tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5107897919107491742011-04-21T21:34:47.860-07:00CSDLnoreply@blogger.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-45082534967954071132008-07-31T17:15:00.000-07:002008-07-31T17:32:09.545-07:00Well, I'm finally getting pretty settled into my new job and new apartment on the west coast. So far things are going very well. I lost a little bit more weight, but for the most part i'm doing a pretty good job maintaining my weight. Some weeks I gain a little and other I lose a little.<br /><br />Everyone told me during my weight loss that that was the "easy" part and maintaining the loss was the hard part. They were definitely right! Its been a little hard, but so far I feel like I'm doing pretty well. I'm continuing to use some of the HMR foods where it is convient. Specifically, I do an entree for lunch, usually oatmeal for breakfast and some kind of shake fruit combo for desert at night. Its a pretty comfortable routine for me, and really helps keep me on track. It usually means that I have plenty of calories to "spend" on dinner, which means I've been able to have things like pizza and hamburgers and it isn't totally knocking my off track.<br /><br />One of the hardest things for me is making good decisions at resturants, but I have a companion that really really helps. My cell phone, and diet tracking program have been an invaluable resource. When I'm out to eat I'm able to look up food to see what the calorie content is like. The program itself is chocked full of data, but I'm also able to connect to the internet on my phone. This means I can even hit up the resturants web page and use tools they provide to help make smart choices. Its been really nice. Sometimes, I even visit the site before going to a resturant and choose what I'm going have ahead of time.<br /><br />I'm still trying to figure out my exercise routine, which right now largely consists of walking. I like walking, but I really want to get back to doing the elliptical in the morning because its much more efficient at burning calories. Unfortunately, I've been having a hard time waking up... However, the last couple nights I've slept really well, so maybe I'll be able to pull it off tomorrow :-)<br /><br />Tonight I'm going to face one my largest challenges since starting my program: I'm going to someone elses house for dinner! Hopefully I'm able to be good without offending anyone... but one day isn't going to ruin my last years progress :-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-4508253496795407113?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-66052224645385942782008-05-21T09:23:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:24:31.580-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li>1 Chocolate Shake Packet</li><li>6 oz cold coffee</li><li>Ice</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br />Blend all ingredients<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6605222464538594278?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-76208910012886508072008-05-21T09:22:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:23:18.440-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li>1 Chocolate Shake packet</li><li> 6-8oz hot water</li><li> 2 tsp fat free hot cocoa mix</li></ul> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /> Mix all ingredients (I prefer to use a hand blender for hot drinks)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7620891001288650807?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-73117999774742491302008-05-21T09:21:00.002-07:002008-05-21T09:22:16.699-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1 Chocolate shake packet</li><li> 6-8oz hot coffee</li><li> 1 Raspberry Ice Crystal Lite ToGo</li></ul> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /> Mix all ingredients (I prefer to use a hand blender for hot drinks)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7311799977474249130?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-88484515639271475462008-05-21T09:21:00.001-07:002008-05-21T09:21:39.698-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1 Chicken Soup Shake Packet</li><li> 6 oz hot water</li><li> 1 tablespoon fiesta ranch powder</li></ul> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /> Mix all ingredients (I prefer to use a hand blender for hot drinks)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-8848451563927147546?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-59057679572952267582008-05-21T09:19:00.001-07:002008-05-21T09:19:55.153-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1 Vanilla Shake Packet (I prefer 800 here)</li><li> 6-8 oz hot, strong coffee (with a shot of espresso, if you so desire)</li><li> 1-2 oz Sugar Free Caramel syrup</li></ul> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /> Mix all ingredients (I prefer to use a hand blender for hot drinks)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-5905767957295226758?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-71472221885843961112008-05-21T09:18:00.001-07:002008-05-21T09:19:09.348-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1 Chocolate Shake Packet (I prefer 800 here)</li><li> 6-8 oz hot, strong coffee (with a shot of espresso, if you so desire)</li><li> 1-2 oz Sugar Free Caramel syrup</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br />Mix all ingredients (I prefer to use a hand blender for hot drinks)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7147222188584396111?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-89885875391443218252008-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:15:53.042-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/SDRG9yYD5zI/AAAAAAAAADk/d8hJ9-VeC-Y/s1600-h/DSC01853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/SDRG9yYD5zI/AAAAAAAAADk/d8hJ9-VeC-Y/s200/DSC01853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202861496828421938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span> <ul><li> 1 packet of Chicken Soup</li><li> 1 packet of Vanilla Supplement</li><li> 4 tsps Corn Meal</li><li> Salt</li><li> Seasoning </li></ul> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions </span><ol><li> Empty the packets into a small bowl and add seasoning. </li><li> Add just enough water to make a stiff dough (it should be about 4 tablespoons)</li><li> Spray a microwave safe plate with Pam and put the dough in the center of the plate</li><li> Place a sheet of wax paper sprayed with Pam over top of the dough ball and then spread the dough out evenly over the plate.</li><li> Microwave on high for 2 minutes</li><li> If you want, peel up the paper and sprinkle a little seasoning on top (like paprika, or chili powder)</li><li> Flip and microwave for another 33 seconds</li><li> Take cracker off the plate and place on a paper towel or a different plate to allow it to cool and become crispy</li></ol> Tip: Try these on a salad with the Chili for a tasty taco salad.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-8988587539144321825?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-73341275544996277652008-05-14T15:29:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:16:17.713-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 4 tbsp Hershey's Unsweetened Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder</li><li> 1 Chocolate Shake Packet</li><li> 2 tbsp DaVinci German Chocolate Cake Sugar Free Syrup</li><li> 4 packets of splenda</li><li> 5 cups popcorn (butter and salt to taste)</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /><ol><li> Mix Cocoa, shake packet, syrup and 2 packets of splenda in a bowl. It should be a thick mixture</li><li> Spray 2 sheets of wax paper with non-stick stray</li><li> Put dough onto one sheet of wax paper and then place the other piece (oil down) and press down. (You could use a rolling pin if you would like) make it reasonably thin</li><li> Microwave for 1:30 and then flip, then microwave from another minute, flipping every 15 seconds. Ever time you flip, flatten the cracker. </li><li> Peel the cracker off the wax paper and sprinkle 2 more packets of splenda over the top</li><li> Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.</li><li> Breakup the cracker into your popcorn for a tasty treat</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7334127554499627765?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-24018753978984695062008-05-14T15:23:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:16:17.714-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries</li><li> 1 HMR Multi-grain cereal</li><li> 1 Vanilla Shake packet</li><li> 1.5 cups water (reduce for thicker, increase for thinner oatmeal)</li></ul> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /><ol><li> Mix blueberries, water and oatmeal in a microwave safe bowl</li><li> Microwave for 2 minutes</li><li> Stir in shake packet</li></ol><br />For a chocolaty breakfast, you can try this will a chocolate shake packet too!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-2401875397898469506?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-36977643501877566872008-05-11T19:13:00.001-07:002008-05-21T09:17:54.111-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1 Chocolate Shake Packet</li><li> 1 Vanilla Shake Packet</li><li> 1 Tbsp Hershey's Dark Chocolate Cocoa</li><li> Water</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span><br /><ol><li> Mix the chocolate shake packet and cocoa in a bowl with 4 teaspoons of water. You should end up with a very very stiff dough. Add water by the tea spoon to soften if you cannot stir. </li><li> Spray 2 sheets of wax paper with non-stick stray</li><li> Put dough onto one sheet of wax paper and then place the other piece (oil down) and press down. (You could use a rolling pin if you would like) make it reasonably thin</li><li> Microwave for 1:30 and then flip, then microwave from another minute, flipping every 15 seconds. Ever time you flip, flatten the cracker. </li><li> Peel the cracker off the wax paper and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.</li><li> Make a vanilla shake with about 4-5 oz of water and a few ice cubes (use more or less water as you see fit)</li><li> Break up the chocolate cracker into the shake while still in the blender</li><li> Blend again to break up the cookie</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-3697764350187756687?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-6579811495473384492008-05-11T19:06:00.000-07:002008-05-21T09:15:53.048-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><br /><ul><li> 1 Vanilla Shake Packet</li><li> 1 Tbsp Vanilla Pudding</li><li> 1 Tbsp DaVinci Spice Blend Sugar-Free Syrup</li><li> 1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice</li><li> 1 Tsp Water</li><li> 1 Packet Splenda</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Directions</span><br /><ol><li> Mix all ingredients in a bowl. You should end up with a very very stiff dough. Add water by the tea spoon to soften if you cannot stir. </li><li> Spray 2 sheets of wax paper with non-stick stray</li><li> Put dough onto one sheet of wax paper and then place the other piece (oil down) and press down. (You could use a rolling pin if you would like) make it reasonably thin</li><li> Microwave for 1:30 and then flip, then microwave from another minute, flipping every 15 seconds. Ever time you flip, flatten the cracker. </li><li> Peel the cracker off the wax paper and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-657981149547338449?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-18245848010637634322008-05-03T15:07:00.000-07:002008-05-14T15:31:53.322-07:00I've being thinking a lot about how to commemorate my first year. May 25th is my day, the first day I started to change my life (I need a name for it, but for now its Healthy Me day). Incidentally, my last day of class here in CU will be May 22nd, exactly 52s week from my very first class in the program. So, I've also been thinking about bringing something to class to share with everyone. Well today I had the perfect idea, both for food and maybe for a little gift. I won't tell you the food, because it still in the experimental phase, but the gift, hopefully, will be a little recipe book, with the recipes that I've used, and invented during my year in the program. As I write it up, I will probably also post the recipes here. and I will update this post periodically with links to "sections" of the cookbook. I will also mark recipes as fasting safe or HS safe.<br /><br /><br />Cook book sections:<br />Shakes<br />Snacks<br />Entrees<br />Desserts<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1824584801063763432?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-15636459844402243892008-03-26T12:24:00.000-07:002008-03-28T06:43:47.987-07:00<blockquote><br />"The desire to diet isn't just bad feminism. It is also bad faith, for the biblical story of the body is very different from the bodily stories <span style="font-style: italic;">Cosmos</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Maxim</span> tell"<br />Lauren Winner, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mudhouse-Sabbath-Invitation-Spiritual-Disciplines/dp/1557255326/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1206711514&amp;sr=8-1">Mudhouse Sabbath</a><br /></blockquote>For some reason, over the last week I've really been confronted by states like the one above from Mudhouse Sabbath. I've never really quite figured out how to take them. I know that statements like this aren't really saying "don't worry about losing weight" but they are really saying things about <span style="font-style: italic;"> why</span> we should lose weight, and what our goals should be.<br /><br />I have been historically bad about setting goals. I knew that I would be done when I was done. I'm happy to say that I'm to that point. I have one last goal in mind, which is to break the halfway mark, which is only 5 lbs away, but I want to lose those 5 lbs over the next month, not over the next 2 weeks like I have been. I only have this goal because it would be neat to say I lost half my weight.<br /><br />On the other hand, I finally feel like I'm healthy, which is awesome. I feel like there isn't anything I can't do anymore because of my weight. There are somethings that are much more enjoyable now, like baths, because I actually fit in the bath tub. And there are other things I look forward to testing out, such as my fear of heights. Mostly, I was really scared of floors collapsing under my weight. I haven't stood near an edge yet, but I imagine it will be a little less frightening for me.<br /><br />Despite the fact that I feel healthy, I still don't "love" my body. I think I kinda hoped that losing weight would help me "love" my body, though I also knew all along that that was kind of crazy. I certainly feel better, respect myself more, and think that other people who see me view me better (which for better or worse has an effect on my self-esteem). Another place that I was confronted by the "evils" of dieting was in a magazine in a waiting room called <a href="http://www.utne.com/">Utne Reader</a>, which had a series of articles about the American attitude towards obesity. In one <a href="http://www.utne.com/2008-01-01/Politics/Love-Your-Fat-Self.aspx">article </a>called "Love your Fat Self" (which is actually an excerpt from a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Girls-Starving-Daughters-Frightening/dp/0743287967/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1206711384&amp;sr=8-1">Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body</a>) the authors says:<br /><blockquote><br />"If you live fat in your head, then you are fat. If you believe you are unattractive, you will experience the world as an unattractive woman. If you hound yourself about everything you put in your mouth, you won’t enjoy eating. Regardless of the number on the scale, if the number inside your head is large, insurmountable, and loaded with meaning, then you will feel weighed down by its implications." Courtney E. Martin</blockquote>I think that I still think fat. I also know my mom does too. I think the next big hurtle for me to overcome is my attitude towards myself and my body. This is going to be hard because 20 years makes for hard habits to break. I want to do this while I'm still on a structured program because I can be an emotional eater, and I need to learn to have my emotions and not eat them away.<br /><br />As a final aside, I wanted to also link the other 2 articles from Utne Reader which are also good reads:<br /><a href="http://www.utne.com/2008-01-01/Politics/Shame-on-US.aspx">Shame on US</a><br /><a href="http://www.utne.com/2008-01-01/Politics/The-Food-Police.aspx">The Food Police </a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1563645984440224389?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-79595652499222908012008-03-25T05:56:00.000-07:002008-03-25T06:09:06.854-07:00This weekend I did a lot of house cleaning and one of the things that I've been wanting to do is get rid of all my clothes that are too big. Unfortunately, the task is so daunting because I've been heavy for a long time and I'm a pack rat. However, I finally got it done this weekend. Before I got rid of them, I took a picture of my largest jeans and the new cords i just got. Look at the difference, its amazing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-j4FoMxcOI/AAAAAAAAADM/4KBHlOwf96A/s1600-h/DSC01839.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-j4FoMxcOI/AAAAAAAAADM/4KBHlOwf96A/s320/DSC01839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181664146863780066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-j4GIMxcPI/AAAAAAAAADU/7l-A3TS3rF4/s1600-h/DSC01841.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-j4GIMxcPI/AAAAAAAAADU/7l-A3TS3rF4/s320/DSC01841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181664155453714674" border="0" /></a>I also took a picture of my closest. All the empty hangers were once full!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-j4GYMxcQI/AAAAAAAAADc/wv0yMg1BdAE/s1600-h/DSC01842.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-j4GYMxcQI/AAAAAAAAADc/wv0yMg1BdAE/s320/DSC01842.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181664159748681986" border="0" /></a><br />It feels great to be rid of so much stuff.<br /><br />In other news, the purchase of size 6 pants was really a wake up call for me. I'm starting to get a little nervous about continuing to lose weight at the rate I have been losing. Luckily, I'm starting the transition to veggies and fruit at the end of the week, which will probably slow me down. I really have no desire to get into clothes smaller than a 6, but I'm really nervous about getting back to real food. The structure this diet has provided me is great! I plan on talking to K about how to increase my calorie intact (and thus slow weight loss) while staying very structured.<br /><br />Anyway, thats all folks!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7959565249922290801?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-4157419681379202912008-03-21T17:16:00.000-07:002008-03-21T17:28:12.719-07:00Today, I went out to purchase a one outfit that actually fit me. My goal was to find a jacket that I liked and then build an outfit around it. I successfully found a blazer and a shirt at New York and Co on the clearance rack. To my surprise, the jacket was a size 6! I figured at the time, it must but just a mis-size. That was until I went to Kohls to pick out some pants. On the instruction of my much more fashionable sister I was searching for some trouser jeans. When I found a pair I grab 2 of the rack and headed to the dressing room, only to find that both the 8 and 10 were too big... I wandered back and grabbed a 6 and a clearanced pair of cords that i had noticed before, but brushed off because they were a 6. Much to my surprised and astonishment, I left Kohls with 2 size 6 pants.<br />Anyway, here are some pictures of my new purchases:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-RSdYMxcMI/AAAAAAAAAC8/YQysRBKkxtI/s1600-h/outfit1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-RSdYMxcMI/AAAAAAAAAC8/YQysRBKkxtI/s320/outfit1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180356136048619714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-RSdoMxcNI/AAAAAAAAADE/KFgJUnw7Fkk/s1600-h/outfit2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R-RSdoMxcNI/AAAAAAAAADE/KFgJUnw7Fkk/s320/outfit2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180356140343587026" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-415741968137920291?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-79538690148670597892008-03-13T18:55:00.001-07:002008-03-13T18:55:25.899-07:00Today, I hit a major milestone. For the first time in my adult life, I officially have a healthy weight according to the BMI charts! I can't believe how far I have come! Last may I was morbidly obese and now, I am normal and it feels great.<br /><br />The other thing that this milestone means is that I can start to look forward to the future and the time when I will focus on maintaining a healthy weight for the rest of my (now statistically longer) life. I told my health educator that 2 weeks from today I want to transition to <a href="http://www.hmrprogram.com/index.cfm/Programs/ClinicPrograms/Healthy_Solutions_Program">Healthy Solutions</a>. Healthy Solutions is a diet program designed to help people lose about 30 lbs over the course of 12 weeks. The plan is to have 3 shakes, 2 entrees and 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day. I will go through a 4 (maybe longer) week transitional period during which I will slowly add vegetables and fruit into my diet. <br /><br />I have been pretty reluctant to switch to this program because I hear lots of people complain about slow loses (like .5 lbs a week) on the program. Despite encouragement from some friends and family, I held out because I'm pretty concerned about being frustrated. As a result, i decided to wait until any additional weight loss during the HS diet would be like icing on the cake. <br /><br />I don't know how long I'll be on Healthy Solutions. I've really enjoyed the structure that I get in this program so adding the variety may be a bit of a challenge for me. Also, to make things harder, I will be moving across the country in June and I'm not really sure what how that is going to impact my diet. Right now, I plan on sticking to fruits and vegetables through the move, if anything, because its easy.<br /><br />Finally though, I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel. And I can't wait to have some asparagus!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7953869014867059789?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-62771913060654224942008-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:002008-03-08T11:31:11.495-08:00I can't believe its March already!<br />My life has been really crazy lately. I've been gallivanting around the country interviewing for jobs. Traveling in someways is healthier on a diet like mine (i.e. no temptation from crappy airport fast food) but unfortunately, I have a really hard time staying hydrated when I'm moving around a lot. I also have a hard time exercising when I'm traveling because I find it so tiring that I just want to sleep in the hotel room when I'm not visiting companies for interviews.<br /><br />Anyway, because of the problems I had on my previous trip, I decided to pick up some <a href="http://www.hmrprogram.com/index.cfm/HMRFoods/BeneFitBars">BeneFit Bars</a> last week. Because of their convenience, they are perfect for a quick snack when I can't get to a microwave or make a shake. Unfortunately, they are also delicious. The Peanut Butter bar tastes like a Reeces Peanut Butter cup... This meant that something i picked up in case of an emergency turned into a bad habit for me...<br /><br />Anyway, the combination of BeneFit bars and exercise problems meant that, for the first time since I started my diet, I gained weight! Ok, it was just one tenth of a pound, but still a good reminder that all parts of my diet are important, not just "staying in the box."<br /><br />On the upside, I've gotten quite a bit better about record keeping! I've been working with my ADD coach and I've actually written what I ate for the last 10 days :-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6277191306065422494?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-43076356006580017492008-02-25T11:11:00.001-08:002008-02-25T11:27:08.264-08:00This has been my mantra from the day I started my diet. I am well known for it. Sometimes people will say things to me like "But U of I hasn't been to the rose bowl in 30 years!" to which I coyly respond "My grandma only turned 90 once."<br /><br />I know for some people, unbendingly following the rules doesn't work, but for me, its vital. I think that once I cheat once, then 2nd time will be easier.<br /><br />However, this weekend I was about 10 minutes away from an acceptable excuse. I was running really late to my flight out of Seattle (it left at 9am and I rolled out of bed at 7:30). While I managed to get to the airport 50 minutes before my flight, as I was rushing to my gate, I realized had I been only marginally slower (or lines had been longer) I wouldn't have had time to make my breakfast (coffee and chocolate). In which case, I wouldn't have been able to eat "in the box" until my layover in Chicago. 4 hours on a flight without eating would have killed me. I think i probably would have purchased an apple or banana at the store on my way to the gate just as something to eat.... Before my next trip, I think I'm gonna pick up some HMR Bars for just that kind of emergency. (I generally avoid the bars because they are too much like candy bars)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-4307635600658001749?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-81321732556668113192008-02-18T11:00:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:21:29.370-08:00So, when I created this blog I intended to talk not only about the loss I was seeing but also about the growth I was experiencing through the process. I've spent lots of time talking about my weight loss but little about my mental growth.<br /><br />Something I would recommend to anyone who has a lot of weight to lose and has tried many times to lose it with little to no success is to see a counselor during the weight loss process. I know that maybe sounds crazy. But really, people eat for a variety of reasons and if you want to change your eating habits you really need to understand why you eat the way you do. Is it because you are bored? depressed? stressed? What happens when you can't use food to deal with those situations anymore? I think talking to a counselor can help you work on new techniques or uncover underlying causes for your behavior.<br /><br />I learned early on in my diet process that I was "self-medicating" with food and I'm starting now to realize what I was medicating myself for. You see, I get bored very very easily, but I'm super good at following exact directions (as the people I play World of Warcraft with). This means that I'm not terribly happy when I have little to no direction for how to spend my day. When I started my diet, I was really able to pinpoint the moments I would have gotten food or a beverage to stem my boredom or saddness. This happens a lot at work. It goes something like this: Gosh I'm bored with X, I guess I'll head down to the coffee shop and get a chai or a bagel and come back to it. But now that isn't an option... I'm still searching for the replacement.<br /><br />Another thing I've seen as my body has shrunk, is my self-awareness has grown. In the last year, I've been struggling a lot in graduate school, and because I'm not masking my feelings with food, I've really been faced with understanding what is making me unhappy. Additionally, my confidence in my self and my abilities have grown. These to things have combined to create a "perfect storm" for me to re-evaluate my life directions and goals and what I think it will take to make me happy. Namely, graduating with my masters degree and getting a real job ;-) (I'll talk about my interview worries later).<br /><br />Also, because my self-awareness has grown I've been better able to pinpoint where and how I struggle most (and would have used food to calm/entertain). As a result, I've been working with my counselor and I was recently diagnoised with AD/HD (inattentive type). I later found out that <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/2032.html">obesity is common in women with AD/HD</a>.<br /><br />Anyway, thats a little about my "growth" during this 9 months (!!) process.<br /><br />Another post is forth coming about my plans for the remainder of my diet (now that I'm 14 pounds from my goal weight).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-8132173255666811319?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-63837864225884569672008-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:002008-01-29T08:51:42.113-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R59TbXyyy1I/AAAAAAAAACU/Nb4fs0IlvJ8/s1600-h/DSC01821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R59TbXyyy1I/AAAAAAAAACU/Nb4fs0IlvJ8/s320/DSC01821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160935427698510674" border="0" /></a><br />Well... gosh, more then a month has past since I last updated my blog. I think its because nothing much has changed ;-) The weight keeps falling off and I'm feeling really great.<br />This past weekend I became annoyed with my lack of anything to wear (XL sweatshirts are starting to look ridiculous!) so I did some clearance rack shopping and found that I now fit into a size 10 jean! I don't think I've ever worn a size 10 jean.<br />Anyway, the new picture is me in some of my new clothes!<br /><br />Anyway I need to head off to work, but I will post again soon as there are big changes coming in my diet and life.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6383786422588456967?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-36468560910050539092007-12-21T08:35:00.000-08:002007-12-21T08:42:36.855-08:00I'm not really a big fan of reality TV. For the most part I find it boring. However, the show "The Biggest Loser" is kind of intriguing to me. I relate to the contestants. But I don't really find the time to actually watch the show ;-)<br />Anyway, while surfing the web this morning, I ran across a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2007/12/21/lkl.biggest.loser.long.cnn">video</a> on CNN from Larry King Live, where he interviewed the trainers and finalist on the show. Anyway, the things they said really jived with me, so I figured I'd share it with you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-3646856091005053909?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-33298538604550968772007-12-14T18:28:00.001-08:002007-12-14T18:38:15.039-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R2M8Ru3JgHI/AAAAAAAAABs/HLtudzE15aU/s1600-h/DSC01816.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/R2M8Ru3JgHI/AAAAAAAAABs/HLtudzE15aU/s320/DSC01816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144021474722021490" border="0" /></a>Well, this is me at the end of a milestone week. I crossed 2 milestones this week, one academically and one with my weight loss.<br /><br />On Monday (and not last Friday... long story) I took, and passed my preliminary examination. It was a grueling process and didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but, as my friends keep reminding me, I passed.<br /><br />On Thursday, I stepped on the scale and found that I've passed the 100 lbs lost mark! 100.9 to be exact. I'm very excited that I've lost that much weight, but I'm a little embarrassed that I had that much to lose. Luckily, its gone now and hopefully, it will never come back.<br /><br />The picture is from tonight, but the shirt and jacket were purchased for my prelim. My advisor told the people on the phone that were missing me looking "smart" in my green jacket. No, sister, I didn't wear jeans to my prelim.<br /><br />I'm off to Florida next week for whats is looking like a nice quiet, relaxing Christmas. Like Thanksgiving, I'm not expecting many diet struggles. Though, I am a little nervous about my travel days.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-3329853860455096877?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-25702843750841680272007-12-03T12:12:00.000-08:002007-12-03T12:23:16.488-08:00Lately, I've been doing a lot of baking with my products. I have this recipe for lemon bars which i've started modifying for other kinds of baked goods. I've succeeded in one experiment and kinda failed at the other.<br /><br />Anyway, my success was making pumpkin bars. I'm pretty excited about this because one of my favorite things about fall is eating pumpkin things. Because of this, I purchased some <a href="http://www.davincigourmet.com/products/product_details/?productID=232">sugar free pumpkin syrup</a>.<br /><br />Anyway, to make pumpkins bars, I mix 2 vanilla packets, 1 tablespoon of cheesecake sugar free instant pudding, 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin syrup and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Then I bake them in a muffin tin (I make 6) at 375 for 13 minutes. You can eat them warm from the oven or chilled.<br /><br />I also tried chocolate peanut butter bars, and apparently I need to tweak the recipe a little more...<br /><br />Anyway, by baking, I've added a little variety and holiday cheer to my diet :-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-2570284375084168027?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-63705310364466505652007-11-24T09:39:00.000-08:002007-11-24T09:43:30.397-08:00I'm proud to report that I did a good job on thanksgiving. I even managed to help with the cooking and not eat :-)<br /><br />I followed my plan almost to the T, except for the Chili Mac. I was foiled because I didn't have any chili! Anyway, instead I made a surprisingly good Asian dish from the Chicken Creole and Savory Chicken.<br /><br />May biggest struggle these days has been exercising. Its not that I don't like it, but I've been having a hard time finding time. Lately I've been getting home from my stuff and been just exhausted. Hopefully, though, I can get over it. The last two days I've done a pretty good job of finding time and energy to exercise, though I want to get back to the gym. I'm thinking about trying to go early again, if anything, just so I'm used to getting up at 630/700 when my 8am prelim rolls around in 2 weeks. But, we'll see...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6370531036446650565?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-61570873746638478132007-11-21T22:58:00.001-08:002007-11-21T23:04:45.698-08:00Well, its officially Thanksgiving. My first big holiday while fasting. I've given a lot of thought to my plan for today.<br /><br />Food Plan:<br /><ul><li>For breakfast, instead of oatmeal, I will make a vanilla chai.</li><li>For appetizers/lunch I will make chicken soup crackers</li><li>For the big supper, I will combine a Chicken Parmesan and Chili for Chili Mac</li><li>For dessert, I will make oatmeal cookies.</li></ul><br />Exercising is a little tougher, but I think I will DDR and exercise ball in the morning after I get up and then do some more DDR after I return from my grandparents.<br /><br />Hopefully this plan will keep me on track and in the box. Luckily I have another thing going for me, my family is really supportive, so I doubt they will let me cheat even if I tried to.<br /><br />My goal is to make it through the whole holiday season without cheating :-) And I think I can do it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6157087374663847813?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-17823349807940068802007-11-17T18:40:00.000-08:002007-11-17T18:48:33.932-08:00Well, I lost another 3 pounds last week, which is very good. I'm kinda surprised the weight loss hasn't slowed down much. I'm sure I won't do as well this week though. I've been super crazy busy and it looks like the busy-ness isn't going to clear up until Dec. 7th (the date of my thesis proposal). The problem with being as busy as I've been is that there is that I have very little time to exercise, and by the time I might be able to exercise, its very late, and I'm exhausted. Not to mention the fact that exercising before bed leads to not sleeping...<br /><br />Doing some traveling this week.<br />I'm off to Cleveland to visit my sister and brother-in-law and spending about 4 hours doing work related things in Pittsburgh. Then back home in time for some doctors appointments. And off to G'ma and G'pa for Thanksgiving. I'm still trying to decide what I'm gonna eat though. I kinda wanna figure how to make some sort of pumpkin-y thing, but I might make this cheese-cake thing in our recipe book. I think it will be nice to try something a little new for the special occasion.<br /><br />Somewhere amid all this traveling, I need to write a 15 page thesis proposal...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1782334980794006880?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-47851670841255042612007-11-08T22:34:00.000-08:002007-11-08T22:47:27.733-08:00Over the last couple of weeks, I've been thinking a lot about my goals. I've realized, I really need to figure out the rest of my plan... or at least the next step. To be honest, part of me wants to fast until, well... forever, because its easy. And another part of me is getting a little bored and a little jealous of the wonderful food I see other people eating. So, I've decided what my next step is.<br /><br />There are two things that weighed into this decision. First) I want to fast through the holidays, and 2) my last body composition test suggested that I should probably be around 165 (that is high, mostly because it assumes no lose of lean muscle mass, which will definitely happen). Anyway, so I've decided I will transition to "Healthy Solutions*" after January 17th as soon as I hit 165. That means I will make it through the holidays (and my birthday) and the church mission trip while fasting (which is the easy part) and I'll be at a weight that I'm comfortable with, so the slow down in weight loss on HS won't be devastating. <br /><br />I still have no idea what my final goal is...<br /><br />*Healthy solutions is the plan that requires 2 entrees, 3 shakes, and 5 cups of fruits and vegetables. Its recommended for people who want to lose 30 or fewer pounds<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-4785167084125504261?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-47433225120540546782007-11-07T21:35:00.001-08:002007-11-07T21:42:32.057-08:00Tonight i was reading <a href="http://www.slate.com">The Slate</a> when I ran across <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2177551">an interesting article about counting calories</a>. The article was talking about using technology to aid in weight loss and calorie counting (hey, I'm all for that!). Specifically, it featured a newer product called <a href="http://www.bodybugg.com/">The BodyBugg</a>. Its this little arm band that you'd wear all the time and it counts how many calories you are burning. Its kind of like a pedometer on steroids...<br /><br />Anyway, it seems like a neat tool for maintaining weight if you are also counting your intake calories. And it could be a fun toy too! that is, if it wasn't so ungodly expensive! It costs almost $500 with a nifty little watch thing...<br /><br />Anyway, apparently I'm too exhausted to type anything more about it, except that you should check it out...<br /><br />G'night!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-4743322512054054678?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-68449519934864468722007-11-06T08:38:00.000-08:002007-11-06T08:41:13.993-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RzCY_mC8r6I/AAAAAAAAABk/FAjV22WTuPQ/s1600-h/DSC01806.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RzCY_mC8r6I/AAAAAAAAABk/FAjV22WTuPQ/s320/DSC01806.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129768193887088546" border="0" /></a><br />I dressed nicer than usual today because I'm lecturing in my advisor's class, so i figured I snap a quick picture. I'll post something more substantive soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6844951993486446872?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-76358190480157152622007-10-18T20:47:00.000-07:002007-10-18T20:57:59.884-07:00Today I meet my second goal! I'm totally excited. I am for sure under my pre-qual weight and even past a place that I usually plateau on every other diet.<br /><br />Anyway I'm pretty happy with my weight loss this week, thought I'm feeling like I don't really deserve it. Since last Thursday I've only done 1000 calories worth of PA because school is totally insane. Every time I sit down to think about running around <a href="http://www.worldofwarcraft.com">Azeroth</a>, I just feel totally exhausted. Actually, my whole schedule has been really "off" this week. I've not really been eating on time so I'm usually trying to squeeze in my last 3 shakes in the same 2 hours I have to try to get in some exercise. And exercising right after a double shake would certainly make me feel sick. Anyway... things should lighten up a lot after tomorrow and hopefully I'll get back to exercising...<br /><br />But for tonight, like the last 3 nights... sleep wins.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7635819048015715262?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-15497756244794211792007-10-11T22:13:00.000-07:002007-10-11T22:23:34.140-07:00After a rough week last week (I only lost 1 lb) I busted right past the 75 lbs mark and I'm closing in on an arbitrarily chosen "pre-qual" weight. I'm fitting nicely now into most of the clothes I bought before the qual (such as the ultra cute pants in the most recent picture) and I should have some really cute outfits to wear to the big family party at the end of the month.<br /><br />Today also marks the end of the 20th week of my diet program.<br /><br />The next few days are looking to be tough for me on the exercise front. I have a big school deadline Monday at midnight and then I start an experiment on Tuesday. My days are going to be packed, and I'm going to have a hard time squeezing in my exercise. I'm going to have to work ultra hard to use exercise for recharging my brain.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1549775624479421179?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-68213617477488352522007-10-09T23:07:00.000-07:002007-10-09T23:11:33.188-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rwxs86QUdHI/AAAAAAAAABc/KgLJnaAXlGI/s1600-h/DSC01801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rwxs86QUdHI/AAAAAAAAABc/KgLJnaAXlGI/s320/DSC01801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119586670099068018" border="0" /></a><br />I took a picture the other day, so I figured I'd post it.<br />In other news, today I put on a pair of jeans that claims to be size 16!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6821361747748835252?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-12026898542441669422007-10-08T13:10:00.000-07:002007-10-08T13:18:50.220-07:00So each week, I'm given two assignments that are meant to keep some variety and to keep things from getting to routine. Some of them I remember to do, but I often forget, partly because I like my routine.<br /><br />Anyway, one of my assignments this week was to have a "Fall-Themed" meal replacement. With this in mind, I picked up some hot cider powder from the store and figured I'd mix it with a vanilla shake. So, today, while packing my food for the day, I grab a packet of cider mix and a vanilla shake to have after lunch.<br /><br />I mixed it up and tried it... and it was pretty terrible... drinkable, but not exactly enjoyable. I don't know if it was the flavors, or I had too many expectations, or if it was that it was warm. But anyway, for future reference... cider mix and vanilla shake is something I will not do again.<br /><br />Then again, I shouldn't be so surprised because spiced cider should never be a mix, or made with artificial sweetener. I guess I'll have to wait to have hot cider (or wassail) until after I'm done with this diet.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1202689854244166942?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-15068292270952231592007-10-02T11:43:00.000-07:002007-10-02T12:05:37.894-07:00So a few months ago I read a book called "Sex God" by Rob Bell. Its a great book and I highly recommend it. Anyway, the other day my friend IMed me a link to this blog post about <a href="http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/2007/09/why-bmi-is-crock-in-pictures.html">Illustrating BMI in pictures</a>. (<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/77367764@N00/sets/72157602199008819/">Flickr photostream</a>) The post talks about beauty and BMI. In some ways the post is funny because it ranks about being obsessed with changing your BMI (and even makes me feel a little guily about caring). Anyway, this got me thinking about something I read in Sex God.<br /><br />In the book, Rob Bell tells a story about his child ask his wife "What is sexy?" Her response: Sexy is being comfortable in your own skin.<br /><br />I looked at the girls and guys in the pictures. Each one of them looks comfortable in their skin. I, on the other hand, am not comfortable in my skin... Unfortunately, I know losing weight won't make me comfortable in my skin (if I thought it would, I probably would have done this a long long time ago)<br /><br />Oh, and the BMI thing isn't just totally random... There is scientific evidence suggesting that there are good good health reasons to get into the overweight/normal categories. (Oh currently, my BMI is 35, but it was 47 when I started the diet which means I've gone from "Morbidly/Extremely Obese" to just "Obese". My goal weight is in the "Overweight" category.)<br /><br />In other news: HMR introduced a new option on their diet. Hot Cereal! I've decided to work it into my diet (I'm replacing my Mocha Coffee Shake with a cup of coffee and a bowl on hot cereal) and it is certainly a welcome change. Oh and now I can make oatmeal cookies!<br /><br />I'll post a new picture soon, I promise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1506829227095223159?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-63282750270274289162007-08-27T20:28:00.000-07:002007-08-27T20:36:21.823-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RtOX-0EFvqI/AAAAAAAAABU/wQNSvEg7gz4/s1600-h/DSC01793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RtOX-0EFvqI/AAAAAAAAABU/wQNSvEg7gz4/s320/DSC01793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103589908124384930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is my belt. I bought it when I started this diet. It started with 5 holes, and when I went home in July I asked dad to put more holes into it. I now need the ninth hole, which (assuming there is an inch between holes) means I've lost over 8 inches around my waist, which works about to be 3 dress sizes (I'm just about in an 18 and I started in a 24!)<br /><br />Anyway, just another metric of my success so far.<br /><br />In other news, the gym routine is going well, though now that the undergrads are back the gym is crowded :-( Luckily, I go early enough that I imagine it will get get less crowded as the semester goes on.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-6328275027027428916?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-84191455711668651962007-08-16T21:11:00.001-07:002007-08-16T21:21:40.031-07:00I just compared my first photo with my photo today... Holy cow... I didn't realize that it was such a big change...<br />Check it out:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb8817uALI/AAAAAAAAAAM/gRMMHDbVYOw/s1600-h/DSC01765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb8817uALI/AAAAAAAAAAM/gRMMHDbVYOw/s320/DSC01765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068516552851980466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RsUfIkEFvnI/AAAAAAAAAA8/iybRn5w9dGI/s1600-h/DSC01791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RsUfIkEFvnI/AAAAAAAAAA8/iybRn5w9dGI/s320/DSC01791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099516385047199346" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-8419145571166865196?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-51469081164149370512007-08-16T20:57:00.000-07:002007-08-16T21:09:14.159-07:00Today was a milestone day for me.<br />Today was my 12th weigh in (ie the end of 12 weeks) and I did well in that first 12 weeks. Total, I've lost about 53lbs. I also meet my first goal.<br />Meeting my first goal meant setting a new goal. Currently I have 2 goals in mind. 1st is getting to my "pre-qual" weight, which is about 25lbs away. My goal is to get there by the end of October . I set it so far away because I need to mentally prepare myself to see my weight loss start to slow down. My second goal is 50lbs away, and when I get there, I'm going to start to transition to the <a href="http://www.hmrprogram.com/index.cfm/Programs/ClinicPrograms/Healthy_Solutions_Program">Healthy Solutions</a> program (currently I'm doing the <a href="http://www.hmrprogram.com/index.cfm/Programs/ClinicPrograms/Decision-Free_Program">Decision Free</a> program.)<br /><br />Anyway, in honor of meeting my goal daddy is getting me a PCGamerBike Mini, which I will order tomorrow.<br /><br />And here is a new picture, just for you:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RsUfIkEFvnI/AAAAAAAAAA8/iybRn5w9dGI/s1600-h/DSC01791.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RsUfIkEFvnI/AAAAAAAAAA8/iybRn5w9dGI/s320/DSC01791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099516385047199346" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-5146908116414937051?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-52415365955959721032007-08-12T10:56:00.001-07:002007-08-12T11:01:51.999-07:00Today I fished out my tripod and took a new picture for you all. So far I'm lost almost 50 lbs (my rounding makes traineo think its 49 but oh well close enough)<br /><br />I'm pretty happy with my progress right now, though I'm getting bored again. I'm not quite sure what to do about it yet.<br /><br />Anyway, here is new photo:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rr9KzbQ2ESI/AAAAAAAAAA0/GLYNevV60UY/s1600-h/DSC01787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rr9KzbQ2ESI/AAAAAAAAAA0/GLYNevV60UY/s320/DSC01787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5097875550558884130" border="0" /></a><br />So far the gym regime is good, except I'm having a tough time getting up. Hopefully next week will be better.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-5241536595595972103?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-10656518305585459032007-08-09T10:48:00.000-07:002007-08-09T11:02:39.676-07:00Wow, I am bad at blogs...<br />Anyway, so I wanted to update you all on how I'm doing these days. Things with the diet are going pretty well. Today is the beginning of week 12 (and my last week of the core education program). So far I've lost 46 lbs (though that number will go up today after I get weighted) and I'm feeling pretty good about. More and more people have commented to me (and my friend E) that I'm starting to look pretty good. Its really encouraging that people are starting to notice, though I definitely feel like I have a long way to go. I'm only 7lbs away from my first goal which is exciting, but I think the real achievement for me will be when I hit my "pre-qual" weight.<br /><br />In exercise news, I've gone to the gym on campus every day this week so far. Surprisingly, I love going to the gym. Its really relaxing, and is always a great way for me to start off my day. Unfortunately, I'm managed to catch a cold this week, which has made me really really tired. So... getting up "early" hasn't exactly been happening, despite the fact that I'm going to bed early.<br /><br />Oh, and I'll post a new picture soon, but my camera battery is dead and I need to find the charger.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-1065651830558545903?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-54360553978514856322007-07-25T12:21:00.000-07:002007-07-25T12:32:50.084-07:00Sitting here eating lunch of chicken soup and pudding, I stumbled across an <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/25/AR2007072501353.html?nav=rss_email/components">interesting article</a> about obesity on the Washington Post.<br /><br />According to the article, one's chances of obesity increases when someone in their social network becomes obese. Wow, crazy... I hope I haven't had a negative impact on my friends over the last few months.<br /><br />Luckily, I know from person experience that the opposite is true. Among obese friends and family members, drastic weight loss also seems to be epidemic. About a year and a half ago, my mother lost a bunch of weight. Her weight loss has since influences several of my aunts and uncles, as well as me. So I guess mom deserves a big thanks!<br /><br />And while I'm here, I figure I'll share my accomplishments to date: I have lost 40 lbs in the past 8 weeks (an average of 5lbs a week), and I'm really hoping to keep that rate up.<br /><br />I'm still struggling a little with exercise, though I've been traveling a lot lately, which tends to get in my way. Every week I manage to meet the 2000 calorie goal suggested by the program, but I'd really like to be hitting 3000 (since research suggests that that is what people who successfully keep weight off do). So to help me achieve that, I've decided that I need to try really hard to do about 500 cals of exercise a day (which would work out to 3500 a week).<br />I think i need to set a "start date" for going back to the gym... I have a friend that has said she'd be my gym buddy 2 days a week, so perhaps we will start going soon.<br /><br />Well, I need to get my traineo page up to date!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-5436055397851485632?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-54265629960892676012007-07-14T07:25:00.000-07:002007-07-14T07:31:33.407-07:00I finally got NN to take a picture of me the other day for the blog. Things are going well. So far I've lost just shy of 36 lbs (my traineo is confused because i don't use the decimal places ;-) ). Most of the pants I wore don't fit any more and I had to ask dad to punch new holes in my belt. (I bought a belt when I started and I could just get it to the 1st hole, now I need to use the 5th hole!)<br /><br />It's been an exciting journey and hopefully you can really see a difference in the picture<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RpjeHitPNWI/AAAAAAAAAAs/WNJ3S9fiLpg/s1600-h/IMAGE_00002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/RpjeHitPNWI/AAAAAAAAAAs/WNJ3S9fiLpg/s320/IMAGE_00002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087060000271971682" border="0" /></a>Anyway! have a lovely day! I'm off to make a coffee and chocolate shake<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-5426562996089267601?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-76438006283752519142007-07-08T19:31:00.000-07:002007-07-08T19:54:43.304-07:00For fear that my friends may beat me up, I decided to update this blog.<br /><br />So far things on the diet are going very well. After lamenting my boredom to my educator A, I started having 1 HMR entree a night. Its pretty nice to actually get to eat something once a day and then entrees are pretty tasty. I don't do much with them, except spice the hell out of them.<br /><br />A also sent me a bunch of recipes to try. I intended on trying to make some (like brownies!) before I drove home to visit the 'rents because solid food is much better then liquid when driving. Anyway, for a variety of reason, it didn't happen, but now I have all the ingredients for a bunch of tasty things. And speaking of tasty things, I bought some of the little crystal light things to add to bottled water to try mixing in shakes, and they are great! Finally I've found an acceptable way to make fruity shakes! YAY! I've also taken a liking to the puddings.<br /><br />Anyway, as I really get into my groove with my diet, I'm finding that I'm getting a little bored of my exercise program. I like DDR a lot, but playing it every day is getting a bit old. I'm thinking about buying myself <a href="http://www.pcgamerbike.com/PCGBMini.php">a PCGamerBike</a>. They seem pretty cool, and they mean that World of Warcraft could be my work out. Anyway, I'm going to deliberate over them for a day or too.<br /><br />Speaking of new toys. I'm also really considering getting a Smart Phone (specifically, this one: <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1933323,00.asp">Verizon XV6700</a>). One of the biggest reason is to help me get better about keeping a food diary. I almost always forget my little ledger and I've already lost one since I started the diet. I figure I hardly ever leave my phone at home, so I slick smart phone might really help me improve in this area. I tortured myself over the past week researching the features and applications that can run on the phone, but I'll probably wait a little while on that purchase, but maybe not ;-)<br /><br />Oh yes, and to save the best for last. I've finally broken the 30lbs mark! I still really need to get some pictures... Maybe tomorrow...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7643800628375251914?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-75408036078286159382007-06-14T23:16:00.000-07:002007-06-14T23:25:01.312-07:00Its been a rough week, but right now I have a distinct feeling of accomplishments. Just 3 weeks into the diet and I have already lost 20 lbs. I lost nearly 5 lbs this week! And I only managed to exercise 1 day all week. I'm really looking forward to another successful week.<br /><br />I did, however, make the mistake of starting my exercise at midnight... which means I'm not remotely tired even though its bedtime...<br /><br />In other news, my TSH levels came back high again, which is a strong indication that I have Hypothyroidism. I'm not terrible surprised because there is family history, nor am I terribly upset about. I've suspected for sometime that I have some thyroid problems, though, I can be a bit of a hypochondriac. Anyway, I'm seeing a doctor about it all early next week, to we'll see what happens. I wonder if the reason it never showed up before was because I've always been sort of sedentary and my thyroid was functioning well enough for my sedentary life style, but as I kick it into gear its having a hard time keeping up.<br /><br />Oh... and I just noticed... all of labels were either neutral, or negative... That was silly of me... so I added a positive one!<br /><br />:-) Next week, I'll post my Italian Pancakes recipe! Go me!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-7540803607828615938?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-84082907404688636702007-06-11T08:15:00.000-07:002007-06-11T08:30:25.121-07:00For the first time since I started my diet, I'm behind... I haven't done any intentional exercise in the last 4 days... I was away at annual conference for three of those days, and did a lot of walking, but I don't count that a PA because the walking wasn't with the goal of exercising. As a result, I'm not going going to make 2000 for the week... unless I do something crazy, which is unlikely...<br /><br />It is especially unlikely because upon return from annual conference, I got very sick... I had a hard time eating sunday and saturday and only had 4 shakes both days... which is below my minimum prescription. I'm gonna get in trouble for it though. The most difficult part was the shear amount of dairy that I'm required to eat and it really didn't sit well when I was feeling sick especially since I had a virus attacking my digestive tract...<br /><br />Anyway... hopefully today will go better.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-8408290740468863670?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-21690570887405637122007-06-07T07:01:00.000-07:002007-06-07T07:36:09.368-07:00I'm at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annual_Conference">annual conference</a> right now (its the legislative meeting for my district of the United Methodist Church) which I really think is my first real test on this diet. I think that I have managed to plan ahead well enough to make sure that I'll be ok during the weekend. I decided to make tons of chicken soup crackers, which seem to be a good way to make sure that I have something I can eat if I get hungry. I was really glad to get the recipe for them when I meet with A, my health educator in the program. All I needed to do was to just follow the recipe and it worked really well! And they are actually tasty and CRUNCHY! So nice to eat something that crunches!<br /><br />Anyway, what you all really want to know is what my number for the week. This week (Thursday - Wed. Morning) I lost 6 lbs!! That means I've lost a total of 15lbs in 2 weeks! So cool and encouraging. Anyway, I'm sure that I'll lose less next week, especially because getting my PA in for this week will be tough.<br /><br />Oh, and I hope to post a pancake recipe soon. I'm still getting it perfected.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-2169057088740563712?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-30182919776862303372007-06-01T14:49:00.000-07:002007-06-01T14:56:27.718-07:00If you happened to look at my <a href="http://jpboyer.traineo.com/">traineo page</a> you my have noticed that I lost 9 pounds in my first week of the HMR program. I'm really excited about it and I really wish I could expect that every week... but alas, that isn't the case. Anyway, its really encouraging, so I thought I would share the positive result with internet land ;-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-3018291977686230337?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-88304662589483381982007-05-31T10:25:00.000-07:002007-05-31T10:47:01.579-07:00For the first time since I started the diet, I feel physically exhausted. I did not want to get out of bed today and I'm definitely concerned about my ability to do anything that requires any kind of strength. Sleeping late today, however, was the not the first indicator that the diet is affecting my strength. The other day I was leaning over stuff (using my hand on the wall to support myself) to shut of my alarm and I fell... Like my arm couldn't support my weight against the wall. It was not a good start to the day... I'm assuming that as I exercise I will start to get stronger, but I also imagine that will take some time.<br /><br />Also, in a similar vein, I'm trying to figure out how to get back into the groove of going to the gym. A few years ago, I used to get up early (6:30 or 7:00 am) and go to the campus gym. I'd spend an hour there 5 days doing weight lifting and aerobic exercise. I really need to start doing that again. I remember having a lot more energy when I did that. Though, I really wish the university had circuit training facilities like my undergrad did. Anyway, I figure that the summer is a good time to get back into that groove, but I just need to start going... Unfortunately, waking up at 6:30 or 7:00 am will be hard to do considering how tired I am... But I really want to start going again.<br /><br />Oh, today I was doing some mental calculations to think about how much weight I should be losing to reach my goal. I calculated, that to meet my goal, I need to be losing 6lbs a week! As a result, I'm going to update my goal a little bit, to make it more attainable. It will still be a stretch, but more realistic.<br /><br />Anyway, I've made it 6 days and offically start week 2 of the program today!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-8830466258948338198?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-1082352287335965372007-05-27T15:59:00.000-07:002007-05-27T16:29:08.190-07:00I'm in the middle of day three now of this diet. The first day was particularly difficult. I ended up having 7 shakes that day and I had some serious cravings. I went to bed really early to try to keep myself from eating. NN was a sweetheart and tried to make me feel better. Yesterday went a lot better. I went a friend's baby shower, and I managed to keep away from any of the finger foods, though I left a little early because I was getting hungry and I didn't want to make a big deal of making another shake. Today is going reasonably well too.<br /><br />Over the last three days, I realized that I really am going to have a hard time with eating, err drinking, sweet stuff all the time, and I'm definitely going to missing things that "crunch." Also, I'm a little worried about becoming the "center of attention" as I do that things that I need to do for my diet. I think that I will have a hard time going places with lots of people (esp. people I don't know) and having to go make a shake... I dunno... It's probably all in my head. Anyway... I'm looking forward to going to my friend's place for her memorial day bbq.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-108235228733596537?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-56298121610961786112007-05-25T08:05:00.000-07:002007-05-25T08:20:17.359-07:00I woke up this morning ready to get started. I made a coffee and chocolate shake, and Nick documented the whole affair, and took my "before" picture.<br /><br />So, without further ado, Enjoy!<span class="fullpost"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb8817uALI/AAAAAAAAAAM/gRMMHDbVYOw/s1600-h/DSC01765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb8817uALI/AAAAAAAAAAM/gRMMHDbVYOw/s320/DSC01765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068516552851980466" border="0" /></a>Before Picture<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb90V7uAMI/AAAAAAAAAAU/l7KtjrfMFSM/s1600-h/DSC01766.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb90V7uAMI/AAAAAAAAAAU/l7KtjrfMFSM/s320/DSC01766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068517506334720194" border="0" /></a>Coffee and ice<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb91V7uANI/AAAAAAAAAAc/OHpT5JC6Cng/s1600-h/DSC01767.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb91V7uANI/AAAAAAAAAAc/OHpT5JC6Cng/s320/DSC01767.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068517523514589394" border="0" /></a>In goes the shake powder<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb9117uAOI/AAAAAAAAAAk/GET0cKn7iq4/s1600-h/DSC01773.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NTx_vtwTU1Y/Rlb9117uAOI/AAAAAAAAAAk/GET0cKn7iq4/s320/DSC01773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068517532104524002" border="0" /></a>Mmmmm Mocha!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Anyway, I've got my travel bag packed to take to work, so we'll see how my first day rounds out! Catch you later!<br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-5629812161096178611?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-24166093239151589072007-05-24T13:11:00.000-07:002007-05-24T13:18:23.828-07:00I'm sitting in a coffee shop with a friend as I await heading to my Intro class for the HRM program. Tomorrow I start the diet.<br /><br />This week has been fun, eating all the stuff that I think I'll miss and thinking about the consequences of being overweight that I'll be happy to be rid of. As the week has gone by since that initial appointment I'm getting more and more excited about getting started.<br /><br />The greatest thing so far is the support I've been getting from my friends and family as I begin this incredible journey. I know that I'll have people to pick me up if I stumble or fall.<br /><br />Anyway, here I go! Hopefully it'll be a good ride.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-2416609323915158907?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-510789791910749174.post-5187018173311425172007-05-20T10:57:00.000-07:002007-05-20T10:59:16.617-07:00I want to test how labels work. So... I'm going to put all the labels that I will use on this post :-)<br /><br />go me!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/510789791910749174-518701817331142517?l=shrinkinggrowing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CSDLnoreply@blogger.com0