Water, water everywhere ...

 

“Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink”

                                                                       

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

                                                                        by: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

… or in my case, to paraphrase Mr. Coleridge, water, water, everywhere nary a drop I drink!  No matter where I looked or how much research I did the fact remains: if you want to lose weight successfully you need to drink water, and lots of it!  Oh, the information varies from site to site, article to article and expert-to-expert but the bottom line is always the same.  To function efficiently the human body needs approximately 2 liters (8 cups) of water daily.  Truthfully, I think I would slosh when I walk and never step out of the bathroom if I consumed that much water.  Another, in my opinion more reasonable, study suggests that the way to determine exactly how much water your body needs is to divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water per day.  Of course, exercising would require consuming more water throughout the day in order to replace the liquids your body loses in sweat.

My problem stems from the fact that I really hate drinking water.  My best friend M is on this weight loss journey with me and, when we go out for a meal, she regularly orders hot water with lemon.  She did this even before we made a conscious decision to diet.  She - actually - likes - it!  I have tried it room temperature, hot, cold, even frozen … it doesn’t matter … its still tasteless and bland to me.  The only time I really drink water is when I am working out.  When I am hot, sweaty, miserable, and my throat is parched from (no doubt) breathing incorrectly as I get tired, admittedly water tastes pretty good.

Water is the topic I discussed at TOPS this week so I wanted to make sure I was well informed.  To that end I printed off pages and pages and pages of information from reputable sites such as www.webmd.com, www.everydayhealth.com and www.tops.org as well as various sites offering ways to make water more interesting, such as www.thegraciouspantry.com and www.goodlifeeats.com.  Hopefully I have put it all together here is a readable and concise way.

The best place to start is always at the beginning, so let’s have a look at exactly why water is essential, in general, to keeping your body functioning.

1.  The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water, muscle consists of 75% water,

bone consists of 22% water, blood consists of 83% water and your brain consists of 90% water.

2.  Water transports nutrients and oxygen to cells.

3.  Water protects and moisturizes your joints resulting in fewer cramps and sprains

4.  Water is a detoxifier that helps in digestion and constipation.  Fiber and waste go hand in hand, so water aids in regular daily bowel movements.

5.  Water helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you feeling more comfortable in general, but especially when exerting yourself through exercise.

6.  Water helps internal organs absorb nutrients more efficiently.

7.  Water moisturizes the air in your lungs.

8.  Water protects your vital organs.

9.  Water aids in metabolism.

10.Water helps prevent dry skin.  Your skin is the body’s largest organ and needs to remain properly hydrated.  Water helps to replenish skin tissue, moisturize skin and increase skin elasticity.

11.Water is source of energy and gives you a boost when feeling fatigued.  If your body lacks water, your heart, for example, needs to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood to all the cells, as well as your other vital organs.  If your heart and organs are exhausted … so are you

12.Water is a natural remedy for headaches and back pains often caused by dehydration

13.Water gives you better overall productivity since your brain is made up mostly of water keeping it hydrated helps you think better, be more alert and helps concentration

14.Water decreases the likelihood of illness.  Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments such as kidney stones and heart attack.  There is mounting evidence that heart attacks and strokes occur mostly during the night.  By drinking a glass of water just before bedtime you help thin the blood.  Those on blood pressure meds or on an aspirin regime taking your meds just before bedtime does, in fact, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.  Water with added lemon is used for ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis, etc.  Water improves your immune system.

15. Some recent studies have shown that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer.  Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shorten the time in which they are in contact with the bladder lining.  ( www.mangosteen-natural-remedies.com )

Wow … that’s a lot of benefits from a glass of clear liquid!  Who knew?  Okay, we probably all knew and just put it aside in favor of soda, coffee, tea or juice.  Needless to say, we I do not always do the things we I know we I should.

It would seem obvious that when your body is functioning at maximum efficiency eating properly and exercising would be enough to promote healthy weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight when your personal goal has been achieved.  But water is such an essential tool in helping to accomplish all that as well.  How exactly does water help us lose weight?

1.  Water fills you up!  Water does not contain any calories so it cannot do much to eliminate hunger (when its real hunger) but drinking water with your meal creates more volume in your stomach so you end up feeling satisfied faster.  A diet tip that is included in every legitimate diet I have ever come across is drink one to two glasses of water before each meal because the water helps you feel full sooner.  In fact if you look at any of the (really, really, really expensive) diet supplements and “magic pills” on the market all of them suggest taking one, or two or three pills with a large glass of water before every meal.  I would bet you dollars to doughnuts … oops, poor choice of words … I would bet my last nickel that it is the water that works the magic not the (really, really, really expensive) supplement.  The only thing supplements accomplish is putting money in the pockets of the manufacturers.

2.  Water cleanses the palate!  When you decide that you want to treat yourself to a certain food or treat you I never intend to overdo it, but boy that treat tastes so good and the taste lingers in your mouth making you want another bite and then another and before you know it, yup, you’ve I’ve overindulged.  If you drink a glass of water after eating a treat the water washes away any trace of the taste.  Removing the taste and the extra hydration will stop you from going back for more.

3.  Water washes the toxins from your system!  When you lose weight, you create toxins and water helps flush them out of your system.

4.  Water decreases bloating!  I know, I know, it seems like drinking these vast quantities of water would make you look and feel more bloated, but in actual fact just the opposite is true.  By keeping your digestive system moving, helping fibre and toxins to pass through your system more efficiently you will look and feel less bloated (also helping to prevent inflated numbers on the scale due to “build up”).  Foods high in sodium cause severe bloating, but if you find you have consumed a little too much salt and extra glass of water will help “rinse” that from you system a little quicker too.

5.  You cannot burn calories without water!  The process of burning calories efficiently requires water.  According to www.caloriesperhour.com dehydration slows down the fat-burning process, reduces blood volume thereby reducing the amount of nutrients going to your muscles.  Slow calorie burn + muscle fatigue = reduced weight loss.

6.   Research supports drinking water!  Discovery News reported that a study done indicated that obese dieters who drank two glasses of water before each meal lost five pounds more, on average, than dieters who did not increase their water intake over a three month period.  Follow up research showed that those maintaining their water intake were also more successful at keeping their weight off.

7.  Water is the best alternative!  All living things need fluid for a healthy existence.  In this day and age we are so overwhelmed by choices of beverages that water seems to be low on the list.  Many of the beverages we have to choose from are high in calories and sugar and very low in nutrients.  These drinks do little to crate a sense of being full, and in fact may encourage your body to crave more sugar.  So instead of nutrient lacking drinks enjoy a healthy snack of nuts or a piece of fruit and wash it down with a glass of water.

And this last point on my list (borrowed from www.sheknows.ca) is the one that I found the most interesting because it is not one that I came across anywhere else.  Way to go Sheelagh Daly.

8.  Drinking water gives you something to do!  “Many people who begin to attempt to lose weight are often overwhelmed by the extra time they suddenly have because they are not constantly eating.  Unfortunately all that free time can make you crave bad foods even more because they’re all you can think about.  Water can help in this situation too.  When you fell like reaching for a juice or soda, grab a glass of water instead.”  Holding a glass of water in your hand in social situations usually involving alcohol also give the appearance of have a drink and may prevent an extra trip to the bar or someone handing you a drink you do not want or should not consume.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog there is so much information available on water consumption and dieting it would take years to wade through all of it.  Most of it is repetitive, which I take to be a good thing …it means everyone agrees.  I’ve tried to pick through quite a bit of it and synopsize here but every once in a while, there is something that puts a new spin on things.  Some are so obviously ridiculous they are not worth reading but one article I came across suggested that there is a correct time for drinking water.  I am including the suggestion here because I want to cover all the bases.  And you never know if it helps once person (maybe me) to get in their water everyday then it is a good suggestion.   At www.eface.in the following suggestion is made as to scheduling your water intake:

1. Two glasses of water – immediately after waking up to help activate internal organs.
2. One glass of water – 30 minutes before a meal to help the feeling of fullness and to aid digestion
3. One glass of water – before taking a bath helps to lower blood pressure
4. One glass of water – before sleep to avoid stroke or heart attack

As I said, I am including that schedule as “available information” and not as hard and fast fact.

Now, how can you insure that you drink those requisite 8 x 8 ounce glasses of water everyday?

1.  Have a bottle of water with you whenever you leave the house.  That ensures you will always have water with you when you feel thirsty, and will not be tempted to substitute another beverage.

2.  Set a reminder alarm on your phone to go off every hour to remind yourself to stop, take a little break and rehydrate.

3.  When eating out water is a free beverage.  Continue to sip water throughout your meal.

4.  When you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.  Try to avoid this by drinking in advance.  Be especially careful when participating in activities where you may not be able to stop to get caught up.

5.  Use a water tracker.  It’s merely a device of some sort to help you keep track of how much water you drink.  Our TOPS food diary charts have little squares to tick off at the bottom of each day to ensure you are getting enough water.

6.  If you are able, keep your daily water in one container then you know that when the container is empty, you’re good.

7.  Make markings on a water bottle to track your progress in completing your recommended daily water intake.  Tracking progress is a great motivator and gives you a good sense of satisfaction when you are done.  This idea was posted on Pinterest and I thought it was a good one.

HUNGER CONFUSION is one of the biggest triggers for failure on any weight loss program.  You may mistake your body’s signals of thirst for signals of hunger.  Before you reach for a snack, drink one or two glasses of water and see if the cravings subside.  I have heard about “hunger confusion” many times before but always shrugged it off, but it makes sense if you think about it.

Wouldn’t it explain that irrational craving for something that you cannot identify?  “I feel like snacking on something but I don’t know what I want”.  When I am in that situation I often find myself grazing … something sweet into my mouth – nope that didn’t do it, something salty maybe – nope, not that either, sour – nope, spicy – nope … well maybe it was something sweet after all? – NOPE!  By this time I have grazed myself into calorie overload and probably nauseated myself in the deal as well.  Duh – the light bulb sometimes comes on – I was probably thirsty!

For years the mantra has been DRINK 8 glasses of water, DRINK your water, DRINK, DRINK, DRINK water.  As time goes by researchers, doctors and those in the know (probably sloshing dieters) realize that there are other sources of water available.  And in the cases of severe water aversion, like mine, it does not have to be in addition to drinking water, it can actually be included in your water intake count.  So what are some acceptable sources of water intake that you include in your daily consumption?

1.  Soups … broths and clear soups, not creamed soups

2.  Non-starchy vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables and surprisingly … broccoli!

3.  Juices … try adding a little water to your juice to decrease sugar and calories

4.  Soy and Rice Milk

5.  Skim Milk

6.  Melons

7.  Most raw fruits

Water has the benefit of being sugar, salt and calorie free … so if you are including these food suggestions in your diet they have to count as food … dang!

Enough information … this has gotten much longer than I ever intended so let’s get have a look a making water a little more fun, maybe a little more flavorful (even water lovers can get bored) and maybe a little more palatable for water-haters like me.

Add some lemon and make it tart and tangy.  Add few slices of lemon in the pitcher to get a glass of fresh and aromatic water. In fact, you will have the added benefits of  consuming vitamin C by having a lemon infused drink. Another option is to squeeze the juice of lemon and put them in ice cube trays for freezing. You can add the lemony ice cubes for instant tangy water!

Add fresh herbs.  Mint, lemon grass, and basil leaves are some great herbal options to make the flat water more interesting. You may need to crush them to get the flavor out of the leaves before putting it into the water. The herbal water also aids digestion.

Be a cool cucumber.  Slice thin rounds of cucumber and drop in the pitcher of water. Wait for some time to let cucumber release the flavor. It is very cool and refreshing by adding an interesting taste to the water. You will also get the benefit of Vitamin C (boosts immunity), Vitamin K (keeps the bones healthy and strong) and Vitamin A (good for vision, cell growth and enhances immunity). Did you know that cucumber slices is an effective aid for weight loss?

Mix of fruits.  Make the water look colourful and tasty by adding strawberries. Mash them slightly with a fork, before you put the slices in the water to get that instant strawberry flavor. You can add any type of berries, slices of orange, pineapple, pomegranate and peaches also to make it more interesting.

Thanks to www.indusladies.com for the above suggestions and pictures, they all look really yummy … yup, even to me!

There are so many recipes on line, just google infused or flavoured water and the results are boundless.  Or google Jamie Oliver, he has recipes on line for infused water as well.  Or even better yet … make up your own … go wild.  They can be sweet, savoury or spicy according to your own taste.  I’d love to hear about infused water ideas you’ve come up with.

One infused water suggestion I came across made me giggle a little, so of course I have to share it.  (Do not try this at home)  “Kitty infused water” made for pet cats that do not like to drink water.  See, I’m not alone.  This kitty water is infused with catnip.  Might get kitty to drink but you might find kitty hanging from the top of the curtains or bouncing off the walls as well.

Now that we’re all gung-ho on the water idea, there is one question left to answer … how long can water be stored?  Bottled water has an indefinite shelf life if stored under optimal conditions.  In North America bottled water is date-stamped for two years.  This is for stock rotation purposes at retailers and does not imply that the product is compromised after that date.  However, aesthetic changes could occur such as off-odor or taste.  It is suggested bottled water be stored in an unopened container at room temperature (or cooler), out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals.

Tap water can be stored for up to six months under optimal conditions and should be stored for water emergencies only.  Water should be stored in thoroughly washed plastic, glass or enamel lined containers.  Plastic containers such as soft drink bottles are considered a good choice because they are BPA free.  Containers need to be tightly sealed, labeled and stored in a cool dark place.

There was no definitive information on storage of home-made flavored/infused water, so my suggestions would be to only make as much as will be reasonably consumed over a period of a day or two.  I did notice some infusee waters made and sealed in mason jars, but if you were thinking about that, definitely do some more research on the subject.

Too much fun? What's that mean?
It's like too much money, there's no such thing
It's like a girl too pretty, with too much class
Being too lucky, a car too fast
No matter what they say I've done
I ain't never had too much fun

And then there is always the flip side to any good thing.  Daryle Singletary said in his song that there’s no such thing as too much fun, but apparently there is such a thing as too much water.  Water Intoxication occurs when too much water enters the body’s cells causing the tissues to swell with excess fluid.  The medical term is hyponatremia and a very complicated explanation can be found on line.  No worries for the ordinary water consumer though … the kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day.  You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication as long as you drink it over time as opposed to intaking an enormous amount of water all at one time.  As with food intake and everything else in life … moderation is the key!

Cheers!

Update:
My best intentions were for naught and my TOPS weigh-in tonight was not as good as I hoped, but honestly, it was pretty much what I expected.  I admit it ... the holidays got the better of me.

As far as the contest I put up for a dues free month ... half the group succeeded and half did not.  Not bad all things considered.  We did go three weeks without a weigh-in, that means three weeks without accountability.  Well done group!

Happy New Year

Not much to say at this time of year except ...

I'm not looking back on the non-successes of 2012

I am looking forward to the successes of 2013

And, I wish everyone much health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

'Tis The Night Before Christmas

As a mom, one of the Christmas traditions that I remember fondly was sitting down with my girls and reading T’was the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore.  I remember that the version of the book we read was a big book with a blue cover.  Sitting in an oversized chair with a girl on each side of me, the book was big enough to span all three laps.

Being of German heritage we have always opened our gifts late on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas morning.  Let me tell you that book caused me to have to do some quick thinking and fast-talking when my girls were on the cusp of not believing in Santa anymore.  “Well, you see” I would start to explain, “the world is such a big place now that Santa has to make two trips to get it all done.  One for the children who open their gifts on Christmas Eve and one for the children who open them Christmas morning.”  That satisfied them for a little bit, and let’s face it, once those gifts were under the tree they really didn’t concern themselves about much of anything other than tearing open the wrapping paper.

Still, I remember the warmth those two little bodies generated as we sat and read the story.  My girls are beautiful young women now and although I have never done it, one Christmas I will have to hunt down a copy of the book for each of them and put it under their tree … from “Santa” of course!

In our TOPS meetings I find it particularly difficult to inspire people to stay on their healthy eating plan when holidays are looming.  By the time the last meeting before Christmas rolls around they are pretty much tired of my preaching about “How to Handle Buffets”, “Tricks and Tips for Staying on Track” and “Realistic Expectations So You Don’t Spiral Out of Control”.  All good things to think about but a little tiring to hear about all the time.  The last meeting before we break for Christmas I try to keep things light and fun.  I invented a Diet Christmas Carol game last year (think a poor version of Weird Al with Christmas Carol titles).  In researching “fun” diet topics, and if that’s not an oxymoron I don’t know what is, I came across a dieter’s version of T’was the Night Before Christmas.   I thought it was amazingly creative and it made me laugh.  Surprisingly enough it is pretty much on point too.  Perfect for the close of the meeting!  Everyone loved it.  Consequently, as so many traditions begin by accident, I have closed our last meeting before Christmas with this poem for the last three years.  Not quite the same warm fuzzy feeling as sitting and reading the original with my little ones, but pretty darn close.

This rendition is all over the internet but I could not find any reference to the original author … so again, if it’s yours let me know and I would be more than happy to acknowledge it correctly.

For your enjoyment …

T’was The Night before Christmas (Diet Version)

T’was the night before Christmas

And all through my home,

My family was sleeping,

I was completely alone.

The stockings were hung

On the mantle (it’s fake),

And on the table was placed

Some cookies and cake.

Gingerbread and chocolate,

Sugar and spice.

I was sure that Santa

Would find it quite nice.

My mouth started to water,

I looked at the treats twice.

Santa would understand

If I had just one bite.

Then what to my

Chocolate-smeared face did appear?

But Santa, an elf,

And a bunch of reindeer.

Santa walked up to me.

We stood toe to toe.

He said “Those are mine,

Or didn’t you know?”

I looked Santa square

In his twinkling eye.

And said

“You touch theses treats … you die.”

You see,

With chocolate, nothing can compare

Even with Santa,

I would not share.

Yes,

I’ve always had trouble with this,

To make matters worse,

Snacks go right to my hips.

But I wouldn’t give up.

Those treats they were mine!

So I told Santa Claus

He was way out of line.

He wrote my name on his list

The one that’s naughty, not nice.

Then I balled up my fist and

Punched him not once, but twice.

The scuffle that night

Was ugly to see.

We knocked over the elf,

We destroyed the tree.

Yes,

Santa and I got into a fight.

It seemed to last

Almost all night.

We fought over those treats,

Those snacks and sweets.

I even stomped

On his black booted feet.

Because when it comes

To sugary snacks,

I won’t give up.

I just attack.

But Santa’s tough,

Quicker than he looks.

(And besides that

He throws a mean left hook.)

Finally we sat,

Panting and bruised.

Santa said

“This just won’t do.”

He asked

“Tell me, tell me, why do you fight?

Are these treats so precious,

That you’ll fight all night?”

“Oh Santa!” I cried,

As I massaged my black eye.

“I don’t know why I love treats!

They go straight to my thighs!”

“I know that these snacks

Will just make me fat.

But I still want them.”

And there we sat.

Santa looked at me closely,

He may have shed a tear.

And quietly asked me

“What do you want this year?”

“Oh Santa” I cried

“I want to be thin!

Though I don’t act that way.

Is that such a sin?”

“I eat more than I should.”

I continued to say

“And what’s even worse,

I have treats every day.”

“And, yes.

I know that those snacks are yours,

But cookies and cake

I truly adore.”

“I don’t want to eat them.

Really, that’s true!

Because after I eat them,

I only feel blue.”

Santa nodded

To show that he understood.

He smiled at me

As he quietly stood.

“My child” he said

“This gift you desire,

The one that you dream of,

That sets you on fire.”

“This gift I cannot

Stock on my shelf.

The only way to receive it

Is to give it to yourself.”

The gift of good health,

Being fit, tone and trim.

Cannot be given,

Even by him.

“It must be earned,”

He said to me.

“With diet and exercise,

Don’t you see?”

“There is not shortcut.

No quick fix.

No elf magic.

No Santa tricks.”

“Oh, Santa” I asked,

“Are you really sure?

All of that effort,

Must I endure?”

“My dear” he replied,

“To be truly fit,

You cannot just wait,

You must work for it!”

He continued “Cheer up!

I know you’ll succeed!

For I’ve known you since you

Were as tall as my knee.”

“You can do it!” he said,

In a voice that rang true,

“Because, my dear child,

I believe in you.”

“Thanks, Santa!” I cried,

“For the gift of good health.”

“Don’t thank me” he replied,

“You give this to yourself.”

Santa turned to leave,

Back to his work.

But at the last minute

He turned with a jerk.

“Go ahead” he said,

“I’ll leave those treats you adore.”

“No thanks” I replied,

“I don’t want them anymore.”

And then up the chimney

His sack he did lift.

As he called back to me

“Good health … what a gift!”

And I swear I heard

As he flew off in the night …

“Merry Christmas to all,

and next year – no fight!”

Merry Christmas everyone!

Is It Tomorrow Yet?

Well, it’s crunch time.  No, not the kind that tone your abs, the kind that gets all the Christmas things accomplished.  The last week before the jolly red man sneaks into your house, eats his Christmas cookies (sure it’s okay for him to indulge in the season), drinks the obligatory glass of milk (I think he carries brandy in his Santa sack and spikes the milk every couple of houses or so) leaves the gifts and disappears up the chimney.

By about this time I’d like to be the one that disappears up the chimney.

But, I can finally say I am ready.  No more malls, no more baking and no more wrapping.  I’m good to go!  Tonight is the last Christmas function on my calendar aside from the actual Day itself.  And before you ask, no … I have not gotten any further on my virtual walk.  But December 26^th is going to see me make a dent in it.  Since I mapped it out I have accomplished 12.5 km of walking and 5 km of biking, for a total of 17.5 km.  Like I said, I have barely made it out of my neighbourhood.

Monday evening’s TOPS weigh-in was better than last week though.  I did see the scale go down one pound.  I am always tempted to say ONLY one pound, but each pound is one step closer to goal and there is not such thing as ONLY one pound.

Since my TOPS group meets on Monday nights we find that we lose many meetings to long weekends and stat holidays.  Generally when the group goes two weeks without a meeting the next weigh-in is not the best.  It’s difficult to stay on track when you know you do not have to be accountable for two weeks.  It’s easy to think, “oh, it’s all right if I overdo a little … I’ll be extra good tomorrow”.  That works if you stay within the one treat rule, but if you know you don’t have to step onto that scale for an extra week one treat (for the whole week) turns into one day of treats and then two and before you know it it’s the night before the next weigh-in and the diet gods have turned their collective backs on you.  No magic is going to help you then.  Trust me … I’ve been there.

I’ll be good tomorrow is not a truth in the world of weight-loss.  When you are dieting the time to stick to it is NOW because tomorrow never comes.  All those best intentions you come up with as you are drifting off to sleep at night fly out the door with the first bite of breakfast the next morning.

But I am getting a little side tracked here.  Back to TOPS and no meetings … because of the calendar this year Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall both fall on a Monday night.  That means (gasp) we go three weeks without facing the scale.  That’s a tough one.  We had a nice group discussion about realistic expectations.  Yes, you may overindulge A LITTLE on Christmas day … but the holiday is only ONE DAY.  It’s not the whole week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.  If you enjoy your dinner a little too much, what do we say?  Forgive yourself.  Do not beat yourself up.  Do not let that ruin the rest of the week.

I gave them a challenge.  We do pay monthly fees, in our group it is $6.00 a month (the money goes in a kitty for recognition awards, etc).  The challenge was any group member that weighs in on January 7^th and posts a loss receives one month of free dues.  Not a stay the same … a loss!  It’s three weeks people … anyone can lose some amount in three weeks!  Even a quarter of a pound will keep those $6.00 in your pocket.  Okay it’s probably not about the money but it certainly is about the bragging rights.  And I’m the group leader and I set the challenge so, boy oh boy, I had better show up with a loss.  I’ll be sure and keep you posted.

I'm off to my company Christmas dinner now ... it's a buffet ... arrrgghhhh ... wish me luck!

That’s about it for this post but I’ll leave you with a little song …

Don’t worry, I’m not going to sing … I may have many hidden talents, but that is NOT one of them.  But hey, certainly feel free to belt it out if it makes you happy!

To the tune of ‘Let It Snow’ (I found this on line and do not know the original source.  If it’s you, let me know and I will give credit where credit is due)

‘Tis the season of things delicious,

Foods and goodies that bewitch us.

We give diets the old heave-ho.

And we grow, and we grow, and we grow.

We start strong, but then we weaken,

And before long, we start freakin’.

We step on the scales, and go,

“Can’t be so!  Can’t be so!  Can’t be so!”

What Day Is It?

I started writing this yesterday trying to keep it light and somewhat amusing.  I am still going to post it today.  But before I go on with my somewhat normal life I did want to acknowledge the evil that struck yesterday and send heartfelt sympathy to the residents of Newtown, Connecticut.  The tragedy that happened in their little town is unbearably sad and as a parent I cannot imagine what those people are going through.  I went home last evening and watched the reports and my skin just broke into gooseflesh.  That kind of violence should never happen and is horrific under any circumstances, but when it involves children that young … unforgivable!

On with … WHAT DAY IS IT?

Wow … where has the week gone?

It’s Saturday already.

This is the time of year when everything turns into a blur.  I was so proud of myself this year for having my Christmas shopping done early but that never eliminates all the things that have to be done at the last minute.  I did a whole whack of my holiday baking last Sunday (my only day off in the week) but still have a couple of things to make that do not keep as well as cookies.  So that’s on the agenda this weekend.  As far as diet goes … don’t worry … I have enlisted a small group of taste testers just to make sure everything tastes the way it’s supposed to.

Of course, I always question whether they are just being flattering so I have to have a nibble of everything myself.  Hey … just to make sure it does taste right!  Okay ignore what I said earlier maybe you should worry about me just a little bit.  Honestly, I really tried not to overdo, but (hanging my head in shame) things might have gotten a little out of hand when it came to the Hermit Cookies. 

Alas, that probably explains why the scales at my TOPS weigh-in did not move this week.  Yup, it was one of those “stay the same” weeks.  As if that’s not embarrassing enough, despite my best intentions

(and we all know where that paved road leads).  And despite the topic of my last two blog posts nary once did I work out this week.  My virtual walk/run trip is going to take just that much longer.  L

Maybe I was setting myself up for failure trying to start all this right before one of the biggest eating holidays of the year?  NO !!!  I refuse to think like that.  After all, had I not been somewhat aware of what I was putting in my mouth, instead of complaining right now about staying the same on the scale this week I would no doubt be complaining about having to make two more batches of Hermit Cookies because I ate the first batch. They are that good!  And they freeze really well!  Even I am seldom desperate enough to eat frozen cookies.

STOP IT – Yes, I know about the microwave – SHHHUSHHHH – I’m in denial!

So what have I been doing this week instead of eating sensibly and working out?  On Monday evening we had out TOPS potluck Christmas dinner.  Let me tell you, when we all get together for a dinner its no wonder we are all members of a weight loss program.  As a group we ladies sure can put on quite a spread.  Most of it was fairly good (diet-wise) … low cal turkey chili, low fat cheese ball, salads, and veggies.  We won’t discuss the fact that some rebellious people actually showed up with desserts.  Neither will we discuss the fact that they were consumed.  The picture to the left illustrates that interesting, nutritious, low calorie, eye appealing dishes can be prepared for potluck dinners.  Needless to say none of our dishes were quite that on point.  Just goes to show that no one is perfect and we all slip up once in a while.  Can’t beat your self up over it.  It’s done – move past it and get right back on track as soon as you leave the room.  Again … maybe I (we) may have all slipped up and unconsciously given our selves permission to be lenient, but I know for myself I was very aware of the portions I placed on my plate.  After all (looking around furtively) what if they were all watching?  No, the group is not that petty, but the thought was in the back of my head.  Kept me within the parameters of sensible portions.

What else?  Oh yes … I finished some pom-pom snowmen and t-shirt scarves that I had promised to have ready for a seasonal craft fair.

I made two square-knot-tied quilts for my daughters as Christmas gifts and wanted to include a pillow in the gift so I had to get those done.  The quilts have been done since September, but of course being a procrastinating fool, the pillows were a last minute project.  Since I was in the crafting mood I decided to make some “rein beer” for my sons-in-law as a kind of gag gift.  Naturally I had used all the pipe cleaners, had no googly eyes or little red pom-poms so that involved a trip to my local Michaels Craft store.  Oh, of course a trip to the beer store too since I don’t keep “specialty brews” or, for that matter, any beer on hand.  It’s okay … they love their mother-in-law!

My grand-puppy had to go in for emergency surgery so I decided to make him some home made dog treats for his Christmas stocking since he enjoyed them so much last year.  Don’t judge me … I don’t have grandchildren to spoil.  At least I wasn’t tempted to nibble on those … although they are made from real food so I guess you could … NAAHHHH!

Yes, I DO bring it on myself.

Yes I am a bit a lunatic around Christmas.

Yes, I need to stop looking at Pinterest DIY boards.

I guess what I am trying to say this week is that we all live real lives.  Things need to get done.  Some things we have to do and some things we want to do, both equally important.  Not every choice we make is going to be the wisest choice.  Forgive yourself and get back on program right away.

In retrospect – a “stay the same” weigh-in was personally acceptable.  On to seeing lower numbers next weigh-in!  Have a good week all as I close with some diet key words to go along with the season …

Exercise is a four letter word!

“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will

sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Richard Stanley

Well, it’s about three weeks to Christmas so I decided it was time to get the tree and all the various and sundry decorations up.  So I put on some music (heaven forbid - not Christmas carols yet) rolled up my sleeves and started.  I decorate upstairs and my storage area is in the basement.  Its 16 stairs.  In my normal everyday doings those stairs are not daunting, but when several trips have to be made, especially several trips carrying totes and boxes full of Christmas decorations I start to feel it in my legs.  Of course, when putting up decorations one has to make sure the rest of the house is up to snuff and that involved more trips up and down the stairs to put throw blankets and cushions into the washing machine and dryer.  Okay … I am a little bit compulsive.  Putting up the lights in the window and the angel at the top of the tree involves a small stool … yeah … more up and down.  The job got finished; I had a hot shower, made a coffee and sat back to admire the pretty lights.  That’s when I realized my mistake … sitting down.  By the time I finished my coffee and got up to put my mug in the sink, the action of getting up out of the chair elicited an unexpected groan.  I had really started to ache.  My muscles are usually quite content to just lay there and do the bare minimum, but when they are unexpectedly called upon, they sure make no qualms about letting me know.  They scream at me and make my life very uncomfortable.  Their message is very clear … either use us regularly or let us languish into oblivion and give up on doing crazy things … like, oh I don’t know … moving!

I need to get back to exercising.

If you read my last post you know I used to belong to a gym.  Funny thing about belonging to a gym, you actually have to go and use the equipment to see any results.  Carrying around the membership card in you wallet just doesn’t add enough weight to even make it a resistance exercise.  I did go, regularly.  Now I can think of a lot of excuses not to go but my daughter made me!  The other funny thing was that I found I enjoyed it.  Who knew?  When my daughter’s schedule changed and we could not longer go together (that should probably read when she was no longer around to consistently shame me into going) I went only sporadically and then stopped altogether.  I still dutifully paid my dues though … that’s how I know a membership only works if you do!  Doing the math I decided that that money could be put to better use buying a piece of equipment for home.  My best friend M is a shopping goddess and she knows that I hate to pay full price for anything.  I mentioned to her that I was thinking about buying a treadmill and the next day she sent me an email with a posting from her community board at work offering a good used treadmill for sale.  I went to check it out and it was great.  I guess someone had purchased it and it soon became a very expensive piece of non-essential furniture.  Hmmmmm?  How does that happen?  I bought it.

Like a child with a new toy I used it religiously.  For about 3 weeks.  Then I found that I was an extremely creative person … creative in making up excuses that is.  Some of my favourite ones:

… I spent 20 minutes flat ironing my hair this morning AND I was not planning on washing it tomorrow morning AND if I work out tonight I’ll have to have a shower AND wash my hair.  Really inconvenient!

… I go downstairs fully intending to walk on the treadmill and there’s that whole load of laundry sitting on the laundry room floor.  How could I ignore it … better get it done now, or the dusting, or the vacuuming or anything else.

… The battery is low on my MP3 player

.

… I had to get groceries after work and now it’s too late.

 

You get the idea.

Since I am turning over a new leaf getting back into exercise is important.  You can eat properly, watch you portions, cut out all the bad food choices and there still comes a time when it is not enough.  Your body gets used to all the good eating and grinds to a standstill.  You just have to give it a kick start and then best way to do that is … ugh … exercise.

I truly do not know why I hate the idea of it so much.  When I schedule it into my day and start I always find that I enjoy it.  The bonus being that when I finish I realize that I didn’t die and there is an amazing sense of accomplishment.  It’s also a little me time.  A time when I do not have to worry about doing anything else, if I allow it that is.  Did I mention I am a little compulsive?  So I have to make it interesting.  I need to play little mind games with myself. 

The first thing I do is call up my “Work-out Playlist” on my MP3 player.  I actually have three playlists each with a different genre of music.  It’s quite an eclectic mix of music but all the songs have one thing in common; a distinct thump, thump, thump that keeps my feet moving at a steady pace.  A friend of mine listens to audio books while he runs.  I would love to be able to do that and actually tried it once.  It didn’t work.  About 10 minutes into my work out I realized I hadn’t registered a single word of the book.  So it was back to the driving thump, thump, thump of my music.

I should mention here that I like to walk.  But, I only like to walk when I have a destination.  That’s why I can’t just go outside for a stroll around the block.  That walk makes no sense to me.  I can walk to the corner store.  I can walk to the grocery store.  I can even walk 5 km to my girlfriend’s house, but I need a destination.  It motivagtes me.  It gives me a sense of purpose.  Of course, on a treadmill there is no destination.

Definite drawback!

So to make it interesting for myself I’ve given myself a purpose.  I picked a destination, one very, very far away.  I stuck a pin in a map and then Googled the mileage.  I have challenged myself to a self propelled journey of 3987 kilometres.  I say self propelled because I also have a stationary bike and I plan to intersperse walking with biking.  I have no idea how long it will take me to get there, but I’ll get there eventually.  I’ll keep a log of distance travelled and throw it in here every once in a while.  As of right now I am just about out of my immediate neighbourhood.

Stop laughing L I just started!

I guess what I am trying to say is do whatever works for you to get yourself moving.  If it starts out as a leisurely 5 minute stroll that gets a little longer every week, or if its taking an aerobics class (not high on the list of choices for me since I am extremely uncoordinated), taking a belly dancing class or Zumba or any other number of things, get yourself moving.  And trust me, it really does feel good when your done!

Oh, I almost forgot the TOPS weigh-in last night.

           I lost 1 ½ pounds.  Yeah me!!