Year after year people make commitments on New Year's to lose weight, but very few people actually reach their goals.
It starts with unrealistic beliefs about exercise and weight loss. Then when they don't meet those ideals - they quit completely.
They take the "ALL or NOTHING" approach to weight loss. They either workout everyday and eat from a restricted menu, or they are back to their old ways.
Real weight loss is about sticking with it and making it a lifestyle, not just a "diet."
Diet's don't work.
Gimmicks don't work!
The only way to get healthy and stay healthy is to eat better and move more.
There will be rough days along the way, but that doesn't mean you have failed.
Just keep trying to be healthy and eventually you will get there!!
Wishing you the healthiest and happiest 2009!!
Jess
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Temporomandibular Disorder
My jaw has not been able to close for over a week. The right side very painful. I can't chew.
So I finally went to the doctor yesterday, and was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder.
Basically the little disc between my jawbone to my skull is inflamed.
I have to take 600 mg of ibuprofen with every meal. (1800 mg a day!) for the next 2 weeks and eat only "soft foods." Then I go back in for a check-up.
Soft foods?! Over Christmas?! This sucks!!!!!
This is going to be hard because "the old fat me" in my head instantly cheers, "Ice cream is soft! Fudge is soft! Mashed potatoes and gravy are soft!! Stuffing is soft!"
I am a worried about suddenlying binging because something is "soft."
I am keeping my food journal, but I feel like I have walked into a landmine!
Can you think of any healthy, filling soft foods?
So I finally went to the doctor yesterday, and was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder.
Basically the little disc between my jawbone to my skull is inflamed.
I have to take 600 mg of ibuprofen with every meal. (1800 mg a day!) for the next 2 weeks and eat only "soft foods." Then I go back in for a check-up.
Soft foods?! Over Christmas?! This sucks!!!!!
This is going to be hard because "the old fat me" in my head instantly cheers, "Ice cream is soft! Fudge is soft! Mashed potatoes and gravy are soft!! Stuffing is soft!"
I am a worried about suddenlying binging because something is "soft."
I am keeping my food journal, but I feel like I have walked into a landmine!
Can you think of any healthy, filling soft foods?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I told you this years ago!
Yesterday an article was published to WebMD about "Cash Diets." And that is Cash - as in money - not "crash diets" which are unhealthy.
Basically the article was about researchers who bribed people with money to lose weight and the surprising success rate they had.
This was no surprise to me since I have used bribery for years to reach my weight loss goals!
Here is the link to the full article if interested.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20081209/dieters-lose-weight-when-reward-is-cash?src=RSS_PUBLIC&print=true
Basically the article was about researchers who bribed people with money to lose weight and the surprising success rate they had.
This was no surprise to me since I have used bribery for years to reach my weight loss goals!
Here is the link to the full article if interested.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20081209/dieters-lose-weight-when-reward-is-cash?src=RSS_PUBLIC&print=true
Monday, December 8, 2008
November Success
November was another successful month for my weight loss! I started the month at 196, and finished at 194. Two pounds gone! This is really amazing considering I went on Vacation to San Francisco for Thanksgiving. (Sorry for the long break)
My knees are doing well. However the last day we were in San Francisco they started to bother me. My host then drew me a hot bath with salts to soak in. He even lit candles around the tub, and on the sink. It was fantastic!!
We did a lot of walking and I was very careful to actually write down my meals.
I had such wonderful meals and ate until I was satisfied. We had a grand Thanksgiving dinner and finished it off with pumpkin cheesecake! YUM!!! We also bought lots of chocolates.
I was really surprised to see I had not gained weight when we got home. What a Triumph!
This was the FIRST trip I have ever gone on where I did not gain weight!
I was 193.50 this morning, so that is another 1/2 pound lost in December so far! :-D I worked out on Saturday night: 30:19, 2.09 miles , 203.2 calories, 2328 strides.Monday, November 17, 2008
DivaCup!!!
My menstrual cycle is only 26 days long so I only get about 2 weeks a month that are PMS/Menstruation free. This totally sucks for weight loss, but on the plus side my periods are so regular, I can set my watch to it.
So before 5 PM on Sunday the 16th I went to the local Whole Foods and bought a DivaCup! A few hours later, I got to use it.
One day at work I was complaining about the hassle of feminine hygiene products, “...They clog up toilets and landfills! They have non-biodegradable plastic wrappers! They have irritating adhesives that stick to your skin and not your ‘granny panties.’ There has got to be a better way to do this!!”
A co-worker of mine then said, "Dude, get a Diva Cup
."
"A Diva Cup?"
The Diva Cup!!! This baby isn’t just an “enhancement” (like take the same old product and give it “wings” or a “smooth applicator”) this is the future!
Comparing the DivaCupto tampons and pads is like comparing these phones:
The DivaCup is a reusable silicone “cup” that you wear internally. It can be worn up to 12 hours, then you just empty, rinse and repeat (or store for next month). It so easy and CLEAN. I was worried that it would be a messy process, but I got the knack for it right away. Once in place, you don’t feel it. And it stays put - even when using the toilet.
I am thinking about giving them as Christmas gifts this year! I know that on Christmas Day they will think, "this is the weirdest present I have EVER received." But, within a month they will be a believer too!!!
Imagine never having to spend money on pads or tampons for a whole year?! That is really what I am giving them, and it makes the planet greener. :)
My calories are at 770 so far today and I will be working out on my elliptical trainer tonight! I did not weigh myself this morning!
Cheers!
Jess
So before 5 PM on Sunday the 16th I went to the local Whole Foods and bought a DivaCup! A few hours later, I got to use it.
One day at work I was complaining about the hassle of feminine hygiene products, “...They clog up toilets and landfills! They have non-biodegradable plastic wrappers! They have irritating adhesives that stick to your skin and not your ‘granny panties.’ There has got to be a better way to do this!!”
A co-worker of mine then said, "Dude, get a Diva Cup
.""A Diva Cup
?"The Diva Cup
!!! This baby isn’t just an “enhancement” (like take the same old product and give it “wings” or a “smooth applicator”) this is the future!Comparing the DivaCupto tampons and pads is like comparing these phones:
The DivaCup is a reusable silicone “cup” that you wear internally. It can be worn up to 12 hours, then you just empty, rinse and repeat (or store for next month). It so easy and CLEAN. I was worried that it would be a messy process, but I got the knack for it right away. Once in place, you don’t feel it. And it stays put - even when using the toilet.
I am thinking about giving them as Christmas gifts this year! I know that on Christmas Day they will think, "this is the weirdest present I have EVER received." But, within a month they will be a believer too!!!
Imagine never having to spend money on pads or tampons for a whole year?! That is really what I am giving them, and it makes the planet greener. :)
My calories are at 770 so far today and I will be working out on my elliptical trainer tonight! I did not weigh myself this morning!
Cheers!
Jess
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
2 pounds down so far this November!
Even with PMS and pizza puffing me back up, I am still down 2 pounds so far this November!! (I was 194.50 this AM.) I've lost about pound a week without effort!!
I count every calorie I "plate" even if I don't finish it all. I've been averaging about 1900 calories a day total. What I'm really eat is slightly under that.
My knee was cooperative on Wednesday and I was able to workout too! I might try again tonight! :)
Yeah!!
I count every calorie I "plate" even if I don't finish it all. I've been averaging about 1900 calories a day total. What I'm really eat is slightly under that.
My knee was cooperative on Wednesday and I was able to workout too! I might try again tonight! :)
Yeah!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
i heart thedailyplate!
The last few days I have been tracking my calories using “The Daily Plate.”
Whenever I googled: “calories (FILL IN THE BLANK)”
The Daily Plate was usually the #1 hit, so I finally bit the bullet and signed up for this digital diet diary!!!
I have to say I am very happy and impressed by the free service they offer! It takes all the hard work and MATH out of counting your calories!! Sweeeeeet!
I might update my pages to include a link to The Daily Plate under My Virtual Model!
Todays's Numbers:
AM weight: 193.50
Calories consumed so far today:
100....Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Mix
180....2 c. Skim Milk
410....2 Kellogg’s S’mores Poptarts
360....Amy’s Cheese Tamale Verde
===============================
1050
I have about 800 calories left today for dinner and maybe a dessert!
Whenever I googled: “calories (FILL IN THE BLANK)”
The Daily Plate was usually the #1 hit, so I finally bit the bullet and signed up for this digital diet diary!!!
I have to say I am very happy and impressed by the free service they offer! It takes all the hard work and MATH out of counting your calories!! Sweeeeeet!
I might update my pages to include a link to The Daily Plate under My Virtual Model!
Todays's Numbers:
AM weight: 193.50
Calories consumed so far today:
100....Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate Mix
180....2 c. Skim Milk
410....2 Kellogg’s S’mores Poptarts
360....Amy’s Cheese Tamale Verde
===============================
1050
I have about 800 calories left today for dinner and maybe a dessert!
Friday, November 7, 2008
-2.75 of Period/Trip weight gone
I still have two and a half pounds to lose to get back to my pre-period / pre-trip weight.
I was 195.25 this morning. I would love to be under 190 again soon. I hope I can by Thanksgiving!
I am extra nervous about Thanksgiving this year because Aaron and I will be spending it in San Francisco! Last time we were out there I gained 6 pounds! (I also got my period when on that trip too, so that may have been a contributor...)
Yesterday I walked the mile to the Dentist from my work and then back again! No cavities, but she referred me to a Orthodontist. I have been slicing the tip of my tongue on my gap like a hole in a cheese grater. Hopefully they will fix my bite so I can chew without my tongue getting cut. :)
The thing that ticks me off though is my dental coverage only covers Orthodontic procedures for my dependants to age 19... So If I was my own child they would pick it up... but since I am me... they won't. I am not a happy camper about this. They tell me I can set up "flex plan benefits" at my work to cover it, but I am still not happy about this.
I'll have to check my plan at work - again.
I was 195.25 this morning. I would love to be under 190 again soon. I hope I can by Thanksgiving!
I am extra nervous about Thanksgiving this year because Aaron and I will be spending it in San Francisco! Last time we were out there I gained 6 pounds! (I also got my period when on that trip too, so that may have been a contributor...)
Yesterday I walked the mile to the Dentist from my work and then back again! No cavities, but she referred me to a Orthodontist. I have been slicing the tip of my tongue on my gap like a hole in a cheese grater. Hopefully they will fix my bite so I can chew without my tongue getting cut. :)
The thing that ticks me off though is my dental coverage only covers Orthodontic procedures for my dependants to age 19... So If I was my own child they would pick it up... but since I am me... they won't. I am not a happy camper about this. They tell me I can set up "flex plan benefits" at my work to cover it, but I am still not happy about this.
I'll have to check my plan at work - again.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Nobody is Allergic to Fat!
Argh! Today I brought in a Pumpkin Pie thinking my coworkers would gobble it up an protect me from it... but I had some anyway.
Between the pie and the other things I had today, I have only 400 calories for the rest of the day!
I plan to have a 330 calorie Lean Cuisine meal for dinner and turn in early since my husband has a 7:30 AM dental cleaning. (Aaron then has a job interview at 11 AM and I hope they like what they see!! :) Having a second income would be a comfort!!!! GOOD LUCK AARON!!!)
Anyway...
I had some pie and I liked it!
I am still managing my calories even though I gave in to temptation. :9
Cheers! :)
Jess
Between the pie and the other things I had today, I have only 400 calories for the rest of the day!
I plan to have a 330 calorie Lean Cuisine meal for dinner and turn in early since my husband has a 7:30 AM dental cleaning. (Aaron then has a job interview at 11 AM and I hope they like what they see!! :) Having a second income would be a comfort!!!! GOOD LUCK AARON!!!)
Anyway...
I had some pie and I liked it!
I am still managing my calories even though I gave in to temptation. :9
Cheers! :)
Jess
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
October Summary
My vampire costume won "scariest costume" on Halloween!
Even with my period and that business trip at the end of the month, I lost 2 pounds in October!!!
I have not had a successful month of weight loss since LAST NOVEMBER! (Post first knee surgery.) 2008 has been a year of plateaus and weight gain, but finally the tide is turning!!
I am so excited to see how November will go!
Now go get out the vote!!!
Even with my period and that business trip at the end of the month, I lost 2 pounds in October!!!
I have not had a successful month of weight loss since LAST NOVEMBER! (Post first knee surgery.) 2008 has been a year of plateaus and weight gain, but finally the tide is turning!!
I am so excited to see how November will go!
Now go get out the vote!!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Dance Your Ass Off?
I was contacted by a new reality show that was pitched as "The Biggest Loser" meets "Dancing with the Stars." I beleive it was called "Dance Your Ass Off" and it would be on the Oxygen network.
I am kind of tempted to apply, but I worry about my knees. I also worry about the time commitment, and where will the filming take place? What about my job? I have a lot of questions, but I have to admit I'd still like to try!
I was 195.25 this morning. My period puff, and travel weight is shedding as fast as my cats... well maybe not that fast! ;)
I am kind of tempted to apply, but I worry about my knees. I also worry about the time commitment, and where will the filming take place? What about my job? I have a lot of questions, but I have to admit I'd still like to try!
I was 195.25 this morning. My period puff, and travel weight is shedding as fast as my cats... well maybe not that fast! ;)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
HALLOWEEN IS ALMOST HERE!!!
This year I am wearing a "traditional" costume.
I am going as a Vampire!
I am entering this picture in a costume contest!
Sadly "sexiest" costume is not one of the categories they are giving prizes for.
I should start making plans for this Friday night!
I am going as a Vampire!
I am entering this picture in a costume contest!
Sadly "sexiest" costume is not one of the categories they are giving prizes for.
I should start making plans for this Friday night!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
They're back!
Why do all my business trips ALWAYS seem to correspond with my period?
Between hormone fueled cravings and workout-stopping cramps - this time of the month is always a nightmare for weight loss, then stick me with only restaurant food?! Yikes!
I was 197.25 this morning - the same weight I was on Oct. 1st.
It is so frustrating to have three weeks of hard work wiped-out by one week on the road with my period!
Oh well. Now I am home and things are getting back to "normal."
I should recover quickly! :)
Yesterday I ate:
Cals Fat Sodium Fbr Food
=========================================================
080 01g 0080mg 10g 1/2 c. All-bran Original
190 03g 0085mg 00g 6 oz. Coconut Yogurt
405 14g 0817mg 00g 12 oz. Chili Relleno
120 12g 0031mg 00g 2 oz. Sour Cream
172 01g 0295mg 01g 1/2 c. Black Beans
525 27g 1200mg 03g 1/2 Pepperoni Pizza
=========================================================
1492 58g 2508mg 14g TOTALS
I also walked on the Elliptical Trainer to burn 263 calories.
Today my calories look like this so far:
Cals Fat Sodium Fbr Food
=========================================================
160 04g 0075mg 04g Multigrain Instant Hot Cereal
116 00g 0002mg 05g Large Granny Smith Apple
150 00g 0150mg 00g Fat Free Caramel Dip
360 16g 0780mg 05g Amy's Cheese Tamale Verde
170 02g 0080mg 00g 6 oz. Strawberry Yogurt
080 01g 0080mg 10g 1/2 c. All-bran Original
=========================================================
1036 22g 1167mg 24g TOTALS
Friday, October 24, 2008
The "Contest"
I should have known things were not going to go well for me yesterday.
We finished work early on our business trip, so we were done by 1 pm! I was excited and wanted to drive back to Madison, and be home for dinner... But instead, we spent SIX HOURS in the Minneapolis Airport to take our scheduled 7:25PM flight to get to Madison at 8:30 PM.
Luckily - I made it to the contest in time but that is about when my luck ran out.
I went into the restroom to change into the outfit I asked Aaron to bring and noticed that my "monthly friend" wanted to be there for the contest too. Lucky me....
So the contest starts, and THE FIRST GUY to compete sings a very... "embellished" version of 'More Than Words!!!!"
It reminded me of when a singer "slaughters" the National Anthem by adding too many notes and warbling.
I was so upset! There were only 9 finalists and over 20,000 songs in the book and we pick the same song!!!!
I went up to the Karaoke guy and said, "This is the same song I put in!!"
He said that I could change my song. So I went back to my group of friends and explained the situation. A few other songs were bantered around, but in the end I decided to just sing it.
I few more male "singers" screamed out some angry guy metal songs.
I was the first female finalist of the night, and I brought down the house. I was the 5th singer of 10 which sucked. I wanted to be next to last... and the woman who was won. It's just the way it works with the judging.
The woman who won was a very good singer but one of the "screamer" guys came in second!
We were all like..."What? Him?!"
I still went over to congratulate him - and he asked if he could see my "tits." What a jerk!!!
Then put in another song to sing, and guy who was smoking outside ran in to "sing" with me. Grrrr.... My song was basically stolen from me.
I think I am going to go to a totally different Karaoke show from now on.
But I had lots of fun with everyone that came to cheer me on. :)
I have not weight myself yet since I got back. Tomorrow will be interesting.
We finished work early on our business trip, so we were done by 1 pm! I was excited and wanted to drive back to Madison, and be home for dinner... But instead, we spent SIX HOURS in the Minneapolis Airport to take our scheduled 7:25PM flight to get to Madison at 8:30 PM.
Luckily - I made it to the contest in time but that is about when my luck ran out.
I went into the restroom to change into the outfit I asked Aaron to bring and noticed that my "monthly friend" wanted to be there for the contest too. Lucky me....
So the contest starts, and THE FIRST GUY to compete sings a very... "embellished" version of 'More Than Words!!!!"
It reminded me of when a singer "slaughters" the National Anthem by adding too many notes and warbling.
I was so upset! There were only 9 finalists and over 20,000 songs in the book and we pick the same song!!!!
I went up to the Karaoke guy and said, "This is the same song I put in!!"
He said that I could change my song. So I went back to my group of friends and explained the situation. A few other songs were bantered around, but in the end I decided to just sing it.
I few more male "singers" screamed out some angry guy metal songs.
I was the first female finalist of the night, and I brought down the house. I was the 5th singer of 10 which sucked. I wanted to be next to last... and the woman who was won. It's just the way it works with the judging.
The woman who won was a very good singer but one of the "screamer" guys came in second!
We were all like..."What? Him?!"
I still went over to congratulate him - and he asked if he could see my "tits." What a jerk!!!
Then put in another song to sing, and guy who was smoking outside ran in to "sing" with me. Grrrr.... My song was basically stolen from me.
I think I am going to go to a totally different Karaoke show from now on.
But I had lots of fun with everyone that came to cheer me on. :)
I have not weight myself yet since I got back. Tomorrow will be interesting.
Monday, October 20, 2008
192.75 After the Weekend!
After a beer and pizza fueled game day, I was really happy to see my weight was 192.75 this morning!
This has been a FANTASTIC month for weight loss. I have lost a quarter pound each day this entire month! Wow! This is amazing!
But now - I have to go away on Business Travel...
It is so scary having to eat out for every meal when on the road. I work long hours and when I get back to the hotel I do not want to go down to the pool or the gym. I want to just go to bed.
It is only for 2 days - so hopefully it will not kill my weight loss progress, but it is scary!!
I fly back to Madison Thursday night, and my plane is due to land at 8:30. I hope it is not delayed because the Karaoke Finals are Thursday night at 9:00!!!!! I will be just like a rockstar running over from the airport. :)
I plan to sing "More than Words" by Extreme
Wish me Luck!
Oops, I will also be going to a "girls only" retreat with my mom and sisters this weekend!!! My mom is the QUEEN of peer pressure. I hope I make it to Monday the weight I am today!!!
This might be a challege!!!
10/28/08 UPDATE!
The Karaoke was a disaster! The FIRST GUY up to sing in the contest SANG MY SONG! (More Than Words!!!) I went up to the Karaoke Guy and said... this is the SAME SONG I put in for the contest. He said I could change my song... but I could not think of another one I could do at such short notice. I stuck with my "repeat." I was so bummed and I think that showed in my performance I had a huge crowd there cheering for me... but I felt cheated by not having the element of originality.
:( Looking back I wonder if I would have placed if I had changed the song to another one? But then I think, if I DID another song I would think my lack of practice would kill it for me. *SIGH* No luck.
So sad. :(
This has been a FANTASTIC month for weight loss. I have lost a quarter pound each day this entire month! Wow! This is amazing!
But now - I have to go away on Business Travel...
It is so scary having to eat out for every meal when on the road. I work long hours and when I get back to the hotel I do not want to go down to the pool or the gym. I want to just go to bed.
It is only for 2 days - so hopefully it will not kill my weight loss progress, but it is scary!!
I fly back to Madison Thursday night, and my plane is due to land at 8:30. I hope it is not delayed because the Karaoke Finals are Thursday night at 9:00!!!!! I will be just like a rockstar running over from the airport. :)
I plan to sing "More than Words" by Extreme
Wish me Luck!
Oops, I will also be going to a "girls only" retreat with my mom and sisters this weekend!!! My mom is the QUEEN of peer pressure. I hope I make it to Monday the weight I am today!!!
This might be a challege!!!
10/28/08 UPDATE!
The Karaoke was a disaster! The FIRST GUY up to sing in the contest SANG MY SONG! (More Than Words!!!) I went up to the Karaoke Guy and said... this is the SAME SONG I put in for the contest. He said I could change my song... but I could not think of another one I could do at such short notice. I stuck with my "repeat." I was so bummed and I think that showed in my performance I had a huge crowd there cheering for me... but I felt cheated by not having the element of originality.
:( Looking back I wonder if I would have placed if I had changed the song to another one? But then I think, if I DID another song I would think my lack of practice would kill it for me. *SIGH* No luck.
So sad. :(
Friday, October 17, 2008
Surprise! You Lost Weight!
This morning when I went into the bathroom to take my shower, I could not get my wedding ring off! The salty soy sauce I had with my Japanese lunch yesterday really puffed me up!
I braced myself as I stepped on the scale, expecting a spike in my weight. I was surprised when I saw I was 193.5!!!! I dropped a quarter pound even though my fingers were like sausages! :)
I am looking forward to stepping on the scale tomorrow after the puffiness goes away! :)
I read an interesting article today about how obese people expect more pleasure from food, but get less than their slender counterparts.
In the study they showed the women pictures of a glass of water and a chocolate milkshake.
They found the heavier the woman- the more her pleasure centers in her brain were stimulated by looking at the drinks.
HOWEVER - When they actually gave the women the water or the milkshake, the obese women's brains only measured a fraction of the pleasure experienced by the slender women!
The study concluded that obese women overeat because they are not getting the pleasure they were expecting.
Ironically, the more you eat, the less stimulation the brain gets!!! You get desensitized - build up a tolerance - grow immune to the pleasure of your food!!! (Like a drug addicition!)
This causes a bad cycle of getting less and less pleasure, yet eating more and more food while trying to reach the same "high" as before.
So now what?
Maybe you already knew you were a "food addict." But unlike drugs you - can never "kick" the food habit!!
Here are some ways I have found useful to help me regain control over myself.
Cheers!
Jess
My calories so far today:
170 - Vanilla Yogurt
80 - 1/2 cup All-Bran Cereal
190 - Fiber One Toaster Pastry Strawberry
330 - Lean Cuisine Flatbread Melt
=======
770
That leaves about 1000 for whatever comes my way this Friday night!
I braced myself as I stepped on the scale, expecting a spike in my weight. I was surprised when I saw I was 193.5!!!! I dropped a quarter pound even though my fingers were like sausages! :)
I am looking forward to stepping on the scale tomorrow after the puffiness goes away! :)
I read an interesting article today about how obese people expect more pleasure from food, but get less than their slender counterparts.
In the study they showed the women pictures of a glass of water and a chocolate milkshake.
They found the heavier the woman- the more her pleasure centers in her brain were stimulated by looking at the drinks.
HOWEVER - When they actually gave the women the water or the milkshake, the obese women's brains only measured a fraction of the pleasure experienced by the slender women!
The study concluded that obese women overeat because they are not getting the pleasure they were expecting.
Ironically, the more you eat, the less stimulation the brain gets!!! You get desensitized - build up a tolerance - grow immune to the pleasure of your food!!! (Like a drug addicition!)
This causes a bad cycle of getting less and less pleasure, yet eating more and more food while trying to reach the same "high" as before.
So now what?
Maybe you already knew you were a "food addict." But unlike drugs you - can never "kick" the food habit!!
Here are some ways I have found useful to help me regain control over myself.
- Use a food journal
- Keep track of what you are eating, and find what foods trigger your over-eating so you can plan for the future.
- Eat a balanced wholesome diet
- Eating healthy really helps your body and brain to work better! You really are what you eat. Check out the lables of what you are eating!
- Give in to your Temptations
- If you "deny" yourself eventually you will snap. Avoid a full-out binge by giving yourself a small treats. One piece of fried chicken should be enough to satisfy your craving, and keep your calories in line. DO NOT OVER DOSE ON FOOD!!! Eating more doesn't help. Even after a whole pint of ice cream you'll still feel sad and hallow! Only two bites of food really count. The first and the last. You need to train your brain to get pleasure from what it gets.
- Go for Quality over Quanity!!!
- This will help your brain enjoy your smaller treats. :)
Cheers!
Jess
My calories so far today:
170 - Vanilla Yogurt
80 - 1/2 cup All-Bran Cereal
190 - Fiber One Toaster Pastry Strawberry
330 - Lean Cuisine Flatbread Melt
=======
770
That leaves about 1000 for whatever comes my way this Friday night!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sashimi & Sushi Lunch! :-9
I was 193.75 again this morning!
My Calories - Thursday 10/16/08:
'160 - Oatmeal "Simple Harvest"
'140 - Banana
1000 - Miso Soup, 3 pc. Sushi, 6 pc. Sashimi and a California Roll.Note: 1000 is just a guess. Aaron had one of my Sashimi pieces, one piece from my California roll. '330 - Lean Cuisine Flatbread Melt
'220 - 1/4 c. Triple Chocolate M&Ms Premiums (AWESOME!)
==========================
1850
I also worked out on my Precor elliptical trainer!
30:00..minutes
2.11...miles
208.7..calories
2254...strides
I have an enormous bruise on the inside of my right arm from donating the other day. They had trouble "placing the needle." Which basically means they dig around in your skin until they finally hit a vein. Ow. Ow. Ow.
My Calories - Thursday 10/16/08:
'160 - Oatmeal "Simple Harvest"
'140 - Banana
1000 - Miso Soup, 3 pc. Sushi, 6 pc. Sashimi and a California Roll.
'220 - 1/4 c. Triple Chocolate M&Ms Premiums (AWESOME!)
==========================
1850
I also worked out on my Precor elliptical trainer!
30:00..minutes
2.11...miles
208.7..calories
2254...strides
I have an enormous bruise on the inside of my right arm from donating the other day. They had trouble "placing the needle." Which basically means they dig around in your skin until they finally hit a vein. Ow. Ow. Ow.
Weather, Mood, and Food.
193.75 this morning! (That is the same as yesterday.)
Yesterday was a cold and rainy Wisconsin October day. It was so wet and gloomy! It really dampened my spirits - which might be why I felt so hungry yesterday!!!
I shivered all day at the office, even though I wore jeans and a thick sweatshirt! (Please turn on the heat!!!)
Being cold and droopy, my brain constantly sent me the signal "FEED ME!!!"
I did not want to load up on snacks because I was going to another Presidential Debate party last night!
I REALLY did not want "waste" my calories snacking at work - then have to face "party" food too!
I was FINALLY able to silence my "Hungry! Hungry! Hungry! Hungry!" alarm system when I had a nice big cup of hot calorie-free green tea! The heat and the caffiene really helped me feel back in balance!
I was able to hold myself to 890 calories while at work, leaving 1000 for at the party!! (Which I had some pizza, a fruit covered dessert and a beer.)
Yesterday was a cold and rainy Wisconsin October day. It was so wet and gloomy! It really dampened my spirits - which might be why I felt so hungry yesterday!!!
I shivered all day at the office, even though I wore jeans and a thick sweatshirt! (Please turn on the heat!!!)
Being cold and droopy, my brain constantly sent me the signal "FEED ME!!!"
I did not want to load up on snacks because I was going to another Presidential Debate party last night!
I REALLY did not want "waste" my calories snacking at work - then have to face "party" food too!
I was FINALLY able to silence my "Hungry! Hungry! Hungry! Hungry!" alarm system when I had a nice big cup of hot calorie-free green tea! The heat and the caffiene really helped me feel back in balance!
I was able to hold myself to 890 calories while at work, leaving 1000 for at the party!! (Which I had some pizza, a fruit covered dessert and a beer.)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Firing on All Cylinders!
I was 194.0 this morning!
I have lost 4.5 pounds since September 26! I am really back in the groove now!
I had some “puffy” days, but when they passed, my weight loss gets right back on track!
Monday's (10/13/08) Calories:
190 – All-Bran Toaster Pastries
150 – Banana
120 – 1 c. Almond Milk
330 – Chicken Philly Flatbread Lean Cuisine
110 – Large Green Apple
270 – Chocolate Clif Bar
525 – ½ a frozen thin crust pizza
=================
1695
Monday's Exercise:
30:11 minutes
1.77 miles
135.8 calories
2030 strides
My workout was light because I donated platelets after work. The Red Cross called me and said they were in need, and I was happy to come in and help!!
Platelets are collected by aphaeresis where I keep my red blood cells and can donate twice a week. I only do it about once a month though because they have to put a needle in each arm, and it takes about two hours!
I've got a lot of unpacking to do, so I'll blog more tomorrow!!
Jess :)
I have lost 4.5 pounds since September 26! I am really back in the groove now!
I had some “puffy” days, but when they passed, my weight loss gets right back on track!
Monday's (10/13/08) Calories:
190 – All-Bran Toaster Pastries
150 – Banana
120 – 1 c. Almond Milk
330 – Chicken Philly Flatbread Lean Cuisine
110 – Large Green Apple
270 – Chocolate Clif Bar
525 – ½ a frozen thin crust pizza
=================
1695
Monday's Exercise:
30:11 minutes
1.77 miles
135.8 calories
2030 strides
My workout was light because I donated platelets after work. The Red Cross called me and said they were in need, and I was happy to come in and help!!
Platelets are collected by aphaeresis where I keep my red blood cells and can donate twice a week. I only do it about once a month though because they have to put a needle in each arm, and it takes about two hours!
I've got a lot of unpacking to do, so I'll blog more tomorrow!!
Jess :)
Poor Little Rhino!
A co-worker of mine was wearing a t-shirt yesterday with this image:
Source: http://www.threadless.com/product/1000/Runnin_Rhino
I felt so sorry for the little rhino running on the treadmill - with the impossible goal to become a unicorn.
I remember when I first started to get healthy… weighing under 200 pounds was like a unicorn to me - completely mythical, and impossible… But that did not stop me from working towards that goal!!
Weight loss is a day by day process. It is okay to have a Unicorn-like goal, but it is also important to have other “mini goals” along the way so you don’t become discouraged when your horn is still on your nose and NOT on your forehead yet!
Cheers,
Jess
Source: http://www.threadless.com/product/1000/Runnin_Rhino
I felt so sorry for the little rhino running on the treadmill - with the impossible goal to become a unicorn.
I remember when I first started to get healthy… weighing under 200 pounds was like a unicorn to me - completely mythical, and impossible… But that did not stop me from working towards that goal!!
Weight loss is a day by day process. It is okay to have a Unicorn-like goal, but it is also important to have other “mini goals” along the way so you don’t become discouraged when your horn is still on your nose and NOT on your forehead yet!
Cheers,
Jess
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Catching up.
I won the Karaoke Contest on Thursday night!!!!!
I really need to think of a song to do for the finals. (Oct. 23rd)
I want to do "Crazy on You" by Heart, but I am not sure if the crowd would like it...
I am open to any suggestions!!!!!
Sorry I did not blog on Friday or Saturday. I was so distracted on Friday, and the next thing I knew, the weekend is GONE and I have not made a post to this blog!
I was 194.75 this morning! I am journaling all my calories and keeping myself under 2000 a day!!! Yea!!!
I did a lot of walking today. Aaron and I went shopping and went to the local zoo! It's only 8 PM here and I am bushed!! I might turn in early. :)
-Jess
I really need to think of a song to do for the finals. (Oct. 23rd)
I want to do "Crazy on You" by Heart, but I am not sure if the crowd would like it...
I am open to any suggestions!!!!!
Sorry I did not blog on Friday or Saturday. I was so distracted on Friday, and the next thing I knew, the weekend is GONE and I have not made a post to this blog!
I was 194.75 this morning! I am journaling all my calories and keeping myself under 2000 a day!!! Yea!!!
I did a lot of walking today. Aaron and I went shopping and went to the local zoo! It's only 8 PM here and I am bushed!! I might turn in early. :)
-Jess
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I workout and gain a pound?
I was 197.50 this morning.
Yesterday I had:
``80.....1/2 c. All-bran cereal
`170....Flavored Yogurt
`460....Mushroom Parmesan Risotto
`100....whole wheat roll
`100....butter
`360....Hagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bar
`330....Lean Cuisine - Flatbread Melt
====================================
1600
I worked out on my elliptical trainer for:
Time: 30:36
Miles: 2.01
Cals: 185.4
Steps: 2296
I am up a pound from yesterday. I think it's from trying to drink more water again and a salty lunch and dinner. I am puffy. It is temporary. :)
Tonight is the Karaoke contest again!!! I plan to sing Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." I am listening to it in a loop to memorize it. I will practice a few times tonight. I have invited about 8 people to join me - since judging is by "crowd reaction."
If I win tonight I get $15! At the finals (if I make it to the finals!) I plan to sing "Crazy on You" by Heart. It will be flipping awesome! If I win the finals, I get $200!!!!!
Yesterday I had:
``80.....1/2 c. All-bran cereal
`170....Flavored Yogurt
`460....Mushroom Parmesan Risotto
`100....whole wheat roll
`100....butter
`360....Hagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bar
`330....Lean Cuisine - Flatbread Melt
====================================
1600
I worked out on my elliptical trainer for:
Time: 30:36
Miles: 2.01
Cals: 185.4
Steps: 2296
I am up a pound from yesterday. I think it's from trying to drink more water again and a salty lunch and dinner. I am puffy. It is temporary. :)
Tonight is the Karaoke contest again!!! I plan to sing Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." I am listening to it in a loop to memorize it. I will practice a few times tonight. I have invited about 8 people to join me - since judging is by "crowd reaction."
If I win tonight I get $15! At the finals (if I make it to the finals!) I plan to sing "Crazy on You" by Heart. It will be flipping awesome! If I win the finals, I get $200!!!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Let The Music Move You!
Yesterday's Calories:
160 Oatmeal
650 Le Greco Salad with Bread
400 Red wine
440 2 s'mores bars
==============
2050
I put my data into my calorie calculator:
Body Mass lndex(BMI): 32.13
Basel Metabolic Rate(BMR): 1 672.98
Daily Caloric Need: 2300.34
Calorie Difference: -250.34
My weight has been the same for three days in a row now.
I have not been active since Saturday. That is the missing piece I need to finally get moving again. :)
I plan to work out tonight.
And speaking of exercising....
I recently read a news article about a study that found:
"People who exercise to music have better endurance than those who don't."
Am I the only one that thinks, "Well DUH!!!" They really spent money to study this?!?!
Of course workouts are bolstered by "pumping tunes!" You will run/walk/pedal to the beat and will keep a steady pace. You are also likely to keep going as long as the tunes last. :)
And speaking of music, I am going to the Karaoke contest again Thursday. Any rocking song ideas?!
Cheers!
Jess
160 Oatmeal
650 Le Greco Salad with Bread
- Kalamata olives, feta, red onions, artichoke hearts, capers and pine nuts over a bed of lettuce with a lemon vinaigrette. (Awesome! :9)
400 Red wine
440 2 s'mores bars
==============
2050
I put my data into my calorie calculator:
Body Mass lndex(BMI): 32.13
Basel Metabolic Rate(BMR): 1 672.98
Daily Caloric Need: 2300.34
Calorie Difference: -250.34
My weight has been the same for three days in a row now.
I have not been active since Saturday. That is the missing piece I need to finally get moving again. :)
I plan to work out tonight.
And speaking of exercising....
I recently read a news article about a study that found:
"People who exercise to music have better endurance than those who don't."
Am I the only one that thinks, "Well DUH!!!" They really spent money to study this?!?!
Of course workouts are bolstered by "pumping tunes!" You will run/walk/pedal to the beat and will keep a steady pace. You are also likely to keep going as long as the tunes last. :)
And speaking of music, I am going to the Karaoke contest again Thursday. Any rocking song ideas?!
Cheers!
Jess
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Same Weight as Yesterday - 196.50
What I ate yesterday:
250....Chocolate Clif Bar
80.....1/2 c. All Bran
170....Strawberry Yogurt
330....Lean Cuisine - Chicken Pesto Flatbread Melt
240....Crab Stuffed Sole
170....1/2 c. Instant Mashed Potatoes
50.....1 c. French Cut Green Beans
180....Snickers Ice Cream Bar
===========================
1470 Total calories
Amazingly, I felt satisfied with that. I've started drinking LOTS of water again. I used to drink a gallon each day, and I slipped away from doing that.
I did not exercise, but I spent about 2 hours unpacking and moving boxes around. I have a huge bruise on three of my 4 limbs. (Left shins, and both forearms.) Wheee!
I will be going to a party tonight to watch the debate, so I will need to be careful not to eat "party food!"
I will post today's journal, and tomorrow's weight!
Cheers,
Jess
250....Chocolate Clif Bar
80.....1/2 c. All Bran
170....Strawberry Yogurt
330....Lean Cuisine - Chicken Pesto Flatbread Melt
240....Crab Stuffed Sole
170....1/2 c. Instant Mashed Potatoes
50.....1 c. French Cut Green Beans
180....Snickers Ice Cream Bar
===========================
1470 Total calories
Amazingly, I felt satisfied with that. I've started drinking LOTS of water again. I used to drink a gallon each day, and I slipped away from doing that.
I did not exercise, but I spent about 2 hours unpacking and moving boxes around. I have a huge bruise on three of my 4 limbs. (Left shins, and both forearms.) Wheee!
I will be going to a party tonight to watch the debate, so I will need to be careful not to eat "party food!"
I will post today's journal, and tomorrow's weight!
Cheers,
Jess
Monday, October 6, 2008
AM weight = 196.50
I was 196.50 this morning.
196.5 is a pound and a half less than I thought I weighed, so that is a good thing!
I am looking at things from the other side of the coin today. Instead of being depressed about my weight I see it as an oppertunity.
My WEIGHT LOSS blog is going to really be about losing weight again!
196.5 is a pound and a half less than I thought I weighed, so that is a good thing!
I am looking at things from the other side of the coin today. Instead of being depressed about my weight I see it as an oppertunity.
My WEIGHT LOSS blog is going to really be about losing weight again!
Friday, October 3, 2008
How Can The Same Size Feel So Different?
I am feeling really funky today.
Yesterday I bought a new pair of blue jeans a Reward for being active for two weeks solid!
They were a size 16.
I remember back in 2004 – I was THRILLED out of my mind to be able to wear a pair of size 16s.
My husband got me a pair of black velvet cargo pants from the GAP for Christmas in 2004. He was like, this is either going to be the best present ever - or the most depressing...
I took the pants back into the bedroom. I was so nervous and thrilled. Would they fit!? I had not wore a size 16 since 5th grade! I sat on the edge of the bed and shook them out in front of me and said a little prayer. (Please GOD!! I HOPE THESE FIT!!) I stepped into the pant legs, so far so good… I then stood-up, and pulled the waistband up over my hips. Button. ZIP! OH MY GOD!!!! THEY FIT!!! I was SO thrilled!! I am a size 16!!! I am out of the “plus sizes”!!! I can buy pants in the “Normal” stores now!!! I just glowed with happiness and confidence being a size 16!! Check out my sexy velvet-covered SIZE 16 butt! Sizzle Sizzle!!
Yesterday however… being a size 16 was like being stabbed in the heart. “Oh god… I am back up to a size 16?!! A year ago I was a size 8… Am I EVER going to fit back in my 8’s again?” A dark cloud hangs about my head today. I am trying to stay positive, and everyone has complemented me on my new jeans… But each time they do I think… “BUT I AM A SIZE SIXTEEN!!!!!!” The knife twists.
This past year has been a weight loss disaster. My weight is so close to cresting the 200 pound mark again I could just cry. I want to cry. I just want to lock myself away from everyone and cry my eyes out. I feel like such a failure.
I read my old postings and I am jealous of who I was. Back when I would bitch about being “Still stuck at 158.” I want to scream. “WHY ARE YOU SO MAD about weighing 158?!?!?! I’d have to lose 40 pounds to weigh that!? You have no idea how good you have it!”
You never really know what you had it until it’s gone.
I have almost 60 pounds to re-lose, and I am in a horrible mood.
I am still counting my calories (the best I can) and trying to keep active. But I’m running out of patience. I have had a YEAR of stress and weight gain… and I can’t take much more of this. ARGH!
I feel like I have turned into 198 pounds of pure rage. I am guessing at the weight, but our scale should be moved soon, and I will post my real weight soon.
Maybe I should do more daily postings of what I really weigh. I'll share exactly what I ate and what I did for exercise. That seems like what I did in the past, back when I was successful.
Sorry to vent, but that's what blogs are for, right?
Take care,
Jess
Yesterday I bought a new pair of blue jeans a Reward for being active for two weeks solid!
They were a size 16.
I remember back in 2004 – I was THRILLED out of my mind to be able to wear a pair of size 16s.
My husband got me a pair of black velvet cargo pants from the GAP for Christmas in 2004. He was like, this is either going to be the best present ever - or the most depressing...
I took the pants back into the bedroom. I was so nervous and thrilled. Would they fit!? I had not wore a size 16 since 5th grade! I sat on the edge of the bed and shook them out in front of me and said a little prayer. (Please GOD!! I HOPE THESE FIT!!) I stepped into the pant legs, so far so good… I then stood-up, and pulled the waistband up over my hips. Button. ZIP! OH MY GOD!!!! THEY FIT!!! I was SO thrilled!! I am a size 16!!! I am out of the “plus sizes”!!! I can buy pants in the “Normal” stores now!!! I just glowed with happiness and confidence being a size 16!! Check out my sexy velvet-covered SIZE 16 butt! Sizzle Sizzle!!
Yesterday however… being a size 16 was like being stabbed in the heart. “Oh god… I am back up to a size 16?!! A year ago I was a size 8… Am I EVER going to fit back in my 8’s again?” A dark cloud hangs about my head today. I am trying to stay positive, and everyone has complemented me on my new jeans… But each time they do I think… “BUT I AM A SIZE SIXTEEN!!!!!!” The knife twists.
This past year has been a weight loss disaster. My weight is so close to cresting the 200 pound mark again I could just cry. I want to cry. I just want to lock myself away from everyone and cry my eyes out. I feel like such a failure.
I read my old postings and I am jealous of who I was. Back when I would bitch about being “Still stuck at 158.” I want to scream. “WHY ARE YOU SO MAD about weighing 158?!?!?! I’d have to lose 40 pounds to weigh that!? You have no idea how good you have it!”
You never really know what you had it until it’s gone.
I have almost 60 pounds to re-lose, and I am in a horrible mood.
I am still counting my calories (the best I can) and trying to keep active. But I’m running out of patience. I have had a YEAR of stress and weight gain… and I can’t take much more of this. ARGH!
I feel like I have turned into 198 pounds of pure rage. I am guessing at the weight, but our scale should be moved soon, and I will post my real weight soon.
Maybe I should do more daily postings of what I really weigh. I'll share exactly what I ate and what I did for exercise. That seems like what I did in the past, back when I was successful.
Sorry to vent, but that's what blogs are for, right?
Take care,
Jess
Thursday, October 2, 2008
I moved!
Aaron and I moved to our new place yesterday! Well... we are about 80% moved. We slept in the new place last night and one of our cats is NOT HAPPY AT ALL with the move. The other cat is like: "I CLAIM THIS LAND IN THE NAME OF SABINA!!!"
I hope Maxima settles down soon. :)
Aaron and I didn't remember the new place being so big, but it is like TWICE the size of our old place!
We had movers do the move and after experiencing that - I am never moving myself again! It was great to basically have two guys do all the work and I just had to point. "Put that bookcase over there..."
Aaron has been submitting his resume, and has 4 companies interested in him! His first interview is on Monday. I am excited for him, and for having a second income!
We have been eating out a lot recently due to the move and I am a bit bummed about it. It is so hard to count or even GUESS at your calories at some of the places we've ate.
I have started "working out" again. Basically I walk on the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes then rest for 3 days. It's the best I can do with my knee righ now, but it's a start!
I am working on putting my Cheetara costume on eBay. Once the Internet and phones are turned on at the new place, I will be able to put the auction up!!!
Yea!
-Jess
I hope Maxima settles down soon. :)
Aaron and I didn't remember the new place being so big, but it is like TWICE the size of our old place!
We had movers do the move and after experiencing that - I am never moving myself again! It was great to basically have two guys do all the work and I just had to point. "Put that bookcase over there..."
Aaron has been submitting his resume, and has 4 companies interested in him! His first interview is on Monday. I am excited for him, and for having a second income!
We have been eating out a lot recently due to the move and I am a bit bummed about it. It is so hard to count or even GUESS at your calories at some of the places we've ate.
I have started "working out" again. Basically I walk on the elliptical trainer for 30 minutes then rest for 3 days. It's the best I can do with my knee righ now, but it's a start!
I am working on putting my Cheetara costume on eBay. Once the Internet and phones are turned on at the new place, I will be able to put the auction up!!!
Yea!
-Jess
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Subliminal Help for Weight Loss?
I was recently contacted by a site that sells subliminal tapes.
They wanted to know if I would be interested in trying their weight loss product and doing a review about it on my site.
I have always been a fan of hypnosis, and the power of the subconscious mind. (Mind-over-matter, Faith Healing, etc. ) I thought it would be fun to try out. Does it really work? I was curious to find out! So I agreed to become a “guinea pig.”
I was sent a 30 minute subliminal mp3 , and I have been listening to it for about a week now.
Their website suggests listening twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening.
An easy way to do that would be during your commute. You could put a subliminal cd in your car and listen on the way in to work and on your way home.
The recording itself is layered with sounds. There is a static buzzing and an echoing drip. It’s like being in a cave and there is a drain about 25 feet away. Throughout the recording the water keeps dripping and running to that drain. At times I can hear some whispering. I can never clearly make out what is being said, but that’s what makes it subliminal!
Other times there is a scratching or a hiss. There is also a humming, like being by high-tension wires, a bug zapper, or a fluorescent light – very low and electric.
The last audio element that stands out is a low “singing glass” sound. Have you ever run your wet finger along the rim of a wine glass? It is like that sound, but very low. It’s almost like a pipe organ or glass xylophone.
That is what the audio was like to the conscious level of my mind. There are samples of the sounds on the website. I believe they offer other audio tracks to put the subliminal messages under too.
But the big question remains: Does listening to subliminal messages help with weight loss?
Well... would you be more mindful of your weight loss if every time you were in your car you heard something that reminded you that you are trying to lose weight? How likely are you to “hit the drive-thru” if it was playing? What do you think would happen if you listened to something twice a day that helps you lose weight?
I believe the messages are getting through, even though I do not consciously know what they are.
I’ve noticed that I seem to have more self control. I’ve been able to keep my calories on target the last few days, and it hasn’t been a struggle control my eating. I have been averaging between 1800 and 1600 calories a day recently. I used to fight so hard with myself, and I would STILL end up eating 2400 a day!!! Now I can eat 600 calories less than that a day without feeling hungry or deprived!
I seem to be able to control my portions better too. I am measuring my food, and recording every calorie before I eat it. This really saved me last night when I ALMOST ate over 500 calories in ice cream!!!
I had scooped half a cup of Ben and Jerry’s “S’mores” flavored ice cream (290 calories) and topped it with 2 tablespoons of magic shell (220 calories). Then instead of digging right in, I recorded my calories in my journal. That is when I (consciously) realized I had made a 510 calorie dessert!!! I then gave the ice cream to Aaron and had some Dove chocolates instead. (230 calories)
I’ve also noticed since I have been listening to the subliminal mp3, I no longer eat everything on my plate – even breakfast! I used to eat my entire bowl of instant oatmeal. (One of those little packets never seemed like enough, but it’s healthy breakfast.) This morning, there was spoonful leftover that I just didn’t feel like finishing!
So was this due to the subliminal mp3 for weight loss, or am I just being more mindful of my weight loss now that I am listening to this? I’ll let you make up your own mind on that, but either way, my health is improving by making this part of my day.
They wanted to know if I would be interested in trying their weight loss product and doing a review about it on my site.
I have always been a fan of hypnosis, and the power of the subconscious mind. (Mind-over-matter, Faith Healing, etc. ) I thought it would be fun to try out. Does it really work? I was curious to find out! So I agreed to become a “guinea pig.”
I was sent a 30 minute subliminal mp3 , and I have been listening to it for about a week now.
Their website suggests listening twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening.
An easy way to do that would be during your commute. You could put a subliminal cd in your car and listen on the way in to work and on your way home.
The recording itself is layered with sounds. There is a static buzzing and an echoing drip. It’s like being in a cave and there is a drain about 25 feet away. Throughout the recording the water keeps dripping and running to that drain. At times I can hear some whispering. I can never clearly make out what is being said, but that’s what makes it subliminal!
Other times there is a scratching or a hiss. There is also a humming, like being by high-tension wires, a bug zapper, or a fluorescent light – very low and electric.
The last audio element that stands out is a low “singing glass” sound. Have you ever run your wet finger along the rim of a wine glass? It is like that sound, but very low. It’s almost like a pipe organ or glass xylophone.
That is what the audio was like to the conscious level of my mind. There are samples of the sounds on the website. I believe they offer other audio tracks to put the subliminal messages under too.
But the big question remains: Does listening to subliminal messages help with weight loss?
Well... would you be more mindful of your weight loss if every time you were in your car you heard something that reminded you that you are trying to lose weight? How likely are you to “hit the drive-thru” if it was playing? What do you think would happen if you listened to something twice a day that helps you lose weight?
I believe the messages are getting through, even though I do not consciously know what they are.
I’ve noticed that I seem to have more self control. I’ve been able to keep my calories on target the last few days, and it hasn’t been a struggle control my eating. I have been averaging between 1800 and 1600 calories a day recently. I used to fight so hard with myself, and I would STILL end up eating 2400 a day!!! Now I can eat 600 calories less than that a day without feeling hungry or deprived!
I seem to be able to control my portions better too. I am measuring my food, and recording every calorie before I eat it. This really saved me last night when I ALMOST ate over 500 calories in ice cream!!!
I had scooped half a cup of Ben and Jerry’s “S’mores” flavored ice cream (290 calories) and topped it with 2 tablespoons of magic shell (220 calories). Then instead of digging right in, I recorded my calories in my journal. That is when I (consciously) realized I had made a 510 calorie dessert!!! I then gave the ice cream to Aaron and had some Dove chocolates instead. (230 calories)
I’ve also noticed since I have been listening to the subliminal mp3, I no longer eat everything on my plate – even breakfast! I used to eat my entire bowl of instant oatmeal. (One of those little packets never seemed like enough, but it’s healthy breakfast.) This morning, there was spoonful leftover that I just didn’t feel like finishing!
So was this due to the subliminal mp3 for weight loss, or am I just being more mindful of my weight loss now that I am listening to this? I’ll let you make up your own mind on that, but either way, my health is improving by making this part of my day.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Counting Calories While My Knee Heals
I have been faithfully recording my calories and I have not gained any weight since my surgery! I am so excited! The "NEW" goal is to accurately track my calories and keep them under 2100 a day, I will get a reward after two weeks of success. I am about three days in. I think I will be successful. :)
Tonight I am going to a Karaoke contest with my sister! I plan to sing the song "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME" by Def Leppard.
It will rock!
I just don't know which VERSION the karaoke guy has. There are two, one that starts with "Step inside, walk this way you and me babe, HEY! HEY!" the other starts with guitar licks and and echoing of "Love me like the bomb-bomb-bomb" version. I'll ask if he knows, and no matter which it is I will rock my heart out!!!!
I thought about doing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, or Lita Ford's, "Kiss Me Deadly." For some rocking Female Hair-band-ness , but my heart was just sold on the Def Leppard.
Maybe there will be time before the contest starts to do one of the other songs!
If I have time I want to stop by the bar "Karaoke Kid" on the way the contest to practice the song on a live audience. I'll commit about 70% vocal strength to the performance at the kid. I would Love to head out NOW, but Aaron has a load of clothes in the dryer. We are waiting for them to dry. (At our new place, we'll have our own dryer and washer so we could just leave the clothes in the dryer and leave! That will be nice!!)
I am impatiently waiting, all dolled up in my trashy-yet-classy "bar scene" gear. I wanted to dress all "80's" but my closet did not cooperate. :( I would do my hair big... but I don't want to wear a "costume" until the finals. Are there finals? How does this contest work anyway?
PLUS - I only that it is happening by a phone call from a friend who told a friend. I am not even sure how to get into the contest. Eeek!
My sister wants to sing Pat Benatar's ALL FIRED UP for her song, and I know she will knock it out of the park.
I am listening to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" in a loop now, HOPING the lyrics will stick in my brain, and my mouth will cooperate when I try to sing them! ;-D
I am going to try calling my sister! I am so exited for tonight! :-D
Cheers!
Jess
Tonight I am going to a Karaoke contest with my sister! I plan to sing the song "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME" by Def Leppard.
It will rock!
I just don't know which VERSION the karaoke guy has. There are two, one that starts with "Step inside, walk this way you and me babe, HEY! HEY!" the other starts with guitar licks and and echoing of "Love me like the bomb-bomb-bomb" version. I'll ask if he knows, and no matter which it is I will rock my heart out!!!!
I thought about doing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, or Lita Ford's, "Kiss Me Deadly." For some rocking Female Hair-band-ness , but my heart was just sold on the Def Leppard.
Maybe there will be time before the contest starts to do one of the other songs!
If I have time I want to stop by the bar "Karaoke Kid" on the way the contest to practice the song on a live audience. I'll commit about 70% vocal strength to the performance at the kid. I would Love to head out NOW, but Aaron has a load of clothes in the dryer. We are waiting for them to dry. (At our new place, we'll have our own dryer and washer so we could just leave the clothes in the dryer and leave! That will be nice!!)
I am impatiently waiting, all dolled up in my trashy-yet-classy "bar scene" gear. I wanted to dress all "80's" but my closet did not cooperate. :( I would do my hair big... but I don't want to wear a "costume" until the finals. Are there finals? How does this contest work anyway?
PLUS - I only that it is happening by a phone call from a friend who told a friend. I am not even sure how to get into the contest. Eeek!
My sister wants to sing Pat Benatar's ALL FIRED UP for her song, and I know she will knock it out of the park.
I am listening to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" in a loop now, HOPING the lyrics will stick in my brain, and my mouth will cooperate when I try to sing them! ;-D
I am going to try calling my sister! I am so exited for tonight! :-D
Cheers!
Jess
Monday, September 22, 2008
A "Low-Blood Sugar" Rant
Today is my little sister’s 10th birthday! In preparation for the party tonight, my mom e-mailed me asking what kind of pizza to pick up from Papa Murphy’s. So I went to their website to look at the menu, picked two tasty types of pizza, and replied to mom.
I then noticed a link for their pizza’s “nutritional information.” Being a health-nut, I follow the link.
The Nutritional Information says that a serving size is equivalent to a slice that is 1/12 of a 16 inch pizza.
ONE TWELFTH!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!? This really burned me because the page before this said their 16 inch pizza, (Family sized) feeds 4-6 people. Does anyone ELSE see something WRONG here?!
The other sizes were the same. The 14 inch lists as feeding 3-4 people, but a “serving” is only 1/10th of a pizza.
The 12 inch serves 2-3, and a actual serving is one 1/8th of a pizza!!
For some reason this really suck in my craw.
They KNOW that people eat more than one slice by looking at their “serving estimates to pizza diameter” figures… Yet nutritionally, they list 1/12 as the **REAL** serving size. HONESTLY - who can cut their pizza into equal 6ths, 10ths, or 12ths?
ARGH!
I am I the ONLY one who has to re-calculate the calories in Pizza because of this? Even frozen pizzas have strange serving sizes! (1/3rd or 1/6th) The serving size of all pizza should be one eighth, one quarter, or even one half! These are sizes we can easily cut a pizza into - without the need of a protractor!!!
Seriously though, I am glad that Papa Murphy’s has their caloric information online, but I am a LITTLE pissed that they say “feeds 4 people” but their nutritional data says 12!!!!
I just want some honesty!
End Rant,
Jess
P.S.
The Knee is recovering nicely! :)
I then noticed a link for their pizza’s “nutritional information.” Being a health-nut, I follow the link.
The Nutritional Information says that a serving size is equivalent to a slice that is 1/12 of a 16 inch pizza.
ONE TWELFTH!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!? This really burned me because the page before this said their 16 inch pizza, (Family sized) feeds 4-6 people. Does anyone ELSE see something WRONG here?!
The other sizes were the same. The 14 inch lists as feeding 3-4 people, but a “serving” is only 1/10th of a pizza.
The 12 inch serves 2-3, and a actual serving is one 1/8th of a pizza!!
For some reason this really suck in my craw.
They KNOW that people eat more than one slice by looking at their “serving estimates to pizza diameter” figures… Yet nutritionally, they list 1/12 as the **REAL** serving size. HONESTLY - who can cut their pizza into equal 6ths, 10ths, or 12ths?
ARGH!
I am I the ONLY one who has to re-calculate the calories in Pizza because of this? Even frozen pizzas have strange serving sizes! (1/3rd or 1/6th) The serving size of all pizza should be one eighth, one quarter, or even one half! These are sizes we can easily cut a pizza into - without the need of a protractor!!!
Seriously though, I am glad that Papa Murphy’s has their caloric information online, but I am a LITTLE pissed that they say “feeds 4 people” but their nutritional data says 12!!!!
I just want some honesty!
End Rant,
Jess
P.S.
The Knee is recovering nicely! :)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I'm Getting Better!
My knee is getting much better.
I actually worked a half day the day of my surgery. (Last Thursday morning.)
I then went to the hospital in the afternoon.
A nurse took my vital information, and he gave me a gown to wear. I had to have all my jewelry off and gave Aaron my glasses. My eyesight is not *that* bad, and I can see things that are about 2 feet from me clearly. The further away though, the fuzzier my vision gets.
Then they put me in a wheelchair and took me to the operating room.
Everyone is in scrubs, and their face are covered with masks, since they are all blurry I am not sure who anyone is.
They have me hop up on the operating table (which was shaped like a broken letter "t") and they start VELCROING me down to the table - my arms out on the boards to the side.
Then the anesthesiologist comes over and starts putting stuff in my IV. His masked face leans into focus and says, "You have very beautiful eyes."
I replied, "Thank you, I got them from my dad." And that is the last thing I remember before waking in the recovery room.
Looking back on it, it is pretty creepy to have a stranger complement you on your eyes, then render you unconscious - while you're strapped down to a table...
Anyway! I am just so happy to FINALLY have my left knee cleaned up!
I spent Friday and Saturday in bed. I took regular OTC Tylenol for pain every 4-6 hours with my leg up with ice on my knee.
They gave me a script for "better" pain meds, but those pills don't work well for me and only leave me constipated.
I get the most relief from Ibuprofen, but my doctor has me on an aspirin regimen to prevent blood clots... And those two drugs don't play well together, (Advil + Aspirin, Cancels Aspirin's blood thinning properties) so I have to take Tylenol - which doesn't do that much.
Sunday was a tad better, less ice, less meds.
Monday, I spent home from work, and went without ice and meds.
Tuesday, I was already back to work. I missed only 2.5 days having knee surgery. My knee was really sore on Tuesday, but I took it easy.
I've been doing PT 4 times a day too. I need to 10 reps where I flex my toes up, and raise my leg off the floor - hold for 5 seconds, down, repeat. My other exersice I straighten my leg and press it down for a count of 5. (10 reps)
I am getting better. I can even move around our place without a cane or crutch!
My post-op is on Monday and I am very excited to be "approved" to drive again!
Have A Great Weekend!
Jess
I actually worked a half day the day of my surgery. (Last Thursday morning.)
I then went to the hospital in the afternoon.
A nurse took my vital information, and he gave me a gown to wear. I had to have all my jewelry off and gave Aaron my glasses. My eyesight is not *that* bad, and I can see things that are about 2 feet from me clearly. The further away though, the fuzzier my vision gets.
Then they put me in a wheelchair and took me to the operating room.
Everyone is in scrubs, and their face are covered with masks, since they are all blurry I am not sure who anyone is.
They have me hop up on the operating table (which was shaped like a broken letter "t") and they start VELCROING me down to the table - my arms out on the boards to the side.
Then the anesthesiologist comes over and starts putting stuff in my IV. His masked face leans into focus and says, "You have very beautiful eyes."
I replied, "Thank you, I got them from my dad." And that is the last thing I remember before waking in the recovery room.
Looking back on it, it is pretty creepy to have a stranger complement you on your eyes, then render you unconscious - while you're strapped down to a table...
Anyway! I am just so happy to FINALLY have my left knee cleaned up!
I spent Friday and Saturday in bed. I took regular OTC Tylenol for pain every 4-6 hours with my leg up with ice on my knee.
They gave me a script for "better" pain meds, but those pills don't work well for me and only leave me constipated.
I get the most relief from Ibuprofen, but my doctor has me on an aspirin regimen to prevent blood clots... And those two drugs don't play well together, (Advil + Aspirin, Cancels Aspirin's blood thinning properties) so I have to take Tylenol - which doesn't do that much.
Sunday was a tad better, less ice, less meds.
Monday, I spent home from work, and went without ice and meds.
Tuesday, I was already back to work. I missed only 2.5 days having knee surgery. My knee was really sore on Tuesday, but I took it easy.
I've been doing PT 4 times a day too. I need to 10 reps where I flex my toes up, and raise my leg off the floor - hold for 5 seconds, down, repeat. My other exersice I straighten my leg and press it down for a count of 5. (10 reps)
I am getting better. I can even move around our place without a cane or crutch!
My post-op is on Monday and I am very excited to be "approved" to drive again!
Have A Great Weekend!
Jess
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I'm in a Facebook Ad Again?!?!
This picture is being used in facebook ads again! :(
Copyright © (2001-2008) My Virtual Model, Inc.
I contacted MVM, and they sent a complaint to Facebook Advertising dept.
We will wait and see what their reply is.
If you see the ad online again, PLEASE tag it as "Misleading" so it can be identified in facebook's system more quickly!
Thank you for your help!!! :-D
Jess :)
Copyright © (2001-2008) My Virtual Model, Inc.
I contacted MVM, and they sent a complaint to Facebook Advertising dept.
We will wait and see what their reply is.
If you see the ad online again, PLEASE tag it as "Misleading" so it can be identified in facebook's system more quickly!
Thank you for your help!!! :-D
Jess :)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Knee Surgery Today
It's raining today and my knee is just throbbing!
I am having apple jucie for breakfast because I can only have clear foods/liquids...
My nurse said I should have Jell-O, but I am not a fan of the stuff. I don't want to buy some just for this one day.
Wish me luck!
Jess
I am having apple jucie for breakfast because I can only have clear foods/liquids...
My nurse said I should have Jell-O, but I am not a fan of the stuff. I don't want to buy some just for this one day.
Wish me luck!
Jess
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Second two week goal met!
I was able to walk an hour 5 days a week for another 2 weeks!
That's 4 weeks in a row! My next batch of rewards in on the way. :)
I will not be able to do this again though because I will be laid up from surgery.
I will need to think of a new goal to work towards.
That's 4 weeks in a row! My next batch of rewards in on the way. :)
I will not be able to do this again though because I will be laid up from surgery.
I will need to think of a new goal to work towards.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Week Before Surgery
Next Thursday my left knee will finally be "scoped!"
It is raining today, so it's stiff and throbbing. It sucks having a weather defective limb at 30.
My knees were more like the knees of a 70 year old because I spent the previous 25 years being over-weight / obese.
After I had my right knee done it took awhile to heal, and now it is in fantastic shape! But my left leg is still "crunchy" and holding me back.
I am really looking forward to having a working pair of legs again! :)
My Pre-Op physical is tomorrow and I have to get on the Doctor's Scale. It is going to be bad....
My weight has taken off like a rocket this year because my limited mobility plus lots of Stress/Greif Eating.
Since my first knee surgery last November I have gained 30 pounds. (About 3 pounds gained each month.)
It is very very very very very frustrating because I am doing what I can with what I got, and I am still slowly gaining weight.
Even being consistantly active and reaching my goals, I am still up 3 pounds this month!!! (My weight this morning compared to the weight on the 1st.) but that weight gain could be from my pending period. I hope it is just period puff and my weight will finally TURN AROUND!
It is raining today, so it's stiff and throbbing. It sucks having a weather defective limb at 30.
My knees were more like the knees of a 70 year old because I spent the previous 25 years being over-weight / obese.
After I had my right knee done it took awhile to heal, and now it is in fantastic shape! But my left leg is still "crunchy" and holding me back.
I am really looking forward to having a working pair of legs again! :)
My Pre-Op physical is tomorrow and I have to get on the Doctor's Scale. It is going to be bad....
My weight has taken off like a rocket this year because my limited mobility plus lots of Stress/Greif Eating.
Since my first knee surgery last November I have gained 30 pounds. (About 3 pounds gained each month.)
It is very very very very very frustrating because I am doing what I can with what I got, and I am still slowly gaining weight.
Even being consistantly active and reaching my goals, I am still up 3 pounds this month!!! (My weight this morning compared to the weight on the 1st.) but that weight gain could be from my pending period. I hope it is just period puff and my weight will finally TURN AROUND!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I need to walk tonight...
I know that I will need to walk tonight to stay on track to reach my goal... I am sooooo not motivated to do it. :P I will try though.
I am not feeling the motivation because my reward still has not arrived from Amazon!!! :(
I reached my goal back on the 19th... and I still do not have my reward! :(
SAD JESS!!!
I will do my best to get my unmotivated butt in gear, but it is going to be hard!
Fingers Crossed.
Jess
7:34 PM
UPDATE!!
I just finished my workout.
1 hour 4 minutes
4942 strides
460.2 calories
4.57 miles
How I got Motivated:
I filled up my shopping cart at Amazon.com with my NEXT batch of rewards!
I have 4 more hours to workout by September 2nd, and then I can place that order.
HOPEFULLY, my first reward will arrive before then!!
I am not feeling the motivation because my reward still has not arrived from Amazon!!! :(
I reached my goal back on the 19th... and I still do not have my reward! :(
SAD JESS!!!
I will do my best to get my unmotivated butt in gear, but it is going to be hard!
Fingers Crossed.
Jess
7:34 PM
UPDATE!!
I just finished my workout.
1 hour 4 minutes
4942 strides
460.2 calories
4.57 miles
How I got Motivated:
I filled up my shopping cart at Amazon.com with my NEXT batch of rewards!
I have 4 more hours to workout by September 2nd, and then I can place that order.
HOPEFULLY, my first reward will arrive before then!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Keeping it up!
I still have not "fallen off the wagon" with my "Walk an hour 5 days a week" goal.
My reward should be arriving soon. :)
Cheers!
Jess
My reward should be arriving soon. :)
Cheers!
Jess
Friday, August 22, 2008
Nice Article!
I recently read this article on Women's Health Magazine's website. I found it really interesting and thought I would share it.
Do any of these sound familiar to any of you too?
Avoid Diet Roadblocks
10 surprising reasons why you aren't losing when you should be—and what you can do about it
by Nancy Gottesman
If losing weight were simple, Spanx would be just a screen name in an S&M chat room. But dieting is complicated: There are even ways to screw up without realizing it. For instance, who would ever think that working out in the a.m. or cranking the AC might be the reason you're not slimming down? Luckily, once you've I.D.'d these flubs, fixing them is nowhere near as hard as pulling on a pair of control-top hose.
Roadblock #1 Always a go-getter, you work out at 6 a.m.
What's wrong with that? Morning workouts are great—if you go to bed at 10 p.m. In a recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, women who slept 7 or more hours a night were less likely to put on weight than women who didn't. Those who slept only 6 hours a night were 12 percent more likely to gain substantial weight—33 pounds on average over the course of 16 years! (Women who slept a measly 5 hours had a 32 percent chance of gaining 30 or more pounds.) Other studies have linked lack of sleep to a higher BMI and have found that it negatively affects levels of the appetite-regulating hormones ghrelin and leptin.
Detour
Don't sacrifice your snooze time—not even for an extra-long run. And quality matters more than quantity, so taking a siesta later won't help. "In a 20-minute power nap you don't get into the deep-sleep stage," says Donna Taliaferro, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who conducts research on sleep and circadian rhythms. "You need to go through the cycles of sleep over a few hours to get the restorative rest that allows your body to work properly." Bottom line: You're better off sleeping through your workout every other day than stumbling to a sunrise Pilates class on too few z's.
Roadblock #2 You're a teetotaler (or a sot!)
What's wrong with that? Alcohol may not be the diet kryptonite you thought it was. Recent research showed that those who have a single drink a couple times a week have a lower risk of becoming obese than either teetotalers or heavy drinkers. Those who consume more than four drinks daily, on the other hand, boost their odds of obesity by 46 percent.
Detour
Go ahead and have a drink; just avoid belly-busters like a 245-calorie pina colada. Instead, raise a glass of heart-smart merlot (123 calories per 5 ounces), Bud Light (110 calories per 12 ounces), champagne (88 calories per 4 ounces), or sake (39 calories per ounce). Or mix a 100-calorie cocktail, like vodka and diet tonic or tequila and club soda. "Just make sure you drink it with some healthy food, such as raw veggies with low-fat dip or whole-wheat pita and hummus," advises Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Eating slows the rise of alcohol in your blood -- and cuts the odds you'll drunk-order the deep-fried mozzarella sticks. For a good excuse to throw one back, see WH's Top Red & White Wines and Best-Tasting Light Beers.
Roadblock #3 You crank the AC
What's wrong with that? Al Gore wants you to lay off the thermostat to save the planet. Here's how it can save (the shape of) your own ass, too: In a study published in Physiology & Behavior, researchers found that exposure to temperatures above the "thermoneutral zone"—the artificial climate we create with clothes, heating, or air conditioning—decreases our appetite and food intake. "At a slightly uncomfortable 81 degrees, the women in the study experienced a 20 percent decrease in appetite and ate 10 percent less than at 72 degrees," says lead author Margriet S. Westerterp-Plantenga, Ph.D., a professor of food-intake regulation in the department of human biology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
Detour
Instead of cranking the air conditioner every time you feel a little warm, learn to endure slightly steamier conditions. Hitting the "off" button is well worth a little discomfort if it helps you lose the saddlebags.
Roadblock #4 You log extra miles on the treadmill to make up for giant meals
What's wrong with that? When it comes to dieting, success isn't 90 percent perspiration. You can't achieve lasting weight loss via exercise alone. But a new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that dieting can shrink your fat zones just as effectively as dieting plus exercise.
Detour
If you try the diet-only approach, you need a clear idea of how much you should be eating. Multiply your weight by 10, then add your weight again to that sum: That gives you the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight without activity. For example, 135 pounds x 10 = 1,350 + 135 = 1,485 calories. Eat more than that regularly, and your "loose-fit" pants won't anymore; eat less, and your muffin top will start melting away. But not so fast—before you burn your gym membership, read on about sarcopenia.
Roadblock #5 You ignore sarcopenia
What's wrong with that? Sarcopenia, in case you weren't paying attention to your medical TV dramas, is age-related muscle loss—and it can start in your 30s. If you don't take action now, you could begin to lose as much as 1 to 2 percent of your muscle mass by the time you hit 50. Less muscle means you burn fewer calories and store more of them as fat.
Detour
The key to stopping muscle meltdown is to strengthen your back, shoulders, arms, and thighs. "When you increase lean muscle mass, you burn more calories, even when you're sitting down doing nothing," says Amy Campbell, M.S., R.D., education program manager for health care services at the Joslin Diabetes Center of the Harvard Medical School. Find a strength workout in "Secrets of the Nation's Top Trainers" (page 128) and start sculpting at least twice a week. And keep it up after you reach your goal weight: Studies show that if you don't exercise regularly (60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day), the pounds can creep back on.
Roadblock #6 You're shooting for a realistic size 6 instead of a near-impossible 2
What's wrong with that? We know size 2 jeans look like they were made for a 10-year-old, but, according to a study of 1,801 people published in the International Journal of Obesity, women who set unrealistically high weight-loss goals dropped more weight in 24 months than those who kept their expectations low.
Detour
The study authors concluded that having an optimistic goal motivated women to lose more weight. And the participants who failed to reach their magic number did not quit trying to drop the weight. Could aiming for Sienna Miller's figure really help you reach your goal weight healthfully? "If you're a driven person and a lofty goal motivates you," says Blatner, "it can work."
Roadblock #7 Ever since the recent headlines, you've been popping M&Ms like they're Advil
What's wrong with that? You've heard the news: Cocoa can lower blood pressure; reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia; and possibly even prevent cancer. But the research isn't as delicious as it seems. The cocoa-bean products used in the studies are a far cry from the highly processed chocolate candy you find on the shelves of your local store. "Milk chocolate contains about 150 calories and 10 grams of fat per ounce," says Campbell.
Detour
The key here is small doses. Dark chocolate, which retains more of the bean during processing, generally has slightly less fat and fewer calories than milk chocolate—plus, it's richer, so less goes a longer way. We like CocoaVia's Crispy Chocolate Bar (90 calories, 5 g fat) or Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Stick (60 calories, 3.5 g fat). If dark doesn't do it for you, opt for low-cal choices such as a half-cup of Breyers French Chocolate Double Churn Fat Free Ice Cream (90 calories, 0 fat).
Roadblock #8 You think "water-rich diet" means more trips to the cooler
What's wrong with that? Water in your glass is good, but water in your food can have serious slimming power. In a new American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, obese women ages 20 to 60 were told to either reduce their fat intake or increase their intake of water-rich foods, such as fruits and veggies. Although they ate more, women in the water-rich group chose foods that were more filling—yet had fewer calories—so they still lost 33 percent more weight in the first 6 months than the women in the reduced-fat group.
Detour
Fill up on food that's high in H2O. Some good choices in addition to fruits and veggies: broth-based, low-sodium soups; oatmeal and other whole grains; and beans. For other filling options, consult The Volumetrics Eating Plan: Techniques and Recipes for Feeling Full on Fewer Calories, by Barbara Rolls, Ph.D. (Harper Paperbacks, 2007).
Roadblock #9 You give up junk food today but put off joining a gym until January
What's wrong with that? Tackling one goal at a time is supposed to help you succeed. But new research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine bucks that conventional wisdom. In a study of more than 200 people who smoked, had high blood pressure, and weren't extremely active, one group was asked to quit the butts, cut back on dietary sodium, and increase physical activity all at once. Another group addressed one bad habit at a time. The group that tackled all their problems simultaneously had the higher success rate after 18 months.
Detour
Combining your goals may work for the same reason job negotiations do: When you ask for everything, you're more likely to get something. Put this thinking to the test by creating a healthy eating and exercise plan and throwing all your energy into following both.
Roadblock #10 You never think about potassium
What's wrong with that? A recent Canadian study concluded that getting more potassium might help lower your weight and blood pressure. Levels measured in study participants were proportional to their diet and weight. "That makes sense," says Blatner. "The richest sources of potassium are beans, vegetables, and fruit, so the person with high potassium levels is consuming a lot of these foods, which are low in calories and are the most filling."
Detour
You should aim for 4,700 milligrams of potassium each day. Supplements may help you hit that target, but doctors don't recommend them for everyone. Try filling up on white beans (1 cup: 1,000 mg potassium), winter squash (1 cup: 494 mg), spinach (1 cup: 840 mg), baked potato with skin (926 mg), yogurt (1 cup: 600 mg), halibut (4 ounces: 566 mg), and OJ (1 cup: 473 mg).
Last updated: June 5, 2008 Issue date: November 2007
Link to Article
Do any of these sound familiar to any of you too?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Our 48 Hour Film!
In a previous post I talked about the 48 Hour Film Project.
In short, local teams competed to make an entire short film in 48 hours!
No one knows what their movie will be about until they draw a genre out of a hat! You then have from Friday at 7 PM to Sunday at 7PM to turn in a movie!
All 48 Hour Films were required to have these elements in them:
This year we had:
It was cute to see how the other teams take these elements and use them in their movies!
We had to make a "Holiday Movie." We made a Vampire movie involving Arbor Day!
Buddy Kant, "Action Philosopher," fights vampires plotting to end Arbor Day!
I am proud to presnt: "Arbor Day - Kant Touch This"
In short, local teams competed to make an entire short film in 48 hours!
No one knows what their movie will be about until they draw a genre out of a hat! You then have from Friday at 7 PM to Sunday at 7PM to turn in a movie!
All 48 Hour Films were required to have these elements in them:
This year we had:
- Character - Buddy (Babby) Kant - A Philosophy Instructor
- Prop - A greeting card
- Line of Dialogue - "Chalk it up to dumb luck."
It was cute to see how the other teams take these elements and use them in their movies!
We had to make a "Holiday Movie." We made a Vampire movie involving Arbor Day!
Buddy Kant, "Action Philosopher," fights vampires plotting to end Arbor Day!
I am proud to presnt: "Arbor Day - Kant Touch This"
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
GOAL!
I successfully walked an hour last night and achieved my goal of walking 5 times a week, for 2 weeks. (I started this on Aug. 5th, a Tuesday)
I look forward to my rewards arriving soon!
I will be repeating this goal over the next two weeks. If successful - I will get my next reward just before my knee surgery! :)
I hope you are keeping healthy! :)
Jess
I look forward to my rewards arriving soon!
I will be repeating this goal over the next two weeks. If successful - I will get my next reward just before my knee surgery! :)
I hope you are keeping healthy! :)
Jess
Monday, August 18, 2008
One More To Go
I walked again last night while watching "Platoon." I had never seen it before and it was cool to see so many actors I recognized. They all looked so young!
I walked for 1 hour for 4.45 miles, 4542 strides, and 456.7 calories.
If I walk again to night, I reach my goal! Yea! :-D
I walked for 1 hour for 4.45 miles, 4542 strides, and 456.7 calories.
If I walk again to night, I reach my goal! Yea! :-D
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Rest Day!
I walked last night just like I planned!
I just need to walk 2 more times by Tuesday and I will get my reward!!!
(I am buying myself some items from my amazon.com wishlist!!!
)
My soon-to-be-operated-on knee was not in a happy mood today, so I am taking a rest day. :)
I think I might even go to bed early and try to get some really nice sleep!
Cheers,
Jessica
I just need to walk 2 more times by Tuesday and I will get my reward!!!
(I am buying myself some items from my amazon.com wishlist!!!
)My soon-to-be-operated-on knee was not in a happy mood today, so I am taking a rest day. :)
I think I might even go to bed early and try to get some really nice sleep!
Cheers,
Jessica
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Apartment!
Aaron and I have been apartment hunting the last few weeks.
We looked at many places.
I really wanted to find a place with a nice large open kitchen, that’s close to my work and with reasonable rent.
Our current apartment has a tiny dark galley kitchen with no counter-space and no dishwasher. I don’t like cooking in there because it is claustrophobic, and everything is really old and battered. I know that if I was more comfortable in the kitchen, then I would make healthier meals from scratch.
Rent was also a factor. We were looking for the best apartment we could get for our money. Since we have two cats – that really changed the prices. Some places had no monthly pet fees, others had $10 per cat ($20), $15 per cat ($30), $25 a month for both. Then there was the varying pet “security deposits”…
After weighing the positives and negatives of each place I settled on one that was just 3 blocks from my work. It didn’t thrill me. It was another galley kitchen but with a little “window” over the sink into the living room. The rent was pretty high there, but I figured it was the best we’d seen.
We had one more showing scheduled for Sunday and I questioned about even going to it, but felt obligated to keep the appointment.
Thank God I did!!
I was blown away by the place. When we first entered there was a huge bathroom off to the right and a nice bedroom/home office to the left. Then we entered the spacious kitchen/dining and living area.
A nice dining area to the right, and a large living space to the left, then the kitchen!!! It was a fantastic large open kitchen integrated into the dining and living space with nice appliances. I'll be able to cook and still interact with guests. Fantastic!
Then off the kitchen was a stacked in unit washer and dryer, then into the Master Suite. A large bedroom, with a hallway of closets that lead to a private full bath with a large counter and two sinks!
I whispered to Aaron… “I don’t think we can afford this place!”
I then asked, “So what’s the rent here?” It turns out it was $60 less than the other place! She also mentioned that it includes heated underground parking! It was too good to be true!
We snapped up an application and turned it in on Monday. Today I learned we got the place!!!
We’ll need to schedule a lease signing and I am so excited! :)
Floorplan:
My Health News!
My latest goal is being able to walk an hour 5 days a week.
I’ve successfully walked on:
08/05/08
08/07/08
08/08/08
08/10/08
08/11/08
-----------------
08/12/08
08/14/08
And plan to walk again tonight while watching Naruto - Then it's just 2 more hours until I get my reward!! Yea!
We looked at many places.
I really wanted to find a place with a nice large open kitchen, that’s close to my work and with reasonable rent.
Our current apartment has a tiny dark galley kitchen with no counter-space and no dishwasher. I don’t like cooking in there because it is claustrophobic, and everything is really old and battered. I know that if I was more comfortable in the kitchen, then I would make healthier meals from scratch.
Rent was also a factor. We were looking for the best apartment we could get for our money. Since we have two cats – that really changed the prices. Some places had no monthly pet fees, others had $10 per cat ($20), $15 per cat ($30), $25 a month for both. Then there was the varying pet “security deposits”…
After weighing the positives and negatives of each place I settled on one that was just 3 blocks from my work. It didn’t thrill me. It was another galley kitchen but with a little “window” over the sink into the living room. The rent was pretty high there, but I figured it was the best we’d seen.
We had one more showing scheduled for Sunday and I questioned about even going to it, but felt obligated to keep the appointment.
Thank God I did!!
I was blown away by the place. When we first entered there was a huge bathroom off to the right and a nice bedroom/home office to the left. Then we entered the spacious kitchen/dining and living area.
A nice dining area to the right, and a large living space to the left, then the kitchen!!! It was a fantastic large open kitchen integrated into the dining and living space with nice appliances. I'll be able to cook and still interact with guests. Fantastic!
Then off the kitchen was a stacked in unit washer and dryer, then into the Master Suite. A large bedroom, with a hallway of closets that lead to a private full bath with a large counter and two sinks!
I whispered to Aaron… “I don’t think we can afford this place!”
I then asked, “So what’s the rent here?” It turns out it was $60 less than the other place! She also mentioned that it includes heated underground parking! It was too good to be true!
We snapped up an application and turned it in on Monday. Today I learned we got the place!!!
We’ll need to schedule a lease signing and I am so excited! :)
Floorplan:
My Health News!
My latest goal is being able to walk an hour 5 days a week.
I’ve successfully walked on:
08/05/08
08/07/08
08/08/08
08/10/08
08/11/08
-----------------
08/12/08
08/14/08
And plan to walk again tonight while watching Naruto - Then it's just 2 more hours until I get my reward!! Yea!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
More Knee Surgery
I will be having my left knee scoped on Sept. 4th.
I am excited about having my knees finally both repaired and ready to rock! :)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Found My Lost Journal!
Last week I lost my food journal, luckily I found it yesterday in my back seat! Yea!
I was in a movie over the weekend for the 48 hour film contest!
Basically, Film-making teams draw a film genre out of a hat and have 48 hours to write a script, cast, film, edit and create an original musical score.
This year we had "Holiday Movie." (Last year we make a "road-trip" movie.)
We did the draw at 7 PM on Friday, we brainstormed as a group until about 10. Then the writers broke-off to work on a script. They worked until the wee hours of the morning, then scraped the brainstorming material, and wrote an story about Vampires and Arbor Day.
At 9:30 AM we met up to start filiming, but we really didn't get going until about noon... We filimed until about 9:30 PM. Then it was put in the hands of the editors!
I should mention that all these roles, were actually about the same 4 people. ;)
WHAT FUN! like 8 hours of sleep combined Friday, Saturday and Sunday. WHEEEEE!
Once the movie is on the internet I will post a link!
I was in a movie over the weekend for the 48 hour film contest!
Basically, Film-making teams draw a film genre out of a hat and have 48 hours to write a script, cast, film, edit and create an original musical score.
This year we had "Holiday Movie." (Last year we make a "road-trip" movie.)
We did the draw at 7 PM on Friday, we brainstormed as a group until about 10. Then the writers broke-off to work on a script. They worked until the wee hours of the morning, then scraped the brainstorming material, and wrote an story about Vampires and Arbor Day.
At 9:30 AM we met up to start filiming, but we really didn't get going until about noon... We filimed until about 9:30 PM. Then it was put in the hands of the editors!
I should mention that all these roles, were actually about the same 4 people. ;)
WHAT FUN! like 8 hours of sleep combined Friday, Saturday and Sunday. WHEEEEE!
Once the movie is on the internet I will post a link!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Second Video Blog Is Up!
Enjoy!
Thank you!!
Jess :)
Please leave comments so I know what you think of this video, and what you would like to see in the future!
Thank you!!
Jess :)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Forget the Moby...
ARGH!!! For weeks I have been trying to get the songs I was approved for from Moby's website, and I keep getting this:
Approved: Download AIFF File
So I click the link and get:
Error! You are not currently authorized to download this file.
It is so agravating!
I think I might just use "Mika" again and put it up.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Exciting weigh-in
I got on the scale today and went, "Good Lord, Is that Right?"
I lost 2 pounds this week!
I have been plateaued or gaining weight for half a year, and to FINALLY see my weight go down... This was a triumph. (o/~ I'm being so sincere right now. Even though you broke my heart and killed me. o/~ - Lyrics from: Glados - Still Alive.)
I was not expecting that result because Aaron and I went out for Pizza at Old Chicago on Tuesday. Looks like that one "feast day" was okay. :)
I look forward to putting my weight into my spreadsheet at work where I have tracked my weight since about June 2004.
I hope the line-graph of my weight will finally STOP looking like the letter "U" and go back to looking like the letter "L"!
Well it will be more of a "fancy" letter "L."
Like this: \.-._
It's ALMOST the WEEKEND!!!!!!!!
I think I'll go out tonight and sing karaoke, dance and drink ice water all night long!
Take Care,
Jess
-------------------------------------
LessJess Video Blog #2 - Update
Title: " Taking It Slow in a World of Instant Gratification."
I have edited my second video blog together, but I still have not got the music from Moby yet. Apparently, there are some "technical difficulties." Hopefully they will be taken care of soon. :)
I hope to have it up before Monday. *Knock on Wood*
-------------------------------------
This Blog was brought to you today by the Letters: U, L and the Number 2! ;)
-------------------------------------
Monday, July 14, 2008
2nd Video Blog Filmed & This Year So Far
I shot the footage for my second video blog yesterday and will be editing it together soon! I hope to have it up by the end of the week!
I've really struggled with my weight this year. Stress eating and limited movement have taken such a toll on my body. It's very frustrating.
I feel like a passenger in my own body, watching in horror as things go out of control.
But I've taken steps to retake the wheel and trying to get back on the road towards health.
I've really struggled with my weight this year. Stress eating and limited movement have taken such a toll on my body. It's very frustrating.
I feel like a passenger in my own body, watching in horror as things go out of control.
But I've taken steps to retake the wheel and trying to get back on the road towards health.
- Using my food journal
- Drinking more water
- Finding activities that is easy on my knees
I hope that this month will finally end months of slow gain, and I will get back to where I was before my surgery! :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Co-worker with Chocoalte Birthday cake...
One of my co-workers is a Master Baker and makes high quality desserts from scratch.
Tomorrow is his birthday, and he brought in a full sheet (18 X 24) chocolate cake, with thick chocolate frosting, and topped with fresh Raspberries and Strawberries... It's all homemade and FANTASTIC! :9
Obviously, I had a slice if cake and wished him well. :)
Some calories are just worth it! ;)
And calories are just calories, whether they are in cake or spinach. Or course I'd have to eat about 4 pounds of spinach to be the same number of calories.
Mmm Spinach! I think I will have Palak Panner for lunch! :)
Tomorrow is his birthday, and he brought in a full sheet (18 X 24) chocolate cake, with thick chocolate frosting, and topped with fresh Raspberries and Strawberries... It's all homemade and FANTASTIC! :9
Obviously, I had a slice if cake and wished him well. :)
Some calories are just worth it! ;)
And calories are just calories, whether they are in cake or spinach. Or course I'd have to eat about 4 pounds of spinach to be the same number of calories.
Mmm Spinach! I think I will have Palak Panner for lunch! :)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
New Food Journal!
I am sorry that I did not get around to filming the second video blog last weekend.
This weekend we should be good to go though! :)
I got a New Food Journal!
I got a really pretty red leather journal to keep track of my calories!
It really blows my mind how I was “forgetting” that I ate 500 calories! This food amnesia comes from eating while doing other activities. (I was watching T.V.)
Now I am trying to write it before I bite it. This makes me actively think about what I am going to consume. I find I make much better choices, and manage my calories better.
I have lost about a pound since I started using my journal faithfully again. (started on July 3rd) I hope to have my "knee surgery + stress eating weight" will be gone by the end of the year! :)
This weekend we should be good to go though! :)
I got a New Food Journal!
I got a really pretty red leather journal to keep track of my calories!
It really blows my mind how I was “forgetting” that I ate 500 calories! This food amnesia comes from eating while doing other activities. (I was watching T.V.)
Now I am trying to write it before I bite it. This makes me actively think about what I am going to consume. I find I make much better choices, and manage my calories better.
I have lost about a pound since I started using my journal faithfully again. (started on July 3rd) I hope to have my "knee surgery + stress eating weight" will be gone by the end of the year! :)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Next video blog ready to be filmed
I have finished writing my next video blog! :) Now I need to film it and edit it! I hope to have time of the holiday weekend. We'll see! :-D
I have started looking for a water aerobics class. I think that a workout in the water would help me get fit and preserve my bad joints.
I am not sure where I will take the class though, and they all seem to be offered in the middle of day! I would need to take a long and early lunch to get to take this class, but my health is a priority!
I've found that taking a fitness class makes me stick with it better since I PAID for the service, and I am now part of a group and feel bad if I miss out.
I've also been thinking about going to a Day Spa! As often as I suggest getting pampered as a reward for being healthy - I have never gone myself. I have never had a professional massage, but I can imaging how nice it must be!
With Aaron's birthday at the end of June, I did not successfully end up with a net loss for the Month of June, but I am treading water. Trying to get back on track is like turning a aircraft carrier around!
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of JULY!
Jess
I have started looking for a water aerobics class. I think that a workout in the water would help me get fit and preserve my bad joints.
I am not sure where I will take the class though, and they all seem to be offered in the middle of day! I would need to take a long and early lunch to get to take this class, but my health is a priority!
I've found that taking a fitness class makes me stick with it better since I PAID for the service, and I am now part of a group and feel bad if I miss out.
I've also been thinking about going to a Day Spa! As often as I suggest getting pampered as a reward for being healthy - I have never gone myself. I have never had a professional massage, but I can imaging how nice it must be!
With Aaron's birthday at the end of June, I did not successfully end up with a net loss for the Month of June, but I am treading water. Trying to get back on track is like turning a aircraft carrier around!
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of JULY!
Jess
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Happy Birthday Aaron!
Tomorrow is my Angel, Aaron's Birthday!!! He is so cute!
We went out last night for dinner at King of Falafel. (Funny name, AWESOME food).
We got the King's Vegetarian Combo for two! Basically it was every meatless appetizer and our choice of a fantastic veggie dish! A very tasy meal. :) I was very careful not to eat too much and really enjoyed a night out!
I hope that I can keep this up because the weekend might get a tad crazy with so many people coming over for his birthday.
Party = Food
The month is nearly over, and I would hate for me to "blow it" in the last few days. :)
We went out last night for dinner at King of Falafel. (Funny name, AWESOME food).
We got the King's Vegetarian Combo for two! Basically it was every meatless appetizer and our choice of a fantastic veggie dish! A very tasy meal. :) I was very careful not to eat too much and really enjoyed a night out!
I hope that I can keep this up because the weekend might get a tad crazy with so many people coming over for his birthday.
Party = Food
The month is nearly over, and I would hate for me to "blow it" in the last few days. :)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
This could be my first sucessful month since...
I hope I do not speak too soon, but this could be my first "successful" month of weight loss since 2007!
In November 2007 I had knee surgery and my limited mobility resulted in gaining weight.
2008 has been a stressful year full of loss and pain.
Stress Eating + Healing Knee = Even more weight gain!
Half a year later, I am about 18 pounds over where I was last November! :(
Amazing how those sneeky pounds suddenly add up...
But FINALLY it seems that things are turning back around! :-D
My calories are being counted again, and I am healed enough to be consistantly active again! :)
My "old knee" is really starting to hurt though, but I want to get back to my previous weight before I get the surgery again. This time I will do a better job of watching what I eat when laid up. :)
Delayed by not derailed,
Jess
In November 2007 I had knee surgery and my limited mobility resulted in gaining weight.
2008 has been a stressful year full of loss and pain.
Stress Eating + Healing Knee = Even more weight gain!
Half a year later, I am about 18 pounds over where I was last November! :(
Amazing how those sneeky pounds suddenly add up...
But FINALLY it seems that things are turning back around! :-D
My calories are being counted again, and I am healed enough to be consistantly active again! :)
My "old knee" is really starting to hurt though, but I want to get back to my previous weight before I get the surgery again. This time I will do a better job of watching what I eat when laid up. :)
Delayed by not derailed,
Jess
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Back from Texas
Hey! I am back from Texas, and I am already back under my pre-trip weight! Yea!
(I still have a long way to go to get back to my pre-surgery weight, but I’ll get there! :-D )
On the trip I ate something that was totally worth all the weight I gained: Trudy’s Stuffed Avocado!
http://www.trudys.com/texmex.htm
Oh. My. God! It was the most delicious thing I have tasted in memory!!!
Perfectly seasoned shredded chicken and cheese stuffed in an avocado. Which is then breaded, fried, and covered with your choice of sauce and more cheese. Wow…. Just wow. It was just amazing. If you ever are near Austin, it is worth stopping by for a bite!
Even as wonderful as it tasted, I did not stuff myself silly, and stopped eating when I was full.
Second V-Log Update
Still working on writing a script. I did get permission to use Moby’s music.
Live Healthy!
Jess
(I still have a long way to go to get back to my pre-surgery weight, but I’ll get there! :-D )
On the trip I ate something that was totally worth all the weight I gained: Trudy’s Stuffed Avocado!
http://www.trudys.com/texmex.htm
Oh. My. God! It was the most delicious thing I have tasted in memory!!!
Perfectly seasoned shredded chicken and cheese stuffed in an avocado. Which is then breaded, fried, and covered with your choice of sauce and more cheese. Wow…. Just wow. It was just amazing. If you ever are near Austin, it is worth stopping by for a bite!
Even as wonderful as it tasted, I did not stuff myself silly, and stopped eating when I was full.
Second V-Log Update
Still working on writing a script. I did get permission to use Moby’s music.
Live Healthy!
Jess
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The First Video Blog is Up!!!
As you can see in my previous post, my first video blog is up! :)
I wanted to clean-up some of my edits... but posting the new file would create a totally different file on YouTube, and kill any links/embeds you have posted to the original... so I am going to squash my perfectionist nature, and leave it as is.
I will instead, redirect my obsessive compulsiveness towards starting a second script!
I'll even try to learn my lines this time! ;)
As an added bonus, the soundtrack may be provided by Moby! I am waiting for him to grant me permission to use his gratis music for it!!
http://www.mobygratis.com/film-music.html
The song that opened my first video blog was "Love Today" by Mika off of his album "Life in Cartoon Motion". There are many good tracks on the album, including "Big Girl You Are Beautiful", a song that falls into the catogory of Sir Mix-a-lot's "Baby Got Back" or Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls". I may no longer be "big" myself anymore, but I still love those songs!
(It's strange that Moby and Mika are both male music artists who go by one name that starts with "M" and has 4 letters.... Well, at least that sort of coincidence seems interesting at midnight...)
The Mika clip comprised less than 10% of my work so I should be cool with "Fair Use" laws. Fair Use is weighed by how the song was used, how much of the song was used, and if the value and potential sales of the original work were affected.
After being legally violated in the past, (companies stealing my image to sell weight loss products I never used...) I try hard not to step on other peoples toes!
I really need to get to bed!
Cheers!
Jess
I wanted to clean-up some of my edits... but posting the new file would create a totally different file on YouTube, and kill any links/embeds you have posted to the original... so I am going to squash my perfectionist nature, and leave it as is.
I will instead, redirect my obsessive compulsiveness towards starting a second script!
I'll even try to learn my lines this time! ;)
As an added bonus, the soundtrack may be provided by Moby! I am waiting for him to grant me permission to use his gratis music for it!!
http://www.mobygratis.com/film-music.html
The song that opened my first video blog was "Love Today" by Mika
off of his album "Life in Cartoon Motion". There are many good tracks on the album, including "Big Girl You Are Beautiful", a song that falls into the catogory of Sir Mix-a-lot's "Baby Got Back" or Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls". I may no longer be "big" myself anymore, but I still love those songs!(It's strange that Moby and Mika are both male music artists who go by one name that starts with "M" and has 4 letters.... Well, at least that sort of coincidence seems interesting at midnight...)
The Mika clip comprised less than 10% of my work so I should be cool with "Fair Use" laws. Fair Use is weighed by how the song was used, how much of the song was used, and if the value and potential sales of the original work were affected.
After being legally violated in the past, (companies stealing my image to sell weight loss products I never used...) I try hard not to step on other peoples toes!
I really need to get to bed!
Cheers!
Jess
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I know I SHOULD be in bed but....
I know that I should be in bed at midnight with work tomorrow, BUT... I just finished uploading my first video blog!!!
I put a lot of effort into making this video and I hope that you enjoy it and share it with others. :)
Please leave a comment so I know what you think!
If I get a good response, I will be likely to make more video posts.
Enjoy!!
Jess
P.S.
I will be traveling to Houston,TX this Thursday for work!
I put a lot of effort into making this video and I hope that you enjoy it and share it with others. :)
Please leave a comment so I know what you think!
If I get a good response, I will be likely to make more video posts.
Enjoy!!
Jess
P.S.
I will be traveling to Houston,TX this Thursday for work!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Back to Blue
The pink color scheme was nice for a few months, but I decided to go back to a more professional and easy to read layout.
I hope you enjoy the fresh look!
As an added bonus, these colors are much less conspicuous when browsing at work! ;)
What about the Video Blog?
Aaron and I plan to film my first video blog today, if I can stop hacking long enough to say my lines! ;)
Hope you are having a fun and healthy Memorial Day Weekend!!
Jess
Friday, May 23, 2008
Got a bad cold…
Wow. I can’t remember the last time I was this sick!
I just spent the last few days in bed, and to top it all off I got my period too! What a nightmare.
I finally went back to work today because I really could not miss anymore. I felt so bad disrupting my co-workers with all my hacking and sneezing and blowing my nose.
I am still pretty sick, but I think I am on the upswing!
I hope to walk a bit on the elliptical trainer tonight, nothing too strenuous! I have been drinking lots of juice to get vitamin C to fight the bugs in my system.
I might be spening this three day weekend in bed getting better.
I hope you have a better weekend!
STAY SAFE!
Jess
A Favor for Leann
Leann asked me if I would pass this information on to you:
Her daughter, Lisa, is in the Miss Riverfest Pageant and this link will direct you to the Miss Photogenic part of the competition.
http://www.prairieplaza.com/photogenic.htm
Clicking Lisa's link creates an email with her name as the subject. Just send it off as is. You can vote only once per email address.
Lisa is near the bottom of the page. Thank you so much!!
Forward this to all your people on your email addy list and ask them to vote for Lisa Johnson too!! That'd be great!! Thanks again!!!
Leann, mom of Lisa Belle Johnson :)
I just spent the last few days in bed, and to top it all off I got my period too! What a nightmare.
I finally went back to work today because I really could not miss anymore. I felt so bad disrupting my co-workers with all my hacking and sneezing and blowing my nose.
I am still pretty sick, but I think I am on the upswing!
I hope to walk a bit on the elliptical trainer tonight, nothing too strenuous! I have been drinking lots of juice to get vitamin C to fight the bugs in my system.
I might be spening this three day weekend in bed getting better.
I hope you have a better weekend!
STAY SAFE!
Jess
A Favor for Leann
Leann asked me if I would pass this information on to you:
Her daughter, Lisa, is in the Miss Riverfest Pageant and this link will direct you to the Miss Photogenic part of the competition.
http://www.prairieplaza.com/photogenic.htm
Clicking Lisa's link creates an email with her name as the subject. Just send it off as is. You can vote only once per email address.
Lisa is near the bottom of the page. Thank you so much!!
Forward this to all your people on your email addy list and ask them to vote for Lisa Johnson too!! That'd be great!! Thanks again!!!
Leann, mom of Lisa Belle Johnson :)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bribing Myself back on track!
I am going to an anime convention tomorrow!!!! I have been working on my costume!!! (See my costume blog for more info on that). I am so excited!
When I got home from work last night I really wanted to just grab my sewing and get to work, but I knew that if I started sewing I would skip my workout. So I made a rule that I could not touch the sewing machine until I did some cardio.
I ran 3.01 miles in 38:13 minutes while Aaron made supper. Dinner was ready when I got done, and it was really nice!
I have lost a pound this week so far! I am back on track!!!
Woo hoo!
Save a Life
I also want to take a minute to ask you to give blood.
Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, and the need for blood increases greatly.
Please take time to donate and bring a friend!
Be a Lifesaver a life this summer!
I donated my 4th Gallon last Friday!
When I got home from work last night I really wanted to just grab my sewing and get to work, but I knew that if I started sewing I would skip my workout. So I made a rule that I could not touch the sewing machine until I did some cardio.
I ran 3.01 miles in 38:13 minutes while Aaron made supper. Dinner was ready when I got done, and it was really nice!
I have lost a pound this week so far! I am back on track!!!
Woo hoo!
Save a Life
I also want to take a minute to ask you to give blood.
Next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, and the need for blood increases greatly.
Please take time to donate and bring a friend!
Be a Lifesaver a life this summer!
I donated my 4th Gallon last Friday!
(That's 32 donations!)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Hey! My FAQ is Still "Old School!"
My Frequently Asked Questions Page is still "old school" blue! Oops I missed that. I might change my color code again for all my pages because the Pink and Purple looks pretty and femine but can be hard on the eyes after a while.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Where did Jess go?
Sorry for the long pause, but it has been hard to find free time to make a post with all that is going on…
April was a horrible month. In the end I gained 7 pounds due to stress eating. (Just read my April posts for an idea of what has been bothering me.)
I realize that being “self-destructive” is no way to deal with life’s difficulties and I have been doing my best to get back to my healthy lifestyle!
I am slowly getting back in the groove, and so far I’ve lost ½ a pound in May.
I ran three miles in 41:00 minutes on Tuesday. The first 8 – 10 minutes were AWFUL, but I soon I got in a rhythm and was able to go the distance. I plan to run again this evening.
I still have not gotten back in the habit of counting my calories, but I am watching portions and making better choices. I have a few more bumps to get over ( I will be going out to eat tomorrow night with my In-Laws and on Saturday I am going to my cousin’s wedding. ) and then I will be back on track with my calories as well!!!
I will also try to posting more regularly.
Hope you are living healthy too!
Jess
April was a horrible month. In the end I gained 7 pounds due to stress eating. (Just read my April posts for an idea of what has been bothering me.)
I realize that being “self-destructive” is no way to deal with life’s difficulties and I have been doing my best to get back to my healthy lifestyle!
I am slowly getting back in the groove, and so far I’ve lost ½ a pound in May.
I ran three miles in 41:00 minutes on Tuesday. The first 8 – 10 minutes were AWFUL, but I soon I got in a rhythm and was able to go the distance. I plan to run again this evening.
I still have not gotten back in the habit of counting my calories, but I am watching portions and making better choices. I have a few more bumps to get over ( I will be going out to eat tomorrow night with my In-Laws and on Saturday I am going to my cousin’s wedding. ) and then I will be back on track with my calories as well!!!
I will also try to posting more regularly.
Hope you are living healthy too!
Jess
Monday, April 28, 2008
Here it is...
Thanks to all who spotted my picture being used in an advertisement on Facebook!
Please continue to let me know when you see the ad.
Here is the screen print of the ad:
Cheers,
Jess
Please continue to let me know when you see the ad.
Here is the screen print of the ad:
There are laws that very clearly state that a person's likeness or image cannot be used in advertising without consent. (Parent's consent if a minor.) Since this is obviously my picture, I think I have a case!
Now to find a Lawyer who agrees!! :)
It is so frustrating because I worked so HARD to lose my weight naturally... and now my picture is being used to advertise "magic pills." I am mad at so many levels.
On the positive side, I am working on my first video-blog. I hope it will be up by this weekend!
Cheers,
Jess
Monday, April 21, 2008
I Need Your Help!!!
Copyright © (2001-2008) My Virtual Model, Inc.It was recently brought to my attention that this picture is being used on banner ads on Facebook to sell weight loss products!!! (Maybe even more places than that...)
"Power Tea" & "Life Support Diet System" are two products that I have been informed are using my picture so far...
When I try to contact these companies, my email is bounced back to me saying the contact informaiton they provided was not real... argh...
I want to contact a lawyer, but I have never seen the ads myself. I need evidence.
This is where you come in!!
If you are on Facebook (or anywhere really...) and see my picture in a Banner Ad, please:
- Take a screen print of the image.
- Right click on it to get the image URL, or save the image.
- Copy the URL of the product they are trying to sell.
Get as much information as possible so I can track down these culprits!
My Email address is jessica.l.scott@gmail.com
Thank you for your help! : )
I promise to make a happier post with great advice soon! ; )
Jess
Friday, April 11, 2008
In Loving Memory...
In my last post, I said that things have to get better, right? Well life proved me wrong.
It showed me things can still get worse in such a tragic and senseless way…
Early in the morning on Saturday April 5th my brother in-law, Lydel Lee Knutson, died in a car accident.
My Saturday started with a call from the Red Cross. They were in need for people with my blood type (AB+) to donate platelets. She said there were only 5 people with my blood type on her list, and I was the only one she was able to get a hold of. So I went in and donated my platelets/plasma. One more donation and I will reach 4 gallons! That’s 32 donations to the Red Cross!
After the donation, Aaron and I tried to go shopping but no store in Madison had exactly what we wanted. We drove all over the west side, looking with no luck. We then got in an argument, gave-up, and just went back home.
When we got home there was a message on the machine. Aaron listened to it and said, “Some guy named Tommy left you a message, it sounds like he is breaking up with you…”
“What!? I don’t know any Tommys...” So I went over to listen to the message myself.
It was my mom’s boyfriend, Donnie (Not “Tommy”); he was crying and said I need to call him…
My first instinct was somethings has happened to my mom. They ride motorcycles, so my first thought was mom was in an accident and was injured or killed. So I braced myself for the news and called him back. That’s when I learned Lydel was the one who died… and that everyone was gathering at my mom’s. Becky wants me there and was waiting for me.
After we hung up, I totally lost it. I have been in a depressed funk for so long and this just pushed me over the edge… I screamed and screamed and cried so hard. It wasn’t fair!!! Not him! It can’t be….
Aaron tried to comfort me, but I didn’t want to be held. I just wanted to keep screaming, crying and be instantly teleported to my sister’s side. Aaron stayed calm and said we could not go yet.
“But she NEEDS ME!!!!”
“Yes, she needs you, but not when you are like this.”
I cried a lot more because what he said was true. (Why is he ALWAYS right!) Soon I was able to compose myself and we went to my mom’s. My sister was out on the back porch smoking. I went out and held her and she told me the whole story…
Becky and her husband were out at the bar she tends at celebrating the end of their Pool League with their teammates and friends. Lydel then said he wanted to go home. Becky knew neither of them were safe to drive, so she said she would call their roommate, Joel, to pick them up. The Bartender also said he’d be happy to give them a safe ride home. He had TWO safe rides home… But Lydel was naughty, snuck off and drove away by himself…
Becky was frustrated that he left, but stayed at the party. She helped the bartender close bar (since she works there too) and got a ride home from him. When she got there, Lydel was not home. She called his friends to see if he was with them with no luck. She called all the hospitals and the jails. She called everyone. No one knew where he was.
Later she drove around looking for him with their dog. She took their black lab with because she knew that if she found Lydel, he would want to see their dog.
Then she came upon the squad cars, fire truck, and saw the ambulance driving away with the lights off, and she just knew… Becky pulled over and got out of the truck. She said the firefighters and cops looked terrified to see her… not knowing what to say. They could tell who she was. Becky doesn’t really remember the next 5 minutes or so, the next thing she did remember was sitting on the gravel in the ditch and the coroner saying, “I think you already know that Lydel did not survive this accident.”
Joel, their roommate, who has been a tow truck driver for over 10 years, said that the wreck was in the top ten of the worst he had ever seen, and that says a lot. They said that even if Lydel had worn his seatbelt - he would have died in the crash. They also said he died on one of the first rolls, broke his neck. That was a comfort to Becky, knowing he died quickly. The thought of him trapped in the wreckage slowly dying for hours… it was good to know he did not suffer.
It was a huge comfort to me that Becky did not go home with him that night. I am so thankful that she is still with us… but I feel so much grief for the loss of Lydel.
Here is his obituary:
Name: Lydel Lee Knutson
Died: April 5, 2008
COTTAGE GROVE, WISCONSIN
Lydel Lee Knutson, age 28, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008, as a result of a car accident. He was born on Aug. 26, 1979, in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Lydel graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1998. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps., from 1998 to 2002. Lydel was united in marriage to Rebecca "Becky" Frey on Jan. 14, 2006. He worked alongside his dad, Lewis, as a laborer for Vogel Construction. Lydel was a member of Local Union No. 464. He was a fun loving and adventuresome person, who loved being around people. Lydel enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Above all, he simply loved spending time with his family and friends. Lydel is survived by his wife, Becky of Cottage Grove; his father, Lewis (Dee) Knutson of Edgerton; his mother, Karen Aycox of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother, Lewis (Jennifer) Knutson II of Ferryville; a sister, Karalee White of Baraboo; a step-brother, Cory (April Whiting) Park of Madison; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Knutson of Ferryville; two brothers-in-law, Jeffrey (Shari) Frey of Marshall and Tim Frey of Kohler; two sisters-in-law, Jessica (Aaron) Scott of Madison and Samantha Zweck of Stoughton; mother-in-law, Debra Olson of Stoughton; 13 nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Leonard Knutson; sister, Alicia Knutson; and father-in-law, Thomas Frey. Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL'S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Rd., Deerfield, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, with the Rev. Dan Anderson presiding. Burial will be at South Kickapoo Cemetery, Crawford County with military rites conducted. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, Hwy. 51 North at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
To help Becky during this time I have set up this donation link. Your contributions, thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
Lydel and Becky reading "Green Eggs and Ham"
to eachother Christmas 2007.
Thank you,
Jessica Scott
It showed me things can still get worse in such a tragic and senseless way…
Early in the morning on Saturday April 5th my brother in-law, Lydel Lee Knutson, died in a car accident.
My Saturday started with a call from the Red Cross. They were in need for people with my blood type (AB+) to donate platelets. She said there were only 5 people with my blood type on her list, and I was the only one she was able to get a hold of. So I went in and donated my platelets/plasma. One more donation and I will reach 4 gallons! That’s 32 donations to the Red Cross!
After the donation, Aaron and I tried to go shopping but no store in Madison had exactly what we wanted. We drove all over the west side, looking with no luck. We then got in an argument, gave-up, and just went back home.
When we got home there was a message on the machine. Aaron listened to it and said, “Some guy named Tommy left you a message, it sounds like he is breaking up with you…”
“What!? I don’t know any Tommys...” So I went over to listen to the message myself.
It was my mom’s boyfriend, Donnie (Not “Tommy”); he was crying and said I need to call him…
My first instinct was somethings has happened to my mom. They ride motorcycles, so my first thought was mom was in an accident and was injured or killed. So I braced myself for the news and called him back. That’s when I learned Lydel was the one who died… and that everyone was gathering at my mom’s. Becky wants me there and was waiting for me.
After we hung up, I totally lost it. I have been in a depressed funk for so long and this just pushed me over the edge… I screamed and screamed and cried so hard. It wasn’t fair!!! Not him! It can’t be….
Aaron tried to comfort me, but I didn’t want to be held. I just wanted to keep screaming, crying and be instantly teleported to my sister’s side. Aaron stayed calm and said we could not go yet.
“But she NEEDS ME!!!!”
“Yes, she needs you, but not when you are like this.”
I cried a lot more because what he said was true. (Why is he ALWAYS right!) Soon I was able to compose myself and we went to my mom’s. My sister was out on the back porch smoking. I went out and held her and she told me the whole story…
Becky and her husband were out at the bar she tends at celebrating the end of their Pool League with their teammates and friends. Lydel then said he wanted to go home. Becky knew neither of them were safe to drive, so she said she would call their roommate, Joel, to pick them up. The Bartender also said he’d be happy to give them a safe ride home. He had TWO safe rides home… But Lydel was naughty, snuck off and drove away by himself…
Becky was frustrated that he left, but stayed at the party. She helped the bartender close bar (since she works there too) and got a ride home from him. When she got there, Lydel was not home. She called his friends to see if he was with them with no luck. She called all the hospitals and the jails. She called everyone. No one knew where he was.
Later she drove around looking for him with their dog. She took their black lab with because she knew that if she found Lydel, he would want to see their dog.
Then she came upon the squad cars, fire truck, and saw the ambulance driving away with the lights off, and she just knew… Becky pulled over and got out of the truck. She said the firefighters and cops looked terrified to see her… not knowing what to say. They could tell who she was. Becky doesn’t really remember the next 5 minutes or so, the next thing she did remember was sitting on the gravel in the ditch and the coroner saying, “I think you already know that Lydel did not survive this accident.”
Joel, their roommate, who has been a tow truck driver for over 10 years, said that the wreck was in the top ten of the worst he had ever seen, and that says a lot. They said that even if Lydel had worn his seatbelt - he would have died in the crash. They also said he died on one of the first rolls, broke his neck. That was a comfort to Becky, knowing he died quickly. The thought of him trapped in the wreckage slowly dying for hours… it was good to know he did not suffer.
It was a huge comfort to me that Becky did not go home with him that night. I am so thankful that she is still with us… but I feel so much grief for the loss of Lydel.
Here is his obituary:
Name: Lydel Lee Knutson
Died: April 5, 2008
COTTAGE GROVE, WISCONSIN
Lydel Lee Knutson, age 28, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2008, as a result of a car accident. He was born on Aug. 26, 1979, in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Lydel graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1998. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps., from 1998 to 2002. Lydel was united in marriage to Rebecca "Becky" Frey on Jan. 14, 2006. He worked alongside his dad, Lewis, as a laborer for Vogel Construction. Lydel was a member of Local Union No. 464. He was a fun loving and adventuresome person, who loved being around people. Lydel enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Above all, he simply loved spending time with his family and friends. Lydel is survived by his wife, Becky of Cottage Grove; his father, Lewis (Dee) Knutson of Edgerton; his mother, Karen Aycox of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother, Lewis (Jennifer) Knutson II of Ferryville; a sister, Karalee White of Baraboo; a step-brother, Cory (April Whiting) Park of Madison; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Knutson of Ferryville; two brothers-in-law, Jeffrey (Shari) Frey of Marshall and Tim Frey of Kohler; two sisters-in-law, Jessica (Aaron) Scott of Madison and Samantha Zweck of Stoughton; mother-in-law, Debra Olson of Stoughton; 13 nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Leonard Knutson; sister, Alicia Knutson; and father-in-law, Thomas Frey. Funeral services will be held at ST. PAUL'S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Rd., Deerfield, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, with the Rev. Dan Anderson presiding. Burial will be at South Kickapoo Cemetery, Crawford County with military rites conducted. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, Hwy. 51 North at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
To help Becky during this time I have set up this donation link. Your contributions, thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
Lydel and Becky reading "Green Eggs and Ham"
to eachother Christmas 2007.
Thank you,
Jessica Scott
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