As the other Angels have already told you, we had a great walk on Saturday. The men were nowhere to be found. Men – you can’t live with ‘em…period. To be honest, we were kind of bummed about that. We were looking forward to hearing about how they’ve been doing. You know, peek in on the ol’ competition. Hey guys, here’s a tidbit for you…OUR guys (my husband and Tenisha’s fiancée) managed to roll out of bed in time to go to the walk with us to show support. How cool are they? Okay, okay, I’ll stop beating up on the guys. They had legitimate excuses and they were missed. Moving on…
While walking, we had some great conversations. And the best ones were about…what else? FOOD! So, Kaye, as you requested, here is the chicken recipe we talked about. It’s a super healthy chicken parmesan, and to be honest, some of the best chicken parm I’ve ever had! Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for the recipe. Truth be told, I can’t boil water without following explicit instructions, preferably with pictures. The recipe comes from the book Eating for Life by Bill Phillips (Eating for Life). The Eating for Life plan lays out a way of eating really healthy meals six times a day. Did she say SIX?!? Yes, I did. Without going into too much detail, each meal consists of a quality protein and carb, with veggies added twice a day. You can even use meal replacement shakes. The book provides recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, midmeals, and shakes, as well as lots of info. Anyway, onto the good stuff.
So I am obviously with the title about to tell it about my weekend! Well Saturday started out bad because I had to get up so early (ended up still running late) for the Moffit walk I did not eat breakfast. At the walk Erin (trainer) who is familiar with SB diet tells me hey you gotta get something in your stomach eat an apple I tell her I am still on phase 1 but because I didn’t eat at all she tells me to get the apple. Well I feel like crap even after she tells me not to worry about it! I go to the mall for shopping and get a chicken sandwich no bread feeling better. Anyway I am at my mom’s house and my aunt who moved closer to us is there and of course they are cooking because all my uncles, cousins, etc. are there. Well my aunt is a great cook and I know this and so I see my mom’s paper and I say hey does this person look familiar and they are like wow great you can do it! I’m like yes they see I am serious about losing this weight. Right? WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! As my aunt is looking at the picture she tells me I am going to make the best this today for you and this for you guys to enjoy. My mom also adds Tenisha we have the corn bread in the oven. I am sitting there thinking am I a Charlie Brown character I have to be because I just finish showing them this picture and telling them I have lost 10 pounds (oh I forgot to mention that part go SB!!!!) So my words must be coming out like wonk, wonk, wonk, wonk, wonk, feed me! I don’t get it!! So I tell my FI that next time he better be there to be my back bone. I HAVE NO BACK BONE with the FAMILY!!! So did I eat HECK YEAH!!! UGGHHHHH!! So I eat on Saturday and of course I eat on Sunday because of me feeling bad about Saturday! I now owe SB 2 extra days! I keep thinking I need to be at a fatty patty ranch but I know that’s now real because when I am put back in the mainstream I would cave. This is just a lesson learned one bad day should not turn into two bad day’s really! I need to get over the fact that I messed up on Saturday. So I gain 3 of the 10 pounds back (Of course I weighed myself to see the damage) Yes I said 3 pounds so that means I ate 9,000 calories in one day! A girl can get her way to obesity I told you guys this already! So it’s Monday a new day and week! I am feeling good because I am ready to get back out of the 230’s and back in the 220’s! I need to live in that moment the moment of knowing that I accomplished something good! and not in the moment of my day. Well folks until next time!
Tenisha
I’ve heard of eating your young, but c’mon…
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Week 1 -over. Whew.
I started out strong but by mid-week I was starting to cave in. I was making pretty good food choices but found myself skipping much needed work outs. I had some family commitments ( Get well Lee!) and a concert to attend ( who would miss a chance to see Kenny G?) and by Friday I just didn’t have the strength to lift my pinky finger. I actually had more energy early week, when I was working out. Is there a connection?
Sleep came early Friday night. Good thing, because I had to get up before the crack of dawn to meet the other “Angels ” for our Saturday morning walk. We met at USF for the Moffitt walk. Funny, I didn’t see any of our competition there? David Gee…put an ABP out on The Men’s team, known as Waist Management….they seem to be missing. The Angels and I had a great opportunity to talk with Erin(trainer) about fitness goals, etc.
This week I hope to get back on track with the workout schedule. Erin says we need to mix it up a bit. Shock the body out of the normal routine and the metabolism reponds better. I’ll give it a go.
So here I start Week 2- Planning to stick to my workout schedule and also make better food choices, especially portions sizes. Gina, how ‘bout sharing that chicken recipe?
Okay. I know. I haven’t made a post in a few weeks.
Truth is, there hasn’t been much to report. My weight has leveled out at a (much lighter) 205lbs. There haven’t been the impressive leaps that I was making when I started.
It’s cliche, I know, but this last 10 or so pounds have been very difficult to drop. It’s killing me! On the positive side, there hasn’t been any gain in girth either.
Looks like I may have to change my plan. For a while I was getting away with light jogging and a 500 calorie daily deficit. I can’t afford to dig deeper into the calories, so it looks like the fitness regimen needs to be re-evaluated.
I’m going to mull it over and report to you early next week. Wish me luck!
Alright, my turn to answer this question…how do people respond to the news that I’m doing this challenge? Shortly after the blogs were up and running, I decided to shoot an e-mail to my mother, father, and in-laws to let them in on what I was doing. After about 10 minutes of pacing and talking to myself (and a couple of big *GULPS*), I sent a second e-mail to some friends as well. The result: I have gotten gobs of kudos and support. One good friend of mine said that he thinks it takes a lot of courage to go public with something as personal as weight loss (more on that later). He also said that he believes there is nothing I can’t do and I have his support. Two other friends were very quick to send me their support and told me they were looking forward to watching the challenge unfold. My mother-in-law also gave me her support and said she hopes that this experience will motivate her. I even had a total stranger wish me the best of luck. I met her while taking care of some TBO Challenge paperwork. She told me that she had hoped to be chosen to participate. But here’s what’s got me scratching my head…neither my mother nor my father have said a word. They haven’t even acknowledged the e-mail. They haven’t asked one question. Nothing.
I’m not quite sure what to think about that. Do I assume the e-mail somehow got lost amidst the sea of spam? Are they uncomfortable asking about it? Do I bring it up again and if so, how? It doesn’t really bother me. I mean, I’m not hurt. I just find it curious. It’s not your typical, run-of-the-mill, everyday news. By the way, speculations are welcome.
To get back to my friend’s comment about weight loss being personal…it is. How someone looks, how they feel about it, how they perceive themselves – it’s all very personal. You really have no idea how others think and feel about themselves or what thoughts run through their minds. You never know if the beautiful model hates what he/she sees in the mirror. On the flip side, that person you find unattractive might be completely content with how they look. What type are you? What type am I? Does it really matter or is it all just vanity? Anyway, it got me thinking about the whole private vs. public perception. I could go on and on about my thoughts and theories, but I’ll stop boring you (if you have made it this far). My next post will be lighter.
My point is this: it is personal, but like Kaye said, it was the public scrutiny that I was hoping to keep me motivated and hold me accountable throughout this challenge. And so far, it’s working! I managed to drag my tushy to the gym 3 times since Monday. I hope I can keep up the pace…
Don’t let the bedbugs bite.
Today’s quote: “A person will sometimes devote all his life to the development of one part of his body – the wishbone.†-Robert Frost
Two myths we must bust: Bumping only happens at the airport, and it’s bad news.
Hotels do the same math airlines do; they overbook because some people never show up and forget to cancel their reservation. Cruise lines do the same.
When MSNBC recently wrote about the pitfalls of being bumped, it left out the possible perks.
The ball is often in your court to get a refund, a free upgrade, or both. Plus, there are other bonuses to help ease your inconvenience.
Airlines have rules that govern what cash compensation travelers should receive when they’re forced to give up their seats. (That situation is rare.) Passengers most often volunteer, and the benefits aren’t limited to money alone for your generosity.
Think of it exactly like that: You’re being generous with your time to accommodate the airline’s miscalculation. Take their offer and instantly up the ante. Profit from it.
Here’s a brief look at what you should ask for upon learning you’re about to be bumped:
Airlines
+ A voucher for a free flight of flights
+ An amenity kit including toiletries
+ A phone card
+ A hotel room for an overnight stay or layovers that exceed 4 hours
+ Meal vouchers
+ An upgrade, especially on international flights.
+ Airport lounge access.
Cruises
+ A different cruise—AND—a refund. (Sail for free)
+ Complimentary shore excursions
+ A Shipboard credit for tips, the spa, the bar, etc.
Hotels
+ A room at another hotel, of course.
+ An upgraded room. Perhaps a suite?
+ Meal vouchers
+ Transportation
Just ask. The worst they can say to you is, “No.”
I think it was Tenisha who asked ...” How do people respond when you tell them about being in this Challenge?” Well, I tested the waters yesterday and told the crew at work about my little Weight Loss Challenge. Everyone seemed enthused ( or maybe it was just me being enthused). Their reaction was positive. So to answer that question…the response I’ve been getting from friends and family has been fantastic! Lots of encouragement.
Public scrutiny was the driving force for me to enter this contest. I’m usually a private person but I knew that my daily struggles would have to be chronicled and the whole world ( Tampa Bay area, at least) would be keeping an eye on me.
Speaking of eyeballing. Let me tell you about my struggle this morning. Our department throws THE BEST food parties…birthday, retirement, Ground Hog Day etc. So while celebrating Donna’s birthday today, I had to turn away tons of baked goods, biscuits/ gravy, doughnuts ( Krispy Kreme)etc. I ended up choosing a banana to munch on. I noticed alot of eyeballs checking out my food choice too! Talk about keeping me honest.
Let me tell you about my fitness routine. I’m walking , cycling and lifting weights. I’m pretty much old school… so no fancy schmancy workout gadgets for me.
I usually walk Bayshore Blvd twice a week. I started doing 3 miles..took over an hour. Now, three weeks later, I’m walking it in 50-55 minutes. On odd days, I ride an exercise bike(garage sale variety) for about 30 minutes and spend 30 minutes on the weight machine. It has stackable weights and lots of pulleys and gizmos and you can really get hurt if you’re not careful. Note to Gina: Are all exercise machines from the Medieval Ages? They do appear to be torture devices. I definitely need some advice from Erin (trainer) in this area.
So far, this routine seems to be working. Our ‘bios’ will be featured in Saturday’s Tribune (see- 4 You section) and my weight will no longer be a guarded secret. OUCH! But I feel great…I’ve lost 3 pounds from that starting weight.
I try to mix up my routine so not to get bored. I rode 18 miles on my road bike this past Sunday. Pass-a-Grille to John’s Pass…and back. I do recommend a couple of ‘rest days’ during the week. Your body lets you know when it’s just too pooped to do anymore.
So, if anyone has ideas for workouts or news of upcoming bike events or interesting fitness events…please share with me.
My next goal: Getting food portions in control. Stay tuned.
In the first installment of a new nutrition column I’m doing, (go ahead and laugh. It’s okay.), I wrote last week about the new Wild Oats Natural Marketplace on Dale Mabry in Tampa.
I mentioned in the column that celebrity chef Tyler Florence would be there and I arranged to chat with him before the preview opening started on Tuesday night, so I thought I’d drop by and see the festivities firsthand.
I’ve been to store openings before. Lots of them. This one had a whole different feel to it.
A gigantic line snaked out into the parking lot. One woman said she lined up at 4 p.m. for the 6 p.m. opening. The parking garage and nearby lots in front Home Depot, Total Wine and an abandoned Toys R Us were filled to capacity.
Guess I maybe shouldn’t have mentioned that Tyler Florence would be there. The place was a mob scene.
The store is beautiful inside. (I took this shot before doors opened.) If you groove on the natural/organic/vitamin scene, this is your Xanadu. There’s a grill, an espresso and smoothie bar, a bulk food section, meat and seafood and a gigantic cheese section.
The store did its best to accomodate the hoarde, including having staffers at the ready to hand out samples on gigantic platters as shoppers entered.
One thing I hadn’t expected to see?
An organic mime.
I saw him before the opening talking on his cell phone. I swear.
I did everything I could to get it on film. I was not successful.
It will be my life’s main regret.
I asked the woman manning the chocolate dipping fountain how this qualified as healthy. She was at a loss for words.
“Dark chocolate is good for you,” I offered.
“Yes, that’s it,” she said.
Oh, and there were strawberries being used for dipping.
That’s the ticket.
But Florence was the main attraction. I interviewed him for about 25 minutes before we emerged from a manager’s office. I half expected him to wait for his entourage to escort him to the book signing table or to his cooking stage for the Spaghetti Putanesca demo he was going to do. Instead, he plunged into the masses, making his way through the store before being corraled by handlers and guided to the signing.
At one point, he excused himself as he wedged past a group of women. I watched as two of them waited until he was a safe distance away before they jumped up and down screaming like they’d just seen Bono or something.
A side note: Florence was running late to the opening. Seems that he was doing TV interviews by satellite all afternoon Tuesday and the metal clip that affixed the earpiece wire to his collar to keep it from slipping instead ran down the back of his shirt.
“When it yanked down my shirt, it scratched my back,” he said.
An assistant noticed that there was a trail of blood down the back of his shirt, so they ran back to his hotel and changed clothes. His girlfriend Evyn Block, here on the left, even brought a second set for him, just in case.
I hate bad food metaphors.
On Tuesday night, during the pregame of the NCAA men’s basketball final on CBS, host Greg Gumbell asked analyst Clark Kellogg for his opinion on what viewers could expect from the game.
Kellogg then made his first mistake: opening his mouth.
“Let’s start with Corey Brewer,” he said, referring to the clutch player from the University of Florida.
Cool, I thought. He’s picking someone who doesn’t get a lot of face time. He’s not going for Joanick Noah, the monumentally talented center for the Gators. He’s not focusing on coach Billy Donovan. He’s going for impact, not flash.
Then Kellog launched this beauty:
“His game is as versatile as a potato,” Kellogg said. “He can come baked or hashed, fried or mashed.”
Huh?
What, exactly, do potatoes have to do with this, Clark? And what about Julienne? You forgot Julienne. Is Corey Brewer not a Julienne kind of player? Can you not boil him? What about baking? I bet he’d taste crispy if you wrapped him in foil and oiled and salted his skin, Clark. And don’t forget the mayo. I’d hazard a guess that Corey would make a dandy potato salad. New York-Style Red. Mmmm. My favorite.
Jesus Jones on a jump rope.
Not deterred by his own lack of verbal acuity, Kellogg continued, trying to back up his weak-sauce metaphor:
“This guy has the versatility to steal offensively and the size and length defensively to really be a problem for UCLA on the perimeter.”
Steal offensively? Length on the perimeter? Wha?
Sorry, but you lost me at the spud, dude.
I was so incredulous at what I’d heard, I went back to the DVR and kept replaying it for 20 minutes, like it was the Zapruder film or something. Son of Stew was laughing hysterically. At halftime, I had to go back to the clip. When my friend Larry called from Maryland late in the second half, I rewound the pregame and held up the phone to my stereo speakers so he could hear it. Then I replayed it again for him.
Even worse, after Brewer had a phenomenal game, Kellogg couldn’t resist revisiting the tuber theme.
“I told you,” he said with just minutes left in the game, “This guy is like a potato.”
No, Clark. You’re the potato. And whoever dug you up ought to put you back in the ground where they found you.
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