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.