SassyCassWeightLoss

I will not tempt fate again! I'm sold!

2013-05-03T01:05:00.001-07:00

I am a Believer! 240 may not sound good to some, but for me it means a lot! Anyone who knows me, knows that I've been struggling to get to 240 and stay there or under for a very long time now. As you know, I stopped my workouts with ChaLEAN Extreme after my 25th straight day of workouts. I had quite a month and I was beat!

So, I reverted to my usual eating habits, determined to gain the 5 or so pounds that I'd lost back and then some.

I know, self defeating behaviors. In fact, I had just gotten under 240--finally when I stopped! So, it was perfectly fitting that I would destroy all the hard work I had accomplished. Right?

It's a week later now and I made the bold decision to see how much weight I had packed on in my despair. Low and Behold! I had not gained even 1 pound! Not one! In fact I'm down a few points! Unbelievable! In the past I would have put on a solid 10 pounds in the same week of binge eating and such.

But not this time! My progress stayed and now I'm beginning again! The dedication to my workouts does pay off and it's not just more of the same old thing! I will not tempt fate again! I'm sold!

Month Two Another 30 Day Challege

2013-05-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

I did them all and I'm still alive! Things couldn't be going better for me! This month has been tough, but I've made it this far. I'm looking forward to a strong month of May! I'm starting Day 1 of the second month tomorrow! Stay Tuned!

Join my Challenge!

The Ultimate Beachbody Reset

2013-04-02T11:02:00.004-07:00

For linked information click "Beachbody Ultimate Reset" to get started!

30 Day Workout Challenge... What is Beachbody Doing for Me?

2013-04-01T19:42:00.001-07:00

“Fight one more round. When your arms are so tired that you can hardly lift your hands…” Keep Going!!!

Quote: James Corbett

I'm doing a 30 day challenge to keep up with my Beachbody workouts!

Anybody out there want to join?

I started the Beachbody Workout, Insanity: Asylum last month, but suffered a two week setback with an illness. I accomplished about 12 days of daily workouts total in March. Even though I had the setback; I have not given up! I'm totally in love with the program!

I've found something that doesn't break my body down & put me into recovery for days at a time!

When I was walking for exercise I found myself having to spread out my walks to every 3 days or so. I wasn't able to keep up with it because my body would be hurting so bad I couldn't walk the next day. It seems that everything I've tried over this last year has put me laid out in bed for days at a time!

Since I've started with Beachbody I haven't had one day that disabled me & kept me down!

Not one!

I think the reason I'm able to keep with it, in spite of the Fibromyalgia, is the way in which the Insanity rotates it's workout through different areas of the body each day & since beginning with Beachbody, my life has changed in dramatic ways. I'm eating a mostly raw food diet and I haven't smoked in 11 days! Even my family is getting in on it.

I will be posting a photo of me every day from my workouts and sharing them here.

Help me be accountable...

I had a setback last month but I'm back in the swing of it! I would love for anybody out there to join me with a commitment to workout or stretch every day for 30 days! You can join any day or time-just join and together we can change our destiny's one day at a time!

It only takes 21 days to form a new habit!

Let's put that to the test! Shall we?

I'm now a Beachbody Coach!

2013-03-30T12:31:00.002-07:00

Click Here: Become Coach Today & start receiving all the discounts and benefits!

Before I even became a coach; I fell in love with the Beachbody workout I'd ordered! I was sure it would be way out of my ability zone, but I was determined to try anything. I can say with 100% confidence that my Insanity: Asylum work out is the best one that I've ever tried!
I was amazed by my ability to do some of these outrageous moves! I was sure I couldn't do it. True, I'm not doing them full out or as many reps, but I AM DOING IT!

I was even sick for a week and when I went back to the workouts I was still better. Where I had done 2 progressions; I now could do 5!

I've lost 10 more pounds since starting the Beachbody workouts! I haven't been able to get past 240 pounds for a year!

My agility and flexibility is measurable every day and this is the one workout that doesn't break my body. It seems that the way they move the exercises around the body keeps fatigue and injury away! It's simply amazing!

Now that I'm a coach; I have the potential to earn an income, doing something that I love AND the BEST part... Getting in shape while I do it! Do I have a smile on my face? :) Yes, I do! I get super great discounts and make money at the same time!

There is something so different about these workouts!

A BeachBody workout is better than anything I've ever done before

One Year Update

2013-03-19T13:03:00.001-07:00

It's coming up on one year. I have lost 15 pounds over this year. I had hoped for more, but I'm happy to 15 pounds lighter. I have worked out a lot of the bugs this year and I'm excited to see what this next year brings. I've done most of the work on the inside and I feel I'm finally in a great position to really kick my weight loss into high gear. Join me for another successful year!

"The Biggest Loser" on Line.

2013-02-26T18:03:00.006-08:00

This is what I wrote on my profile:

I was in an auto accident almost 7 years ago. The journey back to getting fit has been a long one. Just 3 years ago I couldn't even walk stairs. Now I'm finally able to work out. There a many painful days and sometimes I get really discouraged, but no matter what I keep working. Each year since the accident I have been able to do more and more. The doctors diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and left me to fend for myself. I am no quitter and just today I was able to do 110 sit ups and I can walk up to 5 miles on a good day.

My first great success was two summers ago when I backpacked 50 miles over 17 days. I thought I would never see my favorite water falls again, but I did! I can remember two years before that I stood 500 feet up the trail unable to go any further. That is when I began getting serious about giving everything I had to change my physical circumstances. At least three times a week I would go to the trail head where one of my favorite swimming holes was and hobble down to the water where I began working out in the water. Two years later I was standing at the water fall 6 miles up and crying my eyes out. It was the happiest day of my life!

It was no easy feat getting there, but that moment would mark a new beginning back to health. I have been working on my weight solid since April of 2012, but so far I have only had small achievements. I wish I could be on the show because I feel that I'm really ready and I could really use some help now. I've done a lot of work, but I really just need that extra help.

I was hoping to sign up for the new season tonight, but I must have been too late. I was unable to find the link to sign up. So, I created a profile and have begun using the tools there.

I just love the site! I've been tracking my calories and exercise today and it's working out really well!

I would love to be on the show, but last night when I went to sign up, I couldn't find the place to do it. It was so discouraging because I feel that I'm finally in a place where I could participate and be successful. Maybe I could actually be... The Biggest Loser!

It's the Determination in the Message...

2013-02-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

Life is about cycles. We have times where things seem to come easy and then times when they do not. My task is to stick with my goals and plans. No matter if I have several days where my lifestyle plan seems impossible; I need to remember that the dietary plan I've come up with is a plan going forward. I appreciate that there will be setbacks, but I have to be dedicated to meeting the challenge with a long term perspective.

These past days have been a struggle as far as the diet is concerned, but I'm happy to report that I'm still here and still participating. This in itself is a good feeling. I'm not giving up! I recognize how important changing my dietary lifestyle is and that even if I have to stand alone, I must stick with it! Even if I only lose 1 or 2 two pounds a week that is a loss (a healthy one at that) I should be proud of it. I'm deciding today to stick with it for good! I hope you are too!

For All of Us Who Are Stuck...

2013-02-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

You are not alone! There are more people stuck than not when it comes to weight loss. For instance, when I woke up today, I told myself I was going to stick to the plan and really attack my dietary goals. As it turns out, I'm finding it to be a difficult task and I'm wondering when this "Frogger" will actually be making the jump?

Get the Lead Out!

Do any of you recall watching The Biggest Loser? Did you ever see the trainers tell contestants, "Oh! It's okay! You take a break. Don't worry about your weight loss goals; the pounds will just come off even if you're not working?"

Heck No! Blood, sweat & tears are the only thing you'll see on that show! Whenever someone wants to slow down or stop, the trainers are hard and harsh! That's what we need to do with ourselves!

Get Tough!

Today I want to be with you wherever you are. Next to the couch. In the drive-through line. At your lunch table and in your kitchen!

No more of this sweet, nice talk! Save your excuses for something else! Today is the day we make the jump and we continue until we've reached our next weight loss goals! Let the tears roll on out, but don't give up! I wish I could say there's another way to meet your weight loss goals, but there isn't!

Get rid of the negative self talk and take control!

Every other web site out there is going to feel warm and fuzzy, but it's just sweet nothings! Sometimes we need to hear a harsh word and be held to a higher standard. What we're trying to accomplish is over ridding years and years of habits. This is not an easy task! If it were we wouldn't be reaching out for help in dramatic ways and constantly struggling.

Personally, I'm unraveling 18 years of bad habits. My hope is that it won't take that long to get back to where I was before my habits changed causing my weight gain.

I can't afford to be luke-warm!

When I think of all the years I've taken putting on these pounds! It's easy to get complacent, but I have to be tough and stop making excuses! I have to drink my water, take my vitamins, eat the veggies and change EVERYTHING from how I've done it in the past!

So, today when you're going about your day, just pretend that I'm right there screaming at you! I'd be quite annoying! When you start bargaining with your choices just think of what your own personal trainer would be saying?

"No! Don't give me tears and excuses!

You don't get a break!

"Frogging" A New Idea in Dieting.

2013-02-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

Instead of working for a year trying to reach my goal weight, I will make my first milestone within 10 or 20 pounds of where I am today. Just as a frog jumps many times to the finish line, I too, will take smaller more achievable leaps. I want to make these changes lasting and I feel that if I discipline myself to do maintenance stops at strategic milestones; I will make better, longer lasting progress.

I want to purposefully create resting points where I bring my caloric intake up to a maintenance level and hold it there for a short amount of time. Rather than becoming discouraged and worrying about plateauing after several weeks of dieting; I can take planned stops, making sure that I'm not falling back into my old habits and gaining back all the weight I had lost plus more. Yo-yo dieting is just a plan I cannot live with anymore!

When searching for a long term solution, I find it necessary to institute a multitude of great ideas. I don't stick to just one diet plan, but use the best from many ideas and then add my own flavor to them. In my search to find accountability partners on line I came across a helpful website to keep track of my caloric intake and daily exercise at: Everyday Health. There I found it easy to sign up and use the tools they have there.

I want to make lasting changes and for me, "Frogging" will be the style with which I attack this plan. So, for now, my goal is to get to 240 pounds. I hope you will try a goal that works for you too and may we all find great success together!

Today is the first day of the rest of my life!

2013-01-31T17:40:00.002-08:00

Since the delivery of my second son in 1995, I have struggled to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and shape. I have attempted every diet known to man and had a few successes, but never fully got to the goal I was attempting or kept the progress I had made for very long.

Today marks my latest attempt. I am running out of time to make the changes needed before I get too fat and too old to really do something about it. I will walk every day and curtail my diet to healthy choices and rewards in small amounts rarely.

It's do or die trying! As long as I can walk; I will walk! As long as I can watch my food intake; I will watch my food intake! I can no longer accept this body I have created and it does not fit into my plans for the future! I will succeed!

I'm adding walking to my daily regimen day I walked 5 miles. I'm sore, but I'm not too sore. Things went well and I'm looking favorably into the future!

Better than Meats the Eye!

2013-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

A Vegetarian Sandwich that I Love!

When I was working at an office in downtown Portland Oregon, USA years ago, I stumbled upon a little deli. It was there I was introduced to this most Fabulous Vegetarian Sandwich!

Ingredients:
Whole Wheat Bread-2 slices
Neufchâtel cheese or cream cheese-2Tbsp.
Alfalfa or clover sprouts-liberal amount
Cucumber slices-As many as you want! Go for the Gusto!
Onion Slices-Optional

And the secret ingredient that makes this sandwich so delish...

Sunflower Seeds-Raw, Roasted, with salt, but best without!

Of course you can add any other veggies that you love!

Enjoy!

The "I Wills" that "I Will" Today!

2013-01-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

After an extended weekend; I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day! I am rededicating myself to my weight loss goals and getting motivated!

Today I got up, got dressed, filled my water bottle and headed out for a walk before I could talk myself out of it. What a blessing! The air was fresh and most yards were full of life and color.

I've had a lot of time to formulate my strategy and renew my resolve. There have been so many triggers identified in the last two months that I have gained ample insight as to why I eat the way I do. My desire to keep going runs even deeper and with that being said I want to rededicate myself to all that I've begun.

When thinking of all the triggers that have come to light there is one that really sticks out for me. The fact that I overeat when I'm experiencing pain, whether it's the physical pain or the emotional pain, either one triggers the unhealthy eating and bad habits. Looking over the last two months has shown me that stressing out about my diet super charges the triggers to more bad habits. I have also found it difficult to stick to drinking my daily amount of water and taking vitamins seem to be a turn off over time.

So, what’s the solution?

I don't think there is any magic bullet, nor do I think a secret shortcut exists! In keeping up with all the latest trends and trying just about everything under the sun from past to present, I'm convinced of some very basic designs when it comes to weight loss.

For me, the only times I've ever lost weight in my life, the things that worked best and produced the greatest results were simply these:

1. Cutting Calories. No weight loss has ever happened without a serious reduction in calories.

2. Reducing Eating Times. When I lost 65 pounds one time around 2005, I had decided to eat only 3 simple meals a day and one small evening snack.

3. Plain old walking has also been one of the best successes for me in the past.

4. Keeping the self-talk positive, Always!

I have also lost weight on Weight Watchers and Curves, but the real evidence has been good old fashioned healthy living. I realize I’ve developed some really bad habits over the last 17 years and getting them out of my life will be the greatest obstacle. When I think of how I ate and the level of activity I used to have; I realize how much things have changed. Sugar coating any of these facts will only be a disservice to the goals ahead of me. Most importantly, I must remember…

Today is a New Day!

The 2 month mark is quickly approaching and my desire to lose the weight is stronger than ever. With that being said I'm restarting my diet guidelines and fast-forwarding into health and wellness. My current weight today is 250.9 which considering the back-slide recently is pretty darn good.

It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again! So, Today “I Will”…

“I will” begin again and limit my food intake and eating times. I will eat breakfast between 7 and 9am, lunch between noon and 2pm, dinner between 5 and 7pm. I will reserve a yummy snack for the hours before bed, but it will be very small and very yummy!

“I will” drink a minimum of 6 twelve ounce glasses of water and take all my vitamins.

“I will” not eat in between the meal times I have set. In the past I have thought of the in-between times as fasting times and it has helped.

“I will” walk and/or complete a workout twice today.

“I will” get to bed at a regular time, preferably one that reduces my chances of eating. I figure after the 10 or 11 o'clock new will be good.

These are my “I will” commitments moving forward...

So, please join me and let's make a new commitment! We don't need a special occasion or a certain date. What we need is to begin each and every day with a commitment to our lives! We all know what we want, now let's get out there and get it!

Keep On Keepin' On

2012-06-12T09:27:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where this weight loss journey is headed, but I will keep going as much as I can. I'm finding it so hard to overcome my eating habits. For the last two months of working to change them I have only lost 10 pounds or so.

I'm feeling a little defeated and lost.

I wish I could wave a magic wand and my situation would be different, but there is no magic wand and for all my efforts the results are minuscule.

I know I cannot give up and that wherever I am now will change and I can be on top again.

Dietary changes will come in time. I can't afford to just give up! Two steps forward and one step back. I wish I was more confident that I will have great results to share soon, but I'm realizing that the results may take more time. I'm not the diet guru that can start a diet and show you my 100 pound loss in 6 or 8 months, but what I can do, is show you my resolve to keep going and stay with it!

Reflectively, I can see that I've instituted more healthy choices than when I started. I now eat fish, which I never did before and I drink more water, for sure. I'm getting better at taking my vitamins and my exercise has increased and become more regular.

I may not be seeing the dramatic changes as fast as I would like, but I am moving into a better lifestyle.

The best advice I can give is to keep integrating healthy choices. Find an exercise that you can achieve. Do something for yourself to raise your spirits and most of all--Just keep with it!

SavvyCass is Super Cool!

2012-06-04T11:24:00.002-07:00

SavvyPromotions is excited to invite you to check out:

SavvyCass.com

SavvyCass has tons of interesting snippets!

SassyCassWeightLoss is Taking a Week Off...

I have decided to take a week off posting to SassyCassWeightLoss. I need to gauge my weekly readership. I will be doing all of the things I've posted to date with regards to my wight loss goals and keeping up. Email me at: sassycassweightloss@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.

'Turn Your Breakfast Bowl Upside Down'

2012-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

I'm Doing it Again...

Recently on the Dr. Oz show; he introduced a new and interesting idea of how to save yourself 100 calories during your morning meal. Instead of pouring the cereal into your bowl first and then adding some sliced fruit on top, he suggested doing it in opposite fashion. Fruit first and then top it off with your cereal.

"Turn your bowl upside down." he said.

Last week when I was at the store I bought a 1/4 flat of fresh strawberries. So, when I saw his idea yesterday I could hardly wait to try it! I grabbed about 10 or so strawberries, which I washed and then sliced. I made a healthy pile in my bowl and then proceeded to pour my granola over the top. He was right! I used much less of the cereal and more of the fresh strawberries.

Being the analytical person that I am, I decided I wanted to know for sure if I had saved any calories. I measured out the two options being sure to keep my portions realistic and then calculated the nutritional information.

Sure enough! The new option saved me MORE THAN 100 Calories! It actually saved me a total of…

136 Calories Saved!

Not only was it the same amount in bulk as what I was used to; I had the added bonus of the strawberries nutritional value. Strawberries have vitamins: A, C, E, K, B6 and Folate, as well as Omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids. Afterward, I felt super good and plenty full. I think it was just about the best bowl of granola I’ve ever had!

My investigation led me to a pretty great outcome and I believe I will never have cereal the same again! This blogger is a changed woman! Give it a try and check back to let me know what you thought…

Start tomorrow and turn your breakfast upside down!

Be Courageous and Remember, Today is Anew!

2012-05-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

I must relax & cut things down to a manageable size!

Earth Therapeutics Anti-Stress Sinus Pillow
Earth Therapeutics Stress Management Kit

If you're like me, Dieting can be exhaustive and stressful! The battle to lose the weight can get so overbearing it consumes you. It's six weeks into my weight loss journey & I'm getting discouraged simply because I'm not losing the big pounds.

I got on the scale yesterday I had only lost 1/2 pound. My heart sank a little and I thought to myself, "If I don't lose more weight; how can I be an inspiration to anyone?"

Escali Glass Body Fat And Body Water Digital Bathroom Scale

Transforming my life is more than what the scale says! I do not want to get skinny quick just so I can gain it all back plus more! This time I have to remember that I'm in it for the long haul & no matter what a 1/2 pound loss is still a loss!

How am I going to keep it alive?

The top five things I know I must do:

1. Drink Water
2. Eat fish and colorful veggies every week.
3. Exercise at least 10 minutes per day, but more is better.
4. Look out for excess intake of fat, sugar, sodium, and carbs.
5. Take vitamins & supplements.

Being dedicated to these five items is key for me.

If I do nothing more than the things on this list; I'm certain that weight loss will happen. Even if it's only a 1/2 pound, the changes I'm making are a lot better than the choices I was making before I started out.

Remembering a loss is a loss and keeping it first and foremost on your mind is the goal.

Obsessing over dietary changes is only stressing me out and making it difficult to go on with the plan. As with anything, whenever I begin to feel this way, I remember to bring it back down and start from the beginning.

Relaxing into this new approach is something I need to master if I am to be successful and rewarding myself in new and interesting ways is too. Instead of using food as a reward maybe I will buy myself something new to update my style.

I believe that treasures of the heart lead to treasures of the mind. In the past I've gotten to this point and given up. I can feel that train of thought creeping in. I want to make sure I'm taking care of myself emotionally as well as physically.

Today I will approach the day with renewed strength and dedication. I will talk to myself in a positive voice and I will rediscover the things in life that are good. I encourage you to do the same!

Let's kick start it again and again until we get it right!

*This blog is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor for treatment of any medical condition and before beginning any diet or exercise regimen.

Mastering the Plateau!

2012-05-18T16:35:00.002-07:00

It's been a few weeks now that I haven't lost or gained much. I'm hovering right around 250 pounds. I've been as low as 248 and as high as 252. I'm still struggling with late night eating as well as some poor food choices and while "Frogging" is an idea that I think will work; it seems to be proving a little uncomfortable.

I'm feeling good about the fact that I have been able to hold my weight and I'm equally pleased by the changes in my dietary choices. The uncomfortable part is the discipline it takes to "maintain" my weight, not gaining or losing, but staying at one weight level on purpose.

In the past, I've always called this time a "plateau".

In the preceding link to the Mayo Clinic’s article entitled, "Getting Past a Weight-Loss Plateau, they describe the phenomenon of plateauing as, "A weight-loss plateau occurs when you no longer lose weight despite continuing with your exercise and healthy-eating habits."

For me, plateauing is something I'm trying to master now instead of fighting. I want to make lasting changes and I believe that controlling a healthy maintenance weight for a few weeks at a time will help me. Instead of rushing the weight loss process and failing again, I want to make changes for a lifetime.

So, for me, jumping from one weight loss goal to the next and hovering there for a while will increase my chances of success. I've never been able to just stay in one place with regards to my weight for any substantial amount of time.

Learning the discipline of maintaining my weight has been an interesting ride for me so far. I'm becoming more aware of the difference between the number of calories it takes to lose weight verses maintaining it.

I found this easy to use and helpful calculator that shows weight loss as well as weight maintenance recommended daily caloric intakes. It doesn't require you to sign up and it compares with several other calculators I found on line.

So, whatever your weight loss choices may be I hope that you are successful in your goals. This isn't an easy journey, but it is one worth taking.

Kick Start the Metabolism & Shrink the Fat.

2012-05-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Much as I dislike drinking water every day, it helps the weight loss process in several ways. I find that it will settle the stomach in the morning and rehydrate me after a night’s sleep. Claims by leading authorities’ say that water kick starts the metabolism for an added boost and I've found that to be true. I’ve also seen a change in my digestive system that is positive, not to mention, water flushes the fat from your body.

I have also begun to take Raspberry Ketones Razberi-K 100mg twice a day as was featured on The Dr OZ Show (Tips for shrinking your fat) as well as drinking the Clover tea he suggested as well. Read his article about it.

Submit a Topic...

2012-05-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I would like to hear from you about your weight loss stories & struggles. Let's start a conversation...

The First Six Steps to Any Weight Loss Program

2012-05-09T15:52:00.003-07:00

Starting out each day I am filled with resolve to, "Get it right" this time. I begin the day with stretching and exercise, water and a healthy breakfast, but somewhere in the middle, I give in. My cravings for food consume me and I am helpless to fight. In the end, I succumb.

It starts out harmless enough. I believe that anything in moderation is okay. So, I give into the craving, thinking that a just a little will fend it off and I can get back to the healthier choices, but giving in only creates more of the same craving headaches and I have lost the battle again.

Before I know it I am engaged in an all-out war with myself. My attempts to stay on track are diminished and I'm left at the end of the day with a long list in my food journal. How did I get here and how can I get back to where I was?

This is when I began to have a revelation! Food is controlling me and I am powerless!

For a decade now I have been under the authority of my cravings. I have been completely powerless and continually defeated when it comes to controlling my diet. If only I could wrangle in my destructive behavior and stop the endless battle—I would be set. Over the last weeks I have identified my triggers, my habits, my weaknesses and my resolve, but achieving my weight loss goals has been difficult!

Now I'm admitting in greater detail that I have a problem and that I am powerless over food!

My thinking is evolving and I am gaining new ground every day, but still, it isn't enough. During this weight loss process I have begun a step style journey of my own. First, I began by talking openly about my eating disorder (ED), then I started to formulate a basic plan, next I reached out for help through friends, family and the on-line community and now, I have realized my powerlessness.

These are the steps I've developed so far:

1. Reflect inward and realize that an eating disorder (ED) exists.

2. Begin to have positive self talk designed to create a plan map.

3. Reach out in places you know are safe and begin an open conversation.

4. Admit to yourself and a close support member that you are ineffective in controlling and managing your diet in healthy and productive ways.

5. Be open to obtaining spiritual guidance from your personal Savior and seek instruction beyond yourself.

While I believe there are some things from the standard 12 step program that could be applied to an eating disorder; I am certain that a dietary program that relies on steps will need revamping in order to truly work.

It is time to become fearless and transparent. I must dig deep into the reasons and circumstances that got me where I am currently. I believe that reaching back into my past and putting together a clearer map of how I got where I am today will bring insight and release from the chains that bind me to my unhealthy eating.

In every life situation there are defining moments that change us and our way of doing things.

There are paths known and unknown that got me here and those things must be discovered and addressed before real change can occur. With this in mind I turn to the next logical step:

6. Begin uncovering past observations and choices that led to the eating habits you have today and write them down.

As with anything I’ve done in this life, there’s always been some kind of order or instructions that were used to get me where I am today. These paths must be sought out in order to find answers and gain resolution going forward.

Developing a strategy is imperative and necessary & I hope that these steps will be helpful in assisting in your weight loss plan. I know they are helping me so far.

Generations of Bad Eating Habits...

2012-04-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Throughout our lives and generation after generation we've passed on our eating habits to those coming up behind us.

My generation grew up during the fast food explosion. I remember the family taking a picnic to the park with a bucket full of our favorite fried chicken with all the trimmings. This was what was to be the beginning of my love affair with fast food. Already, convenience was turning the tides of the family dinner table and as a kid—I couldn't have been more thrilled!

In kind, when I became a mother, I passed on this idea and began taking my children to the place with the coolest toys. They are grown up now, but we still have an entire box of collected toys. I'm hoping one day we'll be able to turn that box into the best thing about our eating experiences all those years ago.

Today there is a shift that's trending toward homemade packed treats for the park with healthy nutrient packed goodies. This is an extraordinary change in the right direction.

I find that I'm looking forward to the new frame of mind and am excited for how these healthy changes will impact the paths of the next generation. As we slowly move into a society that's teaching our youngsters to know where their food comes from I am cautiously optimistic.

In a recent study by Penn State, "they found that children’s weight gain between fifth and eighth grades was not associated with the introduction or the duration of exposure to competitive food sales in middle school." and they concluded that, "One possible explanation is that children’s food preferences and dietary patterns are firmly established before adolescence.

Looking into my own dietary history; I can pinpoint the very moment where I began to use fast food as a tool of convenience. Opting to grab and go rather than fixing a healthy option in my kitchen. It was during those first few years of adult freedom. I was on the go a lot and found fast food to be an easy option. I didn't worry about the consequences because I was so active. I was setting up my generational legacy without even knowing it.

Determining ones generational dietary path can be tricky. We have to open up and discover where our relationships with food come from and how we're going to change them for future generations.

Hindsight being 20/20, I have decided to take a deeper look into my pathways of nutrition. My children are beginning to adopt the new changes and that is where the proof is in the pudding. Hopefully, they will not repeat my mistakes?

Eating Disorders (ED) come in many packages...

2012-04-22T07:47:00.001-07:00

What you may expect an eating disorder to look like may not always be the case. Just because you don't purge, doesn't mean that you aren't a binge eater.

Often, those with eating disorders go unnoticed. Take for instance the cheerleader whom everyone adores for her athleticism, or the track runner, or even people in places of authority.

There is not just one face to the eating disorder.

It can be hiding in plain sight!

It could even be hiding in

You!

Years can roll on... A person may never discover that their eating habits are distorted. Denial is often a useful tool when it’s used to hide the disease.

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Night eating, Obesity, or even Binge eating can be a mystery to the one who suffers with it. Until the problem can be discovered and identified; you may never truly know the motivations behind your choices.

Take the time to ask yourself the

important

questions.

Don't be afraid to dig deep.

If you suspect you may have an eating disorder, the National Institute of Mental Health NIMH has a load of information regarding eating disorders. If you're unsure if an eating disorder applies to you, there's a self-test that you can take.

Whatever your suspicions may be; don't be afraid to ask yourself the tough questions & remember the first life-line to YOU, is... YOU!

Truth be told, I binged all morning!

2012-04-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today is a particularly difficult day. I’ve been in a lot of pain in my neck, head, and eyes. When I feel like this it is hard to function. I find that binging is my main source of comfort.

This morning when I got up; I just didn’t feel well. Chronic pain has been a close companion ever since the accident 5 years ago and believe me nobody wants me to, “Get over it!” more than I do, but some days that just seems impossible.

It’s been 6 weeks without pain medication and I’m happy about that, however, some days the pain is too much! When I feel this way I tend to loose strength to eat right.

The first part of the day I ate one thing after another. I started out right with my glass of water and a light breakfast. Not soon after I was back in the kitchen having a second course, then a third and so on, until I finally felt satisfied. It alleviated my pain for a while, but as we already know, this was only a quick fix. I finally took two Tylenol and lay back down to get rid of the pain.

When I woke, my headache was lessened, but in no way was I fully recovered. Its days like these that I can’t seem to find the will-power to resist the pain eating. I gave in to every yummy thing I’ve been moderating for the last eleven days. I wish I could say that everything I ate was a healthier choice, but was not the case. Sure, some things were good choices like my salad, but the peperoni was not.

They say the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. I recognize whole-heartily this problem that I have. I just don’t know how to fix it! I have tried endlessly and I continue to fall into the trap.

I'm beginning to identify the problem in its totality, but I still have no clear plan. Now that I'm coming around to this information I am going to make good use of it and see if I can come up with some ideas that work.
If any of you have ideas that have worked for you; I would love for you to share them?

Do you have Dry, Cracked, Itchy Feet? Here's a Natural solution...

2012-04-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

I promise that if you follow my instructions you will have baby soft feet in two weeks!!!...

*As with anything-Check with you medical professional first.

The natural solution is this: Vinegar! That's right!

Get yourself a foot size plastic container with a lid.

Make sure you have plenty vinegar on hand.

For two weeks, add 1-2 inches straight vinegar into your container daily.

Soak your feet 1-2 times a day for 10 minutes.

After two weeks, maintenance your soaks at once every 2 days.

Vinegar is a natural antibacterial. People will tell you to dilute, but I used it straight and it worked FABULOUSLY! It will work even quicker if you rub with a pumice stone after each time. It is true that vinegar is smelly, but if you wash after, you should be fine. Don't forget to apply and good foot lotion as well. I do it outside in the summer.

This really works! So, get your supplies and get soaking!

I have done this and even checked with my podiatrist. *