Round 2

 I've fallen of the wagon and I have to get back on.  I gained 11 pounds since April, so once again I find myself starting a diet between Thankgiving and Xmas.  I started the phen again just to give myself a jumpstart.  I've lost 1.8 pounds so far and weigh 185 today.  My mini goal is 180.  My ultimate goal is 150 by July 1.  I absolutely refuse to be 50 and overweight!!!  Wish me luck, here we go.... again.

okay....this is weird

I THOUGHT there were posts on my friends pages, but when I went to check on them none were there.  So I went to my blog.  Again, no posts.  I know better than that.  What the heck is going on????

Hello strangers!

First I have to apologize for not blogging or answering your comments to my blog for so long.  A couple of days ago I received 15 messages and some of them were from September!!!  I'm SO sorry everyone.  I wouldn't ignore you on purpose.  I hope to answer each and every comment within the next few days.

When I came home after going for the birth of my granddaughter, I started a new job.  Its a great job and I love it, but like a fool I didn't quit the old job so I've been trying to keep up with both of them since October 1st.  I finally got tired of having no life and gave my notice at the old job but I won't be done with it until November 2nd.  I promise to be around more after that.  Right now it seems like all I do is work and sleep!

For those that asked about my granddaughter, thank you, and she is doing fine and growing like a weed.  They say she weighs 8 pounds 12 ounces now!  I'm sorry I don't have a new picture to post.  My DIL is not very good about sending them, but I'll post a later one than what is on my blog now.

Weight has been an issue lately.  When I came back from WV I had gained 5 pounds.  Two weeks later I went to 3 days of training for my new job and when I came home I had gained another 7 pounds!  Now how the heck does that happen????  I've been taking a pill called Lyrica which they say wil cause you to retain water in your hands and feet but I think I must be retaining it in other places too!  I've managed to lose about 5 pounds since I came home from training, but I've still got 7 more to lose to be back to where I was.  I WILL get it done

Hope everyone is doing well.  I'll give my best effort to visiting your blogs and getting caught up.  I miss hearing from everyone and reading your blogs.  I guess EP is addictive.  Have a great day everyone!

I have a new granddaughter

My granddaughter was born today.  I got to watch her be born AND I got to cut her cord.  That is so extremely neat.  She is just a beautiful baby, of course I know we all thing our children and grandchildren are beautiful, but she REALLY is!  I'll post some photos in my album.  She weighs 7.5 pounds, pretty good size since her mom is a tiny little thing.  I'm away from home so I won't be posting much for a few days but just wanted to share the good news. Take care everybody

Commercials should be illegal

I'm watching a show on Oprah about food and how to eat healthier and what do they show on the commerical break?  Microwave brownies with a voice in the background saying "fudge is your friend."  This should be illegal.  This constant advertising of food is almost like brainwashing.  If they're so concerned about Americans being obese, they need to put a stop to all the junk food commercials!

Nonscale signs of progress

This has been a subject of discussion for my EP friends and I lately.  I read an article recently that gave us other ideas to consider when we're measuring our success.

How does your clothing fit?  Take out a pair of pants that fit snugly before you began your new, healthy habits. Are you able to ease into them, when before you had to sit (or lie) down and yank them up your legs? This is a sure sign of progress toward a leaner you! What about an old shirt? Is it now a little loose around your waist or arms? 

Look for improved muscle definition when you check out your body in the mirror. There are many everyday indicators that you are firming up your body, from how your clothes fit to sitting more comfortably in a booth or small chair.

Even if you are not losing pounds, you very well may be losing inches all over your body as your figure slims down and tones up with muscles. Measuring your body is more reliable than the scale alone. Other indicators include a reduction of BMI and body fat percentage.

How does a health diet and excise affect your energy levels Not only will you be able to work out for longer intervals of time, but everyday chores will also become easier. Whether cutting the grass or simply walking up the stairs, these behaviors will come effortlessly. 

I am a scale-o-holic, but I need to learn new ways to measure my weight loss that are a little more reliable. Hope this helps someone else too!

Diet cake

It seems we have a birthday cake in our office every other week and this is torture for us dieters.  last week one of the girls brought the BEST cake I've ever tasted, diet or otherwise, and I wanted to share the recipe, so here goes:

Mix any chocolate cake mix and 1 can of diet coke - no eggs, no oil - just these 2 ingredients.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes and let cake cool completely.

Make one package of fat free, sugar free chocolate pudding with skim milk, allow to set.  Mix in one small tub of fat free cool whip and use this mixture to ice the cake. 

OMG, this is just heavenly!  I don't know this to be true but I was told that one regular slice of this cake is about 200 calories or 3 weight watchers points.   Give it a try next time you need a diet dessert for a social occasion or a family meal. 

Have a great day guys.  TTYL

Waist managment

One of my EP friends brougth up the issue of waist management.  This is an issue for me.  Everything seems to be slimming down except my belly.  Maybe its my age.  Maybe its the fact that I have done any serious abdominal exercises for years.  I've started doing situps in hopes of rectifying this situation.  My friend recomended cinnamon and cayenne tablets and I read in a magazine that broccoli florets contain something that encourages fat loss in the abdomen.  Not sure I eat broccoli every day, though I do love it.  Does anyone else have any ideas, tips or suggestions to whittle your waist?

Raisins

I read in a women's magazine that raisins are a good snack because they contain boron which helps that mid afternoon slump and improves your thinking.  I do have an issue about 2:30 in the afternoon where I feel tired and start to crave chocolate and caffeine.  I usually respond to this by getting chocolate and a soda pop.  I'm going to try to replace the chocolate with raisins and the large soda pop with a small one and see how this works out.  I have a "better than" attitude toward dieting I guess but it seems to be working.  Anyway, I'll let you know how this works out.  :)

New look of EP

I like the new look of EP, don't you?  Its more modern and up to date I think.  The new support group thing is really interesting too.  I'm going to try that when I get the chance.  I've found 2 new friends, which is great cause a lot of my old friends have stopped blogging.  Hopefully I can find some support with them.  I've GOT to get back on this weight loss wagon.  I have 11 months to go until I'm 50 and I don't want to be fat and 50.  My new granddaughter is coming next month and I hope that she will never have known a fat grandmother!  Anyway, I"m off to physical therapy.  Everybody have a great day!!  TTYL