Sunday, July 31, 2005

Water or Coke?

WATER

1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated

2. In 37% of Americans, the thrist mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%

4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study

5. Lact of water: The #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page

8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

  And Now for the properties of COKE

1. In many states ( in the USA) the highway patrol carries 2 gallons of coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.

3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hours, then flush clean.  The citric acid in Cike removes stains from Vitreous China.

4. To remove rust spots from Chromecar bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of aluminum foil  diped in Coca-Cola.

5. To clean corrosion brom car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

6. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake.  Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the coke for a sumptuous borwn gravy.  (not on my eating plan!)

7. To loosen a rusted bolt; applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola for several minutes

8. To remove grease from clothes; Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent and run through a regular cycle.  The Coca-Cola helps loosen grease stains.

9.  It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

For Your Info

1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid.  Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days.  Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

2. To carry Coca-Cola syrup ( the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Hightly corrosive materials.

3. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years.

   Now the question is, would you like a coke or a glass of water?

I think I will drink more water but buy coke for my cleaning closet!

Weight Gain, or is it muscle?

   Well my weight today is 223.8.  I have looked over my nutrition for this week and don't really see a reason for it.  I have increased my exercise so maybe it is muscle because that weighs more then fat, but I feel heavier.  I get measured by curves on the 8th and am looking forward to seeing if I have lost inches. 

  I am still convinced the way to permanently lose this weight is to change my eating habits and not diet.  I am cooking my food in a healthier way.  I never was much for fast food places and can't remember the last time I ate in a MacDonalds or Taco Johns etc.... but I did cook alot of pre-prepared meals because they were so convinent.  I have cut way down on those and am now cooking most of my meals from scratch. 

   I have set some new goals.  I think my portion sizes need some working on.  That could be my problem so I am going to measure my food again.  It could be throwing my calorie count way off.  I am also forcing myself to drink, drink, drink.   I am also not going to get discouraged.  That could be very harmful to keeping on the right track.  I am learning so much about how to eat correctly.  I can do this.  My skin looks better, I feel better, and this is a weird benifit, but I smell better?  I think it was cleaning my body of alot of toxins.  I wish I could afford to eat all organic.  Get rid of all the chemicals.

I got a charm for my bracelet that says 20 for the first 20 pounds I lost + one with a butterfly to signify my changing body.  I am not taking the 20 off because I will lose that again

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Water is Important

  Water is so important in weight loss and I have fallen down on drinking it.  My goal this week is to get my water in.   I did do water arobics today.  It was a very active workout.  We had a new teacher and she was much more active.  I loved it.  I only stayed for the one class because I don't feel right staying for 2 when I am only paying for one.  My right shoulder is really bothering me though.

  The Dalai Lama teaches that the purpose of life is Happiness.  I feel very happy today.  I am reading his book on finding happiness at work.  I basically am happy at work.  The buddhist believe you can find inner peace by easing the suffering of others.  I have been appling that at work in my nursing with a better attitude and my patients can tell.  I am happy taking care of them and feel better when they feel better.  Enlightenment may not come in this life time for me, but I am on my true path I believe.  Making myself healthier is making me happier also, so all is going well.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Exercise is important

  Exercise is so important and I haven't done any of it since last Thursday.  I worked all weekend so that is hard to get any exercise in and then yesterday I was so busy catching up with housework and shopping didn't do anything and today I am sick.  I am not even going to weigh again until I have gotten some workouts in.

    I got a cool bracelet that says take control.  Everytime I want to eat something I shouldn't I snap it and remind myself to have control.  I also bought a butterfly charm for my first 20 pounds loss.

Monday, July 25, 2005

Back on track

  I am back on track today.  My weight finally got below that 20 pound mark with my weigh in of 220.8.  I am pleased about it I tell you.   That first 20 will probably turn out to be the easiest I had to lose but I am feeling really comfortable with my eating habits and don't see any reasons why I shouldn't be able to do this. 

   My shoulder is really sore today.  Probably more arthritis.  I am going to sleep awhile and then go work out at curves.

 

At the heart of Buddhist meditation are concentration and inquiry. When you cultivate these two qualities in meditation, you develop your ability to be quiet and clear, to offer understanding and love.

-Martine Bachelor, "Meditation for Life"

Friday, July 22, 2005

Day after water arobics

   It is the day after my water arobics and I am surprised to have sore abdominal muscles.  I never got that with curves.  I never really felt I was working that area and believe you me, it needs work.  I think between the 2 of them I will have a complete workout. 

   I am at 223.4 today.  I seem to be stuck, so will kick it in a bit to get the downward trend going.  I want under that 20 pound mark as it was my first goal.  I have my charm all picked out.  It might be with the exercise, muscle weighs more then fat, so it could be that.  Everyone at work says they can now tell I have lost weight.  It is not so much the weight, but the inches they are seeing as I know I have lost inches from working out.  I get measured again on the 8th.  I can't wait to see what it shows.

  The weather is oppressively hot here.  107 with the heat index.  I will retreat to my bedroom to meditate soon.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Water Arobics

  Well, I took my first class today.  I was less self concious then I thought I would be and I was amazed how many heavy women were walking around not worring about their weight at all.  I really liked it and stayed for 2 classes.  I think I did get a workout and studies have proven you tone better with water arobics then regular arobics.  It was so weird though.  When I started walking out of the water it is like putting all your weight on again at once.  It almost brings you to your knees.  I also did not like the way my stomach and butt moved up and down while we were jogging in the water.  You don't feel it quite that way when you do it out of water.  Really makes you feel fat and flabby.  But then I am fat and flabby.  For now, not for ever.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

My Goal has changed

   I think about how my additude about this has changed.  I no longer think of myself as dieting but as changing my lifestyle.   I am preparing food healthier and eating good snacks instead of junk.  Now I grab a apple or fig instead of chips or cookies.  I am slowly eliminating the wrong oils and ingredients from my kitchen as I replace them with canola oil and olive and different vinegars.  This will be my way of life from now on.  I want to lose the weight in a healthy way and develope good eating habits.  I had always heard that, why did it take me 50 years to really listen?

  I am down a size in pants now.  Nice feeling.  The weight loss is slowing down but I am firming up.  I start my water arobics tomorrow.  I am going to meditate before hand so I am full of inner calm.  I can do this because it is good for me and will feel wonderful.

  I am wishing I could get my husband to eat healthier.  He eats the same meals as me but snacks on candy and I don't ever remember him eating a apple.  However he is down 10 pounds since I started cooking differently.  That is with his candy and rolls.  Men, they seem to lose weight so easily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

My first Gain

   Yesterday I weighed in at 222.6 and today it was 223.  I know, I know, not a big gain but I feel like I ate so good yesterday.  I had this absolutely wonderful chicken breast on salad for lunch and for supper made a red and sweet pototoe salad which was really good.  I think it must have been the pork steak but have to admit to having 2 beers yesterday.  Either way I am up a tad for the first time.  I think it is because I am so close to that elusive -20 pound mark.  I will have to do better today.

  Once again I had to go to the doctors, this is getting old.  My throat is still hurting and my right ear hurts really bad.  I am feeling under the weather.   They found fluid in my ear, I knew that and my right lung has rales in the bases, not good and that my explain my winded and under the weather feeling.  I have had a nagging cough also.  They are getting concerned with the sore throat which has been going on for almost 2 months now.  I am starting to feel like things are sticking occasionally.  If it doesn't clear up with the new antibiotics I have to have a chest xray and see a eyes, ears, nose and throat doc.  Hopefully this will take care of it.  I am tired of seeing the doc. 


Before you begin meditation take several slow, deep breaths. Hold your body erect, allowing your breathing to become normal again. Many thoughts will crowd into your mind, ignore them, letting them go. If they persist be aware of them with the awareness, which does not think. In other words, think non-thinking.

-Zen Master Dogen, "Fukanzazengi"

Sunday, July 17, 2005

The Weekend Jazz Fest

  Just got back from Sioux Falls where we spent the weekend.   The jazz fest was fun but once again more blues then jazz.  I like blues though so that was OK.  We ate at Old Chicago both days and they have a light menu.  I had the Chicken Rustica and they gave me a huge pile of steamed brocolli.  Heaven.   The caesar salad was a surprise as it is very fattening.  I shouldn't have ordered that.  The beer and salad were what may have made me gain this week.  Sigh.  I think I would have aced my diet if not for the beer.  Beer does me in.  I may have to give it up for awhile until I am closer to goal.  I haven't weighed yet, will in the morning, but I feel like I am up.  Shame on me.  I did get my first issue of Light and tastey.  great looking meals. 

Thursday, July 14, 2005

I bought a Suit!

   Well I did it. I won a suit on ebay.  I have tried on one like it at the store so I know how it will fit.  Instead of the $72.00 they wanted at the store though I got it for $16.00 with shipping so win win.  Now will I have the courage to put it on in a gym and be seen in public?  We shall see.

   I am down 19 pounds today but feel like my resolve slipped this week so have to get with the program.  Only made it to Curves once this week because of work but I plan on going in the morning.  We are going out of town to the Jazz festival this weekend.  Staying with my plan will be a challenge.  I don't want to be a slave to my diet but I want to be able to have fun and stay healthy at the same time.    I am packing slim fast, flavored waters, figs, rice cakes, what ever it takes and checking out restarents for the lowest cal meals I can eat. 

Went on a nice walk just now and exceded the 10 minutes I am suppose to walk but I really don't care.  I will take my chances with my ankle.  Here are the baby deer  I had in my yard yesterday.

Monday, July 11, 2005

July 11 2005, Swimming Suit shock Therapy

 I am down 17 pounds and 4 oz.  I broke down and bought a scale and have become a junkie about stepping on it.  Not good but it keeps going down so I love it.   

   I am still working out and would love to get my bike out but the doctor says no.  I cancelled my cardiology workup for pre-op lap band because my insurance isn't going to cover it and I can't afford it. 

  I decided to venture forth in my quest for a swimsuit, perferable one that completely covered me from head to toe.  I like the ones from the 20's.  My kind of suit.  Anyway, that was enough to make sure I am always going to stay on track with my diet.  Shock Therapy.  I should get one to put on everytime I want to eat.  It is bad enough I look like the bride of Frankenstein since all my surgeries without all those horrible bulges.

  How did I let this happen to myself.  My only crime was the love of good food and a great microbrew.  Sigh.  I eat less then my husband and he stays thin, whine whine whine whine.  Ok enought of that, onward.

Week 4, 7/8/05

     Well it has been a month since I started this journey and I am down 14 pounds and 10.25 inches.  Wow.  I can see it in my face and wrists but not much anywhere else yet.  I had another unexpected visit to the doctor.  The 2nd day of Curves my ankle started to hurt and after a month I had decided maybe I had a stress fracture, fat lady bouncing on her feet to much.  The bad news is my arthritis in now in my ankle and it is bone on bone.  The doctor is cutting me down on my exercise and would like me to take water arobics,  IN A BATHING SUIT!  I am also going to have to take steroids which had a habit of causing me to gain weight and go into fluid overload.  I will add some lasix a couple of times so I don't get in trouble.  I can only walk 10 minutes.  What kind of work out is that.  When I got home I started to feel so sorry for myself I sat here and bawled but am now ready to get over this hurdle also.  I can do this.

2 Weeks into Diet, 6 21 05

   Well I had to go to the doctors because I have strep throat and much to my surprise am down 11 pounds.  I am very excited about it but realize most was water at this point.  I have been doing great with my diet and mostly am just cutting down and using low fat everything.  I am eating 3 meals, one being slim fast and having 3 snacks.  I also am working out at curves 3 to 4 times a week, until I got sick and started walking with my husband.  I have found a great board on AOL,  100+ which is giving my so much support.  I think I can do this huge task in front of me.

Day one of the diet 6/8/05

    I started this journey trying to get approval for the gastric lap band to help me lose weight.  My insurance decided after 5 months of delay that I needed to go on a 6 month doctor supervised diet. Could it be I had met my deductable and 6 months gets me into another year?  You bet ya.  That is the games they play with your life at stake.  They have the power to override the professionals that care for you and have no medical training to base their decisions on.  People had better start screaming about where their health care is going in the future.  The more socialized it gets, the worse the care and delay gets.

      Anyway, where was I. At the doctors to discuss my 1500 calorie diet.  She promised to do what ever it would take to get me approved.  Weight this day.  A whooping 242.  The highest I have weighed.  The most I will ever weigh.  Tears where shed by me.  Next to Curves to sign up for an exercise program.