Trick or Trick...

So, here we are at Halloween.  A holiday loved by many for the delicious candies it brings.  Fattening little treats that are all really tricks.  Tricks on your body.  Filled with empty calories. Nothing nutritional about the toosie rolls, Reese's peanut butter cups, Almond Joys. 

Hmmm, I love Reese's and Almond Joys.  Actually, I'm not one to get crazy on candy.  It will literally sit in our pantry for months.  But, what doesn't last around my house are Reese's peanut butter cups or Almond Joys.  These are, of course, two of the bags of candy my husband bought this year.  I almost cried when he came home with them.  Tootsie rolls, blow pops, sweet tarts... none of those interest me.  Not the least bit tempted. 

So, here I am.... sitting in my den, typing this... with two delicious bags of candy bars just 10 feet away, waiting to be opened.  Waiting to be eaten.  And, I haven't touched them.......... yet.

Box-ing It in Chi-Town

I had an annual meeting to attend this week in Chicago. Ah, Chicago.  Chicago is a city I really enjoy.  It's a beautiful place with lots to do.  Whenever I have to be there I take the first flight out so I can get there as early as possible.  I love to walk the city.  In fact, I've been known to walk from downtown to Steppenwolf Theatre.  It's only a couple of miles. But, it's not a typical walk for many.

This trip is my first real trip away since getting in the box.  I've had short overnights, but never anything where I knew I wouldn't have a microwave right there ready for me to eat my entrees. 

Paulie went to Chicago a couple of weeks ago and she made 5 dozen muffins. Muffins, great idea!  So, I did the same.  I also packed my mini-blender and lots of shakes and puddings. 

I figured I'm going to do everything I can to fill my tummy with box food.  Between the blender and all the packets, you can see it didn't leave too much room for my clothes -- and I wasn't going to bring anything bigger than a carry on.  So, I was making it work. 

I put the muffins in my satchel for easy access!  And, that worked out great.  The muffins were a real saving grace.  I could just eat those whenever I started to feel hungry. 

Once I arrived and checked in, I took a really long walk.  Since my flight out was at 6 am, I missed my exercise time at the gym that morning.  I love walking downtown.  It's so energetic and the texture of the city is captivating.  An hour into my walk, I found a coffee shop across from what looks like a giant coffee bean in Millennium Park.  It's actually called the Cloud Gate.  But, it really looks more like a bean.  Anyway,  I had a presentation to finalize for the next day and was craving some coffee. 

After working on my presentation, I took another long walk and decided I should try to find a store to stock up on some fruits and drinks. I thought finding fresh fruit in the downtown area wouldn't be too hard -- perhaps challenging.  But, I remember many times seeing this in coffee shops or small groceries in the downtown area. Just needed to keep my eyes open.  It was even easier than I thought.  I was passing a Walgreens and could see fruit in the window.  This really made me think.  Is it like that in Louisiana? I know we have "lip smaking" cracklins or butter pecan pralines at the counter.  (For the record, I don't find cracklins "lip smaking" or the least bit tempting).  My point is...  I think it would be harder to stumble upon fresh fruit at home.  Or, maybe I've just not been paying as much attention.  But, I'd never think to stop at Walgreens if I needed a banana.

Nevertheless, I was able to purchase a few things for my room to help keep me in the box.  I had really thought adding fruits and vegetables would make my trip to Chicago easier.  I could stop in a restaurant and just get a salad.  But, it has probably brought me more anxiety.  Now, I have to figure out how to incorporate them into the diet plus -- because they are new to me -- I get really nervous over the idea of going to a restaurant eating them. I think a big part of that is because I've spent 13 weeks avoiding restaurants, I can't imagine really just going to one and ordering something and still being IN the box.  The mind is an amazing thing. 

Anyway, I survived the trip and the many challenges that it brought.  I'm not sure I didn't gain weight though... I did end up eating a WHOLE lot of muffins.  I'll keep you posted. 

Fat Class Recap 13

It's my last fat class with this initial group. After this class many of us will go different routes. So, this might be the last time you'll hear about the Drinker, or Jed, or any of the others I've mentioned. I'm also not likely to be with Paulie anymore in class. But, I suspect she'll still be a regular of the blog.

For the record, Paulie and I ended these 13 weeks at nearly the same amount of weight loss. This week I was down another 3+ pounds, and she lost another 2+. And, for both of us - our total weight loss is right around 35 pounds!

I brought the cheesecake I made to class. Paulie and I distributed it among the group (who were drooling) and Jed immediately tells me it is "a very respectable cheesecake!" He used that word. Respectable. Many partake of it and Ginah has me give everyone the recipe during our discuss of holiday food.

Ginah shares other holiday recipes to help us make it through. There are holiday shakes we can make for Halloween. She started class distributing samples of the snickers shake. I like to make the butterfingers shake at home.

When Ginah passes out copies of the recipes, she says "These recipes will make you think you're part of festivities."

Then the Drinker says "Why> Do they have alcohol in them?"

Jed says, "Are we through with this trick or treat business?"

I can't tell if he's ready to move on or wants to ask a question. Ginah doesn't look like she knows what he means either.

"...well, it's just that I have an idea..." Jed continues. "I think if you're really wanting some Halloween candy, you can just take out one of the bars and eat that. It is basically a candy bar, you know?"

Jed then gets a thought. "Oh, and I have an idea! Instead of candy, you can always give out a quarter to the kids. Imagine how many kids would be running over to your house if they hear you are giving out quarters!"

I immediately remember a Halloween in the early 80s. My father took us out and we stopped at one house where the guy looked really taken aback that we stopped for Halloween. Instead of just saying sorry, the guy said "WAIT.. hold on... I have something!" Seems like we waited forever. He eventually came back with pennies. Even at ilk 12, I thought that was lame. Pennies? Flash forward to 2010 and keep in mind inflation. I'm guessing the kids wouldn't be too excited by ONE quarter. At least this guy gave me like 10 pennies. Sorry Jed... probably not a great idea.

As I awake from my trance, I hear Ginah discussing how people are less and less physically active. "If there was a drive thru grocery, I think people would go!" She sounds frustrated.

A classmate tells her there is one and you can get a daiquiri while you wait. Several classmates say, "Where?" I think they even wrote it down. I turn to the Drinker and say, "Sounds like your kind of place!"

She responds, "Nah. I'm not into daiquiris. I like the hard stuff!"

Ginah shows the class a chart of empty calorie foods. Crackers was listed. I hear about 5 people say, "Crackers!" I think I was one of them.

The drinker says, "Crackers. Mmmm. I miss crackers. And cheese. And wine."


(Big Sigh). I'm really gonna miss the Drinker.

In the Box Cheesecake

I have been wanting to test out a cheesecake recipe I found online using only the diet products, so I'd still be in the box.

The recipe is to mix 3 puddings with 1 shake packet, add a little lemon juice and water and cook for 20 minutes.  It didn't call for a crust.  On Monday in Fat Class, I was talking to the youngest member of our class.  I haven't mentioned her before in the blog (probably because she's one of the most normal and likable people in the class).  But, youngster has been there since day 1.  Anyway, she said she's been really wanting to make the cheesecake and finally figured out the crust.  She suggested we try it using the honey graham bar they sell.  Genius, I thought.  And, so I made it this weekend. 


Actually, it's not terrible.  It reminds me of what I thought of the muffins the first time I ate them.  Not terrible... different.  They grew on me (and everyone else) and now we all love the muffins.  I suspect this "in the box" cheesecake will be the same. 

Plus, it never hurts to have another type of something to chose from... and having a cheesecake that isn't "terrible" (sadly) sounds like a good thing right now.

Clowns and Needles -- Not a Great Combination

As part of my doctor supervised diet program, I have blood work done every six weeks.  I received a call on Thursday that I was due for them... so Friday morning I stopped in.

Aichmophobia is the fear of needles or pointed objects.  There are a lot of people in the world with this phobia.. or who just generally don't like needles, and not excited about getting blood work done.  Fortunately, I'm not one of those people.  I'm not excited by them, but I know it's just part of life. 

I'm certain that many people who suffer from a phobia are likely to have other fears.  So, what's a great idea?  Let's ease people's anxiety with something even more scary... like clowns, right??

On my three or so visits to get my labs done, I've regularly noticed the three evil clowns staring back at me.  All framed nicely and placed on the wall directly in front of the patient are images from the Emmett Kelly collection.  Images like the one below.    

That's just wrong.

Weighing My Options

I had a long conversation yesterday with Ginah, who is trying to determine my next step in this program.  I put down that I'd like to move to Phase II once this class ends in the coming weeks.  She's concerned.  I'd be going from a very limited and restrictive diet to including 35 fruits and veggies a week, as well as incorporating other regular foods.

I agree with her.  It's actually not the route I was originally planning for me.  But, my options aren't great.

Here's what they are:

• Option A.  Repeat the "core" class
• Option B.  Move to the ongoing weight loss class
• Option C.  Move to "Phase II"

Option A.  Repeating the Core.  Well, I don't want to sit through the exact same class again.  Even though I'd be in it under a new plan (because I'm definitely adding fruits and vegetables -- even sooner than I imagined), I'd still be hearing the exact same information.  I just don't want to have to sit through that again.  Plus, my boss has plans to move forward with the diet (which I'm very excited for her, of course) and she will be in that class.  I want her to have her own experience.  She doesn't need me (who will be bored with the curriculum) influencing her experience.

Option B.  Ongoing Weight Loss.  This seems like a great plan, actually.  I do want to lose more weight, and it would slowly allow me to incorporate the fruits and vegetables in a structured environment.  So, why did I write Phase II?  They only offer this class at one time.  Tuesday nights from 6:30 - 8.  One issue -- I have so many night functions for work.  Some occur on Tuesday evenings.  The more important issue -- my family.  I have a 5 and 7 year old.  I want time with them.  And, my 7 year old just skipped a grade.  So, she's got a lot of additional homework and responsibilities this year.  I hate putting a regular meeting on my calendar at that time.  The truth of the matter is, I'm fortunate.  I have a wonderful husband who is great with the girls.  He's the homework dad, the cook, etc.  And, honestly, it would probably be harder on the girls if "daddy" was away one night a week.  But, if I schedule myself for that class I wouldn't even seem them on Tuesday nights.  :(

Option C.  Phase II.  Phase II is what they call the maintenance phase.  Participants are no longer required to purchase a certain minimum food amount.  So, it's cheaper - which I like.  The classes are also only an hour - which I also like.  And, they have more classes to choose from -- with better hours.  There is even one during the day that I could hit on my lunch break. Both Paulie and Lola are moving to this once they can. But, here's the problem.  I'm suppose to incorporate certain items into my diet each week.  And, if I don't -- then I'm not "eligible" for Phase II -- whatever that means.  That also means that the amount of weight I lose will decrease significantly.  I'm not looking to maintain my current weight.  I want to lose more.  I may not have a goal weight in mind, but I know in order to achieve what I want, I need to lose more weight. 

When I first started the program, I had hoped to stay on the All Inclusive plan until the end of the year or until the holidays (either Thanksgiving/Christmas).  But, I only eat about 4 of the entrees.  So, the diet is getting harder and harder. 

Ginah suggested I take the weekend to weigh my options and let her know.  She said she'd support me regardless, but I know she was pushing for the ongoing weight loss class.  In the interim she has me incorporating three fruits/veggies into my diet -- starting today, which is actually more scary than exciting right now.

So, chime in folks.  What option do you think I should take?

Follow Up with Dr. Stickthin

I had my three month follow up with Dr. Stickthin today.  I had been eager to see her and her response to my weight loss.  After what seemed like a very long (and cold - temperature wise) wait in the lobby, I was called in by the nurse.  She weighed me in first, and I was exactly 32 pounds lower than when I weighed in for my July visit.

The nurse then led me to a small, cold room and did my blood pressure.  It was 130/78.  Last visit it was 138/98.  So, I saw a huge drop in my diastolic number.  Basically, I went from Stage 1 High Blood Pressure to Prehypertension in 3 months (since you're suppose to go by the most severe category).  When the nurse exited, I was left with my own thoughts... 130/78 is still high, and I only lost 32 pounds.  She told me most people on the diet lose between 40-60 pounds.  She wont think I'm really committed. Uggh.  I should have lost more weight by now.  I'm not going to have lost 40 pounds by the end of the 13 weeks.  I'm not successful.... blah blah blah...  The mind is a terrible thing sometimes.  Fortunately, my doomsday monologue was terminated upon Dr. Stickthin's entrance.

"Wow.  You've lost a lot of weight!" she said.  "How did you do it?"

I explained I've been doing the program she recommended.  She seemed very pleased with my results and how my blood pressure had gone down.

"What's your goal weight?"  she asked as she placed her pen to my chart.

"I don't have an actual weight," I explained.

She held her position with the pen and looked up surprised.  I explained that a particular weight seemed arbitrary to me.  I don't know what weight is right for me or my body.  I just don't want to be fat and I want to be healthy.  Also, I am more interested (as I've mentioned before on the blog) in physical activity milestones.  Honestly, I think it really just ties back to how I'd like my kids to see me.... and what I can do with them.  That's why an actual weight/number seems unimportant.  So what if I'm the exact number on the scale that those charts say I should be?  If I am not physically active, then my girls will be less active -- and they'll end up having issues of their own.

Dr. Stickthin seemed comfortable with my focus on physical activity over a number on the scale.  She asked to have my blood work done through the diet program sent to her so she could review them regularly, too.   Then she sent me off with a kudos and keep up the good work, and direction that I only needed to come back again for my annual exam. 

My doomsday monologue didn't return after our visit.  I felt good and successful, again.

Out (of the box) with Angels

I lost 2.4 pounds this week. That's 32+ so far.  And, I've been pretty good about being "in the box."  I really had little intention to be out of the box last night at my Angel event. 

But, when two speakers didn't show along with a number of other small clusters, I had a drink.  Then, when they put the plate of food in front of me and I immediately felt starved, I had a bite of the green beans... then a potato.... then just one bite of the chicken.  Hmmm, real chicken... not box chicken.  Hmmm, wine.  The potatos are good, too!  And, the beans.  Yum!  Just one more small bite of chicken....

Considering I had not eaten much at all yesterday (I tried to get some shakes in but it just didn't go right), I am not surprised I fell out a bit.

Truth be told, I'm not regretful.  I'm certain I'm not ruined for life.  I feel great about my progress.  32 pounds lost in 12 weeks is amazing.  And, last night was a big night.  So - if I'm going out of the box, I guess I might as well do it with a bunch of Angels. Right?

Fat Class Recap 12



Fully gowned awaiting Fat Class

Tonight's Fat Class was pretty dramatic.  That is, in terms of my attire.  Tonight was my big annual event (for work) that includes dignitaries, board members, senior leaders, and Angels in the community.  It's a big deal and a big day overall.  Start with a brunch, then set up the room, etc.  A lot of logistics and things to plan for. So, it's pretty difficult to have to fit Fat Class into the schedule.  Originally, I wasn't planning to even attend Fat Class.  There are make up classes but they are ONLY on Tuesday.   And, I'm in Shreveport then.  Ah well.

So, I "problem solved" a week or so before with Ginah on this.  She got the nurse to agree to do all my medical before class and would let me sneak out a few minutes early.  We didn't get into an exact number, so I chose 30. 

But, here's the issue.  Because of the timing of class, I had go dressed for my event.  So, as you can see I was quite a site.  Definitely overdressed for a Fat Class.  And, I got a lot of attention.  Everyone asked me where I was going and why I was so dressed up.  I guess it made my excuse for having to leave early seem legitimate? 


Writing my "numbers" on the board pre-class



For whatever reason, attendance was light.  Several folks were out -- including Paulie.  And, it was a more intimate setting.  Jed also asked about my attire when I said I was going to a big event, he asked "Now, are you eating before hand?  Do you have shakes ready? Are you worried you'll be challenged?"

I laughed at him.

"Are you trying to coach me?" I asked.

"Well, I need to make sure someone's taking care of you if Ginah's not back here asking these questions!"

He didn't know that Ginah had already, indeed, grilled me about the evening -- asking about my "challenges" and plans to avoid exiting the box.

Soup Crackers

Jed and I then talked at great length again about the soup crackers.  I told him I tried baking them again and showed him a photo of how they looked out of the oven (see left).  He said, "Looks like you have a pretty fine cracker there!"  Then he went on to ask about cookie recipes.  "I really need you to find a good chocolate cookie recipe," he said very demanding.  It really wasn't a request, in fact.  He was adamant I do this for him.  So, while in class I googled recipes and emailed them to him.  During class he turned back and looked at me and said, "I'm getting an awful lot of recipes from you right now, are you even paying attention?  I don't want you to miss anything." 

(He later emailed me back and said "Hope your 'event' was enjoyable." Notice the word event in quotes...)

As I dashed out the door at 5:30 to leave, the drinker enters.  How does she get away with only attending 30 minutes?  Hmmmm.

Posing as the new Fat Class Model

How Low Can It Go?

I picked up a heart rate watch when I started the diet.  I like being able to regularly monitor my heart rate - so I can better understand my body.  I have mentioned before that my rate is low.  And, the doctor said it would probably get lower as I lose weight.  He is right.  I think it was a resting heart rate in the low 60s when I first started the diet.  Now it sits in the 50s.  I've gotten into playing this game I like to call, "How Low Can It Go?"  Sometimes when I'm just relaxed on the coach or even in a meeting I can get it to go as low as 45.  Now, I realize it is a bit ridiculous that I play this game since the whole point of this new life of mine is to increase activity -- along with my heart rate.  But, Lance Armstrong has a resting heart rate of 32-34 beats per minute.  Maybe that's a new goal of mine?  Get it as comparable as I can to a internationally renowned cyclist?  It would be cool to be compared to a world class athlete. 

Follow Me

Ok.  Many of you don't know how to "follow" me on this blog.  So, I'm asking those of you who have figured it out to post comments.  You can subscribe through the RSS Feeds (by clicking on the icon on your webpage that looks like the one above).  I get those and emails populate in my inbox through that folder.  I now just forward those emails to several of you who can't figure out how to "follow" me.  So, if you want that, let me know -- I'll add you to the list.  If there are other ways to do it, please post your suggestions.

And, just FYI - I checked the stats of the blog this weekend.  We've had readers come from Russia, Denmark, Spain, Burundi, Germany, and Canada.  Crazy, eh?  And, hello, bonjour, hola, guten tag, zdravstvuite, and goedendag to all of you who may be reading. 

Missing the Midweek Call

Crud.  I forgot to make my midweek call into Ginah.  At 11:35 my phone rang and it was her.  (And, even though the name "Ginah" is an alias for the blog, that's also how she is listed as my contact in my phone).  :)

Anyway, now I'll have a demerit on my permanent record!!  When I get to class Monday I will have to put I didnt make my midweek call and I'll be bringing down all the numbers.  :-(

We talked a lot about exercise.  My PA (physical activity) for this week is already over 2000.  I told her that I have been kicking up the activity.  I have small goals around physical activity as I'm losing weight.  When I lost just over 25 pounds I focused on incorporating the step class into my workouts again.  I told her that when I lose another 20 I'm pushing to incorporate the Tuesday morning spin class.  I just hate those damn seats!  I know, you get use to it.

People regularly ask me how much I'm trying to lose.  I have no idea.  Honestly, I'm not even interested in that.  For me, the goals are all around physical activity.  Of course, I'd like to be thinner and healthier.  Wear smaller clothes, look cute.  But, I really want to be more physical than I already am.  I'd like to train to do 5ks, or a triathlon, maybe even a marathon.... I dunno.  My best friend growing up has always been a runner.  I've always been so envious of her doing events in other cities.  How fun would that be?

So, I want to continually incorporate physically challenges into my plan.  Those goals are more exciting to me than a number on a scale.  A really hip thin cutie at my office, who I call Miss July, told me she'd run with me if I was interested.  Just the idea of someone cute, young and thin seriously considering me a running partner is awesome! 

30 Marks the Spot

Alright, I've had several folks ask me to post a photo (mostly out of towners who have not seen me since I started).  I'm 70 days into the box.  And, I'm 30 pounds lighter.  It's a great feeling.  And, I am proud that I've been able to stay focused.   I actually had to buy this jacket recently because I was presenting at a conference and all of my suits had become too big.  So, here's the picture.  Can you see a difference?

Fat Class Recap 11

Ginah annouces our total weight loss as a class.  371 pounds, averaging 33.8 pounds a person.  If you remember my update from last week, none of the women had lost that much.  It's all the men.  In fact, even one of the men in our class talks about it.  His wife is doing the program too.  And, even though they are doing the exact same thing... she's lost only about half what he has.  He says it's causing great tension at home. 

The King of the Baton Rouge Fast Food market was actually in my class.  He's been on the diet since January and lost 50 pounds.  He looks great but it must be a challenge being in the box with all that fried food around.

We discuss recipes, again.  I'm so tired of these classes.  Paulie is refered to as the "chicken washer" because she regularly cleans the entrees before cooking them.  She washes off all the sauces that come on them.  It's actually a good trick!  It helps.  She'll grill her chicken and swears it makes it taste better.  "If you grill the pot roast it actually tastes like hamburger," Paulie says.  "Well, as close as a hamburger as we're going to get," she adds.  I look back at the King of Fast Foods to see if he's getting ideas for a new low fat entree.  He is listening to a voicemail message instead.  Good for him!  He's been in this since January, so he knows how to manage his time in class.

The Drinker shares a bread pudding recipe.  When she mentions including RUM extract, she sounds gitty.  I heard her tell the King of Fast Foods that the more extract the better... and how it helps to ease the pain.  He smiles kindly.

We talk at length about Phase II and what route people want to take when the core class ends in two weeks.  Ginah plays a video showing testimonies from individuals who have been maintaining their weight.  Many of them mention the number of "meal replacements" they still eat (box food) and high levels of physical activity.  Every 30 seconds I can hear the drinker say, "This is depressing!"  When the video ends, Ginah says "so, what did you think?"  The drinker says, "I think I'm depressed.  That is depressing!!"  Ginah explains that wasn't the intent of the video.  It was actually suppose to motivate the class. 

After class, the Drinker tells me about how she only lost a half of pound this week.  She is furious.  "And, I was really good this week!  I only had two martinis.  Well, really one and half coz the bartender screwed up that one... so I REALLY only drank like one if you think about it," she says.  And, she does.  Think.  She stopped talking and stood there a second thinking with her eyes looking intensely around.  After a beat she says, "I'm going back to booze!"  Again, I think.  Didn't she tell me this same story two weeks ago?

Box-gaiting in the big LC

I had to be in Lake Charles this weekend for work, so I made a trip out of it with the family.  My parents grew up there and since my grandmother passed away in 2007 I've had less visits to that part of the state.  My Aunt and Uncle still live there and welcomed us to stay with them Saturday night.  McNeese State was playing and there would be a tailgate party!

Tailgating is hard on this diet... it doesn't matter what team you're rooting for. Food is food and snacks are snacks... and I generally feel like snacking with snacks are around. This is when I really miss crunchy foods.  I can hear people eating chips and it's like the noise is amplified.  Crunch, crunch, crunch.

I did good, though.  I had lots of water drinks and shakes. I just tried to keep drinking. 

Bacon

Ok.  It's time to introduce a special someone to the blog.  Everyone, meet Dahn Tu.

Dahn works with me.  She's a very small Vietnamese woman with a very thick accent. Known by many for her athletic abilities, Dahn is very involved with our internal wellness initiatives at the office. She's taught several classes and boot camps.

Dahn is opinionated and happy to tell you her opinion on any topic. I once remember listening to an in-depth discussion between her and someone else on staff about how women shouldn't be allowed to run for President. Women are too emotional, she said. Then, she went on to explain (in great detail) how women could run FEMA though. She even went through the ice drop off process she envisioned. The person she was discussing this with was not in agreement and I remember enjoying the two of them (both headstrong women) arguing their case.

Dahn has regularly talked to me about my weight. "Why you so fat?" she asks. "Don't chu say you go ecursize ehvwe day? What chi do deer?"

I use to be shocked by her bluntness. I explained to her my routine once, "I work out at the gym down the street..... I like to swim..."

"Swim. See dat's u problem."

"Huh? What is?"

"You go to gym?"

"Yes."

"And, you swim?"

"Right?" I am not sure what she's getting at.

"Well, you not sweat. You in air condition, den you in water. You not sweat. You need to do dis. Net time you go to gym don't go in. Walk around parking lot till you get lots of sweat."

Ok. Let me see if I get this. She wants me to drive to the gym, but not go in? Just park and walk around the parking lot? Should I keep my membership for that? I know sweating is helpful, but people who swim do actually burn calories.

"What chu eat after chu ecersize?" Dahn asks.

"I usually have bran flakes," I said. This was a pre-box conversation.

"Oh no," she says disgusted. "Dat so bad. Chu need to eat bacon. Bacon help chu lose weight."

BACON? Really?

"I need to eat bacon to lose weight?" I asked.

"Lots ah bacon. Big breakfast. Eggs. Bacon. But, lots ah bacon."

If I start eating bacon in the mornings I will be 400 pounds. I know how my body works. Bacon isn't going to make me thin.

From that conversation on, everytime I see Dahn she asks me if I'm eating bacon yet.

Today I'm almost 30 pounds lighter. I saw her earlier this week. She looks me up and down. She notices a difference. Dahn says, "Looks like chu been eaten bacon!"

Fat Class Recap 10

Jed approaches me before class.  "Are you the Muffin Lady?"  It's like he can never remember that he asks me regularly about recipes.  I think he doesn't know if it's me or Paulie.  I say I am.  (I am the Muffin Lady).  He sits down all excited. 

"Guess what I did this weekend?"  He asks excitedly.

"Made muffins?" I speculate.

"I did!" He exclaims, "And, they were great!"

So, I inquire about them since it appears he'd like to discuss them indepth.  He tells me about the muffins he made (him, not his wife) and his "accounting style" approach to cooking.  He made BIG muffins and then cut them in halfs.  Then, he would toast the halfs in the oven spray fake butter on them.

"They tasted like Popeyes biscuits," he says.

This, I doubt.  But, my head drifts to Popeyes and those delicious butter biscuits.

"Popeyes biscuits..." I say under my breath.

"I didn't mean to talk dirty," he says and smiles.

Jed then says begins asking about the soup cracker recipe and informs me that I really need to "get back to that Betty Crocker labortory of yours and figure it out!"  He said this with great urgency.  I sense that he is desperately seeking a fix of the crunch. 

I tell him I'll try to get on that but don't make any real commitment.

Beyond my pre-class recipe exchange with Jed, there's little more to report.  Except - we were asked to write our complete weight loss up until now. 

Here's the results: 
(Unless it's a regular of the blog, I just put Man or Woman)

Me 28
Woman 23
Man 29
The Drinker 18
Woman 23
Jed 40
Woman 13
Woman 10
Man 38
Woman 13
Woman 33
Man 27
Woman 117*
Paulie 30

*This woman is NOT in our class usually.  She's been on the diet a year.

Taking out the year long dieter, our class has lost 328 pounds, with an average of 25 pounds a person.  I'd like to point out that both Pallie and I are, of course, above average!!  Also, take note that the men definitely lose weight faster than the women.   Several of these men didnt even start the program with us - a few started 2 weeks into it.

Mondays With Ginah

I usually get to class early on Monday evenings.  My job requires me to be out and about a lot.  And, typically I just go straight to the class from my last meeting out.  Typically, I can get more work done sitting in their waiting area on my iPad logged into my desktop than going back to the office.  The other benefit is it puts me first in line to see the doctor after class.  (My diet requires doctor supervision and that only happens after class.  It's done on a first come, first serve basis.  Makes for looooooong classes). 

Since I get there early, I spread my stuff out on a table there and work digilently.  At some point, Ginah usually passes by and sees me.  Then she comes over and visits for a bit. 

I know that most days I don't always shine a positive light on Ginah in these blogs. The truth is... she's a nice gal and she really believes in what she does and wants to help people.  Lola has a crazy teacher, Harley.  If you've read the blogs about Lola, then you know Harley is anti-PB2 and bars.  Apparently, she is also against the muffins. Lola brought them to class last week and passed them out... much like what I've done over and over again in my class.  Harley called her the next day fussing.  Harley also told someone in the class who was on the All Inclusive (no fruits or veggies) that when they ate a cucumber it was just as bad as eating a piece of cheesecake.  It certainly makes me appreciate Ginah.

My Mondays with Ginah have been a regular source of relief.  I get a real conversation with her about the diet, my boredom with the food, and challenges I have.  We even, sometimes, laugh a little at my fat class mates.  And while she doesn't tell me stories, I get the impression that I haven't seen the worst of it when it comes to comments from attendees. 

Today I have a meeting right until class time.  And, that actually is a little disappointing.  Gonna miss my special Monday time with Ginah.

Submerged

I spent the weekend increasing my water intake.  I added at least 2 more liters to my already heavy water intake.  I usually drink about 100 ounces a day.  But, weekends are usually the most challenging time on the diet.  Kids are home... my fast pace and rigirious work schedule is gone... socializing and football...  I am tempted to want to snack and drink.  I miss alcohol on weekends.

I decided this weekend to try increasing the amount of water I drink and see if that helps... which it did.  On Saturday I drank about 300 ounces of water.  Today, I drank about 250.  I also thought it might help with my weight loss Monday night.   

Here's the problem.  I drank SO much water that the scale is showing me up 8 pounds.  I'm submerged.  Let's see what I weigh in the morning.

Ready for Roughage

I have 22 days until I can switch from the All Inclusive diet to the Spa Treatment (where I get to incorporate fruits and veggies).  It's amazing how great fruits and vegetables look to me.  I've never been a big fan of theirs.  There are some I like, but I was slow to appreciate them in my life.  And, there are still many that I don't eat. 

One of the reasons I did the diet plan I'm on was to "reboot" my body.  I figured if I spent 13 weeks on very limited options, then once I was able to add fruits and vegetables in -- I would be much more adventurous with them. 

I was actually hoping I could hold out and go longer than 13 weeks on this plan.  But, the other day Paulie was telling me how she went to Jason's Deli and got a salad and fruit.  The whole notion of eating out is foreign to me on this diet.  My plan is so restrictive.  I can't even go to a restaurant.  I can't even fake it. 

And, what I wouldn't give for a salad. 

Desperately Seeking.... Something Else?

I spent a while this morning googling other low fat/low calorie dinners.  

I'm so ready for a change in my menu... I was just curious how those other meals compare.  Many are higher in calories and fat than what we are currently eating in the box.  But, wow... they sure look delicious.  I can't wait to have an option of adding other things in. 





The guy who spoke to our class last week ate these instead of our meals.  He had an issue with all the tomato based meals in the box.  So, he used did a few exchanges.   I'm jealous.  These look so much better than the box I'm eating for dinner. 

 

 

I miss variety.  I never thought I would be craving Lean Cuisines.

 

Steadily Decreasing Heart Rate

The doctor warned me that my heart rate would go DOWN after I started losing weight.  Remember how I use to only be able to get it to 119?  Well, I've noticed the past few weeks that it's getting harder and harder to get my rate to even 119 now.  In fact, earlier this week when I was working out I snapped this photo.  I was 23 minutes into the workout (with 37 remaining) and already burned 300 calories.  I was at a resistence level of 20 out of 20.  I'm burning nearly 14 calories at minute!  But, my heart rate was only 110. 

I wear my heart rate watch and many days my resting heart rate is in the low 50s.  When I started this, it was mostly the low 60s.  I wonder what it will be at when I'm all done with the diet.  I love knowing more about how my body works and my heart rate.  Even if I don't understand it all yet, it's good to finally know that I just work different than others and my heart rate is never going to be 170 when I'm working out... unless, of course, I'm having a heart attack.