plum

drinks for dinner

 

I don't talk about it much, but my weight continues to go up and bring me down.  I've gained another 5 pounds in the last few months and have no idea why.  It's lots of fun, let me tell you.  I've yet to find the magic mix of proteins and veggies to move the needle in the other direction so it's time to shake things up.  I'm joining the smoothie band wagon craze and am going to try smoothies for dinner {instead of the trash I've been eating - a serving of chicken with beets or avocado on a bed of spinach with a pinch of cheese.  no sauce.}.  

The only recent weight loss I've encountered was the morning after my Oscar Party, when I was down 2 lbs.  This after a night of nothing but cake, fizze, and grilled cheese {non-gluten free, no less}.  WTF????  Someone please explain that to me. 

The web is of course LOADED with recipes and my cupboards are already stocked with the necessary fruits and veggies, so making them should be easy.  Here's hoping my waistline responds. 

I'm going to start with these.

 

 

{beet smoothie image}

 

why weight II

New found clarity has re-energized my eye on the prize: weight loss.  Does this topic ever go away????   sigh.  Onward we go.  

With a better understanding of my resistant 15 pounds, I've spent the last few weeks tweaking my diet and enjoying symptom-free days and nights.  That's the good news.  The bad news is I haven't seen the gym in 10 days.  That ends today.  I really, really, really want to close out 2012 feeling good and the road to redemption begins and ends with a big old spoonful of exercise. 

So, by my count that gives me 10 weeks with a few challenges along the way {halloween, thanksgiving, christmas} to lose 5 pounds.  And here's the kicker, keep it off!  Five pounds may not seem like much and in the old days I could drop that in flash.  But the old days are gone.  So, for me 5 pounds is huge {of course I'd love to lose 10 pounds, but that's a long shot knowing how my body operates these days}.  First things first, I need to shake up my work-out routine.  Currently, it's elliptical heavy with uphill walking and bike riding.  This week I'm going to start running, climbing the stair machine and throw in pilates when I can.  I'm committed to working out at least 4 days a week and if you have any helpful tips, please send them my way!

wish me well.

 

{animal scale}

 

testing, testing. Is this thing on?

Friends, I got some news last week.  After more than two years of wondering why I can not lose a single stinkin' pound I have an answer.  Celiac Disease.  Yep, the autoimmune disorder apparently effects me.  While Celiac and Gluten are quite trendy these days, I still had to Google it for a better understanding.  Here's what I found -

• autoimmune disorder of the small intestine
• interferes with the absorption of nutrients, fat is the most commonly & severely affected nutrient.  {hello cellulite.}
• those with subtle disease may only have fatigue, anemia, weight gain, fluid retention {me!}
• some people report being absolutely unable to shed excess pounds, no matter how much they diet and exercise {me!}

Hallelujah!  I can finally stop banging my head against the wall.  I can't tell you how frustrated I've been with my body.  No amount of exercise or diet tweaks {Atkins, 17 day diet, fasting...} has moved the needle on the scale.  Now, adopting gluten free doesn't automatically mean weight loss.  In my research I found lots of folks don't lose weight when going gluten-free.  And since my diet is already driven by fruits/veggie/white meat, I don't expect much with gluten-free, but at least I finally have answers.  They didn't come easy.  

My tip for you: if you have a hunch about your body, stick with it.  While I commend medical professionals on their work and recognize that doctors have an extremely difficult job, I can't help but be annoyed by my experience.  Most of my visits started with this discussion "I feel tired, can't lose weight, am bloated {see my fat face!?!}, and have minor GI issues {burp.}.  Sure, some of this can be related to simple aging, but I have a gut feeling it's not."  Here's a look at how a few conversations went. 

 

• Dr. 1"compared to most people I see, you look fine. You shouldn't be concerned."  Um, really?  Is that the point?  With America's ridiculous obesity rate, I hardly find this relevant.
• Dr. 2 "look, it's simple. calories in minus calories out = weight loss.  There's no magic here.  If you stop eating you'll lose weight".  Thank you Dr.  I'm well aware of the mathematics, but something is amiss and surely you're not suggesting I stop eating.
• me: "I'd like to test my hormone levels" {thanks, Val!}.  Dr. 3:  eye roll, exasperated exhale, "and what do you want me to do with the results?  it's not going to help you with anything and your insurance won't pay for it."  Um, ok, if nothing else it'll give me a better understanding of my body and thanks, I can worry about the payment.   
• me: "can you refer a nutritionist/dietitian?"  Dr. 1: "no.  sorry, I don't know any."  Really, given the populations growing waist line isn't this a relevant tool to have in your kit?

 

Even with the lack of interest I pursued answers and tests and about a month ago had an appointment with a young Physician's Assistant that finally yielded results.  Her willingness to engage in a healthy discussion and ante up a possible cause was so refreshing.  "Have you been tested for Celiac?", she asked.  Nope, a kazillion other things but not that.  I never really considered Celiac because I didn't have common symptoms {weight loss, stomach pain, diarrhea, etc.}.  Well, don't you know...

 Tomorrow, I'm penning my note of thanks to her along with feedback for the other Dr's.  After all, feedback is a gift. 

Here's to your health!

 

 

{image here}

 

a tweak here, a nip there.

The other day I briefly mentioned my ongoing battle to drop a few stubborn pounds.  At this point, forget about 10 or 15 I'd be happy to lose 5 and keep it off.  To date, the only effective approach has been not eating.  And that sucks.   Here's a run down on my typical daily intake and recent tweaks {which have gone unnoticed on the scale}. 

• breakfast = 1 Chopani Champions.  This is the kid sized Greek yogurt.  I was eating the typical adult size portion, but opted to drop down to the 100 calorie kiddie version in an effort to shave calories.  At times, I may also have 1 veggie sausage link.
• a.m. snack = Atkins Endulge bar.  I was eating Kind bars, but switched to Atkins as another tweak.  It hasn't helped.
• lunch = small spinach salad, with 1 T shredded cheese, half hard boiled egg and 1 serving of protein {chicken breast, turked cutlet, pork, tofu...}.  No dressing.  Recently, I started skipping the tablespoon of raisins I used to include.  The omission hasn't helped.
• afternoon snack = green tea, nuts and seasonal fruit.  right now I'm heading into apples and oranges.  And pistachios are my crunchy choice.
• dinner = random.  This is the meal that needs tinkering.  Of late, I've been having tilapia, turkey meatballs, black bean burger or ground turkey.  For the meat, I usually add ketchup in some fashion.  I also usually have a bite of the kids veggie - broccoli, corn, peas, cucumbers...  Typically served raw, always without butter or salt {except corn}.  I'm thinking of going back to fruit smoothies for my p.m. meal. 
• p.m. snack = usually an Atkins bar or some pepperoni slices and cheese or a handful of crackers. 
• beverage.  I drink skim milk at night and not nearly enough water.  Though I've made improvements on my water consumption over the last month.

Other tidbits.  Baseline.  I've had lots of bloodwork done over the last year to check hormone levels, thyroid, this that and the other.  All come back normal, so that's good news.  I guess.  Exercise.  I've had a pretty regular workout schedule this summer riding my bike, going on walks, hitting the gym {at work and at home}.  Typically I put in 30-40 mins of cardio and 10-15 weights 4 times a week. 

Here are a few tweaks I plan to try in September. 

• Pressed Juicery cleanse.  Next week I'm ordering a 3-day cleanse.
• Flax seed.  I'm going to toss it into my yogurt and on my salad.
• Lemon water.  Easy enough to keep on hand.
• Fruit smoothies.  I want to chop and freeze a week's worth each week.
• Running.  I hate to run, but may mix it in.  yuck.

 

 Wish me luck! 

 

 

Whole Living.

I'm happy to report that I successfully completed week one of the Whole Living Clean Eating Action Plan.   Yeah, me!

What went well?

• daily breakfast - carrot/grapefruit juice
• lunch - fasted, a few salads.
• dinner - roasted garlic beet soup.
• zero dairy and alchohol

What could have gone better?

• More water!  My nemesis.  I have my canteen at work, but need to get in the habit of filling it.  I'd say I consumed 32 of the 64 daily required ounces, which is an improvement, but not enough.
• Sneaking snacks.  My arch enemy!  The midnight hour and beyond.  This week, I hope to do less nibbling at night.  I stuck with ok foods (nuts, fruit), but at those weee hours, any intake ain't good.
• More sleep.  I'm not helping myself by hitting the hay so late, or um, early? {1:00-1:30 a.m.}

Here's a peak at my delicious dinner.  It's quite flavorful and I adapted mine to include 2 croutons {organic!, whole wheat!, gluten-free!}.  I know, I know, but I'm sorry, I just need that crunch!  It took some prep work and lots of roasting, but I must say, I really enjoyed it as a meal.  So much so, that I'm happy to make it again this week. 

 

Week One Results = minus 2.

 

~ Garlic Beet Soup Recipe ~

 

 

{fit, fabulous, forty}

 

 

Why Weight

 

 

Ok. 

The first day of the last month of the year. 

One final push to end 2011 downsized.  Why Weight updates have been nill because there's been nothing to update.  I"m still pudgey and squishy where I should be lean and strong. 

Not long ago, the Ramsey girls celebrated our fabulousness at an annual spa retreat (look for a post next week), and since then, I've really tried to focus on better eating.  Including incorporating more of the metabolism boosting bits found above.  And, just yesterday I received the 2012 Bucks County 5k Series schedule - just the incentive I need (see my 2011 run here).  I'm committed to running at least two and will also try my hand at the annual 10-mile Broad St. Run in May 2012 (which reached max registration in record time last year, so I made a mental note to register early).  May 2012 also happens to be my birthday month and it's a big one - forty. 

I'm thinking what better way to celebrate completing that 10-mile run and turning 4-0, than with a stay at the Four Seasons or Rittenhouse Hotel, lounging around in new downsized clothes sipping champagne.  Fatty, you in?

 

 

 {current stats:  12/1/11 = 146.5, goal weight = to fit in my pants again.}

{image}

 

 

behind the scenes

 

 

 

{my morning email to Billy Webb}                        

 

 today's no frills, no photos look at life.

keepin' it real because every blog has a behind-the-scenes.

 

Why Weight.

 
{image via Real Simple}

Apparently summer wasn't my time for wellness {who gets a nasty cold that lasts 15 weeks??} and weight loss {workouts? what workouts?}.

Welcome, September! I'm embracing this new month and soon-to-be new season with a sharpened focus and eye on the prize: fit, fabulous, forty. True, the big day isn't until May 2012, but my mark is January 2012. Four months. Just enough time to blaze a trail to feeling good and looking better.  

Since returning from our beach week, I've been researching and reading up on various tips and reminders for success. A few that caught my eye at Whole Living, Real Simple and Shape -

• • 500%.  How many more antioxidants are in the peel of a Red Delicious apple than are in the peel of an Empire apple.  The Red Delicious beat out eight common varieties.  {Real Simple, source Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry}
  • 3:23 p.m. The time of day when dieters are most likely to give in to temptation.  Have a healthy snack on hand. {Shape, source atkins diet survey}
  • Sweet Tooth? {um, ye-ah!} Try fruit first. The naturally occurring sugars found in fruit don't cause the same spikes in blood sugar and insulin that refined sugar does. The next time you crave something sweet, eat an apple, plum, or some berries.^*
  • Getting Older? {um, ye-ah!} Metabolism slows down about 5 percent every decade, starting in our mid-30s. But don't resign yourself to the extra pounds. Try more Green tea, it contains antioxidants known as polyphenols that have mild metabolism-boosting properties.^*  
  • Sleep More. {I'm a night owl, topping out at around 5 hours a night} People who sleep less than eight hours a night typically have higher body mass than those who sleep a full eight hours, and babies who sleep less than 12 hours a day are more likely to be overweight by age 3. Although this don't prove that lack of sleep causes weight gain, an undeniable correlation exists between sleeping less and weighing more.^*    {*wholeliving.com}

   {image via Real Simple}

Here's my plan

1. no more late night snacking. My worst habit ever. New rule, from 9:00 – 1:00 a.m., I WILL NOT EAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
2. more sleep. The blog may suffer, but my waistline won't. I'm going to shoot for at least 7 hours of shut eye a night. 
3. more water. It's such an easy thing, why in the world don't I drink more??? Tonight I'm heading out for a new carafe for my desk. 
4. more protein. I don't eat much, but what I do, often lacks this staple. Enter dry-roasted edamame, cheese sticks and almonds. My new friends at work. 
5. Green Tea. My desk is fully stocked but somewhere along the way I stopped brewing. This, plus more water, should be easy. 
6. some form of exercise 4x a week. I'm trying new things and hope to be a regular at a few cardio classes at my gym and will get a new pair of walking shoes to keep at work. I'll let you know how it goes. 
7. new recipes. I found some new dishes to try. Here's a peak at a few

 
 {image via Whole Living}


 carrot mango smoothie, spicy cauliflower, quinoa patties, apple-leek-squash gratin

 

 I also see a facial, new running sneakers and a juice detox in the works for September.  Starting now, I'm trying new things, forgetting bad habits and on my way to forty feeling good!  So keep in touch and check back for all the ups and downs along the way.

 

 

{Share your journey to health and happiness!}

 

 

 

why weight {april}

making copies.  hanging everywhere. 

 

Ok, so, last we spoke, I took off 3 pounds and finished a 5k. 

That was March.  This is April.

The good news - 3 pounds are still gone. 

The bad news - 3 pounds is it.  

The one year mark came and went (waaaaaaaaa!!) with the extra 12 still hanging on.  Dang.  

Shake it off, shake it off.  Let's focus on the positive -  3 is better than none, right!?!  I'm moving forward with a new focus and an updated goal:  new workouts (tennis/biking) and 3 more gone by the end of May.  That should get me a pinch closer to beach-ready.  And by beach-ready, I mean hidden under a breezy tunic, an oversized man's shirt or, even better, a sumptuous caftan.  Think Mrs. Roper, less the curls.

Wish me luck.

 
April Weigh-in: 142. 

April/May Goals: minus 3, vary workouts, up cardio to 45 mins., turn this (see me) into that (see her).

 

 

Keebler & Me

First major setback. 

Bought Little E a pick-me-up.  Poor kid's been coughing up lungs all night and day.  Finally resting quietly now.  

Alone with snacks in the house?  Not good.  Damn that Keebler elf.

Start fresh tomorrow.