor, no texture. What's the point? Empty calories?
Anyway, I really enjoyed lunch. I'm *still* enjoying lunch. :) I actually ate a little too much and I wish that I'd gone a little lighter when I made my first plate.
Let's see if I can remember my veggies...
Onions, celery, bamboo shoots, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage, water chestnuts, green pepper. Chicken, turkey, salmon, egg and tofu.
Sleepy-time... ;)
My second (much smaller) plate had salmon cubes (I didn't even know they offered salmon until after I'd already put chicken and turkey in my bowl the first time, so I had to get a second!). I also tried tofu.
On the tofu thing... Does anyone actually *like* tofu? Does anyone actually *dislike* it? Aside from mild resistance when I chewed, I didn't even notice it in my mouth--no flavor, no texture. What's the point? Empty calories?
Anyway, I really enjoyed lunch. I'm *still* enjoying lunch. :) I actually ate a little too much and I wish that I'd gone a little lighter when I made my first plate.
Let's see if I can remember my veggies...
Onions, celery, bamboo shoots, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage, water chestnuts, green pepper. Chicken, turkey, salmon, egg and tofu.
Sleepy-time... ;)
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