create the life you love

Metabolism Boosting Drink

 

Dr. Oz’s Tangerine Weight-Orade Recipe…It contains: green tea, shown to boost metabolism 12% by drinking just one cup; tangerine, with a chemical composition that increases sensitivity to insulin and stimulates genes that help to burn fat; and mint, a calorie-free flavor enhancer.

In a large pitcher, combine: 8 cups of brewed green tea / 1 tangerine, sliced / A handful of mint leaves / Stir this delicious concoction up at night so all the flavors fuse together. Drink 1 pitcher daily for maximum metabolism-boosting results.

 

Made this tonight and trying tomorrow!

LuLu!

I mentioned a month or so ago about my new exercise of choice .. The Bar Method. I have been going 4-6 days a week now since the first of August and am still loving it. Along with my obsession with 'the bar' is my big obsession with Lululemon. Hands down, the best quality and most comfortable exercise wear, in my opinion. I was a former Nike lover/wearer, but have completely converted to Lulu. 

Some of my favorite pieces -

The Wunder Under Crop .. I have a few pairs of these and have even worn the plain black as leggings with boots and long sweater. 

(love the little ruffles)

 

(again, love the ruffles around the shoulders - I am wearing this right now, never mind that is is 8pm and I've been in my exercise clothes since 6:30am)

The only thing that was missing at Lululemom was the color PINK ... but much to my delight, they recently added quite a few pink pieces .. so I just had to buy myself a few Christmas presents.

I even love Lululemon's Groovy Thong ;)

Egg Muffins

 

Very easy and delish ... I LOVE these

Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray

Mix eggs in a bowl - I use all eggs whites (liquid) with just 1 egg yoke, but using all regular eggs is just fine too. I just happen to love egg whites. You can also add in a bit of milk or half & half, but I omit this. 

(Basically, you are mixing as you do to make omelets)

I add some Krazy Jane's Mix Up Salt , then poor into the muffin tin.

Add diced green, red, yellow peppers, broccoli, onions or whatever veggies you like.

Bake at 350 dregrees until done (about 15 min).

Save the extras in a zip lock bag and re-heat in microwave.

So good, high protein, low fat, low carb

 

Another version here and here .. these are the 'not so' low fat versions, with meat & cheese. I make these for Griff.

 

~

 

Also .. thank you all for the kind remarks regarding my scrapbooking. Much appreciated and I hope I can find some time to get back to it soon.  

The Bar

My new, almost daily routine. I have been going 5-6 mornings a week for almost 4 weeks now and absolutely love this workout .. yes, workout, as in exercise .. not a drinking bar ;) .. lots of comments (ha, ha) from my family about going to the bar .. at 8am every morning!

I have purposely stopped my regular weight training, cardio, and pilates and am doing only bar classes to see what type of results I achieve .. which have been fabulous! All that 'tucking' is making a huge difference in my body and muscle tone.

Love, love this body sculpting workout!

The Bar Method

 

 

 

Recipe!

I made this tonight and it was delish!

At least I thought so .. and very healthy, of course ;)

 

 

White Bean Stew with Swiss Chard and Tomatoes

(Master Chef Judge Joe Bastianich)

INGREDIENTS

1. 2 pounds Swiss chard, large stems discarded and leaves cut crosswise into 2-inch strips
2. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3. 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5. 1 26 oz canned tomatoes, chopped (I used seasoned with basil, etc)
6. One 16-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (I used seasoned black eye peas since I didn't have cannellini beans on hand)
7. Salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chard and simmer over moderate heat until tender, 8 minutes. Drain the greens and gently press out excess water.
2. In the saucepan, heat the oil. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook over moderate heat until the garlic is golden, 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Add the beans and simmer over moderately high heat for 3 minutes. Add the chard and simmer over moderate heat until the flavors meld, 5 minutes. Season the stew with salt and serve.

NOTES

One Serving 274 cal, 16 gm fat, 2.1 gm sat fat, 13 gm carb, 11 gm fiber.

 

An Anniversary

 

 

I haven't talked much about my diet much lately and I always feel a bit funny talking about it, but I have recorded my journey here on my blog ... so I will continue on. 

Just a few weeks ago (I am a bit late), marked 2 years since I started my new diet/health program ... which was intended to be for life and so far is!

I am proud to say, I have stayed completely on track for the past 2 years.

No processed carbs, no refined sugars.

 

Although my blog is not all that popular, not do I get many comments .. by far the most comments, questions, and emails have been about my diet. I have tried to help each and everyone of you that have asked, and hope that you all have been successful in making changes and achieving your goals. I would love to hear from y'all too!

I wrote about my 1 year anniversary here and you can read more of my 'journey' here

 

BTW ... I am still wearing those jeans, 2 years later. In fact, I have them on in my GNO photo below.

ETA: Answering a few questions here ..

 Question #1 - Do you enjoy any cocktails?  If so, what?  

Yes! I do drink red wine and occasionally vodka (with club soda and a sometimes a splash of cranberry juice). While I do not drink every night, I do have a glass or 2 of wine when I go out.

 

Question #2 - Do you have any pasta, wheat pastas, etc.?  I think it would be hard for me to give up pasta and pizza.

No, I do not eat pastas or pizza. With the Zone diet (which is basically what I follow, just to a more extreme) you are allowed pastas, but I just choose not to have them. I was never a big pasta eater and do not miss it at all. But that's just me ... sugar is my issue!

 

More Soup

Here is another 'soup that slims you' soup, created by Christine Avanti.  I made this yesterday. I think it is just as good as the Sicilian lentil soup and only 80 calories per 3/4 cup serving. 

I did add a bit more spices again to this soup (more chili pepper, cumin and kosher salt), and I didn't include the carrots since I am not a big fan of cooked carrots. Next time, I will add more diced celery, since I really like celery in soups and the 'crunchiness' ... and I may even leave out the chicken or cut it up or shed it into much smaller pieces. I just don't like chicken all that much anymore and for some reason, especially in soups - Weird. I do need the protein though, so the chicken should stay. Also, I left off the tortilla chips, but most definitely add the lime juice and cilantro (I love cilantro & lime together).

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 tsp and 1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp and 1/2 tsp chili powder

28 oz canned, crushed tomatoes (I used the seasoned with basil type)

1 large diced onion

5 minced garlic cloves

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 diced celery ribs 

2 diced carrots

20 halved grape tomatoes

1 qt low-sodium, low fat chicken broth

1/2 cup frozen corn

1 lime, cut into wedges

1/4 cup cilantro

24 crumbled baked tortilla chips

Cut chicken into small pieces and coat with 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp chili powder. salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Puree crushed tomatoes, onion and half of the garlic. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add other half of the garlic, celery, carrots, grape tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper and saute for 5 minutes. Add tomato puree. Stir frequently for 10 to 15 minutes. Add corn and chicken; boil until cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Pour soup into bowls, squeeze lime wedge over each. Garnish with cilantro and chips. makes 16 3/4-cup servings.

Soup!

I came across this recipe in a magazine, along with another that I have yet to try (planning on making it this weekend). They are created by Christine Avanti and are healthy & low fat. Both are 'soups that slim you'. The combination of liquids and solids help to curb hunger (I find this to be true - I am always very full after eating a bowl of soup).This lentil soup was very easy to make and quite good, although I did add in some extra seasonings - chili pepper and a bit of Crystal Hot Sauce. I like a little 'kick' to my soups.

 

Sicilian Lentil Soup

130 calories per serving (1 cup)

 

1 lb lentils

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp oregano

1 large diced onion

2 minced garlic cloves

16 oz canned, diced tomatoes

16 oz can tomato sauce

1 qt vegetable broth

8 cups water

Soak lentils in bowl filled with water for 1 hour. Drain water. In a large pot, add oil, oregano, onion and garlic. SImmer for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and water. Boil for several minutes. Add lentils and cook over medium heat for 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper (I also added chili pepper and Crystal hot sauce). Makes 16 1-cup servings

 

Current Foodie Favorites

I get many questions about my diet and what exactly I eat. Although I do eat often (usually 6 times a day), I do not eat a lot, and mostly the same foods every day. All very 'clean' eating.

Lately, these two items have become favorites. I eat these both a few times a week, or more.

I absolutely love this V8 Tomato Herb Soup and eat it often for lunch.

90 calories per cup (2 cups in box), 0 fat, 19g carbs, 3 g protein, 3 g fiber, 14gsugars (a little high for me, so I need to watch my intake!). 480mg sodium (again high, but I do not have any blood pressure issues, it is actually very low).

Crazy for these also (actually my entire family likes these), Murray's Chicken Burgers. I just grill them in a pan and eat them with lots of mustard - plain French's yellow mustard - I love mustard.  

132 calories each, 4.4g fat, 0 carbs, 22g protein, all natural and gluten free

 

They also come in mini slider burgers. Both seem to be hard to find though. I can usually get them at one of my local Publix grocery stores. I buy a bunch when I find then and freeze them. 

One Year Anniversary

{ January 7, 2009 - 12 weeks after starting my program, minus 33 lbs. }

This past Saturday, October 17, marked my one year anniversary of my diet and health 'life changes'. One entire year of being refined sugar free and processed carb free! I honestly still can not believe that I was able to completely kick my sugar addiction. Not one cookie, piece of candy (okay, I did eat one sour patch kid one day and one jelly belly another time, as well as a very tiny taste here and there when I am baking), no cakes, no bread, chips, crackers, or any other processed foods - with the except of protein bars. My weight has stayed within 5 lbs of my lowest, which was a bit low for my height. That being said, I still work very hard at the gym 5 days a week. Usually weight training 3 days a weeks, cardio (30 -60 minutes) 5 days a week, ab class 3 times a week, and pilates 2 days a week. I also 'power' walk and or ride my bike often on the weekends. All this exercising combined with a 'clean' diet (lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, nuts) - it obviously takes a lot of work just to maintain my weight!! All so worth it though. I have much more energy, am much more 'upbeat', am so much happier with myselff, my body, my self image, and am so much healthier - my insulin levels are all normal now :).

I hope I can encourage those of you that may be struggling with the same or similar issues. Please believe me that when I say ... if I can do this, any one can. Sugar was like crack to me! And ... I am still around it all the time. Both Griff and my husband eat some type of cookies, ice cream, candy (or all!) every night, and I do the serving! I also bake often, many of my 'former' favorite recipes and never have a bite. Chocolate Kahlua Cake and Pumpkin Cake are 2 desserts that I use to devour! I just eat fruit or a protein bar instead and either one will satisfy me.

Also, I want to thank all of you that have encouraged and supported me this last year while going through this all. I appreciate each and every one of your kind words!

 

xoxox

Swim Suit Season

Well, I can not believe I am going here...swim suits or even more shocking - bikinis! Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine I would ever wear a bikini again, but with the 'new me', I am going for it!

 I have been on a mission (obsession!) shopping for new swim suits and have purchased a few, some at great prices.

 

Kenneth Cole, ordered from Macy's in a bright pink color ... *love*

 

 

 

 

Victoria Secret

 

Another VS that I can mix and match with the above suit

 

Lilly Pulitzer, Gweneth Paltro design.

I tried this on at the Lilly store, loved it but they did not have my size, plus it was not on sale and quite expensive ... I found it on ebay though, NWT for a great price :)

 

A few more suits that I like but am holding back!

VS

  

J Crew

 

And, I have to add another great ebay find. These Lilly bangles! Again, I came so close to buying them at the store, but restrained myself. I couldn't pass them up on ebay though ;)

 

 

 

Salmon Salad Recipes

**ETA: I wanted to pass on a few articles about wild vs farmed salom and why I choose to eat wild ...

Wild vs Farmed Salmon

Science Daily

USA Today

I thought I would share a few recipes with you all. I eat salmon (wild, not farmed) a few times a week, usually on a salad. Many times, I just make my own salad of greens, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers and banana peppers, but these are two of my favorite recipes  .... low fat, low carb and healthy - of course!

Barefoot Contesa Grilled Salmon Salad

Yield: 4 servings

• 2 pounds cooked salmon, chilled
• 1 cup small-diced celery (3 stalks)
• 1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Break the salmon into very large flakes, removing any skin and bones, and place the salmon in a bowl. Add the celery, red onion, dill, capers, raspberry vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Season, to taste. Mix well and serve cold or at room temperature.

 

Cucina Italiana's Salmon Salad

Yield: 1 serving

• 4 ounce salmon fillet, grilled (I like to use Grill Mates Salmon Seasoning)

• 5 grilled asparagus spears

• Bib and romain lettuce (or whatever greens you'd like)

• 2 tablespoons diced tomatoes

• 2 ounces balsamic dressing ( I like Maple Farms of Vermont Fat Free Balsamic Vinegar Dressing)

• 1/4 ounce crispy potato strings  - I do NOT add these ;)

• 2 tablespoons diced feta cheese (I use low fat)

Combine and toss lettuce, 2 tablespoons diced tomato and balsamic dressing. Transfer to serving bowl.Top salad with salmon. Arrange asparagus together so spears lean on salmon. Top with crispy potato strings (not me!). Sprinkle with feta cheese.

**When making this for myself, I just throw it all on a plate, top with the salmon and eat ... I do not  'lean my asparagus spears on the salmon'! ;)

**Also, this is the same salad I have eaten many, many times at Brio Tuscan Grill Restaurant (we do not have an Cucina Italiana Restaurant near by, but they are the same company). I believe it may be the only entree I have ever ordered there.

Shirataki Noodles

 

Have any of you tried the Shirataki tofu noodles? They are available at Whole Foods. I have been adding them to my grilled vegetables once a week or so. Although, they seem tasteless to me, they do add some 'bulk' to my meal and really fill me up.

 

Grilled onions, red, orange & green peppers, the Shirataki noodles and some seasoning. I also add grilled chicken for a complete meal.

More recipes here

 

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving
Calories	20
Calories From Fat	5
		% Daily Value
Total Fat	0.5 g	1 %
Saturated Fat	0 g	0 %
Trans Fat	0 g	0 %
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 %
Sodium	15 mg	1 %
Total Carbohydrate	3 g	1 %
Dietary Fiber	2 g	9 %
Sugar	0 g
Protein	1 g
Vitamin A		0 %
Vitamin C		2 %
Calcium		10 %
Iron		2 %

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
Serving per Container: 2
Net wt. 8 oz (226g)
 

INGREDIENTS
Filtered water, tofu (soybeans, calcium sulfate, glucono delta lactone), yam flour, calcium hydroxide.

  

 

 

My Weight/Health Program Info

I wanted to post this link for those who may be interested. I get lots of questions and inquires about my weight loss. This is a current list of the doctors  who offer the Zone Wellness Program. As of now, most centers arein California ( I believe this is where Dr. Barry Sears, the founder lives) and here in Florida. Dr. Sear's co-founder, Dr. Garcia lives in Tampa. I am sure more and more centers will be opening as more doctors become certified in the program. Many internists are offering the program now since so many of their patients are diabetic, pre-diabetic, over weight or obese ... or a combination of these.

I was so happy and thrilled to be able to help a fellow blogging friend - she just happens to have a Zone Wellness Center near her and is just starting the program! So excited for her.

As for me, I am doing great. I have been maintaining my weight now for about 2 months. I am a little low in my weight, so I have a few lbs., 2-5 to 'go up' with if I so chose , but so far have stayed at 118 ... and am still sugar free! As the saying goes ... I fell like a million bucks! ;)

For those readers that are new and would like to know more, here is the link to my diagnosis and progress since October (start at the bottom).

Weight Loss Update and More Questions Answered

Well .. I should say, weight gain update! Yes, I gained 1.5 lbs this week and just about completely freaked when I received this bit of news yesterday at the doctor's office. I have been continually losing now for 13 weeks and even though I am way below my goal weight and can certainly carry a few more pounds, I do not want to!! I actually have upped my exercise these past few weeks, doing longer cardio and doing it every single day, as well as weights 3-4 times a week and pilates 2-3 times per week - and continuing to stay on track with my eating (I didn't even have a single glass of wine these past 2 weeks!). All is okay though, I did loss another 2% of body fat this past week, a lot for 1 weeks time, which brings my fat % down to 21% (2 points below the norm). And, I hate to be so obsessive about this, but since this is a life/health change for me and something I must do for the rest of my life to prevent becoming diabetic, I need to keep it all in check  *see below* (although I was far from being obese, my insulin resistance was due to sugar addiction!)

I will still be going to the doctor every week for my B12 shots and weigh in (which also includes a print out of my body fat and BMI) and I plan on continuing posting updates here on my blog, at least monthly to have it all down.

ETA: current update - 1/28/09 { weight 118 lbs. fat % 21 }. While I am completely transitioned over to the Zone, I am still continuing to lose weight. Since I do not want to lose any more (can not believe I would ever say this!), I need to eat more of the good things to maintain. I am still learning just what and how much my body needs to maintain,

**Not everyone who is obese develops diabetes.  The question is why?  The answer probably can be found in the levels of silent inflammation and where that inflammation is located.  If the silent inflammation is located in your muscle cells, the result is insulin resistance.  Left untreated, this insulin resistance can easily develop into type 2 diabetes within 8-10 years.  Once you develop type 2 diabetes, you might as well start taking years of potential life off your calendar.  However, it has been shown that insulin resistance, which is the foundation of type 2 diabetes, can be reversed in a matter of days by the anti-inflammatory Zone Diet.  But to treat type 2 diabetes effectively you have to use that anti-inflammatory diet on a lifetime basis.

A few questions some of you have asked:

What about caffeine? 

Coffee is ok in moderation, but no milk or cream. I use a tiny bit (that is all you need to slightly sweeten your coffee) of  Nu Stevia - no carbs or calories, which is available at Whole Foods. I drink coffee every morning (a few cups) and a cup some days in the late afternoon.

ETA: dairy products are acceptable on the Zone, just in moderation. I just choose not to add milk or cream to my coffee.

As for diet coke and other diet sodas - I gave them up completely. I use to drink diet coke once in a while and drank a lot of the diet green teas (lipton), but have quit both. The sugar (even though it may be fat free/calorie free) still effects my insulin levels, so none for me. Not hard at all to give up. I drink water all day long now (use to hate this!), well over a gallon a day.

What about alcohol? 

I am not a big drinker, but do like my fine red wines;). I really don't drink much at home, unless we are entertaining or something special is going on, but I do like a glass or 2 of wine when we dine out, which is usually 2 nights a week. Since alcohol is a carb (turns into one), you have to count is as one. The  zone program certainly allows it (in moderation),  but they say (as with any carbs), to always eat protein with it.

BTW, vodka has no carbs, so a vodka and diet tonic is a good choice ;) or, as some of my friends have tried, vodka and crystal light pomegranate (I have also tried it and it is quite refreshing!).

What about dairy products? 

I didn't eat any dairy except for a bit of fat free cheese (laughing cow).  I'm not a big dairy eater anyway, but I do like cheese. You are allowed fat free cottage cheese or 2% (I think) cottage cheese (I don't like cc), as well as fat free cheeses and low fat, again I think,  2%. These  all counted as a protein. With the Zone though, more is allowed (again, in moderation),  but I haven't checked on this yet (still in the learning phase and will be completely transitioning over next week). I believe feta cheese is a good choice for salads.

What about eating out?

 This has not been as issue at all for me. We eat out often and even traveling, I had no problem. Of   course, we have stayed away from any kind of restaurants where it may be hard to find the correct food - mexican, chinese, etc.  I almost always order grilled fish (I am allergic to shell fish, so I only eat fish- fish), most often salmon, tuna or a white fish. I ask for it to be grilled with a little olive oil and order a vegetable(steamed or grilled), usually asparagus or broccoli. Many times,  I''ll ask (or the waiter will offer) to double the vegetables since I am not having another side (potato, rice, etc). I also order salads often with grill fish added. I tell the waiter exactly what I want on the salad or what I want left off and use oil and red wine vinegar for my dressing. I also carry these little Kraft salad dressing packets in my purse (this was great while in NY for my salad lunches). Although, I haven't been able to buy them at Publix the past few weeks and I can't find them on line, even on the Kraft website. Also, when I do order dessert, I ask for fresh berries.

dining out guide

More about The Zone ...

What’s the theory?

The Zone Diet works on the theory that excess insulin, a hormone that helps control our blood sugar levels, makes us fat and keeps us fat. By closely regulating our blood sugar levels and therefore keeping our levels of insulin in a tight ‘zone’, the body burns fat more efficiently so that we lose weight.

To control blood sugar levels and consequently insulin levels, you need to get the perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in every meal. Achieving this perfect balance effectively means following a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that includes moderate amounts of fat.

The Zone also encouragesyou to cut out a lot of the ‘junk’ or low-nutrient carbs in your diet such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and chocolate. Eating fewer fatty foods – and swapping foods that are high in saturates for those containing monounsaturates – is sensible, heart-healthy advice, too.

Zone Diet Info

Dr. Sears

The Zone

Please feel free to ask any more questions, I'm more than happy to help!

Dinner!

 

Just thought I would share some of my meals now that I am 'in the zone'. Almost every night, I have a big salad with broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange and/or green), and mild banana peppers (love these!). The dressing is oil and red wine vinegar. I also add, or eat separately, a piece of grilled fish or chicken - about a 4-6 ounce piece. I tend to eat more fish than chicken (salmon, tilapia, tuna, grouper or other white fish) and I am at Whole Foods almost every day to buy it. Salmon is my favorite, grilled with Grill Mates Salmon. 

                       

     

 

AND .... of course I have to mention the big game. How about them Gators?!! The National Champions once again!

 

                                                          

                                                                                Tim Tebow

 

Weight Loss Update

I've had a lot of questions regarding my weight loss and the program I am following. I posted much of the information in a previous post and will try to answer your questions here.

I started the program about 12 weeks ago - October 17 and to date (yesterday) have lost way more than I planned or ever thought I could. A total of 33.4 lbs! I have transitioned over to the Zoneprogram. Because of my insulin problems (pre-diabetic), the zone needs to be a way of life for me. My addiction to sugar was a huge problem -  very toxic to my body as well as causing my weight gain. So, I am basically being treated as a diabetic and following a diet that will keep my hormones and insulin level - and keep the weight off!

A few of my 'stats':

Current weight: 119lbs

Size: Botom -0! Top 4 or 6

Current BMI (body mass index): 19.3  (started out at 24.7)

Current fat%: 21.6% (started out at 35.9%)

Current fat mass: 28.2 lbs (started out at 28.2 lbs)

The desirable range for my age and height is:

Fat% - 23-34%

Fat mass - 29.4-50.6 lbs

A few questions ...

The B12 shots: I get these weekly. The benefits include:

-  It  is an 'energy vitamin'

-  Prevents fatigue

 - Used in patients that have chronic fatigue (I have this!)

- Mild diuretic effect

- Stimulates the utilization of proteins, fats and carbohydrates

The supplements I am continuing to take:

Calcium Pyruvate 750 mg - plays a key roll in the conversion of food into energy. Is combined with calcium for stabilization. It accelerates cellular respiration. SOme studies have indicated that it may even reduce fat without exercise.

Cell Press - Contains cellulose, natural gums, chromium picolinate and titanium dioxide. Acts as a natural filler, giving the feeling of fullness prior to eating, which aids in portion control. Also attracts and holds water acting as a stool softener.

Multivitamin with Mineral Tablet - This is an prescription strength vitamin

Zone Omega 3 Concentrate -

Clean, pure sources and proprietary processing.

Ten times the cleanliness than that allowed by the prestigious Norwegian Medicinal and European Pharmacopoeia standards.

Concentrated dose of up to eight times more omega-3s than that provided by a typical dose of even the most expensive omega-3 brands sold in stores.

More effective than fish alone. A serving of tuna, cod or catfish has 12 times less omega-3’s than a serving of OmegaRx, and fish has impurities.

Zone Polyfenol Plus -

Zone Polyphenols combines 17 different varieties of isolated polyphenols from fruits and vegetables.

How on earth did you make it through the holidays?  Did you "cheat" at
all or did you totally stick with the program?  Did you cook the
Christmas recipes that you usually do?  Eat any Christmas cookies?

I really didn't cheat! The only little cheat was a tiny bit of the fudge I made - not even a half of piece. I made 3-4 different types of Christmas cookies and didn't eat any. My sugar 'addiction' is just like any other addiction - if I start, I can not stop! I may get to the point down the road, where I can have a bite or 2 of sweets and that is it, but right now is none at all. I eat 2-3 fruits every day and now that I transitioned to the Zone, I have 1 or 2 of the zone bars - both the fruit and the bars are my sweet treats.

As for my Christmas  dinner, yes I did make my usual meal with a few adjustments. We had beef tenderloin with green beans. I also made Dan, Barret and Griff a double stuffed potato and there were rolls. But Connor and I just stuck to the beef and beans! No cakes at all this year. I had some of the cookies saved for Dan & Griff. Barret really doesn't eat many sweets - go figure! Griff, on the other hand loves them (takes after his momma) and although Dan likes his cookies, cakes and ice cream, he is very disciplined.

I am such a sugar addict.  I am having trouble wrapping my head around
the concept of no more sugar (cookies, piece of cake, etc).  Have you
replaced one habit (eating sweets) with a better habit/worse habit?

LOL - I love this question :). I guess you can say I've replace my addiction to sugar with a better habit - more shopping! Of course, Dan would beg to differ and consider it a worse habit! ;) Seriously though, now that I have so much more energy and can see the results, I have really increased my workouts in both time and effort. And ... I actually like going to the gym every day - I even look  forward to it! I can not tell you how much I dreaded  and hated every minute of working out in the years past. Complete opposite now :)

Are you at your goal?  Would love to see a current picture.

Yep, I am actually way beyond my goal!

And here are a few pictures taken yesterday, I can not believe that I am taking pictures of myself in the mirror, much less posting them on my blog! A bit embarrassed. Not great pictures either and I failed to get a full length photo. Maybe when I get braver I'll take some in my workout clothes like they show in the before/after pictures ;)

Never mind my squinty camera face!

   

With my white tummy showing. It hasn't seen the light of day for many years! Not that I am going to start wearing a bikini now ...

Just wanted to show you the back side of my new  Hudson    jeans ;)

     

Weight Loss Update

I haven't reported in for a few weeks now due to traveling and being so busy, but I am doing great (if I may say so myself!). I have lost a total of 26 lbs ... more than I could have imagined, or even thought I needed to lose.  Most of it, all from my mid-section. I can not begin to tell you how wonderful I feel - like I am back to the real me, and I am now a size 2 or 0.  My energy level is amazing, I feel so healthy (I guess so, with no processed sugars or refined carbs for 8 weeks now), my mood swings are gone (I feel like I am such a nicer, outgoing person), my blood sugar/insulin  levels are way down and of course I am over the moon with my new self :)

A few pictures that I took last weekend in Palm Beach (please note, I only tucked in the sweater to see my stomach, I do not wear it that way!) ;)  ...

 

 

In my Lilly leopard print capris ...   

   

Weight Lose

I have now lost a total of 18.5 lbs. and am thinner than I've been for 3 years now :). Back to the real me and that HUGE donut around my middle is gone! I am going for 20lbs and then will be transitioning over to my life style (forever!) program. Hopefully my sugar addiction has been beat and I will be able to continue on this healthy life style for good. Not that I will never touch sugar/sweets again, but hoping I will not have the cravings to eat it 24/7! I posted about my program last week for those that want to know.

Of course now my clothes do not  fit, so that means I need to shop - and we all know just how much I love shopping :) . Fortunately, I did keep some of my clothes from a few years back that I loved and just couldn't bare to part with. These are items that are pretty much timeless, including lots of Lilly. I also wore my Burberry skirt (hasn't fit for years) a few night ago and was so happy to be able to wear this again. And ... it just so happens that I have a little trip coming up in a few days(with plenty of opportunities to shop),  thanks to my sweet husband. More on that later.

No photos of me in the mirror this week ;), but a shot of some beautiful sunflowers in my kitchen ...

Weight Loss

So .... I am down 14 lbs!! And, I have never felt better. It's like I've removed a fat suit and can finally see my 'real' body and all the muscles that I have worked so hard to get over all these years of working out. Both my BMI and fat percents are lower and I am sure my insulin levels will be too.

I never take photos of my self, but I felt I had to record this ... my 'muffin top' is just about gone!! :) (I swear, almost all of those 14 lbs were right there in my midsection!)

 

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Another girl's night out last night. My friend, Marta's birthday. So much fun - I just love being with 'my girls'. Lord knows I need and deserve it living with all these guys!

We forgot to take pictures (having too much fun), but here is my gift ...

 

Weight Loss

I had my weekly doctors appointment today and a big  B12 shot . I am down 9.5 lbs. and feel terrific. I honestly feel like I've lost 20 or more pounds and .... my 'muffin top' is almost gone! A bit more to go, but a HUGE improvement. 2 weeks of no sugar except for fruits, which taste soooo good to me now :)

 

7.5 lbs .... Gone!

I started a new program last week, with a new doctor (new to me). I have been struggling to lose 10 -15 lbs. and nothing has budged - not a pound! Following WW has always worked for me to get a few pounds off, but in the past year or so, my body has undergone some major issues and following WW was not working (eating most of your points in sugar is not good!). Never mind the 5-6 day a week workouts ( 1/2 hour cardio. 1/2 hour weight training and Pilate's2-3 times a week) - not losing any weight. Gone are the days when working out alone kept my weight down.

I recently found out that my cholesterol is border line high, and my triglycerides are sky high and I am pre-diabetic. Not good. This is due to my sugar addiction. Even though I do eat very healthy most of the time,  the sugar addiction has caught up with me. Although,  I eat mainly 'fat free' sugar items, my body is turning it into fat. Toxic fat - BAD!! My insulin levels are also high. A lot of my sugar problem has to do with my chronic fatigue, which I was diagnosed with 20+ years ago. I don't think I have ever mentioned it on my blog. It has been a struggle over the years, with some very difficult times (especially when the boys were little), but I have learned to live with it (although I honestly feel that I have lived all these years half asleep, always sluggish). I take a little nap almost every day, but when I wake up I immediately need sugar! And the cycle continues day after day, with my blood sugar levels all over the place. Sugar Crashes. Also, to add into the problem , I have perimenopause/menopause hormones galore that just happen to be depositing all the fat in my mid-section :(.

So, I am cleaning out my body. Eating only lean protein, 10 grams per day (egg whites, chicken, turkey, white fish) and now starting the second week, adding in a few good carbs (veggies and fruit). Drinking tons of water (at least 1 gallon a day) and taking supplements. All prescribed by my doctor. I am also getting weekly B12 shots. I have had these many times in the past but I never felt any better, no energy boost. This is due too my messed up body and high sugar levels. Now that I am cleansing, the shots should start to make a big difference in my energy levels.

Basically, I am following the Zone Program, with a few adjustments from my doctor. I had to start off rather radically with the protein only. Besides losing the weight, I am hoping and praying that I can kick my sugar addiction (replace it with fruits rather than sweets), lower all my levels and become healthier.

And ...  just because I like to include a photo with my posts, I will leave you with this picture of me and my skinny, tan self 20+ years ago. That flat stomach was pre 3 c-sections & 2 more surgeries. Someone folded the picture, thus the mark down the middle. Actually, I think Dan use to keep this in his wallet when we were dating ;) ...