Blog: weight-loss

It’s Spring!

2010-03-23T03:07:00.000+02:00

Yippee! Spring has finally arrived! The daffodils are in bloom! The days are getting longer! And the sun is shining (most of the time)! It’s time to lace up your shoes and hit the walking trails. This is an amazing time of year! Winter seemed to be especially gloomy and cold and everyone is excited about the chance to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Hopkins County has a variety of walking trails available for those ready to say good-bye to winter and embrace the bright and sunny days of spring.

Dawson Springs City Park: This is a nice shaded, quiet trail.
Dr. Festus Claybon Park: A relatively flat trail with the playground visible from the entire circuit.
Earlington City Park: This trail is also known as the Stewart Creek Walking Trail. This is the trail I use the most. It’s simple and provides plenty of shade. I also feel safe walking it alone in the rare occasion I must walk without a partner (which for safety sake, I don’t recommend!)
Madisonville City Park: This is by far one of the most popular trails in Hopkins County. Yet it is my least favorite. My issues—traffic, safety, and snakes.
Nortonville City Park: This path offers a pleasant but challenging walk.
Trover Wellness Park: This trail is relatively new. I haven’t had a chance to try it out, but those I’ve talked to describe it as enjoyable and tell me they felt safe walking here.
White Plains City Park: I’m sorry, but I’ve never walked this path and haven’t even looked at it. If you have tried this trail and have an opinion on it, please post it in the comments.

Walking is America’s favorite form of exercise. It’s cheap, easy, and convenient. Studies have found that people are more likely to keep walking for exercise throughout their life. And walking boasts the highest adherence rate and lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.

Before you take off, consider a few pointers that can help make your walk safe, effective and enjoyable!

Warm-Up: Aim for 5 minutes of slow walking or other warm-up exercises before setting out.
Use proper form and technique: Good posture prevents post-walk aches and pains and enables you to go faster. You may have been walking from a young age, but here are a few tips that can help you get more results from each step:

Keep your gaze forward, not down.
Maintain an upright but comfortable posture with your neck, upper back and shoulders relaxed.
Bend your arms to about 90 degrees and make a loose, relaxed fist. This turns your arms into shorter, more compact pendulums. You’ll be able to swing them faster and thus help your legs and feet move faster. (Have you ever tried running with straight arms?)
Front hand should rise no higher than chest level. Rear hand rises just to hip height.
Gently pull in your abdominal muscles. This helps strengthen your abs while reducing lower-back pain.
Resist the urge to squeeze your glutes as you walk, as it can throw off your form. To increase backside sculpting, increase the incline.
Avoid locking your front knee.
Land on your heel, roll through the ball of your foot, and push off with your toes.
Keep your stride moderate in length, allowing your knees to be slightly flexed as your legs swing forward and your feet strike the ground.

Breathe: It’s important to breathe deeply and evenly through your nose and mouth as you walk.
Cool-down: After your walking workout, start to slow down gradually. Keep walking, but slow your pace to a stroll. The cool-down phase is an excellent time to do stretching exercises.

Hands down, walking is the easiest, no excuses, put-on-your-shoes-and-go cardio workout. It’s popular, the risk of injury is low, and you get to be outside. It’s the best way to get back into shape, especially for people who are overweight, have been sedentary a long time, or are over sixty. In my next post I’ll discuss more of the health benefits derived from a walking routine, tips for staying safe during your walk and ways to have fun and boost the calorie burn while you walk.

Until then, Stay Well and Be Fit,

Mel

[Via http://mx2fitness.wordpress.com]

HA! - Mensa - Gizmodo

Watch this nerd shrink!!!

2010-03-21T09:32:00.000+02:00

Hey blog-world!

This is day number one of my new life.

I don’t expect anyone to read this. I’m not under the impression that I will become an internet sensation and end up writing books about my story; signing books for throngs of admiring fans who hope to accomplish what I have. Naturally, the narcissistic part of everyone secretly hopes that their blog will somehow be an overnight internet phenomenon.

I’m okay with this being a private recounting of a struggling girl trying to lose weight.

I am a 21-year-old University student. I grew up in a broken family that tried to quell awkwardness with fatty food. Getting second helpings of food at supper guaranteed me a “Good girl!!” from dad. By the time I was 13, my food options were almost entirely up to me. Lets just say that I didn’t always make the best choices.

I was always big, I was 190 when i graduated from high school. University and late night pizza and beer, along with a long-term relationship where I got quite comfortable ballooned me up to 275 over two years. (Working at McDonald’s didn’t help either!)

My relationship ended and I moved across the country and have been slowing losing weight for two years; I lived with athletes in residence at school and my fear of judgement overwhelmed my desire to eat an entire pizza, shoving it in my mouth, right out of the box, growling like a deranged animal.

This fear style dieting lost me some weight.

But let’s face it, it’s time for a complete overhaul! I’m up to it.

Although it might be the most cliché thing ever, today is the first day of the rest of my life!

Here are the measurements I have been dreading taking. Ughhhh!

Bust:42

Waist:36.5

Hips:51 (oh me, oh my!)

Weight: 242

Height: 5′6″

Yeahhhhhhh….. How about that! Ugh.

[Via http://kathleenschange.wordpress.com]

Jim Matheson to Vote No on Health Care | FDL News Desk

Day 47, March 19th, 2010

2010-03-20T15:05:00.000+02:00

I need to stop slacking. Seriously. Bah.

EXERCISE

Did a different workout on my wii fit… lots of boxing, step dancing and hoola hooping. The best I could describe it as was aerobics, and my internet research led me to believe I burned 173 calories. I can’t really argue it, and I guess it makes sense since it’s mostly cardio.

DIET

Went over again with late night snacking and doing a few shots with my bff, not to mention eating popcorn, and then pudding, in celebration of her being a kick ass photographer and taking new pictures for my business website

Oh yeah, who's the best? ME.

So I’m at 1800 calories for the day, with about 4 glasses of water I guess again…

MEASUREMENTS

195.2lbs… one day it will go down….

[Via http://wiislim.wordpress.com]

Toyota Demands Retraction and Apology From ABC News Over ...

232 Days Till The Wedding

2010-03-20T03:53:00.000+02:00

Dearest Supporters:

Not much to report today. I slept later than I wanted, but when I got up, amazingly, I didn’t feel any pain in any part of my body. As I think about it, I can’t even remember the last time I felt so… normal. It’s fabulous though. I wonder if taking Advil before going to bed helped or maybe it was the yoga stretches I did in bed to fight off the insomnia I was suffering from. Whatever it was, it worked.

I made it into the gym today. This marks three whole days in a row that I’ve exercised. Wow! Give me a gold star. I think I’m settling into a routine. I still haven’t seen any changes in my body and my pants and tops are still too snug. Even though I know very well from experience that losing weight takes time, I still wish I could be surprised when I pull those skinny jeans over my fatty thighs. Sigh!

While I’m proud of the fact that I’m remaining so regimented, the thought crossed my mind today that being a week on vacation has certainly helped me to remain focused. But what happens come Monday when I have to be up at 5am, into work at 7:30 and then I spend the rest of the day getting totally lost in my work? When my day finally ends, I will have to endure an hour commute home, and it’s during that period of time when I talk myself out of exercising. You see, this is ultimately what happens. This is the pattern. I get cozy in the car and realize that I’m just too tired to do anything but go directly home to eat and relax. Then before you know it, five months have gone by, I’ve forgotten where the gym is located and I’ve gained a few pounds. Sound familiar?

So, how do I stay focused and motivated at the end of the day? That’s the question I’m going to have to ponder and when I figure out the answer, I’m sure millions of overweight, Americans will want to know it. Maybe it’s this blog that will keep me accountable as well as my followers, which as of right now, I apparently don’t have any. I know there are still 232 days left until I have to squeeze into the Maid of Honor gown, but really, if I’m going to make my goal of losing twenty-five pounds, I don’t have much wiggle-room to mess up.

Time to snuggle up in bed with a good book. I think I’ll pop some Advils and stretch a bit first.

VTY,

Thy Maid of Honor

[Via http://thymaidofhonor.wordpress.com]

News to know: Palm's meltdown; Viacom vs. Google; Hacking the ...

Diet Friday

2010-03-20T03:34:00.000+02:00

It’s a late post for Diet Friday; in fact it’s an extremely late post as I missed last week! Thanks for your inquiries, all is well. I’m working on some big projects at work (yes, I have a real job) which will take some more of my attention for the next month or so. But enough about me, I know that what you’re really curious about is The Diet, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.

Another pound down! I am pleased to report that the slow but steady downward trend continues with almost no effort on my part. Here is what I’m doing”

I limit the amount of sugar I eat, and try to focus on “good carbs” without actually counting carbs.
I focus on foods with high nutritional value
I allow indulgences of really good artisanal cheese, very dark chocolate and red wine. (in moderation)
During the week, I eat smaller, more frequent mini-meals
On the weekends, I adapt to the situation.
If I’m eating out on the weekend and want to have bread (only the really good kind) I take a starch-blocker made from white bean extract. (Only on weekends, I don’t make a habit of it)
Exercise is 30 minutes total body program on elliptical trainer at least 4x per week, crunches 3x per week.

Now please don’t think that I’m advising anyone to eat cheese as a health food; I happen to love it and it takes the place of a sugar-laden dessert for me. I also don’t tout the health benefits of taking a starch-blocker. Although the ones made from white bean extract are supposed to be free from any known side effects, certainly check with your health care provider to make sure it’s OK for you. I only use it a few times a week when I want to enjoy a piece of fresh bread and although it works for me without any side effects, I wouldn’t use it on a regular basis. The good carbs that I eat regularly are high in nutrition and I wouldn’t want them to be “blocked”.

For me, limiting sugar intake is key. I don’t avoid it completely. Originally I was keeping my sugar intake under 15 grams per day. I no longer keep track, as choosing low sugar foods has become second nature. I really (truly) have no cravings. My hunger and appetite is under control, and I occasionally lose track of time and forget to eat. (For those of you new to the blog, this has really never happened before!) I’m not going for drastic weight loss, and if I lose only a few ounces every week I am quite pleased with the steady progress.

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask and I will be happy to anwer.

To all my blogging friends out there, I’m still reading; keep up the good work. I hope to participate more actively when things slow down a bit!

[Via http://kitchrn.wordpress.com]

A Little Book News « The Baseline Scenario

AWOL!

2010-03-18T15:47:00.000+02:00

So I have been a bit absent from my blog lately but in my defense I have had a few things going on!

1. Jason and I got engaged! I am so excited and already having fun with wedding planning!

2. I’m taking the Praxis test next week so that I can go back to school and get my teaching certificate!

3. Work has been SO stressful lately that I feel like I am treading water and just trying to stay afloat.

I fell off the wagon last week and pretty much ate anything I wanted. It wasn’t pretty but I did continue to work out and watch my portion sizes. So I skipped last weeks weigh in and tried to get back on track this week. I weighed in today and lost .4 pounds! Woo Hoo! I was happy for any loss!

This week I am recommiting to stay on track and hopefully get into the 170’s next week! When I started WW’s this time 170’s seemed so far away but now it is just around the corner and then the 160’s will be here before I know it! I really can’t wait! I am so excited and so committed this time around!

[Via http://dawnm3513.wordpress.com]

Bandai Namco New Rilakkuma Netbook « Akihabara News

Damn Girl Scouts

2010-03-18T03:27:00.000+02:00

So, the last couple weeks, I am clicking away the days, watching my diet, discovering good foods and low point snacks to chase away the cravings of sweet or salty, oh, and let me give a quick shout out to the people at Jello, the sugar-free chocolate mousse, its awesome and only 60 calories per serving.

Anyways, doing good on the diet until the doorbell rings. I find this strange since being in my new home, far removed from my old neighborhood, no one comes to visit yet. Low and behold, there is the sweet little girl scout who sold me cookies over a month ago, the cookies I swore I was going to give to my kids or bring into work to be devoured by my co-workers. I smiled and thanked her, closed the door, opened the bag and saw the 3 boxes of cookies. Not even completely sure of what I ordered. There they were. One box of thin mints, a Girl Scout staple of course, Trefoils, luscious shortbread, and a box of Samoa’s, a little slice of caramel and coconut heaven.

I close the bag quickly, actually feeling a lump build in my throat, from the stress of knowing I really can’t eat them. I opened up the freezer and threw the bag in. Bad mistake, it just reminded me how good thin mints taste frozen. My kids came upstairs due to the door bell and saw the cookies. The jig was up, and now they had to be opened. Dammit.

I wanted to eat them row by row as I had mindlessly done in years past. But I am trying to be a forward thinker regarding all things food. I heard all my excuses and rationalizations in my head, and then I had one of each cookie.

The rest I had my son hide until the next day where I split up the balance of the cookies, giving one half to my oldest son to be shared with his Lacrosse buddies and the balance was brought to my son’s daycare and divided accordingly.

Myself, I feel as if I need an anti-anxiety pill and hope the cookie sales are no longer happening at the local grocery stores. I can do this, I think, I hope.

Damn Girl Scouts.

[Via http://curveygirl.wordpress.com]

It's Official: News Media Are Missing The Twitter Boat – GigaOM

SUN!

2010-03-18T03:04:00.000+02:00

How glorious today was! I truly did not believe it would actually hit the 60s AND be sunny, but boy, it sure as heck did! I got a somewhat rough and premature start to the day thanks to this little cutie:

Looks so innocent, hm? Well, around 6am this morning I happened to notice turning a momentary wake-up, that she wasn’t on the bed. It’s a very odd occurrence, because she’s normally either curled up on a pillow near my feet, or somewhere next to my body. Especially since it’s chilly at night and HTB isn’t home. But I couldn’t find her! I totally freaked out! I turned on all the lights, I checked the closet, I started pulling out storage bins from under the bed, all the while shouting: CHLOE CHLOE!

I thought, God, what if she somehow suffocated? But where was she? Freaking out I tell you. I was nearing my wit’s end, and was about to get on the phone and call… ANYONE, and then I looked at the bed again. I took my hand and ran it over the mattress and felt a solid bump. I flung back the covers, and lo and behold, there was the little minx, all sleepy-eyed, giving a little stretch in my direction. I totally yelled at her, but only because I was so relieved she was alive. But honestly, what’s her problem? Couldn’t she tell I was upset? Why didn’t she stir or make a noise or something? God.

So anyway, that kinda threw me off. Then I went into the tiny second bedroom and laid out my yoga mat and pumped up the space heater. After taking the pups for a quick walk, I did a bit of yoga with the heater on, and while it was no Hot Yoga class, it was actually really nice! I think I’ll do that again tomorrow.

Today was so boss that I couldn’t stay inside. I had tons and tons of reading to do, so me and the kids took blankets outside, pretty much right in front of the condo steps, and laid out. They loved it. It felt amazing to have that sun all warm and delicious on our skin! Later on I took them to the school to run around in the grass football field and chase geese (only Sam chases, Chloe just watches with an air of snottiness), and then I hit up Derby Street Shoppes for some walking and window-shopping. I definitely got my retail therapy on, and it was awesome, because guess what?

I am ONE JEAN SIZE SMALLER.

Take that… whomever.

So that was cool. Obviously I had to buy the jeans, in that smaller size. Out of my hands(into my closet).

I’ve been so remiss with the picture-taking lately, but I promise to be better, especially this weekend at my Wedding Shower!

I definitely didn’t wear green OR celebrate with boozey today, but Happy St. Patty’s Day to you! I’m sure you’re in the thick of it right now, so be safe and pop a couple Advils before you hit the pillow

PS – Do you like the new header? I made it myself.

dfgdfg

[Via http://mrssturgis.wordpress.com]

Acer to globally debut Calpella Timeline notebooks March 22

Week 7

2010-03-16T15:09:00.000+02:00

Let the weightwatching update commence.

Kickoff on Jan 25th. Realized that I am a whopping 52 lbs over my wedding weight. Owwee, that smarts.
Week 1 – feeling all motivated & shit. Lost 6.4 lbs.
Week 2 – Badbadverybad week. Lots of emotional face-stuffing. Gained 1.2 lbs.
Week 3 – tried to make good decisions without being psycho. Lost 3.0 lbs.
Week 4 – Week o’ Funk, complete with much crying, gnashing of teeth, & bad food decisions. Skipped my mtg. No weigh-in.
Week 5 – Trip to Charleston instead of WW mtg. No weigh-in again. Followed by Bobby’s birthday fiesta & lots of alcohol. Yeehaw.
Week 6 – Forced myself to attend my WW mtg after 2 weeks of gluttony. Gained 1.2 lbs.
Week 7 – Back in the saddle again. Lost 3.8 lbs, for a grand total of 10.8 lbs… YIPPEE!! Got a big snazzy star sticker to decorate the cover of my little WW book — and since I’m a dork, this makes me happy

Up. And down. And up. And then down. I think this is what they call yoyo weight loss. But whatever… I’ll take it.

[Via http://stillthinkingagain.wordpress.com]

Bungie trademarks Marathon name News | Xbox 360 | Eurogamer

disappointment.

2010-03-16T03:31:00.000+02:00

After being so super psyched about the cruise, today, we found out that we can’t go. The leader in charge of the whole thing made it sound like the whole thing was a definite when in fact she had not even called to make sure it would work out. So, we can’t go. Because people our age are notorious for tearing up the ship.

I’m pretty upset to be honest. I’ve always dreamed about going on a cruise, and now, it’s just plain not going to happen. At least until I’m older and can afford it again.

The cruise was the inspiration for my weight loss, and now I just.. don’t feel inspired. I went to my kickboxing class today after hearing the news, and I found myself just completely uninspired to work myself. I did all the motions, but I just didn’t put that oomph behind them. I even left before the cool down stretches at the end. I know that I still have summer to look forward to and hopefully whatever replacement trip we take, but the cruise was just the ultimate inspiration.

I’m just insanely disappointed.

[Via http://itsmekatie.wordpress.com]

CBS News Gets Coffee Party Fever: It's a Lot Like TEA Parties ...

204

2010-03-16T03:29:00.000+02:00

So close to being out of the 200 pound chunk on the scale. I can’t believe it, my goal is the next chunk!!!

I weigh myself on a doctor’s office type scale at the gym. Those 20 pound chunks are really chunks of time. How long does it take to lose 20 pounds? I’ve done it in a month and I’ve done it in 4 months. Believe me, those 4 months can feel like a lifetime.

It truly is a long term commitment to lose a lot of weight. It’s a lot longer than a season of The Biggest Loser. It would not make for very good TV. Life doesn’t stop when you try to lose weight.

I’ve been at this for 14 months and I’ve lost 83 pounds. That’s 290,500 more calories burned than consumed. No wonder people get frustrated! And some people have hundreds of pounds to lose. My heart goes out to them. Trying to lose about 100 pounds has been hard enough. I can’t imagine doing it two, three, four or more times. But it CAN be done!

I see people all the time on SparkPeople who have done it. They are real people. There’s a woman who was so heavy she couldn’t get out of bed. So when she started, she did the hand bike. You just have to do what you can, even if that’s just a little bit. Something is always better than nothing.

It is so worth it.

[Via http://notsobigk.wordpress.com]

The Washington Monthly

Why Cardio Doesn't Work for Fat Loss

2010-03-14T15:50:00.000+02:00

TurbulenceTraining

Cardio exercise is such a strange thing. In theory, it should work

so perfectly well for all men and women, but as anyone who has

tried it knows, the practicality of it just doesn’t add up.

After all, some men and women do cardio 6 hours, 9 hours, or more per week, and still have belly fat to burn. On the other hand, it works just fine for others.

British researchers wanted to get more insight into this paradox, and studied 35 overweight men and women, who weren’t previously exercising.

(Reference: International Journal of Obesity 32: 177-184, 2008).

Subjects exercised 5 times per week for 12 weeks. That’s a lot of

exercise, but it helped the subjects lose an average of 8.2 pounds, which is great – I was positively surprised by the results.

So cardio will work for some people, however, in my experience, it works best in young men, who need the help the least!

Back to the study, the variance in fat loss between individuals was huge. Check this out…

The best subject lost a staggering 32.3 pounds in 12 weeks, while the worst subject actually GAINED 3.74 pounds.

The scientists think they know where things went sour. They

classified the subjects into 2 groups, called the “Compensators”

and the “Non-compensators”.

The Compensators were hungrier, and as a result consumed an extra 268 calories per day, all but wiping out their cardio efforts.

Therefore, the Compensators lost the least amount of weight, and scientists believe that was due to the huge “compensatory” increase in appetite experienced by this group.

Does your appetite increase when you do slow cardio? If it does,

research shows it will ruin your cardio efforts.

So if your cardio program is not working for you, check your

appetite and calorie intake to see if you are “compensating” for

your efforts. If you are, you might be better off using a program

of high-intensity resistance and interval training (i.e. Turbulence Training) for your weight loss efforts.

As Australian Professor Steve Boucher has shown in research,

interval training increases hormones called catecholamines. And

increased catecholamines can reduce appetite, among other fat

burning benefits.

In the real world, few people lose 33 pounds after 12 weeks of

cardio. Heck, few even achieve an average weight loss of 8 pounds with aerobic exercise.

So again, check your appetite, and consider giving high-intensity

exercise a go for your next workout program.

Beat the curse of cardio with high-intensity Turbulence Training.

Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS

Author, Turbulence Training

[Via http://weightloss4u2.wordpress.com]

Dragon Age sequel in February 2011? News | PC | Eurogamer

A Good Trainer Is Hard To Find

2010-03-14T03:41:00.001+02:00

Finding an effective, qualified trainer will make all of the difference in an individuals training regimen. I think, too many people find this out the hard way! We’ve all seen a great deal of trainers who don’t practice what they preach; advising their clients on one thing and doing another. Now, I’m not saying that every trainer should be an elite athlete and complete specimen of perfect health, but they should be able to back up their talk with results! That’s what it’s all about and nothing more. Proper training and guidance is priceless, especially when you get the results you were looking for.

How can a trainer help you achieve your goals, if they can’t reach their own? Chances are, they can’t!

Keeping goals in mind is a huge step towards forward progress. Sometimes the trick is finding the proper tools necessary to achieve them. There are numerous ways to to make progress; strength, endurance, cardio, flexibility, body composition, etc… What are you’re goals and can your trainer help you reach them? The results speak for themselves at Rad Boot Camp.

Location: Kinetic Edge Performance, Inc Tamarack Hills 683 Bielenberg Drive Suite 203 Woodbury, MN 55125 Pages: kegym.com http://www.kineticedgeperformance.com/contact.php http://radbootcamp.com/ Any Questions????

[Via http://kettlebellkurt.wordpress.com]

Dragon Age sequel in February 2011? News | PC | Eurogamer

Tough time losing weight

2010-03-14T03:41:00.000+02:00

Dear Dr. I WannaWanna,

What kinds of questions should I ask my doctor? I am having a tough time losing weight?

Dear Wanting Doctor’s Support,

Congratulations on your willingness to address your battle with weight loss and to seek medical counsel from your physician. If this is your first reading of my blog, Welcome. As you will see, I am direct and clear.

I start out by calling your Excess Weight: Fat!

So we start again.

Congratulations on your willingness to accept that you Got Fat!

And

That you are willing to admit it publicly, here on this blog and hopefully elsewhere,

And

that you are also looking for help to rid yourself of your Excess Fat!

Tell your doctor, that you are serious about losing weight and want his/her help. Some doctors have a weight loss plan that they help their patients follow, others don’t.

Regardless, they can provide trusted support as you begin to follow a plan.

The primary questions to ask and have answered are:

Is there anything else going on with my health other than my poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and or stress that is responsible for my Excess Fat?

If there is, Get It Treated!

For many the answer is no. The problem lies in the previously mentioned areas. For sure your physician can monitor your weight, blood pressure, blood and urine. They can help you determine if there is any physiological or hormonal reason for your Excess Fat.

They can prescribe appropriate medications or treatments to help you balance any imbalances.

They can advise you against any things you shouldn’t do.

Once you begin this conversation with your physician, allow them to suggest their best recommendations. Many know exactly what to do to help you.

That’s it for now.

To your willing development and DOing of Your WannaWanna Fat Fight Plan!

Gary

a.k.a.

Dr. I WannaWanna

www.UGotFat.com

www.com means WannaWannaWellness.com

Please send questions to Gary@UGotFat.com.

[Via http://drwannawanna.wordpress.com]

Dragon Age sequel in February 2011? News | PC | Eurogamer

A rhythm nation is Walking It Out

2010-03-13T15:50:00.000+02:00

Watch your back, Just Dance. A new challenger is ambling toward the title of sleeper video game hit of 2010, or more accurately, “the game the gamers love to hate and everyone else is finding irresistable”.

Of course we’re talking about Walk It Out, which was released 2 months ago and didn’t make much initial noise other than guffawing from game critics. In WIO, you just walk (or jog or jump) through a cartoony fantasy land called Rhythm Island, using a DDR mat (an Active Life mat also works), balance board or just the remote/nunchuck. With each step recognized by the game, you get a point, and you spend those points furnishing the nearly-barren island with trees, buildings, fountains and even bridges to other islands, as well as gaining new songs and a daily rainbow.

That’s all there is to it: walk, point and shoot at prize capsules. Even I thought it sounded a little dumb at first. But it got some good reviews out of the gate at Amazon, so when they put it up as a one-day special for $10 off, I bit. And like a growing number of fans – here, here, here and here – I got sucked into the happy little world (Bob Ross would’ve loved it) of Rhythm Island.

Happy little trees! (courtesy of Gamespot)

As with other addicting casual games like Bejeweled and Tetris, simplicity is key. The easy, monotonous gameplay lets you while away hours, only with Walk It Out, you’re on your feet and burning calories while whiling away. And while the soundtrack isn’t as party-in-a-box as Just Dance or We Cheer, it is huge (120 songs) and has a variety of both genres and tempos.

Wii often gets criticized for being standard-def in a high-def world, but Rhythm Island has terrific detail for its graphical limitations, from drifting clouds to shifting shadows in breeze-blown cherry blossom trees. Cows moo and streams whisper as you stroll past. And depending on the time of day, the island changes from sunny days to starry nights, or you can unlock the “magical” clock and warp to whatever time you choose. Most of the time, though, I stick to real-life time, whether it’s a mid-morning walk in the blazing sun (no need for sunscreen or bug spray), an after-dinner sunset stroll, or a late-night walk in lieu of Jay or SNL – or a midnight raiding of the fridge.

Walk It Out is also very well-designed as a fitness game, with enough profiles for 6 people to track BMI, calories, steps and distance. I’ll go into those record screens in detail in a future post. Two can play, and it’s ideal for families. My 8-year-old has been enthusiastically playing the game nearly every day.

This game combines pick-up-and-play simplicity, the fantasy-world attraction of Animal Crossing or Farmville, mostly-good tunes, and a healthy angle into a can’t-miss package. It also has much less of a learning curve than DDR, and superior workout record-keeping. (I just got DDR Hottest Party 3, which I’ll review in another post; it’s improved over previous editions, but workout mode is still lame.) With Walk It Out and/or Just Dance for cardio plus Wii Fit and/or EA Sports Active for strength and flexibility, you could have yourself a very well-rounded exercise program on the Wii.

[Via http://arrowdynamicmom.wordpress.com]

Your Local News Is Terrible, Studies Show

Weighty

2010-03-13T03:36:00.000+02:00

My weight has been a source of problem since I started puberty. My body was growing at a rapid rate, and I did not know what to do with it. Plus, there was this implied prohibition against the activities I enjoyed prior to my entry into womanhood. As a child, I was quite active. I enjoyed rigorous activities that burned many, many calories. I ran, I jumped, I competed against the other kids in the neighborhood. That all stopped after my first period. It seemed that all the tomboyish activities I enjoyed so much were now forbidden to me. Entering puberty meant the end of the games. I had to be a lady now. I had to behave with decorum, not get dirt on my clothes, or play with boys. Immediately, I started to gain weight. My body was no longer active, thus I was unable to use all the calories I was consuming. Simply put, I was gaining weight.

As I became more and more housebound, I gained more and more weight. I couldn’t break the cycle. My parents made matters worse by ridiculing me for my weight gain. I was even nicknamed “pig.” This habit of teasing me and taunting me about my weight continued for years. Throughout middle school I gained more weight. I became more withdrawn and I lived in a dream world where I was thin and popular. In high school, I retreated into my dream world nearly full time. I had elaborate fantasies about my alternate life, which was always much more exciting and wonderful than my reality.

My senior year in college I started to exercise regularly. I lived in Morrison Hall, which had a workout room on the first level. I would get up and exercise for an hour or so before going to breakfast. This routine was wonderful. I was able to maintain, then lose some weight. In fact, I went down to about 150 pounds. That was probably the lowest I weight since before my weight gain.

After graduation, I moved back in with my parents, and tried to maintain a regular exercise routine, but I never quite managed it as I did the year before. I slowly, but surely gained weight. It was noticeable by the spring of 2003. My arms were tight in the sleeves of blouses that were loose in the fall of 2002. By the time I moved to Los Angeles, I was about 165.

In 2003, I joined the faculty at a middle in South Los Angeles. I gained and lost the same 10 pounds every semester. I was mildly depressed the whole time I worked at that school. The stress level was much higher than I had ever experienced in my whole life. I took comfort in food.

I tried several times to lose enough weight to get to the recommended range for my height. I’m 5′2″ and I should weigh between 100 and 135.

At my heaviest I was 186 pounds. This was right before my trip to China. I lost about 5 pounds in China. This was mostly due to the fact that I was sick and the food wasn’t very good. However, I noticed the weight loss and the I noticed the way my clothes were fitting differently on my body. I decided then that I must put in a determined effort to get to a healthy weight.

Upon my return I looked into gym membership, but was not satisfied with any of them. So, I put off signing up for gym membership. I found a treadmill on Costco.com that was on sale, so I decided after a couple of days to buy the treadmill. I have not been totally committed to an exercise routine as I was in college, but I am more active than I have been for over a year. I am now about 176.

Having spent some time thinking about my weight and the reasons why I couldn’t stick to a diet plan or an exercise plan, I’ve come to the realization that my weight is symptomatic of my unhappiness with my life. Knowing this, and acknowledging it is helping me to deal with my weight and my attempts to lose some of it. I hope to lost about 20 pounds by my 30th birthday; if I lose more than that, so much the better.

[Via http://randomlypersonal.wordpress.com]

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 3/11 - Arrowhead Pride

Cough

2010-03-13T03:23:00.000+02:00

Oh, what a week! I have been stressing so thoroughly over my fitness and my cruise that I have developed a beyond-pesky stuffy nose. I sniffle twenty-four/seven, I keep getting dizzy and I have a really hard time sleeping because I can hardly breathe. It blows. But I currently have no insurance so seeing a doctor is out of the question. *Sigh and Shrug* I am just going to have to try to treat myself with liberal amounts of Dayquil and Dimetapp and pray I get over it before our cruise.

Sadly, though, I do not think I am going to be able to utilize my elliptical again today. I simply cannot risk it with my center of gravity in the toilet. However, I can do some strength training, since it is close to the floor. It may not burn as many calories but it is better than nothing, right? *Shrug* I was planning on just doing some strength training next week so my muscles could rid themselves of any swelling. Maybe I am just getting started early. I am going without exercise completely two or three days before the trip so I am properly rested. I am still planning on dieting so I sincerely hope that taking it easy does not set me back. *Another Shrug* Please pray for me. I really, really want to feel good about the way I look while we are on vacation. I will be terribly stressed if I don’t, as shallow as that might sound. *Sigh* Okay,well I have no statistics or anything so that is truly all for now. Adios, mi bonitas!

The Damsel

[Via http://damselindasweats.wordpress.com]

Tim Donaghy: Yesterday's News ... Or Is It?

How Can I Lose Belly Fat Fast and Get Slim and Smart

2010-03-11T15:37:00.000+02:00

In order to lose your belly fat and get lean you must concentrate on two important factors i.e your diet and your schedule of work outs. You need to increase your physical activity and eat less. There is no sole solution to lose belly fat. You can lose belly fat by altering your eating habits and follow an effective schedule of workouts.

Include more of cardio exercises in your daily schedule, but you must perform those workouts by the highest intensity level then only you will notice the outcome. You need to have some interval between workouts as it gives your body time to recover and to let you work at the optimum intensity repeatedly. Always try to modify your work outs, if you continue to perform those same exercises, your body will get accustomed to. Then it does not affect your body. Performing cardio work outs at the same speed means lowering the rate of metabolism; this may result in loss of muscles.

In order to burn your stomach fat fast you need to follow the interval training routines.

Do not just initiate interval training directly. First and the foremost thing is to complete the aerobic exercises for around thirty minutes at a slow pace. In order to build stamina, start performing cardio at a low intensity. You can include some walks or running at a slow speed for fifteen minutes. After this when you have built sufficient stamina, work up for more time. When you accomplish till this level, now you are prepared to do some strenuous workouts.

Gold Level: In this level, you are required to do some warm ups for around five minutes which includes running or jogging in an average speed and then run for say, one minute, start jogging at slow speed for one minute, walk for a minute, repeat these till you have finished twenty minutes in total. Do not involve warm ups in twenty minutes. Cool down and stretch.

Platinum Level: Here you also require initiating warm up for five minutes or slight jogging. Jog at a slow pace and run for half minute, slow down jogging for a minute again run for half minute and repeat till you have finished 9-10 sets of jogging and running. You must involve at least fifteen minutes in total. Do not involve warm ups in this process. Cool down and stretch. Here your heart rate must be ninety five percent at the time of high intensity running intervals and it must be sixty to sixty five percent or less at the time of low intensity jogging intervals.

You must perform cardio work outs in the morning hours, it is much effective. The most important thing is that you must be consistent and you will observe the results by using an outstanding method of losing belly fat interval training.

If you continue working at high intensity level, you would promote the release of your muscle building and fat burning hormones. It helps in increasing your metabolic rate to get rid of extra calories after your workout is completed.

Find information on How to Lose Belly Fat and Get a Flat Stomach. Read effective ways to Get Rid of Belly Fat naturally.

[Via http://homeremediesblog.wordpress.com]

Augment your SXSW reality (News: first indoor AR app released)

An Unexpected Glimpse in the Mirror

2010-03-11T03:34:00.000+02:00

Has this ever happened to you? You unexpectedly catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror. Because you weren’t intentionally looking, some new fact about yourself sneaks up on you. You don’t recognize something about yourself.

I had that experience yesterday in spin class. I was wearing a sleeveless technical shirt. I caught a reflection of myself in a side mirror. And there it was. Something I thought I might never see, but always hoped I would. I saw my tricep muscle.

I was so proud and stoked, this morning I woke up before my 4:05 alarm, ready to hit the gym. I hope I’ll do the same tomorrow.

All because my tricep was showing.

[Via http://482gr8.wordpress.com]

Aliens vs. Predator DLC next week News | Eurogamer

The hardest days...

2010-03-11T03:32:00.000+02:00

are the ones when you just don’t want to get out there. You have the time and you have your running clothes on and you just don’t want to go. Today was one of those types of days. I’m happy to say I still made myself run, but it was definitely a mental struggle.

On a happier note, however, I saw the boy last night for the first time in a couple of weeks; and it went exceedingly well. And I still found time to run yesterday.

I’m worried about weighing in Friday because two weeks ago I was .8 lbs over my goal weight and last week I was (sigh) 2.2 lbs over my goal weight. And, quite frankly, I’m pretty sure there’s no way I lost 3.2 lbs this week to put me back on track. But if I lost more than my one-pound-per-week goal, I’ll live with that because I’ll know that eventually I’ll make up that 3.2 lbs.

But now it’s time for me to call it an evening because I’m utterly exhausted. More tomorrow….

[Via http://theplumpvegan.wordpress.com]

[Hands-on] Sony announces slew of new 3D HDTV's with stunning ...

Speaking out about anorexia

2010-03-09T15:40:00.000+02:00

Inga's story appears in the current issue of Reveal magazine

Magazines and newspapers are always interested in hearing from women (and men) who’ve overcome eating disorders and this week, Reveal magazine featured our client Inga Radziejewski.

Inga is a successful model who has battled anorexia. At the height of her illness, despite being a size 00, was still deemed too ‘fat’ for the catwalk by a number of fashion brands.

Inga now fronts a campaign called ‘Models of Diversity’ run by Sinclair Model Management, and the article was a great way of raising awareness of the campaign as well as inspiring other women who are currently suffering from anorexia.

If you’ve experienced an eating disorder and would like to share your story of recovery with a newspaper or magazine, email us on message@talktothepress.com. Perhaps, like Inga, your dress size stopped you from pursuing your dream? Whatever your eating disorder story, we would like to hear from you. You can also get in touch with us by completing the sell story form on our website.

[Via http://sellmystory.wordpress.com]

RealClearPolitics - California's Bad News Keeps Pouring in

Super-size Me.

2010-03-09T03:28:00.000+02:00

If you haven’t watched the documentary “super size me” you should. I know, it’s old and everyone has adleast heard about it but last night was the first time that I actually sat through the whole thing.

OMG

In case you haven’t seen it let me give you a little run down; a middle aged something young male decides that he will eat McDonalds and only Mcdonalds for breakfast, lunch and dinner for 30 days. Here are some of the things that happpened to his body;

1. In one month he gains about 25 pounds and it takes him about 5 months to lose it all

2. His liver started to shut down. Infact his liver looked the same way that an achocolic liver looks

3. His sex drive went from normal to non-existant.

4. He had breathing problems, headachs when he did not eat Mcdonalds.

5. He showed the same signs as a person addicted to herion

Now granted that he went to the extreme; but eating fast food is bad for you, horrible for you it can be argued that Mcdonalds and other fast food chains like it will be responsible for the deaths of millions of people around the world……………..

and yet……

ba, ba, ba, I’m lovin’ it??????

Makes you think….

Cheers,

Janet

[Via http://5lbsatatime.wordpress.com]

Dozens Hurt as Hamas Incites Jerusalem Clashes

Clean Sheets

2010-03-09T03:23:00.000+02:00

Today was a day that had molasses in the middle. I started out well, think I ended okay, but man, I was working so hard today and didn’t dodge the 8-ball whatsoever.

Yesterday was the start of a vent. I kind of feel like I need to keep talking but I feel like I’ve said everything I’m comfortable saying. Like I know the root is still down in the ground, but I don’t want to keep digging in case I hit a power line. I don’t know what questions are obvious or left hanging. I don’t want to be the person of yesterday’s post and because this IS the year of change, of tygers burning bright, I decided not to be today.

Today was a little breath of air. Huge workload I fell under like a suffragette under a horse-drawn carriage, but I didn’t sit around expelling emo and self-pity. Maybe I was grumpier than was called for at times, but I kept my bootstraps well and truly strapped and I ate like a human being. I ate for nourishment and not for perfection. I didn’t throw myself into A++ behavior. I have C+ behavior today. I haven’t exercised, but I’m not at home…instead, I’m doing laundry which needed doing in the extreme. I’m going to get it in tomorrow. Kind of craving that movement.

I drank water and had chicken and salad and peppers and shakes and I’m kind of trying to target one thing – perfectionism. If yesterday’s entry told me anything, it’s that everything revolves around this issue for me. I am so tightly bound by my internal judgement that I literally am frozen to the spot. I make these posts about what I didn’t get right, or in my head, I tell myself that if I can just force myself into this mold, I can achieve this supposed greatness. And that wasn’t what this project was about and it isn’t what was working for me when I started it.

Kindness towards the self. The journey. Bein’ cool with myself for just trying. Realizing that I do handle a lot of stuff in my life. That I’m not unhappy. That I like trying and I like what I see as results and that’s why I’m doing this, not to become Claudia Schiffer (dated!hotness!reference!) or to dazzle people or to make them suddenly get me. This is not a project to fix myself and the multitude of flaws that make up who I am. This is not a pass/fail course. I fell down and I got back up, even if I only pulled myself to my knees.

This is a girl in process. Learning. Becoming. Transmogrifying and challenging her own expectations. Seeing what she can do and that isn’t always what everyone else can or would want her to do. I’m already astonished that I’ve been able to keep this record going since January. I love the fact that everyday, I was here, I was able to manage it. It means that my will can make a way.

[Via http://lustrata.wordpress.com]

Ubisoft DRM was "attacked" at weekend News | PC | Eurogamer

10k swings- 23 days

2010-03-07T15:08:00.000+02:00

Ok- others can do better but I feel proud of myself because I hit some personal bests during this challenge. Yesterday I managed 1200 swings and followed that by another 720 today despite the fatigue.

I swung an extra 120 just in case I miscounted somewhere along the line. Then I re-counted on kettlebell inc and discovered an extra 100 swings. So the final total is 10,220 swings in 23 days.The last 100 was with the 20kg and then I wanted to swing the 24kg just to show off- some guy gave me a disparaging look whilst I was doing warm up swings with the 12kg, so I did 20 with 24kg just to show could.

[Via http://kettlebellqueen.wordpress.com]

New Super colorful Casio G-Shock Watch has a Man in the Box ...

You Haven't Been to the Gym in a While, Have You?

2010-03-06T15:48:00.000+02:00

Well, she did it. She went back to The Damned Gym.

Since it had been a while, it took some planning.

First, where’s the gym bag?

Found it! So much for that excuse. Great! OK, let’s see what’s inside. Two pair of stretchy pants and a T-shirt. Not sure how long they’ve been rolled up in there, and not wanting to show up at the gym in wrinkly pants that are too small, Bunny tossed them in the laundry and threw in a fresh T-shirt and a pair of nice, friendly, loose black pants she knew would work. Bunny is too big and way too old for those cute little stretchy haltery toppy things.

Shoes? Check.

Socks? There’s one. hmmm…where did she put the little white socks? hmmm…. oh, there’s one. OK, unfortunately we have everything we need.

Gym bag and workout routine safely in the car, off she went to work. It was a pretty difficult day, and Bunny toyed with the possibility of skipping the workout. Maybe she could do it tomorrow instead? To keep to the every-other-day schedule her physical therapist had threatened her with strongly recommended, she would have to do it again on Saturday. No, she knew she would kick herself if she had to go to the gym after work Friday night. Friday night is for going out to dinner, not exercising. It was bad enough she had to ruin her blessed Saturday.

So, headache and all, after work, Bunny headed for the gym. After some discussion at the front desk about her membership, what an old keycard she had, and wow, she must not have been here in a while, Bunny headed off to the locker room.

Bunny is just not comfortable at the gym. We know that if she would just get into a routine, she would be, but the fact is that she is not. She’s intimidated. Everyone is thinner and fitter than her. It’s a fact that every single person in there goes to the gym every single day. They’re all looking at her wondering what she’s doing here, how she got in that condition, and why she’s even bothering. She’s sure of it.

So, she meekly puts on her workout clothes. Pulling the T-shirt out of her bag, she discovers that her nice, sedate, don’t-look-at-me black Virgin Islands T-shirt has a huge orange fish on the back.

How embarrassing.

Something else for people to mock her about.

Maybe she should just go home?

No, she would have to hide it as best she could. She grabbed a towel and tossed it not so casually over her shoulder, making every attempt to hold the towel in a way that covered the monstrous orange fish.

Bunny went to the room where she knew the treadmills were. There they were. OK, the recumbent bikes must be here too. hmmm… ellipticals. Those Stair-Stepper things. No bikes? What the heck?

Maybe she should just go home?

She went to the front desk. Feeling like an idiot, she asked the 20-year-old size-zero blonde where she could find the recumbent bikes.

Oh, you haven’t been here in a while, have you? The bikes are in the next building, just outside the spin room.

Bunny’s gym is in an office complex that has three buildings. It wasn’t designed to be a gym, and as they have expanded, they have opened rooms in other buildings. You have to go outside. So, she did. She found the next building. She tried to open the door. Locked. She walked around the building. No entry. No lights on.

Is this a trick?

Maybe she should just go home?

Feeling like even more of an idiot, she walked back to the front desk and asked Ms. Size Zero what she was missing.

Oh, we’re so sorry! It’s up one level. Just go outside and up the stairs, then turn left and there you are. You haven’t been here in a while, have you?

So, Bunny finally found the recumbent bikes. There were eight of them. She chose one far away from two women who were chatting on neighboring bikes, but not so far away that it was obvious she was trying to stay away from them. She didn’t want any trouble.

She hopped on, adjusted the seat, put her feet under the straps on the pedals, started to pedal, decided that she wasn’t comfortable with the position her feet were in, put her feet on top of the straps instead, and pushed the button.

It asked her how long she wanted to ride.

10 minutes, thank you.

What level?

One. Definitely one.

Then it asked her how much she weighs.

EXCUSE ME?????

This is a warm-up! She’s supposed to pedal slowly so as not to hurt her not-quite-recovered knee, for 10 minutes, and not worry about how fast she goes. She wasn’t about to type in her weight. The guy on the Stair-Steppy thing in the row behind her is watching every move the fat old lady with the big orange fish on her back is making, and she’s not going to tell him her weight. No way!

Maybe she should just go home?

She managed to cancel the request, and the nosy bike allowed her to proceed with her warm-up.

She pedaled for ten minutes. She looked around to see who was watching her. They were being sneaky about it. The two women were still chatting, and a guy a few machines away kept saying “SHHHH!” They kept chatting. She hoped there wasn’t a rumble.

Pedaling reasonably happily, Bunny flipped through the channels on the TV mounted atop her bike (nice!), making a mental note to bring earphones next time.

She kept adjusting her towel to make sure it was covering the stupid fish.

As she progressed toward the end of her 10-minute warm-up, she looked around to see where she could go to find a mat for the next part of her routine. She saw three mats. All were in use.

Maybe she should just go home?

She stepped off the bike and walked outside and back to the front desk in building one. Giving up on feeling idiotic, now she was just annoyed. She asked the skinny bitch her helpful new friend where she could find a mat on which to do her floor exercises.

Oh, sure! There are mats in the room with the bikes, outside the spinning room, some more in the room upstairs in this building, just go up the stairs, turn left and kind of look to the right, or there are more in the room downstairs in the basement, but it’s the second room on the right, not the third room on the left, which does have mats, but there’s going to be a yoga class in there soon, so don’t go in there.

You haven’t been here in a while, have you?

Maybe she should just go home.

[Via http://bmarisol.wordpress.com]

IRVING Blog | The Dallas Morning News

WIN Natural Health Supplements - Testimonials and Success Stories

2010-03-06T15:37:00.000+02:00

Top of Their Game

Professional athletes and weekend warriors alike enjoy WIN’s high-quality products because they help them experience incredible results and achieve their goals.

Fitness Competitor Excels

“After one month of taking WIN’s products, I saw an amazing change with dancing, weight training, and even focusing in class!” says Nez.

Achieving the Big Win!

“Thanks to the products I had my first outright career win. To this day I am convinced these products helped me perform beyond expectations,” shares Michael, race-car driver.

Ronald- Marathon Runner at 65

At 65 years of age, Ronald is an accomplished marathon runner and has no intentions of slowing down thanks to WIN’s products!

Increased Endurance on the Slopes

Snowboarding is Doug’s passion and now he’s enjoying it more than ever with improved endurance and stamina.

Ellen Lost 33 Pounds

As a stay-at-home mother of four, Ellen enjoys everything motherhood has to offer. That is, except for the weight she gained after having her children.

Eliëtte Lost 50 Pounds

“For more than 25 years I was very frustrated with being overweight and, in spite of my best efforts trying to lose weight, my weight kept increasing.”

Carla Lost 64 Pounds

Carla tried losing weight time after time, with no results. She finally came to the point where she accepted that she would always be overweight.

Nathalie Lost 80 Pounds!

With the help of WIN’s products, she lost 80 pounds and is feeling happy and confident with herself.

A New Life – 100 lbs Later

This 40-year-old mother of three feels she truly has a new lease on life.

A New Perspective

Graduating from college and a bright future are in the cards for this student.

A Clear Mind

This wife and mother finds victory over her tiresome life and is spending time with family again.

Improving Family Life

This couple is busy enjoying life the way they’ve always wanted to and are sharing their results with everyone.

Discovering a New Complexion

For 20 years Irene, of Wijchen, Netherlands, has suffered with a condition that would make people stop and stare.

SEE MORE TESTIMONIALS OR PRODUCT SUCCESS STORIES

[Via http://healthymeandyou.wordpress.com]

Big Developer News: Mac Dev Program reduced to $99

The Monkey May Be Off My Back, But...

2010-03-06T03:49:00.000+02:00

“The monkey may be off my back, but the circus is still in town.”

I heard that today in a recovery meeting. It’s one of those little nuggets I’ll never forget. And it’s so true.

I had another opportunity to thank my boss for letting me work from home yesterday afternoon. She knows I work a program of recovery and while she’s supportive, it’s not something we need to discuss very often. Today I told her that because I was feeling so overwhelmed yesterday, I found myself wanting to use sugar to take the edge off, but that for me there is no such thing as “one time use to take the edge off.” I told her I only have a daily reprieve and I guard my recovery as if my life depends on it…because it does.

I’m glad that yesterday my Higher Power gave me the wisdom to know that it wasn’t sugar, or alcohol, or pills I needed. What I needed was time alone to work on projects, cross things off my list, and feel accomplished.

Today I was back in the office and completed a writing/desktop publishing assignment by 11 a.m. I felt great the rest of the day. Even though I didn’t feel like I needed to go to a lunch hour meeting, I did so anyway. I’m glad I did because I learned that for me, the circus is still in town.

[Via http://482gr8.wordpress.com]

Intute - Blog - Virtual Training Suite – funding news

I Hate My Scale Today!

2010-03-04T15:21:00.000+02:00

me and my scale

I’m becoming obsessed with my scale and I hate it! Today I gained a pound, it’s frustrating because I’m so good with my diet and exercise. I mean you should have seen me in the living room with Turbo Jam, I really brought it! I keep telling myself you really started exercising for two months, give it time but it’s been TWO WHOLE MONTH! I don’t understand what’s taking so long…Forgive me I’m really pissed.

I feel a little better writing about it. I just have to punch and kick the air harder in my next workout. I’m so impatient when it comes to weight loss.

[Via http://wesoslim.wordpress.com]

John Kasich's Fox News Platform May Help Campaign For Governor

Count Down To New Life On Earth

2010-03-04T03:43:00.001+02:00

At 51.5 years old I can say that I have pretty much lived my life, for better or worse, any way I wanted to. And it shows. I am over 200 lbs over weight. My body is riddled with arthritis and other physical ailments. I have blood pressure issues. I have sleep apnea and use a Bi-PAP machine that I cannot live without. (I have literally died and self resuscitated myself over 100 times). All this for the sake of living the high life.

What is the high life? For many years I was a recreational drug user. I smoked a lot of pot. Hit some of the hard stuff every now and again. Stayed up way too late and partied way too often. I ate whatever I wanted and sometimes ate when I really didn’t want anything. My life has been filled with poor choices over everything that has to do with my body.

Now, after all of these years of self-abuse, a change is on the horizon. It is a self-inflicted change that there is no going back from. And it will change the way I manage my body, and my life, from now until the day I die an earthly death.

Proverbs 3:5 (New International Version)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

Colossians 1:10 (New International Version)

10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Psalm 18:46 (New International Version)

46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!

Exalted be God my Savior! I am renewing myself before God. I am cleansing myself of some of the horrible temptations of gluttony I have faced on this earth and rejuvenating my body that I might live a physical life more pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit is with me, the one who as part of the Trinity, and is the doorway of communication with God on this earth. I am reconciled before him. I lift up this entire process in the name of Jesus Christ. I am yours oh Lord.

Thursday, March 5th, marks the first day of my preparation for weight-loss surgery. On March 19th I will undergo surgery to place a lap-band inside my earthly body to restrict what I can put in it because I cannot control it on my own. This entire process I lay at the feet of Jesus. I ask that Jesus use me in whatever way he sees fit as a living testimony of my will to commit long-term to serving him. May this become a ministry tool to help others change their lives for the Glory of God.

Where we go from here is yet to be determined. But the pathway has been laid. What will you give up to better be able to serve and honor God? Welcome to the journey!

[Via http://suthrn1.wordpress.com]

SC: Conviction bundled with 250GB Xbox News | Xbox 360 | Eurogamer

1 : Marie Claire's Four Week Routine

2010-03-04T03:43:00.000+02:00

Hey guys, Lydia here. 130 pounds today, with 133 pounds two weeks ago. It’s a great start, but I guess it’s probably because of puberty. Unfortunately, I’ll have to be a procrascinator and say that I’ll begin my workouts tommorow – after all, I have a Chem 11 test this Friday, and I haven’t even studied yet due to a long Law exam this morning. I’m not really worried though; after all, tommorow’s a great day to start – I have Phys. ed, guaranteeing me a good half hour in the weight room. In other words, a great start to my long weight loss journey. [Not to mention, today a classmate joked about my overweightness. It was somewhat of a stab at my self-esteem, but hey. All the more reasons to lose the weight!]

So recently, I’ve discovered a great weight loss site – Marie Claire. It’s for adult women, but nonetheless with some editing, I think it’ll fit my schedule and my needs. Here it goes:

SUNDAY

Target your butt, legs, and abs.

What to do:

30 minutes of cardio activity

20 squats

20 lunges

25 dead lifts

40 crunches

1 minute of skipping rope jumps

40 alternating lunges

20 bicycle crunches

40 reverse curls

MONDAY

Target your arms and chest

What to do:

30 minutes of cardio activity

20 chest presses

20 chair dips

40 biceps curls (20 per arm) holding a five- to eight-pound weight

20 dumbells

20 rows

60 karate kicks

TUESDAY

Target your back and shoulders

What to do:

30 minutes of cardio activity

25 jumping jacks holding one- to three-pound weights in each hand

20 lateral raises

40 front raises (20 per arm)

20 shoulder presses

WEDNESDAY

Target your butt, legs, and abs

What to do:

30 minutes of cardio activity

30 donkeys (15 per leg)

15 squats

20 pelvic lifts

40 oblique twists (20 per side)

1 minute of lift-ups

1 minute of leg kicks

1 minute of leg lifts

1 minute of leg holds

1 minute of leg ups

THURSDAY

What to do:

Repeat Monday’s workout

60 Ab stretches

FRIDAY

What to do:

Repeat Tuesday’s workout

SATURDAY

What to do:

Repeat Wednesday’s workout

1 minute of Alternating lunges

1 minute of plank-lunge pushups

Seeing this schedule gives me a sense of guidance. Who knows? Maybe it’ll work. I’ll see how much progress I make after 4 weeks.

Anyway, catch you guys later! Time to get working on that chemistry…

Created by MyFitnessPal – Nutrition Facts For Foods

[Via http://lyliaepiphany.wordpress.com]

Small Business News for March 1, 2010 | Small Business Trends

Shangri La

2010-03-02T15:55:00.000+02:00

I’ve had a lot of friends email or message me about the Shangri La Diet (SLD) which is convenient because I was already planning to write about it today! Way to be on the same page, guys!

I first read about SLD in a book called, ‘Freakonomics’, by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt. The SLD was discovered by Seth Roberts, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California at Berkley. He was not happy with several things in his life, insomnia, acne, being overweight, etc…and decided to do something about it. Relying on self-experimentation and using the scientific method, he researched and put into practice several different theories until he finally, one by one, was able to change the things in his life that he was unhappy with. When it came to weight loss, he dubbed his new eating style the Shangri La Diet.

In a nutshell, SLD is based on the theory that, our world and our brains have progressed, basically, we’re all still cavemen when it comes to food. When there is an abundance of food and lots of variety, our bodies tell us, “Eat, eat, eat!! There will be famine later, let’s stock up your fat supply now so that we can live on it when we need to!” and, when there isn’t a lot of food, very bland food, or not a lot of variety it, our bodies say, “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Let’s slow that metabolism down, we’re obviously in a famine and we’ll supplement with your fat reserve.” When there’s less food available, your body actually makes you less hungry and, when there’s tons of food, your body tells you to binge. Doesn’t make much sense today in our modern world, does it. I’m very blessed to live in a time and place where, if I’m hungry, I can run to the grocery store and choose from thousands of food items from all around the world. Basically, my body has had 32 years of prepping for famine and, guess what, it’s not happening in my life anytime soon!

So, what are your options if you want to short-circuit this caveman program? You can’t starve yourself, that will just lead to your body hoarding your body fat. You could eat bland, boring food all the time to trick your body but, really, who is going to be able to sustain that kind of diet? In no time at all, you’ll be bingeing on cake and ice cream! Seth Roberts’ theory is that, if you give yourself ‘falvorless’ calories once or twice a day, that will be enough to trick your body and then you can eat whatever you want the rest of the time. The flavorless calories he suggests are, 1-4 TBSP of Extra Light Olive Oil (ELOO) or sugar-water per day. The flavorless calories actually cause appetite suppression which leads to eating less (obviously) but without triggering the ‘I’m starving!’ alarms that cause your body to hoard its fat reserves.

Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? Well, like anything else, it does have stumbling blocks. For me, it’s the texture of the oil as I take that quick shot in the morning. It doesn’t taste bad at all but, that .o5 seconds where the oil is actually in my mouth is enough to trigger my gag reflex most days. Most people would, if they had a problem with the oil, switch to the sugar-water but, since I have PCOS and I’m pre-diabetic, I really am supposed to limit my carbs and my brain just kind of rebels at the thought of drinking plain sugar-water as horribly unhealthy, even though I’m fine drinking juice or soda. When you think about it, soda could be hundreds of times worse, with all those chemicals and dyes! Another thing to watch out for is making sure you eat only when you’re hungry, not just because it’s dinner time or you’re going to be hungry later, it defeats the whole purpose!

In my experience, I’ve discovered a lot of unexpected benefits to SLD that totally outweigh the gag factor. Besides the fact that I started experiencing appetite suppression the very first day, I’ve also linked the ELOO to better and easier sleep, my skin clearing up, my hair being healthier and less pain in my joints. An awesome side-effect for me is that, when I am hungry, I’m craving lighter foods like fruits and vegetables and I’m thirsty for water all the time!

That being said, I haven’t been perfect in taking it. In fact, I don’t think I’ve taken it for a week and I need to get back on the horse! If you do decide to try the SLD, I would suggest reading the book, The Shangri La Diet by Seth Roberts. Barnes & Noble has it for about $4. If you’re too eager and you want to try it right away, the least you need to know is, make sure to take your flavorless calories in the middle of a two-hour window so as not to cause your brain to associate the calories with the other flavors. I usually take it right when I wake up in the morning and hold off breakfast for at least an hour though, usually, I’m not hungry until lunch time. conversely, you could take it at bedtime as long as you haven’t eaten for at least an hour before. Also, unless you have over 50lbs to lose, start at 1 TBSP per day and see how you feel. If 1 TBSP doesn’t really change your appetite, slowly work your way up, never exceeding 4 TBSP per day.

I hope that answers all your questions! If you have any others that weren’t covered, please post them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them! Also, if you try SLD, let us know what you think and about your experiences!

[Via http://homecanbeheaven.wordpress.com]

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1 . Order your free, miracle prayer cloth right now!

2010-03-02T03:50:00.000+02:00

Our building’s fitness center is outfitted with ellipticals, weight machines and treadmills. There are three televisions, and the good treadmill has one placed directly above it. That’s what makes it the good one, and today I got up early enough to beat my neighbors to it. Channel surfing twice as fast as I was walking, an infomercial for a blood of Jesus prayer cloth caught my attention. The messenger, a curious man who probably burns more calories in thirty minutes of peddling than I did on the treadmill, promised all kinds of miracles from healing to wealth. But you had to act quickly and order, right now!

I wouldn’t mind a miracle. You see, thirty two pounds ago (or, exactly one year, if you prefer time measures) I was finally nearing my ideal weight. The year before that, I had transitioned from a sedentary, overeating lifestyle to one of daily exercise and sensible eating. I was very happy. I bought sexy jeans and pointy shoes. I felt like a new person. And when my birthday came along, I decided to celebrate big by indulging in my favorite food, veggieburgers! I was exercising so much and eating so well, that I lost weight even while eating 31 veggieburgers in 31 days. A couple of months later, though, I found myself lapsing back into my old, lazy ways. Tons of other fun and happy things were happening around me; I got distracted, and now I’m back where I started.

There will be no 31 veggieburgers sequel. Instead, I intend to celebrate my 32nd birthmonth (birthdays are for sissies) by kick starting my weight loss journey. And I know just the thing to do…it’s a bit of ancient wisdom, a twofold key to being fit and healthy, and the only tried and true way: eat less and exercise more. To accomplish this, I will be using the Weight Watchers system and exercising one to two hours a day. You might say, “What’s the big deal? Tons of people do that.” Yeah, but I hate, double-hate, exercise and I love, double-love, eating. “Oh yeah, you and half the world.” Okay, but I’m going to blog about it. “Yeah, ‘cause what the world needs now is just one more weight loss blog!” Okay, now you’re just being rude.

As I laughed at the man peddling the miracle cloth on TV this morning, I thought, “wouldn’t it be nice if that really worked?!” First thing I would do is pray for a faster metabolism, like that of my friend in college who lived on a diet of Sonic and Dr. Pepper and was thin as a rail. I picked up my phone to write down the number (just for laughs, seriously!) and then I realized I already had a miracle cloth, sitting in front of me: it’s called a gym towel.

Have any tips, advice, questions or jokes? Leave a comment!

Today’s Numbers

WW Points: 27.5 (of 32)

Treadmill: 60 mins (3.5% incline, 3.5 speed)

Pilates: 20 mins

Pushups: 12

[Via http://32poundsago.wordpress.com]

Israpundit » Blog Archive » RED ALERT – FOX NEWS Abandons ...

Today's Gratitude

2010-03-02T03:46:00.000+02:00

I have a Facebook friend who recently posted something about how no one wants to hear about your daily gratitude journal. I happen to disagree with that. Not only would I enjoy reading other people’s daily gratitudes, but I think I’m going to start posting some. Because it’s my freaking blog and I can do whatever I want. I don’t care if anyone reads it or not. It’s more for my own documentary purposes.

My therapist has suggested I do the daily gratitude thing to break the habit of negative thinking. I”m not sure that’s going to be a remedy for all my craziness, but I’m willing to try. She said to shoot for two things per day and that they don’t have to be huge things. Maybe just that the sun is shining.

Today I am grateful for:

Jack Johnson

I’ve lost four pounds since becoming a vegetarian recently. Yay!

[Via http://meggitymegs.wordpress.com]

News 'grazers' welcome: Platform ready: The Swamp

Tacky, Trashy and Frumpy=Fat Girl Fashion

2010-02-28T03:29:00.000+02:00

Designers have no clue. Really, they don’t. Herein is my conundrum and the conundrum of every woman of size.

Our clothing sucks!

Seriously. It truly sucks. Not only does it suck the life out you, but we look like shit wearing it. There I said it.

Being in my mid-30’s, I don’t feel I can pull of the uber-hip clothing at Torrid, but I sure as hell am not lusting over the Mu mu section at “FatGalsRUs”.

That being said, I have been combing the internet. Looking in every store in my town that carries my sizes and for what? Nada. Oh, don’t get me wrong, if I want to look tacky, trashy and/or frumpy, I can find what I am looking for. Where is the sophisticated elegance? The fantastic career clothes? The quality fabrics?

Let me tell you where they are.

In my imagination.

I don’t expect to look like a supermodel. I just want to look like me. The transition I am going through is hard enough, but to have to deal with it while looking like a Haus Frau just isn’t going to work.

Why am I being so picky? Well, I am going to be on tv. Not a long sketch, but anywhere from 5-7 minutes. I have to feel confident about myself so that I don’t go up there and totally fuck it up. What I would love to do is for to wear a nice, boring black outfit–which will totally make me look like ass. Let’s face it, my metalhead phase is long gone and I am none worse for the wear.

However, I do know what suits me. It is not what I am finding. A swing top? Gorgeous, forget it. I look pregnant. Turtleneck. Sure, I want to look like my boobs go all the way up to my chin. Skinny pants? Listen, I want to balance my ass out, not make it look like something you are supposed to orbit around.

Aaack!

After weeks of searching, worrying and fretting more than a hypochondriac in a doctors office, I found a dress. Wait, listen for the trumpets heralding with joy. Located in San Francisco is a nice little operation called Igigi. They make clothes for plus-sized women and it looks great! It’s a relief actually. I don’t look like a beached whale coming up for air and tempting people to stab me in my blowhole.

Quite literally. It’s time for designers to throw us a bone, there are more of us than the models on the runway.

[Via http://fatgalonamission.wordpress.com]

Facebook Gets Patent On News Feeds | WebProNews

Day 4 - Learned a Very Important Lesson Today.

2010-02-28T03:24:00.000+02:00

Oh, my goodness!!

I am going to start by saying I am not going to even post what I ate today cause if I do I will cry. I did journal and keep track today, it’s not that I didn’t cause I swear I did. Before I continue let me tell you the story that made me decide why I will not post my food count for today.

So, every once in a while my parent like to have chicken pot pies from Boston Market. Since, I myself don’t have Boston Market regularly because there is not one near where I live I figured..”:Hey, Why not?” I realize that pot pies are high in caloric value but I assumed that it wouldn’t be to high. Boy was I wrong!! I ate it then checked the calories and ugh!! 800 CALORIES!!! Now granted I did not eat the outer pie shell (which is the best part) so, it probably was not as many calories as it actually was, but still it was a lot.

Now I can not stress this enough. People before you put it in your mouth make sure you know how many calories it contains. Knowledge is Power and if I would have known maybe I would not have done it.

I have just had a “FOOD” day I haven’t eaten anything not healthy we aside from the pot pie, but everything else was high in calories so it REALLY ADDED UP!!

Well, I already told ya the worst so I might as well just post it lol.

So here it is:

Day 4

Breakfast

Homemade Western Omelet – 271 calories

Blueberry Coffee Cake – 240 calories

Grapes (1 cup) 62 calories

Coffee with milk & sugar – 145 calories

Lunch

Salad – 32 calories

(containing lettuce, tomato, & cucumber only, no dressing)

Salisbury Steak on a bun 212 (steak) 130 (bun)

Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie (of death) 800 calories, (probably less since I didn’t eat the pie shell.)

Snack

1 fiber plus bar – 120 calories

tea – 70 calories

Total = 2,082 yikes!!! NO MORE BOSTON MARKET POT PIES!!!

PLEASE PEOPLE CHECK THE CALORIES BEFORE YOU PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH.

[Via http://theskinny2010.wordpress.com]

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It's a new beginning...kind of

2010-02-27T15:54:00.000+02:00

It was just this past week that I really started getting serious, really serious about losing my pregnancy weight. For a couple of weeks, maybe a month I have cut my calorie intake and saw at one point a 5 lbs. weight loss in a week, to only learn that I gained it back over a weekend. Nobody I’ve asked can figure out why it happened, maybe too much sodium intake, no idea. At any rate, it was at that point that I decided I needed to get serious about this weight loss or I was going to keep this weight on for the rest of my life.

3 days old

But let me back it up a bit. Almost 16 months ago, January 31, 2008 I found out I was pregnant for the third time with our first child. I had two miscarriages before this pregnancy and so though I was elated to be pregnant, there was still some anxiety as to whether I would actually get to experience pregnancy this time. 8 months later, at 35 weeks (due to preeclampsia) I gave birth to Sawyer James, 5 lbs. 3oz. and 19 in. long. He was and is still perfect. I was able to breastfeed him for the first 5 months of his life. I was told around that time that due to my preeclampsia my body was just not going to produce anymore milk and I was going to have to give it up. I had such mixed emotions about not breastfeeding anymore, I didn’t want to lost out on that time nursing my son because it was so precious to me, but I knew that this may mean a chance to start losing the weight that I thought would have come off from breastfeeding. As you are probably already guessing, I am not one of those new mom’s who lost my weight within the next few months because I was breastfeeding my child. When I got pregnant with Sawyer I weighed in at my doctor’s office around 135 lbs. (Height 5′41/2″) It was more than I had wanted to weight when I got pregnant with my first baby, but it was what it was. Since I had to be induced and didn’t get to my next doctor’s appointment my best guess at how much I weighed when I delivered is somewhere around 170 lbs. I thought I was doing okay weight wise because I had only gained about 35 lbs, and my doctor told me to stay in the 25-35 lbs range and it should come right off. Well, with my preeclampsia I am not completely sure that was true.

So now my son is almost 7 months (March 6) and I am, as of a weigh-in yesterday, 145.8. I am determined to do whatever it takes to lose this weight and get fit again. Now you may be thinking, well, you only have 10 more lbs to go to be at your pre-pregnancy weight. True. However, I’d like to be fit and trim as well, so my goal is 125. I know when I am at that weight I tend to feel best about myself, I am working out and eating healthy to stay there, and I like the way I feel in my clothes. That’s really what this is all about isn’t it…feeling good about who you are in what you have to wear. So I have twenty pounds to lose and I am hoping to do it by May if possible.

So here is my plan and what I hope to blog about each day. I realized and embraced the reality that the only time I have to work out is in the morning before I feed my son, feed my dogs, and get myself off to work. So this past week I have been getting up at 5:00am and using Exercise TV as my means to exercise. For those of you who do not know what Exercise TV is, if you have cable on-demand you may want to check out the channels to find out if it is available to you. (In my local area, the channel is 426) Since we are currently on one income, I didn’t have money to work out at a gym and the thought of doing the same exercises over and over again from a DVD just didn’t seem appealing, I like variety. Exercise TV offers a wide variety of options and tells you exactly how long each workout is going to take. And, for the most part, it is exact. I say for the most part, because earlier this week I chose a workout and it said 22 minutes but the countdown clock said 42 and I didn’t quite have the time to finish a 42 minute workout. At any rate, my plan for the next 30 days, if not longer, is to workout each day taking one day off to rest. I will blog about the workout that I chose, share how I am feeling, what the exercise felt like to go through, maybe comment on the trainer, and share my food intake, etc.

Thus far I have seen some great benefits to working out. Since about my first trimester I have had sciatic nerve issues. I thought it would go away after I had the baby but it didn’t which is why I have been putting off working out for so long and why I stopped working out during my pregnancy. However, I have done cardio strength workouts, yoga, Pilates, and ab exercises and I have to say, except for the day that I did yoga, which increased the pain, I have had little to no pain since. I think the stretching and poses done during a yoga exercise, aggravated it a bit, but also helped to heal it. I also feel much better about myself already, I can feel some of my muscles again, especially in my abdomen and I am starting to feel stronger. I feel better about what I am putting in my body. I had found some recipes on food network this past Sunday and made a few of them throughout the week. I found them to be healthy, though some were lacking in flavor so I’ll have to tweak them for next time around.

Starting today, you’ll begin to read what I do throughout my day, what food I eat (how I liked it or didn’t like it), my mind-set, how my body feels, etc. I hope that this blog will speak to women who felt the same way I did about their pregnancy weight, but hopefully my actions will encourage them to do what it takes to take it off. The reality is only I can choose to take off this weight, no one can do it for me and thinking that it’s going to come off on its own or that it will come off later, will not get me anywhere. The time is now and so I am ceasing the moment and embracing a mantra a close friend once said to me, “I eat to live, not live to eat.” I get one body and it’s my responsibility while I am here on this earth to keep it healthy.

[Via http://sawyersmom.wordpress.com]

Facebook patents News Feed; sets stage for fight against social ...

Oops.

2010-02-27T03:54:00.000+02:00

Oh, hi blog. Forgot about you for a bit. It has been a crazy month. Between sick kids, sleepless nights, and the husband traveling for work I’ve had little to no time to myself. Meaning no time to blog.

What has happened since last entry….lets see. Oh Biggest Loser Challenge, yeah screwed up my last weigh in by eating pizza and beer the Saturday before. Bad! I’ve moved to phase 2 of my plan though. Joined 24 hour fitness, which is perfect for me. Do something productive with those days I’m awake at 4am for no reason whatsoever. My tour guide told me it isn’t busy then, which is good. I don’t go to the gym to socialize. I’m in my own little world. And by that I mean concentrating so I don’t fall off the treadmill.

Work also is offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University for employees. So far I like it, so far he’s called me out on several things and it has been kind of an eye opener. For someone who pays bills and does accounting for a living, I’ve not carried that over to my real life. Time to change that….i’ve got things to I want to do, and I’m not gonna get to if I keep going the way we have. Scary wake up call.

Why do I feel like I should re-name this blog “Extreme Makeover Traci Addition” ?

[Via http://strangegirl76.wordpress.com]

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Belly Fat Diets

2010-02-27T03:20:00.000+02:00

If you spend enough time any time at all on the internet or watching late-night infomercials, you’ll probably hear about the so called belly fat diets.

It’s a very popular way to get you to spend money because the belly and/or love handles are an area that most of us are self-conscious about. Surely if we can take a magic pill to target just our trouble spot and make it all go away, it’s worth every penny right?

Don’t fall for it. Conventional wisdom, and my own personal experience back up the fact that there is no such thing as targeted weight loss. Plain and simple, you don’t get to choose where your body loses weight from, it gets to choose.

“But my buddy started the belly fat diet and it worked like magic!”

I don’t doubt it! Your buddy probably has a problem with visceral fat and that is exactly the type of fat that will almost always come off first. It’s not a special diet that’s creating success, that’s how the body is designed to work.

Visceral fat is the fat that exists under the abdominal muscles, among your internal organs — the so-called “pot belly”. This is the fat that doctors are so worried about because it’s collecting in places it really has no business collecting in. Fortunately it only takes minor dieting and exercise to start losing this dangerous fat because it’s been shown to be one of the first fat stores to come off during weight loss.

On the other hand if you have a problem with subcutaneous fat, you’re gonna need to do a lot more work. Subcutaneous fat is the fat that exists above the muscle, but under the skin — the so-called flabby tummy. Crunches and sit-ups aren’t going to help you here either. The best way to get rid of this is to reduce your overall body fat % through decreased calorie consumption and increased cardio exercise. Remember, you don’t get to choose where it comes from, so the only way to ensure less fat in your trouble spot is to have less fat overall.

I never had much of a problem with visceral fat, it was always subcutaneous for me, which I thought I needed to do tons of sit-ups and crunches for. I did an ab workout at least 2-4 times per week, every week for 6 months before I gave up on it because I wasn’t seeing any results. As soon as I started focusing more on cardio, my tummy problems got much better almost instantly.

Lastly, I have read lots of convincing information about consuming healthy fats to fight tummy fat. The so called “Mediterranean Diet”, rich in healthy fats such as olive oil is thought to decrease tummy size. While I can’t say for certain one way or another, it sounds like a yummy experiment!

[Via http://bnelson333.wordpress.com]

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Health and Wellness Update

2010-02-25T15:49:00.000+02:00

Where to begin, where to begin…

First off, I have maintained my weight range for 8 weeks now without counting a single Weight Watchers Point. I think I finally found my health groove. I’m running more consistently, and am signed up for an 8k in April and a 10k in May.

Truth be told, I’m a little skeered. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do it, but Dave is a constant source of support and I have a team of amazing women (over at The Sisterhood) behind me, cheering me on every step of the way.

Speaking of The Sisterhood, we started a new challenge yesterday.

This challenge will run from Wednesday, February 24th until Wednesday, April 21st. That’s EIGHT weeks to shrink, shrink, shrink, and shrink some more! This is another team challenge, and I am proud to be a member of Team Fabulous!

Also, the last couple of weeks, The Sisterhood sponsored the Shrinking Jeans Olympics. I am proud to report that I brought home two medals! I won the gold as part of a 4×1 mile relay team (35:46 combined time), and I snagged a silver in the 2 mile fast walk (26:12 time).

That’s all for now! Happy Shrinking…or maintaining!

[Via http://imadramamama.wordpress.com]

Team17 doing new Worms for Steam News | PC | Eurogamer

Absent

2010-02-25T03:50:00.000+02:00

I just found out the my dearly beloved husband has taken the entire day off tomorrow in order to go to his Air Force interview so I will not be getting online tomorrow in order to post. Therefore, I am going to go ahead and list my stats for today so I cannot be accused of being a slacker again. Adios, mi bonitas!

The Damsel

Workout:

Elliptical – Resistance One and 25 Degree Incline – Three Thirty-Minute Sessions -> 776 calories burned.
3 Sets of 15 Calf Raises.
3 Sets of 10 Butt Crunches.
3 Sets of 6 Thigh Crunches.
3 Sets of 15 Side Kicks.
3 Sets of 25 Toe Points.

[Via http://damselindasweats.wordpress.com]

Pentagon lifting ban & allow women to serve submarines | ABH News

the smorgasbord.

2010-02-25T03:42:00.000+02:00

There’s a lot that’s been floating around in my head, and I figured I’d just throw them in this one post. Good deal.

- First of all, I have some very good advice. Amazing advice. Follow it.

Don’t ever try to eat pizza while driving. Even 200 Calorie Digiorno pizza. Even though it looks so cute and portable.
Buy a Tide-To-Go pen. I just bought another one a couple days ago, and it has already saved me.. yea, from the pizza.
A garlic clove is one little piece of the whole garlic bulb. Not the whole thing. I did not know this until today.

- Right now, I am completely obsessed with The Weepies and Kate Nash. They are amazing and addicting and fun and comforting and great and all kinds of wonderful. Just listen to a couple songs. You will not regret it.

- I’m started trying to lose a few pounds again as well as get healthy, and I’m going to start using this blog to keep myself accountable so I basically cannot just ditch my plans without giving some sort of explanation. I think I’m going to jump on Kerri’s “Work It Out Weekends” thing.. maybe possibly so I can use the adorable banner..

- My happiness thing has been going pretty swell. I did a pretty bad job for a couple hours today, but then something happened that just completely brightened up my day which wasss..

- I applied at Old Navy today, and they called me two hours later to set up an interview! Ahhhh!! I’m so pumped.. I love Old Navy, and you get a sweet employee discount as well as apparently a 50% discount to Gap! Um, yes please. Right now. I’m insanely excited and nervous. I’ve been needing a job forever, and I just want this to work out so badly.

- I’m really happy with where I’m going with my life right now. I’ve been working on this whole being happy thing. I’ve been consistently doing my devotions at night. I’ve worked out everyday this week. I’ve been cutting down my junk food and sugar. I just feel so calm and happy right now. My muscles feel worked, and I feel content. I just hope I can keep this up.. all the work is definitely worth the feeling.

[Via http://itsmekatie.wordpress.com]

News Ticker: Eminem, Sonic Youth, Jennifer Lopez, Haiti Relief ...

So, I went to a "Herbalife" meeting...

2010-02-23T15:54:00.000+02:00

Hey Mom,

This weekend I was dragged to an Herbalife meeting. The girl in charge had this story to tell:

“I was over weight, depressed, and eating chocolate like it was nobody’s business. I wasn’t working out, and I slept a lot. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Then I starting taking these supplements and shakes. I started working out at least an hour a day and I am now on a roller derby team. I ditched the daily visit to Sees Candy and started eating right. I have lost 30 pounds in 6 months-all because of Herbalife!”

Did you catch that, Mom? All because of Herbalife? Really? So the change in diet and exercise and no longer eating Sees Candy every night wasn’t the reason for weight loss? My (real) Mom shares Nutrilite with people and they have supplements and shakes, but eating that stuff without a proper diet and exercise will only make your grocery bill larger! Even she will tell you that! It drives me nuts to hear people give their entire weight loss success to a product other than hard work and discipline. (See the Taco Bell Diet, because everyone wants to be as thin as Charles Barkley)

Mom, you don’t need a product to help you lose weight- you need a commitment. I’ll sell you that for free. A commitment to get moving and eat right is all you need. I love you!

Trainer James

[Via http://trainerjames.com]

FDL News Desk » White House Health Proposal – The Basics

Day 5: 100cals

2010-02-23T03:55:00.000+02:00

134.0

Failed. I’m moving on to day 6. I’ll repeat this whole thing again. Today was just a horrible day. It’s going to be a horrible week.

I won’t fail again. I’m really sorry.

I’ll probably gain. I’m sorry for that too.

On the other hand, my readers are going down. I’m sorry for failing you guys. I’ll try harder.

God I’m such a fucking fat failure.

[Via http://starvinggirl.wordpress.com]

Latest Legal News: Supreme Court Hears New Firefighter Race Case ...

withdrawal schmwithdrawal

2010-02-23T03:53:00.000+02:00

OK SO update.

Well I’ve given up wheat now for 5 days and a weird thing has been happening.

I find that it’s like I don’t even look forward to eating anymore. It’s as if my body is reconditioning itself to not even want to pass down that aisle in the supermarket/ the food court in the mall anymore because I know there is no point! No cake, no pastries, no cake, no bread, no cake, no patties!! I mean is there any reason to live anymore?!?!

And then the weird part comes…I don’t seem to miss it just yet :s

It feels weird, like I’m being rewired, retrained. My body has only put up passive resistance so far [thank God], hopefully it doesn’t get to the point where I feel I have to give in OR ELSE!!

You ever feel like this: You’re just taking a little stroll, la de da da, and then BOOM! It’s like your cravings jump you, corner you in some dark alley and force you to fulfill them at gun point!!

Well compared to that, it hasn’t been bad at all so far, there was banana bread in the house but it’s done so that temptation is gone. I never noticed how much I looked forward to eating. I mean I really did. I used to plan out my meals especially because I knew they were going to be delicious and I’d spend quite a bit of time thinking up new combos etc. but now, I feel like what’s the point of that. I can’t eat it so why bother torture myself thinking about what I could be eating? I’m not making much sense here, let me try to rephrase:

I never noticed how much time I spent thinking up ‘food’. Now that I’m off wheat and therefore not thinking up foods in that way, I see how much time I actually spent doing that!! Now I have to find other things to fill up that time and that’s proving to be the hardest part of it all!

I think I’m enjoying this though. Refraining from wheat, 5 days in, isn’t feeling half bad. I’m thinking, i may not even want to quit come April 1st! hehe stay tuned.

22-Feb Breakfast 2 eggs 4 Snack 1/2 cup oatmeal 3 Lunch 1/2 cup rice and peas 2 white fish 2 Snack 1/2 cup oatmeal 3 1 pk yogurt 3 Dinner 1 corn on the cob 1 1 cup sweet and sour chicken stir fry 6 Snack 2 1.3 less fat turkey sausages 6 Remaining Points 1 Total 30

[Via http://lilylosinit.wordpress.com]

Faliszek: Valve will "look at" PS3 support News | PS3 | Eurogamer

Sexy by Summer (Day 6)

2010-02-21T15:47:00.000+02:00

Day 6 Sat. February 20th, (Weighing March 1st)

I had a family event to go to today. So I didn’t have time to eat breakfast because I slept too late. I was so surprised when I woke up. I couldn’t believe it! My waist actually looked smaller to my eyes. And it felt smaller too! I had to show off to my husband and he agreed I did look smaller.

At the family event I ate Ham, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, mayo and pickles. It was good. I drank a coffee also. They also had eclairs. It was pure torture! I love eclairs.

When I came home I exercised. This is the first time I’ve exercised without it being the first thing I do in the beginning of the day. It didn’t feel any harder.

For lunch I ate roast beef with steamed brocoli covered in cheese with a salad. It was delicious!

I went to bed early. Right after I ate my dinner. I don’t know what it was I just couldn’t stay awake. But I woke up with a huge craving for something sweet in the middle of the night. I didn’t find anything to eat as far as fruit goes. So I just drank some water.

Note to self: You need to eat more fish. Even though you don’t like it.

[Via http://sexybysummer.wordpress.com]

Sony patents universal games controller | News

Learn To Slim Down Without Diet Foods!

2010-02-21T03:31:00.000+02:00

Diet foods, Ugh! What are the kinds of diet foods that you’re used to ? Carrots and celery sticks for a snack, chicken and brown rice for dinner? Maybe even something like Slim Fast? When you think of diet foods, do you think of foods that are low calorie and healthy–and flavorless? Sure, it’s great to eat healthy foods and they can help you to lose weight, but why do you dread them so much? Laura Fennamore, creator of Body Image Mastery, will tell you that when you limit yourself to diet foods, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Weight loss is something that happens naturally when you start loving yourself and respecting your body.

You probably have a favorite food that is forbidden when you go on a diet. Whether it’s a pizza, chips, or chocolate, we all have a food that we love to eat, but doesn’t eat these foods because you’re trying to lose weight, you end up feeling deprived. If you feel deprived, you’re less likely to stick with your diet. What’s worse, when you go back to your old habits, you’re probably going to binge because you haven’t had the food for awhile.

The truth is that there isn’t anything wrong with having a slice of pizza. The problem arises when you eat a whole pie. you can eat a few pieces of candy, but not a king bag. You don’t have to give up all of your favorite foods to loose weight. You just have to stop mindlessly eating.

What is mindless eating? It’s when you sit down in front of the TV with a bag of chips and are surprised when you realize you’ve eaten the whole thing. It’s when you get depressed and down a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. The key to getting slim without relying on diet foods is to learn the reasons why you overeat certain foods to begin with. By going through the exercises in Body Image Mastery, you’ll find out why your subconscious wants you to stay fat. Once you learn this, you’ll be able to work towards healing yourself, improving your body image, and losing weight.

When you respect and love yourself, you are more likely to reach for foods that are healthy and nourishing. Instead of seeing “diet foods”, you’ll begin to see….

For more on this article visit: http://www.onepinky.com/affiliates/idevaffiliate.php?id=156

[Via http://mackyi.wordpress.com]

Erick Erickson: "We've got Fox News" | Video Cafe

An Oversize Misfit

2010-02-21T03:21:00.000+02:00

Growing up, I struggled with my weight. It wasn’t because I ate out at McDonalds 7 times a week or because I considered chocolates and desserts as a food group. It all started with me being diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, which then became vitiligo which then became other problems and so on and so forth. All together, I ate steroids for a combined total of 13 out of the 18 years I have been alive. Yipee! The doctor that gave me the steroids claimed they didn’t contribute to the weight gain. Other doctors said it was the primary reason. While I was in high school, I never really let it get to me too much. I was comfortable in my own skin and I was confident. Confident that I would be successful and make it somewhere in life despite how I looked.

After a rough year, and dropping out of university to take a year off, things changed. My appearance began to bug me a lot and I found it hindering my everyday life. I was all set to make a change.

Enter surgery. The surgery kept me out of the gym for a few months and I am finally back to try again. I even went and decided to get a personal trainer and do it the right way without giving up.

As motivated as I am, I am also very scared and self-conscious. I always feel like people are constantly judging you. Being of Indian decent, I am no stranger to being judging and stared at by others. Whenever I went back home to India to visit, my family, relatives, family friends, and anyone who cared to show up, would all stare and wonder why I was so “big”. Often times, they explicitly made a point of asking my parents or grandparents who had to regurgitate the sob story of my life. When I step into a gym, I feel all of that coming back. The feeling that people are staring and thinking, “oh look at her, she must spend all day eating” without even considering any other possibilities. Those feelings force me away from everyone into a little hole that I do not want to leave, Away from peoples opinions, expectations, or judgements.

Truth be told, I am sick of letting my weight control my life. I don’t want to be the “smart kid” just because I am not pretty enough to be good at other things. What if I really want to be a slutty party animal? Not that I have any intention of becoming that person, I’d like to have the option. And I’d like to be able to stare at a picture of myself without the process being painful.

Monday starts the beginning of a new journey. My attempt to lose more than 60 pounds by September. I hope I can use my perfectionist approach and achieve this goal the same way I do with others.

[Via http://anonymousperfectionist.wordpress.com]

Live -- Tiger Woods News Conference | TMZ.com

More Pharmaceutical Cover-Ups

2010-02-20T15:36:00.000+02:00

Type II diabetes is a major problem in this country. Type II diabetes is caused from years of eating poorly and can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, heart failure and even death. In the US 23.6 million people have diabetes. The pharmaceutical industry knows this and makes a host of drugs to treat this disease, when it is most easily treated with diet and exercise. One of these drugs is Avandia and new research shows it is very dangerous.

Avandia is an oral diabetes medication that works by making the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin. A low carbohydrate diet and exercise also have the same effect, but without the risk of death. Now, the FDA is recommending that Avandia be removed from the market. GlaxoSmithKline, the drug’s maker, disagrees of course and from the outset has sought to cover up the potential problems with the drug. Reports, obtained by The New York Times, say that if every diabetic now taking Avandia were instead given a similar pill named Actos, about 500 heart attacks and 300 cases of heart failure would be averted every month because Avandia can hurt the heart. What if those people had been on an intensive diet and exercise program instead? Avandia also caused 304 deaths in the third quarter of 2009.

GlaxoSmithKline has attempted to cover up the information and it has been shown they did not warn the public of the dangers despite knowing more than 10 years ago that it was dangerous. The reason? It was a huge seller. Avandia was once one of the biggest-selling drugs in the world. Driven in part by a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign, sales were $3.2 billion in 2006. An upcoming bipartisan multiyear senate investigation sharply criticized GlaxoSmithKline for not waring of the potentially deadly side effects.

‘Instead, G.S.K. executives attempted to intimidate independent physicians, focused on strategies to minimize or misrepresent findings that Avandia may increase cardiovascular risk, and sought ways to downplay findings that a competing drug might reduce cardiovascular risk,’ concludes the report, which was overseen by Senator Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, and Senator Charles E. Grassley, an Iowa Republican.

Mr. Baucus said of the report, ‘Patients trust drug companies with their health and their lives, and GlaxoSmithKline abused that trust.’ (From The NY Times)

The first mistake is that you should never trust a pharmaceutical company. They are the most deceitful companies in existence and are only interested in big profits, even if it destroys lives. They seek to cover up unfavorable information and when confronted with the proof they attempted a cover up, simply deny or “disagree” with the findings.

Unfortunately, there is an internal battle within the FDA. Some are adamant that this drug should be removed. This comes from the public safety arm of the FDA. Other are not so sure. The FDA has requested that GlaxoSmithKline undertake a study to prove whether this drug actually does cause heart problems. First of all, this is a dangerous undertaking because the drug has already been shown to cause these problems, hence the reason the FDA is recommending it be removed from the market. Secondly, asking the drug’s maker to conduct the study is like asking the family dog to watch your food for you while you go to the bathroom. Nothing good can come of it.

Senator Grassley said the internal agency battle showed that the agency needed to be restructured to give more power to safety officials like Dr. David Graham and Dr. Kate Gelperin (who are part of the FDA and have recommended it be removed) over their counterparts who approve medicines and deal more directly with drug makers.

‘It doesn’t make any sense to have these experts who study drugs after they have been on the market for several years under the thumb of the officials who approved the drug in the first place and have a natural interest in defending that decision,’ Mr. Grassley said. ‘The Avandia case may be the most alarming example of the problem with this setup.’

Below is an exerpt from the NY Times article about the process through with Avandia has gone and shows that it has been known for years that this is dangerous.

The Senate investigation — the result of years of digging through more than 250,000 internal company documents — concludes that GlaxoSmithKline and by extension the F.D.A. delayed far too long in this process.

In November 2003, for instance, the company completed a study in which diabetics given Avandia had far more heart problems than those given placebos. Two months later, the World Health Organization sent the company an alert linking Avandia to heart ailments. In a June 2004 meeting, the company’s Global Safety Board said a hard look should be taken at all Avandia clinical trials for more signs of heart problems, documents show.

European regulators had earlier ordered GlaxoSmithKline to conduct a study — called the Record trial — to examine Avandia’s heart risks because hints of these problems appeared in the company’s earliest trials.. But the Senate report shows that by at least 2004, company executives were aware that the Record trial was going so poorly that it would never answer the heart question with any kind of certainty.

So company executives gathered dozens of Avandia studies and sifted their combined data. Called a meta-analysis, this combined look found first in 2005 and in an updated look in 2006 that Avandia increased the risks of serious heart problems by nearly a third, the Senate investigation shows. Because two-thirds of diabetics die of heart problems, this was hugely worrying.

In 2005, executives revealed the results of their meta-analysis to the F.D.A., and in 2006 they provided the agency with the underlying data.

Two large company-sponsored trials — called Dream and Adopt — were published near the end of 2006, and each provided more hints that Avandia hurts the heart, the documents show. In a March 2007 meeting of the company’s Diabetes Franchise Cardiology Advisory Board, advisers called the safety worries found in these many studies “disquieting.” Negotiations with agency officials about how and whether to alert the public continued.

All while this is going on, GlaxoSmithKline continued to market the drug aggresively, all the while knowing it was dangerous. The senate inquiry shows that as far back at 1999 there were attempts to silence doctors who spoke out publicly about Avandia.

Dr. John Buse, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, gave presentations at scientific meetings suggesting that Avandia had heart risks. GlaxoSmithKline executives complained to his supervisor and hinted of legal action against him, according to the Senate inquiry. Dr. Buse eventually signed a document provided by GlaxoSmithKline agreeing not to discuss his worries about Avandia publicly. The report cites a separate episode of intimidation of investigators at the University of Pennsylvania. GlaxoSmithKline said that it “does not condone any effort to silence” scientific debate, and that it disagrees with allegations that it tried to silence Dr. Buse. Still, it said the situation “could have been handled differently.”

Again, there is a plethora of proof that:

A) GlaxoSmithKline knew this was dagerous for years and did nothing about it. B) They actively engaged in covering up the data. C) Tried to suppress and intimidate doctors who spoke out publicly about the drug.

GlaxoSmithKline will probably get a slap on the wrist for this, but they should be fined billions. Avandia is only one example of how crooked the pharmaceutical industry is. Until we get the lobbying money out of politics things will continue as is and people will continue to get hurt by corporate giants that have no regard for peoples’ health and safety.

[Via http://thevreelandclinic.wordpress.com]

Bits Scan: Friday's Tech News Roundup - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

Starting a Health Fitness Specialist degree

2010-02-20T03:50:00.000+02:00

As I stated in another post, I’ve been approved for beginning an Associates in Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Health Fitness Specialist. Everything just about is complete for my entrance. My ACT scores were finally received, and I scored well enough that I can get out of 4 foundation classes usually required. Speaking of classes, I still haven’t heard which of the UAF classes were able to transfer to the other university on my transcript. I’m hoping a lot of them transfer so I don’t have to take any general classes, but can get right down to the degree specific courses.

I have to do an interview for financial aid (required even if paying your own way) then I can register for classes. I was supposed to have done the interview this week, but with only one vehicle since the accident, we were extra busy and I wasn’t home during the times available. Hopefully this can be done on Monday. Then I can register for classes and arrange book shipments. I’m excited to start classes in early April.

Why a degree as a Health Fitness Specialist? I’m definitely not your typical health nut, nor do I necessarily consider myself one. I’m 35, not athletic by any means, and overweight. However, I do see the value in being fit and want to help others learn that you don’t have to be athletic to be fit. Nor is being fit just being skinny. Being fit is a lifestyle and as such, full of choices. I want to help others make healthy choices. This degree will give me more knowledge to do that.

I want others to know that you can change your life from unhealthy to fit. I’m doing it. It’s not always easy, but worth the effort. Not someone who hasn’t been there saying what a health book says weight loss should be. Nor someone drastically overweight telling how to get thin. I’ve gotten advice from both these types. Neither of them were especially helpful, even though they were both informational. Instead, it added to my frustration because I felt they didn’t understand where I was coming from. I want the book learning to go along with my personal insights so I can help with a range of fitness problems whether it be loosing weight, toning trouble spots, or injury rehab.

For this degree, classes include human anatomy, movement, nutrition, fitness evaluations, and how the body responds to exercise. There’s also some business classes. It’s more detailed than what most fitness instructors and personal trainers have and I’d be able to pass those exams. This is a 2 year degree with the option to continue into a bachelor’s degree which has more specialized training courses.

I’m taking most of this for my own knowledge rather than wanting a specific job. However, I would be able to work in almost any health setting including gyms and health clubs, physical rehab centers, schools, and even corporate settings. It’s definitely a portable degree. That’s good since I could likely get short term or part time positions while traveling if I ever wanted to. I want to help people as a wellness coach and fitness instructor to get over the blocks keeping them from being fit. I’ve already been approached for a potential fitness instructor position.

[Via http://akhomeschoolfun.wordpress.com]

QuirksBlog: Browser news from the Mobile World Congress

Women's Health and Fitness - Reducing Cortisol Levels Can Help You To Lose Weight

2010-02-20T03:36:00.000+02:00

Maybe one of the easiest and simplest ways is breathing. This is done by gently breathing in through the nose, gently expanding your abdomen and then gently expelling the air through your nose pulling in your abdomen at the same time. Whilst breathing out the air you need to focus on that breath. After several breaths in and out you should start to feel yourself relax. You need to practice doing this exercise a few minutes a day to start with building up to five minutes in the end. You can also practice this when you are feeling stressed or when things are getting on top of you. Just a few minutes can slow your body down and help it to feel relax.

Life style changes can be like changing your eating habits for a healthier diet, getting enough sleep, or even organizing your time more efficiently so that you do not feel so stressed. Also looking after your body will help your body to cope with stresses that you come across during your day.

So if you are exercising frequently and eating properly but still not losing any weight especially from around the middle then maybe you are suffering from high levels of cortisol caused by stress. Look at ways to solve the problem and hopefully then you should see a difference in your weight and around your middle.

If you want to know the best tips on how to lose weight quickly and safely, come and visit http://www.learn-to-lose-weights.info/. There you will find the secret of losing weight.

[Via http://healthandfitnessforlife.wordpress.com]

Bits Scan: Friday's Tech News Roundup - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

Are You Working Against Yourself?

2010-02-18T15:52:00.000+02:00

There are many things that can interfere with your ability to give your best to whatever you are going. Sometimes we are tired, sometimes we just have too many other activities getting in the way, and sometimes we just get lazy. These distractions come and go. The one persistent problem that can get in your way is thinking.

Now, I don’t mean critical thinking where you truly assess what you are doing, how you are doing it, and make adjustments accordingly. I am talking about what is sometimes called “stinking thinking.” Stinking thinking is the idea that you are thinking too much about the bad and not concentrating enough on the good. All of us fall prey to stinking thinking as some point, no matter what career or activities we pursue. However, when stinking thinking invades our thoughts several times a day, we are working against ourselves.

Many of us were raised by parents who spent a lot of time worrying. They worried about everything: money, their spouse, their kids, even what they were going to have for dinner tonight. They spent so much time worry that they sometimes forgot to look at what was going well. Unfortunately, many of us picked up our parents bad habits.

How do you combat stinking thinking? Probably the most important thing is to have a plan. If you have trouble coming up with a plan yourself, work with someone, a mentor or a friend, to come up with a plan. Second, stick to the plan. If you have a goal in mind and way to get there, you are much less likely to get off track and start falling prey to self-doubt.

Don’t forget to look at what is going well. If you have gotten off track a little or things are going exactly as you planned, you are undoubtedly doing something right. As long as you are still working toward the goal and moving forward, then you are heading in the right direction. If you start worrying excessively about the fact that things have not gone exactly as planned, you can actually cause things to go even more off track. Again, don’t work against yourself. If you feel discouraged, go back to the person you worked with on the plan. Talk out what is going on and how you might change things. You might be surprised to find that you are doing everything right it is just taking more time than originally planned. Or you may find that you need to adjust something a little bit.

The ability to stay on track and stay positive takes discipline and practice. The effort is well worth it when your business thrives and you achieve success.

[Via http://robinrushlo.wordpress.com]

Garriott starting social media project News | MMO | Eurogamer

Day 43 Weight Loss- February 17, 2010

2010-02-18T03:32:00.001+02:00

Day 43

Weight- 223.2 lb.

Food Consumed- ? Calories

x1 Footlong Chicken Breast Sub. Some pizza and a little cake (today was my brother’s birthday)

Workout-

Did some core exercises on my exercise ball. Today was biceps and legs at the gym!

Supplements taken-

Took some multivitamins in the morning. Had a protein shake with creatine after my gym workout.

Overall thoughts-

Ah, I am in a good mood today after the gym. I had been looking forward to today to see if my biceps have improved. They did! I started off my first time on biceps, not even being able to curl 30 pounds with my left arm at all, to pumping out multiple reps of 35 pounds today. That may not sound like a lot, but it is a pretty big deal to me! Numerical improvements make me feel like I have been getting somewhere with this. My body weight has been literally stagnant this month so far, but at least my muscular ability is increasing. Good stuff. I really gotta keep up with the cardio though, because I think that will show more physical differences!

[Via http://donmichaels.wordpress.com]

Bit Scan: Tuesday's Tech News Roundup - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

So close

2010-02-18T03:32:00.000+02:00

This week at my Weight Watchers weigh-in, I lost .4 pounds from last week. This was a little frustrating because I was only .8 pounds from getting another five pound star for a total of 80 pounds. So exciting. I’m thinking this coming Monday, I’ll be there though. I’m very excited.

Eric has been feeling under the weather this week. He awoke Monday morning with a sore throat and it’s just kinda made him feel yucky all week. We got some sudafed for him this morning and that seemed to help during the day. Praying he feels better quickly.

Jessica and I walked this evening. Becky came over and rode the stationary bike. We then went over to Subway and had dinner and worked on studying for Jessica’s GRE exam. I’m not sure how much help we’re really giving her sometimes. The math is so tough. I am so not a math person. This weekend is our nine mile walk. We’re trying to think of something cute to do for our shirts for the race. We don’t have any great ideas yet. Only three more weeks until our Princess Half. YEAH! I don’t know if I’ve posted this or not yet, but I’ve been trying to think of something I would like to do to celebrate getting to my goal weight in the end. I have decided that I want to complete the Chicago marathon for my celebration. I am very excited about it and I may not be able to make it by this year’s marathon – especially since I don’t know when it will fill up. I want to get to my goal weight before signing up. I should definitely be able to get to my goal weight and sign up for Chicago Marathon 2011. I wanted to let you all know what I am working towards.

I’ve been very excited lately at how many people are starting to notice my weight loss. It feels great to have people really notice. Eric took me shopping on Saturday and I got some new clothes as some of mine are starting to get too large to wear. I can’t tell you how nice it felt to fit into a size 12. It’s been SO LONG since I was a size 12.

I’ve started my new Beth Moore book on insecurity. Haven’t gotten very far yet, but I like what I’ve read. I really appreciate her sincerity and openness. Jessica and I were talking tonight about how imperfect we are and how God uses imperfect people – Beth Moore discusses this in her books I’ve been reading – just think about how anxious and messed up some of the people from the Bible were. God loved them and used them to do great and mighty things. We need to realize that we don’t have to be perfect.

[Via http://sundibucci.wordpress.com]

Android 2.1 News and Weather App Ported to Android 1.5 | AndroidGuys

The Easy Way Out

2010-02-16T15:52:00.000+02:00

Who is the couch potato mystery man/woman? In the past three days my blog, “The Contagious Disease Called Lazy” has gotten a ton of hits. Someone is reading it a lot and searching the words couch potato to find it. I am so flattered that this person(or people) are intrigued by this thought but I am dying to know what they think/feel/say/anything! But, I will leave it at that. Today I will write about this topic (being lazy) as apparently it is well read this week.

What does it mean to be lazy? What sets a lazy person apart from an active one? Is lazy something we are born with or learned? I believe that being lazy is something we do when we are living on the surface, not from our core. I believe when we live from our core we have passions, desires, excitement, and we love to move. We love to make our bodies happy and healthy. We love exploring and learning. This drive and activity comes from deep down inside. When we don’t tap into this portion of ourselves, I believe we stop caring, and we get lazy.

When I was in the dieting crowd, I was lazy. I mentioned in my earlier blog just how lazy I was. Everything felt like a hassle. Everything was hard and inconvenient. I didn’t care about the little important details, I didn’t care much about anything, most importantly, I didn’t really care about myself. This lead me down a journey of laziness that only continued to move downward.

Here are ten ways to jump out of being lazy and become that energetic, driven, positive person:

1. Do your dishes: Don’t wait until your dishes have a layer of disgusting, sticky filth stuck to them, wash them immediately. How much more will you enjoy your meal when your dishes are already done.

2. Do your laundry: Doing your laundry often saves you from devoting an entire day to 7 loads when your room has been taken over by dirty clothes. Do your laundry well before it piles up.

3. Brush your teeth: Well I hope this isn’t the first time you have heard this one. Brushing your teeth (even when you are sooo tired and you just want to go straight to bed) is surprisingly invigorating. Just as I feel like I am going to fall over from exhaustion, I get up, brush my teeth, and what do you know, my eyes perk right up!

4. Clean often: There is no reason you can’t wipe down counters and appliances everyday! Imagine how much easier it will be to deep clean when you have been cleaning all week!

5. Get moving: If you are someone that works best on a schedule, schedule your workouts for the week. Pick different activities for different days and write them in your calendar. If you like spontaneity, wake up and ask yourself what you feel like doing, then do it! The more you move, the more you will want to continue moving.

6. No more rolly chairs: This really only applies if you work in an office. When we have the comfort of sitting all day we tend to become attached to the chair. Get off the chair every time you need to get a copy. Do not roll around like you have no mobility. I did this when I worked in an office and next thing I knew I was complaining when I had to stand up and walk down the hall to the bathroom. Don’t make this a habit.

7. Start cooking: Everyone can read a recipe book so don’t tell me you can’t cook. If you hate cooking, too bad. That may sound harsh but you must, must, must find a venue of cooking that you enjoy. Get excited about the beautiful cookbooks they have out there. Discover new herbs and spices, get creative!

8. Get social: The more you get outside and mingle, the less you will find yourself melting into your couch. When you are surrounded by friends and family you will be happier, healthier, and more motivated. Don’t wait for them to make plans with you, call them, who knows maybe they were just waiting for you to make the first move!

9. Hobbies: I feel like a broken record with this one but finding your passions and hobbies is so important. You need to find things that you are good at and that make you smile. These are the things that get you away from the TV and into your core self. They will fill you up in a way that food, TV, and trashy magazines can’t touch.

10. Independence: We have learned to depend on many things to make our lives easier. I don’t think we need it to be quite this easy (we have an obesity epidemic!). If the microwave and dishwasher are your two best friends it is time to start searching for alternatives. You can cook! You can wash dishes! You can do just about anything… if you want too. Discover your independence.

These ten tips are not easy. It is not easy to live in your core, it is hard work. Once you live with fullness and energy, you will live the most fulfilling, fabulous life you can imagine. If you are someone who considers themselves to be lazy, it’s OK, you have the power to turn that around, so find your independence and kick lazy to the curb.

[Via http://hastiefitness.wordpress.com]

New PS3 PVR gets Japanese date News | PS3 | Eurogamer

02-15-10 - I did it again

2010-02-16T03:48:00.000+02:00

I did it again. The same thing that I’ve done so many weekends before, a total breakdown of my willpower. I didn’t track anything I ate, and I probably consumed more fat than I would in an entire week if I were sticking to plan. All I can say is that I’m not looking forward to weighing in on Wednesday, because I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.

I have to get back on track, but it seems whenever I have a bad weekend, making it through the next week seems that much harder. I don’t really have a choice, though, because I have to keep going, I had a really good stratch for several weeks, but the last few weeks, even before this weekend, just haven’t gone as well. I have to get some mojo going again.

That’s really all I have to say tonight. That about tells the story in a few words. This week will be a better week, though. It has to be.

[Via http://pstarr999.wordpress.com]

Another week of GW News, February 14, 2010 : A Few Things Ill ...

Sexy by Summer

2010-02-16T03:45:00.000+02:00

Day 1 Mon. February 15th, 156lbs

This was a lot harder than I expected. Exercising took a lot out of me. I ran 1 mile it was difficult. I also did my push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges and walking. I can’t believe I made it through my exercise routine. My body feels great, especially my legs. I can actually feel the muscles in them. That’s so wonderful because I’ve always hated having a fat butt and fat legs. Those parts of my body will be my biggest accomplishment!

I’m really tired. When I don’t get to eat I get really frustrated. I feel angry. I hate feeling this way. I just need to relax… Easier said then done.

For breakfast I had 1 apple, 1/4 cup of almonds and a cup of coffee. I probably shouldn’t have coffee… But it gives me energy. Even if it’s only mental it helps me keep up this diet.

For lunch I had about 2 slices of cheese. I should have eaten more but I took too long exercising.

For dinner I had chicken soup. About 2 bowls. It had carrots, green beans, onions and of course chicken.

And another cup of coffee…

I weighed this morning it was terrible. I weighed 156lbs. I gained weight. So I’m very happy I stuck with my diet and exercise today. I’m only going to weigh every 2 weeks. On March 1st I’ll weigh again. I’m also going to measure my body to see where I’m at. That way I’ll have something to compare my size to down the road when I’m smaller. I’m only going to measure at each month mark so March 15th I’ll measure again.

33 in. waist
44 in. Butt
40 1/2 in. hips
15 1/2 in. calves
27 in. thighs

Lastly I posted my pictures so we can watch my progress. This blog is definitely increasing my determination.

Note to self: Drink more water tomorrow.

[Via http://sexybysummer.wordpress.com]

Dana Perino, Fox News' Press Secretary in Exile « SpeakEasy

Can I lose weight with walking?

2010-02-14T15:52:00.000+02:00

For some unknown reason, many people seem to think that walking is a poor form of exercise. Hardly anyone ever recommends this exercise. Go to any fitness expert, health professional or sports expert and the first thing they always insist is that you buy expensive exercise equipment, join a gym or eat special diets- walking is the last word in their mouth.

The crazy thing is that many people believe these “soothsayers” and buy expensive machines for exercise and or join costly gyms which they rarely visit. The majority of people who but home exercise equipment get bored within one week and then hide the equipment underneath the bed or store it in the garage.

What should be understood is that intense exercises are not for everyone. There are many people who just can’t get on an exercise machine or start jogging.

For everyone who wants to lose weight, there is absolutely nothing wrong with walking. In fact over the long run, walking is better than any other form of exercise. Granted the results are not rapid, but over time, more people remain motivated to this simple form of exercise.

It is estimated that if you lose 3500 calories you will lose one pound in weight. Walking for 1 hr every day will help you burn about 300-400 calories day. This means that in 10 days, you can lose a pound. Further, if you combine this to dietary restrictions, the weight loss can be augmented. If you cut down 100- 200 calories a day and combine it with walking for an hour- the weight loss can be significant. The more you walk, the greater the weight loss. And of course if you walk faster, the more calories you burn.

Walking is the cheapest, safest and most cost effective way to lose weight. Plus, you get to enjoy the environment and appreciate nature. So start walking today and stop listening to the fitness experts who want you to spend your hard earned money on junk exercise machines.

[Via http://sbmed.wordpress.com]

Latest Legal News: Newest Model Toyota Lawsuit: RICO - DailyFinance

What To Do When On Isagenix

2010-02-14T15:38:00.000+02:00

The most important thing to remember when you are starting an Isagenix Program is that Isagenix can be flexible -

Make it fit your schedule.

Isagenix offers something for every”body”.

On the Total Wellness Plan you’ll cleanse two days a month. The rest are 1 shake and two meals.

On a 30 Day Nutritional Cleanse you will start with 2 Pre Cleanse Days, then 1 Cleanse Day. Follow with 6 Shake Days and repeat the Cleanse Day. Repeat 6 Shake Days/1 Cleanse.. That’s it. On a 30 Day Cleanse you will only cleanse one day a week. The rest are all Shake Days.

On a 9 Day you will have enough product to have 2 Pre Cleanse Days which are the same as Shake Days, 4 Cleanse Days and 5 Shake Days. You’ll start with the 2 Pre Cleanse Days.. Follow with 2 Cleanse Days. Than 5 Shake Days. Finish up with 2 more Cleanse Days.

You’ll do great! You are going to Love how you feel!

All of this info will be in you program guide book that you will receive with you first shipment. What is not included is EXACTLY what to do when. During my first 30 Day Nutritional Cleanse I found it helpful to follow a written plan. I picked the times because they worked for me. You can change or rotate anything you like. Good Luck and let me know if you have any questions and how you’re doing.

Pre Cleanse/Shake Days

AM 1 -2 ounces Ionix Supreme (not included in a 9 day cleanse)

8:00 Shake and Nat. Accelerator

12:00 Isagenix Snack (Optional) and Nat. Accelerator

1:30 400 – 600 Calorie Meal

4:00 Isagenix Snack (Optional)

6:00 Shake

8:00 Isagenix Snack (Optional)

9:00 1-2 Isa Flush (not included in a 9 day cleanse)

Cleanse Days

1/2 Cup Cleanse 4 life X 4

*Sprinkle Cleanse for Life with Want More Energy (Optional)

*Drink lots of Water.

AM 1/2 cup Cleanse for Life and Nat. Accelerator

8:00 Isagenix Snack

11:00 1/2 cup Cleanse for Life and Isagenix Snack

12:00 1 – 2 ounces Ionix Supreme

1:00 Isagenix Snack

2:00 1/2 cup Cleanse for Life

3:00 Isagenix Snack

5:00 1/2 cup Cleanse for Life and Isagenix Snack

7:00 Isagenix Snack

9:00 Isa Flush (Not in a 9 day or Total Health and Wellness)

When you’re ready to order again and/or you want to share Isagenix with your friends and family please visit www.CleanseMyself.com. Click “sign up and save” and find out how to receive wholesale prices on all your orders for the next year.

Let us know if you have any questions or need any support.

Stay Healthy,

THE LIVING DREAM TEAM

[Via http://livingdreamteam.com]

News Of The Day

Diet Journey Day 16

2010-02-14T02:56:00.000+02:00

Went on the treadmill today for an hour and did another hour of pilates… did pretty good with the food too, just one vegitarian tamale with beans and rice, some protein powder, two pickles and about four pieces of bread with butter… ok…….. maybe i ate a bunch of garbage today – this is why it pays off to think about it and write it down, lol! Had some coffee too…. geez! Will try harder with the food tomorrow

[Via http://lisdiet.wordpress.com]

Saturday News: The Tools of Ignorance - Pinstripe Alley

Stay Simple and Your Summary Saturday

2010-02-13T15:00:00.000+02:00

Too often we complicate things unnecessarily. The same can be said about working out. You don’t need to waste time performing fancy exercises or using every piece of equipment in a gym. There’s no need to entertain everybody with BOSU squats. Trust me, it’s not a “functional core” exercise…

In fact, if you’re just starting out, the focus should be on the basics. Learn to squat. Learn to deadlift. Learn, practice, and perform pushups. Learn, practice, and perform pull-ups. Believe it or not, you can structure an effective program, and make great gains, by simply using those four exercises. You can always throw in some lunges and rowing/pulling movements as well, but learn the basics first.

Below is a quick video from Bill Hartman on rowing. Too often people fail to engage and retract the scapula before performing the movement. Again, learn the basics…

A couple great articles to mention this week…

A great post by Lyle McDonald on Muscle Growth & Workout Nutrition.

An interesting post on Chocolate Milk, and whether it’s an ideal post-exercise drink.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

[Via http://envisionedhealth.wordpress.com]

First iPhone OS 3.2 app appears on App Store | iLounge News

Rooted in the Infinite: The Yoga of Alignment|Weight-Loss|Yoga

2010-02-13T14:23:00.000+02:00

“Rooted in the Infinite: The Yoga of Alignment” is one comprehensive system which can:

-Align yourself from within so that when you mediate, you have a profound, authentic, transformational experience, right from the start.

-Find it engaging and enjoyable to meditate. (You can use this system to prepare for any other type of sitting or movement meditation, including martial arts.)

-Develop a regular inner alignment meditation practice that you look forward to.

-Develop your talents (especially in the performing arts involving the voice, e.g., acting, singing, public speaking).

-Cultivate wisdom, compassion, and equanimity.

-Become an instrument of Divine Love.

-Understand how the path of desirelessness and the path of desire are the same path.

-Understand how the ego can lead to “enbrightenment.”

-Support your physical and emotional healing from within.

-Prepare yourself for the manifestation of the desires of your heart.

With this book, employing Rebbie’s unusual mingling of the Upanishads, the Abraham-Hicks teachings, watermelon seeds, and chiropractic, you can become a more true version of yourself.
The exercises in the back of the book teach you how to:

-Align your “energetic spine.”

-Locate the now in your body.

-Augment your healing.

-Live in the now.

-Prepare for deep meditation.
Here’s the Table of Contents:

Introduction: How to Approach This Book

Section I Preparing the Ground: The Basic Principles

-Let the Water Flow: Life Force

-Clearing the Path: Alignment

-Seven Lotuses: The Chakras

-Tilling the Soil: Techniques

-Planning the Garden: X-Y-Z

Section II Rooted in the Infinite: Creation

-Locating Your Root

-The Root of Time: Locating The Now

-The Root of Space: Finding the Center of the Universe

-Transformation and Creation: Cosmic Potential

-The Root of Being: Balance and Healing

-The Open Moment

Section III Planting the Seed: Bringing Awareness to Each Chakra

-The Wild Herbs of Paradox: Desire and Ego

-Wild Flowers: The Heart That Sings

-Expansive Perspective: Wisdom and Mastery

Section IV Joyful and Abundant Harvest: Living in the Garden of Life

-Alignment for Spiritual Purification

-Alignment for Healing

-Alignment for Joyful Manifestation

-A Good Life

Practice Section

-Introduction

-Session 1 Locating Your Root

-Session 2 Locating The Now

-Session 3 Locating The Center of the Universe

-Session 4 Balance and Healing

-Session 5 The Open Moment

-Session 6 Desire – Ego

-Session 7 The Heart That Sings

-Session 8 Wisdom – Mastery

-Session 9 Alignment for Spiritual Awareness

-Session 10 Alignment for Healing

-Session 11 Alignment for Joyful Manifestation

-Session 12 A Good Life

Index.
Price: $16.95 -

Rooted in the Infinite: The Yoga of Alignment

[Via http://hu6006.wordpress.com]

News Fail - FAIL Blog: Epic Fail Pictures and Videos of Owned ...

Day 4 In the Life of The Get In Shape Girl

2010-02-13T03:43:00.000+02:00

Current Weight 126

6:30am – Wake up, make breakfast (egg whites and turkey wrap), chug water and take vitamins. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work out this morning but my boyfriend did so I woulda felt like a bum not going, so I ran over to BSC and spent 13 minutes getting warmed up on the elliptical while reading Oxygen and listening to Lady Gaga. Then I stretched and boyyyyyy are my hamstrings tight from doing RDL’s last night. Then I did the following ab exercises all on the stability ball:

20 knees to elbows (10 each side) – Plank position with feet on stability ball, right knee to right elbow, and so on..

20 crunches on ball

20 elbow to knee crunches on the ball

20 passes (lie on back lift feet in air, pass stability ball to hands, lie flat, pass stability ball back to feet, etc)

40 crunches (place knees on ball, back on floor and crunch up)

10 knees to opposite elbow (5 each side) – Plank position with feet on stability ball, right knee to left elbow, and so on..

30 bicycle crunches

Yesterday at CATZ, Sarah, one of my coaches told me about the knees to elbow thing with feet on the stability ball, and I’m all about challenging my core, so I wanted to do it today and I really like it, but the knees to opposite elbow is REALLY hard, like, I fell off once. I just can’t quite reach my knee to my opposite elbow. If my foot is on the floor, I can, and I can touch my knee to the same side elbow, but opposite.. no. But I’m going to try again when I hit the gym tonight.

10am – Okay, so I completely forgot to eat because I was so busy at work. But I’m eating now and I’m having a low fat string cheese, an apple and 25 almonds. Here’s the nutrition:

Calories Carbs Fat Protein

String Cheese 50 0 2 6

Apple 81 21 0 0

Almonds 208 7 18 8

1:30pm – Definitely a little late eating again, but I just took my lunch break to go to H&M with my girlfriend Erica. I have to say that shopping for a size 4 makes shopping a lot funner! So today for lunch I had a piece of think sliced chicken breast with some yummy Ken’s wing sauce and I’d say what was a cup of spaghetti squash and one of those cute pink sugar cookies with sprinkles! Here’s the nutrition:

Calories Carbs Fat Protein

Chicken 140 0 2 29

Sauce 15 1 2 0

Spaghetti Squash 4 10 0 1

Cookie 150 21 6 2

So that cookie was totally naughty, but we are all human, right? I just know I need to run a few miles tonight at the gym or go to spinning perhaps. All those carbs were straight sugar, and I can tell because I feel like I really need to brush my teeth.

4:30pm – Ok, I’m getting ready to have my mid-afternoon/ pre-workout snack, so I need the perfect combination of complex carbs and lean protein. Obviously I’m on a Chobani kick, so I’m going to have that again. I really don’t ever get sick of eating the same things over and over again. I get to where I actually crave them if I go too long between. I was putting honey in my plain greek yogurt, but I’m not really wanting the extra calories, so I opt for Splenda. A lot of you may not like using artificial sweeteners, but I figure everything gives cancer.. I’m not all that worried about a little Splenda. I’m also having a sugar free Redbull because I’m getting sleepyyyy!

I decided to go to spinning. I’m really not a fan of spinning unless it’s with someone who really motivates and PLAYS GOOD MUSIC. It wasn’t a whole hearted attempt, I want to save my legs for a long run tomorrow. But I got a decent sweat going, then I got an especially good 20 minute stretch in and rolled out.

For dinner my amazing boyfriend picked up salads from Not Your Average Joe’s. Here’s the nutrition facts from my Ahi tuna salad…

Calories Carbs Fat Protein

344 34 10 31

I seriously love tuna.. I could be a fisher-woman and just eat raw tuna every single day.. its sooooo good!

I’m still working on getting my gallon in.. so far I’m at 15 cups… no problem.. I got this!! So all in all, today was okay, I could have eaten better.. I did have a couple of cookies but tomorrow is a new day.. CATZ first thing!!!

Kyra Williams

The Get In Shape Girl

[Via http://thegetinshapegirl.wordpress.com]

Live-blog: 22 Bahman – 31st Anniversary of Islamic Revolution ...

Self-Care Before Sit-Ups...

2010-02-11T15:45:00.000+02:00

My good friend and client Amy Lundberg is starting her amazing “Self Care Before Sit-Ups” Group Coaching Program TODAY with a F*REE call…so if you’ve been wanting to lose the weight for good and get into shape so that you are energized and loving your body, you’ll definitely want to check this out!

Here’s her letter…

“Less than 24 hrs before my Accelerated Transformational group coaching program starts!

I have heard many of you and I am listening!

You are asking me for more details; not sure if this right for you; and the timing is a factor.

So two things:

1. There is never a perfect time to start when it comes to starting your journey towards improving your health, weight, balance, and lifestyle.

This only starts when the discomfort is too great…

so why wait until then, why not start now?

Life is always busy, my life is busy, but I know how to manage my energy (which I coach)not my time, to live a life of balance, peace, joy, and in my ideal healthy body. This gives me the energy to enjoy all the things I need to do and love to do without feeling depleted, guilty, or full of resentment.

So I invite you to looking within yourself with compassion and love and get in touch with your story, what has been holding you back from investing in yourself.

2. I am offering the first class f/r/ee to give you a taste and feel of what the class will be like and see for yourself if this is just what you are looking for and would support you in your personal journey.

Your next step: Send me an e-mail saying you would like to be a guest on the first call and I will give you the call-in details:

aimforit at arvig.net.

That’s it! I’m so excited! I know lives will transform because…they do! Love to have you be a part of it!

Blessings,

Amy

218-846-1525

Aim For It-Fitness Coaching LLC

19483 County Rd

Detroit Lakes, MN

56501

US

Amy”

This will be a fantastic program, check it out!

[Via http://serendipitysgarden.wordpress.com]

Crist-Rubio debate on Fox News looks doubtful | Post on Politics

I would love to... lose 20 pounds.

2010-02-11T03:48:00.000+02:00

Like many people, I made a New Years resolution to lose weight. Actually, I resolved to do it back in November, but decided to wait until after the New Year. I admit, I wanted to enjoy the holidays!

I have gained about 35 pounds over the last few years. I had 2 back surgeries in 2009 and was off work . So, my wife and I are back on the South Beach Diet… It works. I lost 30 pounds when I was on it 4 years ago. So far, I have lost 18 pounds in 4 weeks. I would like to lose 15 to 20 more.

I was hoping to be at my goal weight before my vacation at the end of this month. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to make it… So, I guess I’ll go to Gatlinburg half way to my goal weight…

[Via http://cbenslay.wordpress.com]

Hot Air » Blog Archive » Great news: Captain America ready to take ...

In My Skin - Day 34

2010-02-11T03:33:00.000+02:00

Weight: 185… again!

Size: 14

Exercise: 5 miles on the treadmill.

I made it to the gym today and did another 5 miles on the treadmill. I got to thinking on my way home and I think that 12 miles is the most I have ever done in my life during one week… it has to be! LOL! I am proud of myself though. I feel good… tired now, but good. It is amazing how one day, like Monday, I walked the 5 miles and felt like I could do another 5. Tuesday I did 2 and was completely done by that point. Today I could have stopped after 2, but still felt good, so kept going. By the time I got to 4.5 I was feeling like I was done, so I stopped reading my book and just focused on the walking. I got though it just fine.

My legs are pretty tight today. That’s a good thing!

[Via http://katbite.wordpress.com]

FDA To Take Closer Look At Medical Radiation, Devices - Kaiser ...

Day 13: K-K-K-K-K-KENPO X!

2010-02-09T15:30:00.000+02:00

[Keep in mind that I write these posts quickly & immediately after finishing my workouts, so I apologize in advance for any grammar errors,weak sentence structure, babbling, etc.]

Today’s workout was a:

As a matter-of-fact: I fucking killed kenpo X! Killed it!

Kept up the whole time, kept the same pace as on the video for the most part – these guys sometimes are really just to fast when it comes to exercises where let’s say you step, punch, upper cut, kick, step back for example. On the step back part, they do it so fast while I still take a little longer, so they end up being one or two ahead of me – but I do extra at the end.

AND I ACTUALLY FAST-FORWARDED THROUGH TWO WHOLE 1:30 BREAKS!

So in other words I “brought it” today.

And the most amazing thing? I can now actually touch the fucking floor with my palms when doing a wide-legged stretch! I know that this is no big deal to most, but when I started on day 1 I could only touch my knees! Now I can place both my PALMS on the floor while bending over. That’s like a holy grail for fat dudes!

I love this workout cause you’re pushing yourself so hard, the moves and segue between exercises is so quick, that you feel like you have only done a 20-25 minute workout when you’ve actually done a whole 60 minutes. It’s great.

Not much else to say today, quite excited that tomorrow is officially the end of my 2nd week of p90x and I’ll be taking updated stats,measurements and pictures which I will post up tomorrow sometime. Right now? I’ve got to go eat.

Until tomorrow,

Thanks for visiting!

-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-Fat Guy

[Via http://p90xversusafatguy.wordpress.com]

Red Eye Celebrates Third Year By Topping CNN Prime Time Last Week ...

Day 2: Plyometrics

2010-02-09T03:53:00.000+02:00

Oh how I dislike you plyometrics! I forgot just how painful you are to me!Well, I obviously did Plyometrics today and I hate to say it, but I only made it through about 30 minutes. I have a horrible knee problem and I thought I was doing pretty good until it started giving in. It felt as though it was going to pop out of place. I knew it was time to stop, as I have had it actually slip out of place and its not very much fun. It usually puts me out for several days, and if I allow that to happen, I will not be able to continue in my P90X journey. Therefore, I had to put a stop to Plyo. I’m still in pain though and I know tomorrow will be worse. I guess I just have to keep “bringing it” right?

As for food, I am attempting to follow the nutrition program this time and I noticed that I am having a hard time to get that much protein in my diet. I also noticed that I consumed a lot of carbs which I didn’t think I had until I went to log all my food in. Man how quickly those carbs can sneak up on you!

Well, drinking my protein shake now, then off to bed!

[Via http://reviewp90x.wordpress.com]

The Morning News: Superbowl, Boeing, Tea Party, Iran, Toyota, Pac ...

mind over matter

2010-02-09T03:30:00.000+02:00

wow…today i got things back on track and i gotta say it feels GOOD!

only one day back and it’s almost like my mind and body are breathing a collective sigh of relief!

I went to the gym tonight and banged out 45 mins of cardio and strength and enjoyed it! Don’t get me wrong- it burned! LOL…while i was on the elliptical i felt like i was gonna pass out but i knew that that particular episode was a mind over matter game. SO right now it’s Lily:1; Total lack of self discipline: 0 and i’m in it to win it!

Paul in the Bible said that he will beat his body until it becomes his slave and i will do the same thing! I will train, exercise and eat my body into willing or unwilling submission. When I feel like eating garbage, i’m going to choose to eat right. When my mind KNOWS I can do at least 1280 strides in 15misn on the elliptical but my body wants to quit halfway, I will push it. When I fall off the wagon, I’ll dust myself off and get back on because really i will learn nothing until and unless i learn how to pick myself up and start all over again!

there is too much at stake to let a whole day’s/week’s/month’s/year’s worth of good work go to waste!

are you with me? let’s do this! be encouraged!

8-Feb Breakfast 1 slice ww bread 2 1 slice bologna 1 Snack Lunch 3/4 cup ’spanish rice’ 4 1 cup soup w/ dumpling 3 Snack 1 dumpling 3 1 slice ww bread w/ >1 tbs guava jam 2.5 Dinner 2 hotdogs 12 Snack Remaining Points 3.5 Total 27.5

[Via http://lilylosinit.wordpress.com]

'Ghostbusters 3' News: Murray Confirms Rumors, Possible Villain ...

Why Bother with a Detox Diet or Body Cleansing

2010-02-07T15:49:00.000+02:00

Why indeed, so lets explore this and understand whether there really is any point embarking on a Detox Diet, Body Cleansing, Detoxification or whatever you choose to call it.

First, what is the dictionary definition of Detox? Well the Oxford English dictionary defines it as the removal of toxic substances or qualities.

Wikipedia defines it as a treatment in alternative medicine which proponents claim rid the body of accumulated harmful substances that exert a negative effect on individual health.

So what do the experts, say, not the companies who try and persuade us to purchase detox products or go on detox holidays but the scientists.

Well, the Voice of Young Science Network reported that there is no evidence that products widely promoted to assist the body detox, actually work.

There is a world of difference between a Detox diet, i.e. products that you consume, and detox products for the body. For example a ‘detox face wash’. Well all this was found to accomplish was to remove make-up, skin oils and dirt, i.e. the same as any face wash.

What is a Detox Diet? A Detox Diet would generally last from five days to two weeks and involve drinking two to three litres of liquid a day, generally water. You would be asked to remove from your diet, caffeine, red meat, alcohol, tobacco, sugar and salt. You would eat lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken, rice and grains and possibly juice. If you want to get away for your detox program, you may also expect some pampering, a massage with aromatherapy oils, but maybe also a colonic irrigation.

Detox diets come in a myriad of terms, for example, lemon detox diet, three day detox diet, simple detox diet, apple detox diet, liquid detox diet, marthas vineyard detox diet and even the beyonce detox diet.

Will the diet work, well it should simply because you are eating healthily, and, depending how it compared to what you eat prior to your detox, you may lose weight as you could be eating a lot less calories than you use to.

So, back to the scientists. Well, in all the research we’ve read, the general opinion is it is unnecessary. Your body is so sophisticated it is designed to clear itself. Urine and stools are how the body removes toxic substances.

So if there is no evidence of a Detox diet being beneficial, why bother. Well, I’d argue, there may be three reasons:

1. A lot of us lead fast unhealthy lifestyles. A Detox Diet will force you to eat healthily at least for a short period. So depending on what your normal diet is, it may be no surprise that you lose weight and feel great at the end of it

2. For the more expensive programs, it’s an excuse to go away and be pampered and potentially return glowing.

3. If it encourages you to change your diet for good and eat and drink healthily, then that’s a good thing

So if you have had a Detox or are thinking of embarking on one, let us know. Please also remember, if you are on any medication or receiving medical treatment, consult your doctor first.

Lana Soko is passionate about health and writes for http://www.lose-weight-with-us.com

[Via http://lanasoko.wordpress.com]

SNL - Fox News Satire | TV | Mediaite

I am on a diet. What can I snack on?

2010-02-07T15:23:00.000+02:00

Losing weight is not easy. It takes effort and commitment.

To ward off the hungries, having fresh and easy snacks that are low cal and healthy is essential.

Try these yummy favorites:

1 cup plain nonfat yogurt topped with 1 Tbsp. IsaCrunch

½ cup 1% fat cottage cheese topped with 1 Tbsp. 3 slivered raw almonds or 4 cherry tomatoes

1 hard boiled egg with no salt

10 raw almonds soaked in water in the fridge over night

Whole wheat sesame flat bread topped with ½ Tbsp. all-natural peanut butter

3 oz. tuna or salmon, packed in water, served with 1 sliced plum tomato and drizzled with fresh lemon juice

½ cup steel-cut oats topped with ½ cup fresh berries

1 cup blueberries, strawberries or raspberries and 1 brown rice cake

½ cup red and yellow pepper, celery, or carrot strips dipped into 4 Tbsp. humus

1 cup mixed melon balls (cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew) topped with 1/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt

1 brown rice cake topped with ½ Tbsp. raw almond butter

½ a sliced apple or pear with 5 walnut halves

1 navel orange with ½ cup nonfat plain yogurt

Also try IsaDelights and Isagenix Slim Cake Cookies!

[Via http://livingdreamteam.com]

Lost Remote | ABC News content now available on Hulu

A COFFEE NETWORK MARKETING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

2010-02-06T15:22:00.000+02:00

Javafit Coffee Business Opportunity

http://www.DietCoffee.org

Many people do not like MLM Network marketing companies but there is are many others that feel the opposite and love them. It is low start up cost, can be done in your spare time, 1 -4 hours a day. Gradually over time you can reap some big profits or a nice part time income if you find the right company with a solid compensation plan, smart owners and the right product. One such company is Javafit. www.DietCoffee.org

http://www.OrganicDietCoffee.com

[Via http://organicdietcoffee.wordpress.com]

SEOmoz | Getting Started Publishing on Google News

Wii, Wii, Wii... all the way thin

2010-02-06T03:41:00.000+02:00

I hate exercise. I hate going to the gym. I’d rather stay home and play video games. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do — and lose weight doing it.

I’ve always struggled with weight and exercise. I’m definitely feeling the post-Christmas pressure on my jeans, but it is hardly a state exclusive to the holiday season.

I’ve tried to explain to my fitter friends that it is not that I’m lazy (ok, sometimes it is because I am lazy) — I just don’t enjoy exercise. I’m not good at it. It’s a struggle every step of the way, and I don’t get any sort of “athlete’s high” when I’m done.

I’ve pushed myself to run a 10 km race, and learned to ride a bike in this terrifying city. I’ve been to gyms but everywhere I looked people were fitter, stronger, and thinner than me. Plus, you have to go outside in the slush, sleet, and snow to get to a gym in the first place.

This time, I am going to have fun losing weight.

As a child of the mid-eighties I grew up playing video games, but only simple ones like Tetris and Super Mario Bros. I was never a serious “gamer”, and most systems beyond Super Nintendo became too complicated or violent for my tastes. That is why like the Wii so much.

It’s easy to use and fun to play. The selling point has never been about the most realistic graphics or the best war games. It’s a throwback to simpler times with modern features.

In a sort of low-tech virtual reality system, Wii Sports allows me to spar with my boyfriend in a boxing match, or hit baseballs out of the park. The controller registers my movements as I simulate a physical activity: In Wii Bowling I step forward, bend my knee, bring my arm back, then forward to release the virtual ball down the alley. It looks ridiculous to bystanders, but is incredibly engaging and works up a sweat in no time.

The Wii Fit game introduced the balance board. It is a rectangular platform, much like a bathroom scale, that measures balance, movement, and weight. The games include traditional “exercise” activities like aerobic step class and strength training yoga routines, along with games like ski jumping and hula hooping that require balance and timing. The new addition of Wii Fit Plus allows players to save routines for a regular workout.

The motion sensitive controls and simple graphics have made video games accessible to people who would never have considered playing them before. My partner’s grandmother plays Wii in her nursing home, and my semi-retired aunt played Wii at a resort in Myrtle Beach. Even my twenty-something best friend, who has never touched a video game in her life, enjoys Wii.

I see Wii as an opportunity to think outside the exercise box. For 8 weeks I will transform my living room into a gym (marvellously free of strangers’ sweat) and make friends with the Wii virtual trainers. A cartoon version of me (a Mii) will replicate my simulated actions as I stand in a Yoga tree pose or run laps in place. I have no idea if it will work, but that is the beauty of an experiment.

If it ends up just being a regular video game with some fancy features, then people should know that. But if it does work and it helps people get healthier, then they should know that too. At the very least, it is better than watching TV.

Now the only thing left to do is buy one. . . or borrow one. They’re sold out all over town.

[Via http://lizzbryce.com]

Mac-in-news Morning Round-up: Touch my Bezel

The Enemy Returns: The Bosu is back!

2010-02-06T03:40:00.000+02:00

Why won’t this thing leave me alone!!! It’s back.. and it’s mocking me… Look at it. It’s the face.. or at least the half-ball… of evil.

So I go to meet Amanda. Weigh in day, you know. My best guess is that maybe the new exercise plan will be flexibility. However Amanda has other plans. Like the Bosu of Death.

Amanda was recently featured in a local weekly newspaper as she for one of the teams in a “Biggest Loser” type contest this paper sponsors. In her interview, when asked what one of her favorite things in the gym to use, she said those evil words. The Bosu.

Now, okay.. I didn’t meet my weight loss goal this month. I missed it by .4 lbs. Yes, 4/10 of a pound. I wouldn’t have thought that would lead to this.. not this workout! Ack!!! This new workout has BOSU written all over it. ALL OVER IT. Literally.

Okay here is the plan:

1 One the mat: Modified Planks & Modified side planks. 2- The Bosu. I have to do a single arm chest press while standing on one leg on the bosu. Yes, your read that right! I have to get up on the bosu, my back to the cable machine, stand on one leg, and pull my arm forward. Here’s the deal. Last time I had to do this, it was on two legs and I still couldn’t successfully stay on the bosu for 20 reps. Because your back is to the machine and the stack of weights, it pulls you backwards and because you are standing on a half ball full of air, it often succeeds. Now do it on one foot. Needless to say, by the end of the first set, Amanda crossed “one foot” off my paper. 3- Next, because we don’t want to leave the bosu lonely, we are going to do lunges with the bosu. So step on the ball with one foot, lunge, step back. Easy enough. Sure okay.. 4- Back on the bosu and back on one foot. Arg. This time it is for one arm rows, so the cable machine, and luckily, facing the machine. I didn’t fall off twice for ever rep this time, but I didn’t trust myself to put my foot too high up, and I didn’t trust myself to leave it up longer than two reps at a time. 5- And then we finally get to walk away from the bosu (for now!) and go to the stability ball, roll out on my back and do skull crunches with a 20 lb bar bell. Doing 20 reps this time instead of 10 like last time. Whew.. 6- Now lets take that ball to the mat and do ham string curls. Lay down on your back, feet planted on the ball and hips in the air. Roll the ball towards you and then back out. I could really feel that in my hamstrings today! 7- And lastly, because you don’t want to say goodbye to your enemies too soon.. back to the bosu. This time I am getting on the floor, laying with my back on the bosu, so my lower back hits the top of the bosu, and doing crunches.

So that’s the plan. For the next two weeks. It can’t end soon enough.

Also Amanda told me that they are running a February special for personal training and since I see her twice a month for 30 minutes at $30 a session, she can offer me an additional 5 sessions for $15 each, so that I could meet with her once a week, instead of every other week. So by taking that package, I would get to work out once a week for approximately 2 and a half months. I am certainly going to do it. I have tried to ramp up the number of times a week I workout (tomorrow will be day #5 this week) as well as ramping up my cardio, I think this is something that will really help push me also.

I am now 20 lbs away from the lowest I hit when I did weight watchers 5 years ago, and I really want to get past that mark, and get on with it.

That’s the plan. I’m ready. Bosu or no Bosu.

[Via http://heydorcas.wordpress.com]

Mark Cuban May Hate News Aggregators, But He Also Wants To Invest ...

February 4, 2010

2010-02-04T15:48:00.000+02:00

Good morning everyone!! I am up and ready to go. I had a wonderful workout this morning thanks to the Wii Fit! I worked out for 24 minutes this morning and worked up quite a sweat! I love it! I had a good breakfast and now waiting on the dryer to stop so i can put my clean sheets in there. Got a bunch of laundry to get done today and a Biology Exam this evening that I have to make a good grade on.

I am looking forward to weigh in Monday to see if I have made some progress. I’m sure I have I just want to see it and feel it in my clothes. I can’t wait till my jeans are to big and I can move to the next size down; that is progress. I do have more energy that I had in a long while. Wow if this keeps up I might be healthy again. Woot!!!

Ok off to take a shower and study; I might be able to write more later as the day progresses.

Hope everyone has a healthy day!!

[Via http://loosingpartofme.wordpress.com]

Gran Turismo 5 "this fall" - Sony Europe News | PS3 | Eurogamer

Day Six - Making a Menu

2010-02-04T03:48:00.000+02:00

So I was not able to write for days four or five as I found myself busier than I had intended. I am back on day six, and right now I am working on a menu. I have found that making a menu actually helps on many different levels. Not only does it help in my planning for a healthy balanced diet, but it is a good habit to get into if I truly want to make this a complete lifestyle change. Having a menu in the home makes it easier to plan meals ahead of time as well as preparing them ahead of time if need be. I have also noticed that menus have helped me plan my grocery shopping and in saving money. I am able to properly shop for the ingredients and items that I need without going overboard on portions. This will cut down on food waste, which will save me money! A menu is a win-win if you ask me!

In preparing my menu, I have decided to go for five meals a day. They will be as follows:

Breakfast: A well balanced meal that will help in jump starting my metabolism and help fight hunger throughout the day. I will include a glass of water and my morning vitamins at this time.

Mid-Morning Snack: This snack will be a small snack consisting of either a fruit, vegetable or dairy product such as yogurt or string cheese (low fat of course) along with a glass of water.

Lunch: This will be a small meal that will be relatively easy to prepare and will be eaten with one to two glasses of water.

Mid-Afternoon Snack: This will be a very small snack consisting of either a fruit, vegetable or multi-grain alternative (crackers or granola bar) that will be enjoyed with a glass of water. What I choose will be based on what my morning snack was for the day.

Dinner: This will be a relatively small meal consisting of a meat and vegetable. It may also include a side that will be filled with fiber. This meal will take place no later than 7pm. It will include a small glass of skim milk and a glass of water and my evening vitamins.

I will drink water throughout the day to make sure that I am not mistaking a thirst for hunger as well as to make sure that I am not dehydrated. Portion size is very important. Since I will only be cooking for one person, I plan to make sure that I do not over-eat at any meal (especially dinner). If there are left overs from the dinner that I prepare, it will inevitably be my dinner for the following evening.

This is my plan for my menu. I find it hard to cook for only one person so it will be a challenge, but I know that I can do it. It may mean that I have to break down foods after purchasing them at the grocery store so that they are in a single portion size for the preparation. I also struggle with having a variety of meals to prepare as I do not eat pork product or red meat. It is hard to find new things to cook when you really only eat white meat. However, I will keep my eyes open for low fat recipes that are relatively easy and will add variety so that I do not get bored with my meals.

With this said, it is time to make my menu for the month. Wish me luck. I hope that everyone else is having good success as well.

Until next time, stay healthy and keep smiling!

[Via http://wordfairie123.wordpress.com]

News Corp. Murdoch: Content Is Not Just King, It's The Emperor ...

Eating Greens is a Special Treat

2010-02-04T03:44:00.000+02:00

Disney’s “Bambi” has always been one of my favorite movies (that and Boondock Saints, but that’s another story). I think of it often as I press on with the South Beach Diet, sometimes with good weeks, sometimes with not so good weeks. I’ve noticed a consistent theme. When I eat lots of vegetables, I lose more weight. Pure and simple. This time around, I noticed that SBD phase 1 requires two cups of vegetables at every meal. Yes, that’s a lot of freaking vegetables. This brings me to South Beach Diet tip #1, eat your veggies, and remember my friend Thumper.

Eating greens is a special treat, it makes thin waists and happy dieters.

[Via http://sareece.wordpress.com]

Joe Klein rips Fox News for airing Beck's 'hateful crap,' but O ...

Tuesday Truths: Planning to Stay Ahead

2010-02-02T15:37:00.000+02:00

For me, one of the biggest barriers to eating healthy is time. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no super woman. I leave the house at 7 a.m. and am lucky if I’m home by 6 p.m. Suffice it to say, Jared’s not getting a gourmet meal every night, because I simply don’t have time to cook a full meal and work out and be in bed by a decent time.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found that planning out our meals has become extremely helpful in keeping us on track and not wasting valuable time in the evenings. I’ve always read about meal planning before and thought, “Who has time for that?” but it literally takes us about 2 seconds on a Sunday (sometimes Monday!) to plot out what we can eat for the week.

Planning out our dinners gives me an idea of exactly what we’re eating Monday through Friday. I’m tired most nights when I get home, and my poor memory usually doesn’t allow me to recall what we had the night before, or the night before that. We could end up having pasta and rice 5 days a week for all I care at that point (hey, I’m hungry when I get home!). Seeing it on paper allows us to strike the balance among all of the food groups and ensure we’re not heavily loaded one way or another. Also, knowing what I’m having for dinner allows me to better plan my lunches to ensure I don’t surpass my caloric intake for the day.

Making my lunch the day before is also important for keeping me on track. In the mornings, I barely have time to put my shoes on sometimes to make it here by 8 a.m. If I waited to make my lunch, I’d be grabbing whatever I could and not paying any attention to what it was. Seeing it out on the counter allows me to get a reality check on exactly what I’m eating during the day.

Finally, planning out our meals ahead of time not only helps us stay on track to better eating, but also prevents 2-3 trips to the store during the week. If I know we need chicken for Tuesday’s meal, we can get that and anything else we need in one shot instead of wasted trips. And that’s a huge time saver for me as well!

May sound like something only mothers with kids do, but I have to say, meal planning has made the evenings less stressful! About.com has some helpful guides for meal planning. Best of luck!

[Via http://adventurealesandtrails.wordpress.com]

Why We're Losing the News | The Intersection | Discover Magazine

32/365 helper

2010-02-02T03:37:00.001+02:00

This is my helper. Don’t get me wrong, all my girls are helpers. They do chores, they like to help clean, and will do what I ask of them. However, this one is always there and eager to help. I can ask her to do nearly anything and she is happy to do it. She is so much of a helper that I have to be careful to not take advantage. This photo is straight out of the camera. I know I could balance the color some and adjust the lighting a bit, but I am a sucker for a good out of camera shot and this is one of my best (in my opinion.) Isn’t she beautiful!

I lost three more pounds in the last week. I can’t tell you how good it feels just knowing I am working towards a goal like this. The challenge for the teams this week is to attend fitness classes and the team that attends the most classes wins pounds off of their weight total. I did three classes today and have plans for four or five tomorrow. It sounds awful, but so far it isn’t. I am taking the low-level moves/weights when they offer it and every day am doing a yoga class to make sure I am stretching out good. If the shins or foot start acting up I will have to back off. I think our team has a really good chance for placing in this challenge seeing a couple of us are able to do day and evening classes. The top three teams get pounds off. We won second on last weeks challenge and are doing great at losing weight consistently. Winner overall gets a cash prize and we are aiming for the top. My running shoes are starting to wear and I’d like to get a new pair.

Yes, you read it right. The whole thing is shoe-motivated. Kidding. The shoes play in as I would love a new pair, but I have a goal. It’s a goal I’ve had since being pregnant with Liz up there in the picture. She is 8 now and 8 years is an awful long time to let a goal sit. Too long. This is the time, this is the season. I can do it. I will do it!

[Via http://tryingtraditional.wordpress.com]

Google News Adds Personalized Story Tracking

Discovering Enfinitea

2010-02-02T03:37:00.000+02:00

There's Goodness In There

The quest to destroy and rebuild wages on. I’m taking the time every day to look at myself in the mirror, examine the progress I’m making and create strategies for what to do next. Distractions come up, but I’ve been doing my best to knock them down. I will not eat the cake. >.>

Shortly after I started this endeavor to a better, healthier me, an old friend (of whom I haven’t talked to in YEARS) suggested to my wife that we try a health/weight loss supplement that he and an old wrestling buddy had been developing. This supplement is called Enfinitea, which is a mixture of green, black, red, and white teas and an Acai-Goji hybrid, packed in with some probiotic awesomeness, and coupled with a detoxifying series of pills to help cleanse my body of all the crap that comes with 110 baconators and the everyday abuse that the average person puts their body through.

Now, those of you that know me know that I don’t impulsively buy things that people try to sell me. Video games, computer hardware, and paintball stuff – yes, I have been known to impulsively drop lots of money on these things, but I like to do my research before jumping headlong into a purchase. So with that, I started digging through the Enfinitea website to find what ingredients I could and started doing some reading. What surprised me, is that this supplement suggests the same things that a number of my Exercise Science professors have taught me over the years: That the main action of a multi-vitamin is to change the color and odor of your urine. Anyone that’s ever taken a multi-vitamin knows exactly what I mean. They tend to bring massive amounts of vitamins and minerals that I don’t particularly need extra of (or that my body can’t even use the excess amounts of, thus flushing the extra out with body waste), and fall short on the elements that science is now pointing to as must-haves: Probiotics, waste removers, anti-oxidants. I think the most significant part of my research was observing my wife go through her first week of the supplement and then picking her brain on how she felt. Increased energy, decreased appetite, better over-all sense of well-being.

So I took the plunge.

So now I’m finishing out my 6th day of using Enfinitea. Wow… here are a few points that come to mind straight away since I’ve been taking the supplement:

Coffee? What’s coffee? – Since my rock-and-roll (or school-work-and-family) lifestyle awards me with about three to four hours of sleep every night, I found myself drinking nearly a half gallon of coffee a day to try to roll with the punches. Copious amounts of caffeine (thank goodness I don’t like sugar in my coffee, or that would make it worse) would make me jittery and then I’d crash out after a couple hours of some rather uncomfortable energy. Since starting Enfinitea, I haven’t had the urge for a cup – in fact, quite the opposite. Thinking about a cup of coffee is like thinking about a knife in the wall socket – just not something that’s going to feel good, so I avoid it.
My stomach and I are on speaking terms again. – Over the three months of this sleep/stress cycle, my digestive system and I have been on the outs. I get mad at it, it retaliates in one way or another – internal organs don’t follow the rules of warfare as we know it. However, over the last week, things have settled quite a bit. I pin the blame on the probiotics helping to regulate everything and it has become a very welcome change in my day-to-day life.
So -that’s- where those were hiding. – As the detox has been flushing excess waste from my body, I have been able to visibly notice weight dropping off. There’s been a thinning around the waist and hips and I can see where some of the muscles are on my stomach. This has been a huge motivation for me in achieving my weight loss goals, however, results always are
CASH NOW – even in the week I’ve been taking Enfinitea, I’ve determined that I’ve saved at least 15 bux. If you figure the average person tends to buy a 2.00 cup of coffee, or a 1.50 soda, or a 3.00 energy drink at least once a day, and usually a combination of the three throughout the day, the savings can really add up. I don’t need or WANT the rise-and-crash energy that these things bring. This supplement gives me a clean, long-lasting energy that negates the need to throw away money on these things

Those are just a few of my favorite things. Enfinitea has become an amazing discovery, to the point that I’ve stopped taking my $70 GNC Multi-vita-pack thing for a product with tangible results. I highly suggest that if you have any questions at all, email me at kristopher@enfinitea.com or go to the Enfinitea website. I’m so loving this supplement that I’ve signed up as a distributor to help spread it around. There’s currently a deal going on to get the first month supply for only a nickel if you sign up for the Enfinitea Weight Loss Challenge – send any questions to me on how to hook this up.

That’s it for tonight! I’ll be starting a new running program that I’ll write more on tomorrow. Tune in then!

-k

[Via http://fromdayzero.wordpress.com]

» Polar News & Notes: January 2010 News Roundup » Beyond Penguins ...

Macular Degeneration Risk is Reduced in Adults With High Intakes of Luetin and Zeaxanthin

2010-01-31T15:41:00.000+02:00

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease that causes damage to the macula (central retina) of the eye, impairing central vision. In a recent large study, participants with the highest intakes of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin had significantly lower risk of AMD compared to those with low intakes.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in developed countries. This degenerative eye disease causes damage to the macula (central retina) of the eye, impairing central vision. People affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration have difficulty reading, driving and performing activities that require clear central vision.

A report published in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology adds more evidence to support previous research showing that the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein are protective against AMD. Dark green leafy vegetables are the primary dietary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, but they are also found in some other colorful fruits and vegetables. Average dietary intake in the U.S. is only 2 mg/day, far below the 6 mg/day level most studies indicate as a minimum needed to reduce the risk of AMD.

In the current report, members of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Research Group evaluated the diets of 4,519 AREDS participants aged 60 to 80 years. Retinal photographs were used to divide the subjects into five categories of macular disease severity, from individuals with little or no evidence of macular degeneration (the control group) to severe, neovascular disease. Dietary questionnaires were analyzed for lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lycopene, and other nutrient levels.

Participants whose intake of lutein and zeaxanthin were greatest had a significantly lower risk of AMD than those whose intake was least, and were less likely to have large or extensive intermediate drusen, the deposits on the retina or optic nerve that characterize the disease. No risk reductions were associated with the other nutrients examined in this study.

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To your vibrant health,

Mary Wozny

[Via http://vibrantlyhealthyforlife.wordpress.com]

Fox News Breaks From Obama In Order To Criticize Obama | TV | Mediaite

Day 25 Weight Loss- January 30, 2010

2010-01-31T03:52:00.000+02:00

Day 25

Weight- 223.2 lb.

Food Consumed- ? Calories

x2 foot long chicken breast sub from Subway (no sauces), water, yogurt, and milk to go with my protein shake

Workout-

Did some core exercises on my exercise ball.

Supplements taken-

Took some multivitamins in the afternoon.

Overall thoughts-

Wow, I am sore all over. I kinda took a break today, and just did a bit of core exercises on my exercise ball. Mostly a boring day due to this, nothing really special to note.

[Via http://donmichaels.wordpress.com]

Today In Apple iPad News - Techland - TIME.com

A Morning Followed

2010-01-31T03:47:00.000+02:00

I don’t know why I’m avoiding this today. Maybe because yesterday was such a big cathartic post after a weird evening and a seemingly big fuck-up, today seems a lot less worthy of 500 words. Scale says I lost weight. Tomorrow’s when it counts so it doesn’t exactly matter yet. I know sometimes these situations happen where you think you screwed the pooch and your body was just waiting for a little release of pressure and some extra calories to raise the metabolism enough to knock off a pound. It’s happened oodles of times. So I’m trying to keep my brain from equating now, vodka and cranberry + giant killer burrito equals magical weight loss. It doesn’t work that way, darling, else we have a lot more happy, skinny drunks careening through the world, urinary tract infection free. That’d be a diet I can get behind.

But it doesn’t work that way. I ate and took a walk and played a game and after I finish this lovely bit of reporting, I’m going to take a hot bath with a book. It’s the weekend and now that I’ve cooled my jets on this whole WILL I EVER FIND LOVE?! (or just rough sex with Michael Douglas? – a reference it hurts me to write) gordian knot of ridiculi that I bind myself up with whenever anything remotely social happens to me, I’m kind of ready to just be in process for a while. I’m ready just to watch paint dry, grass grow, eggs cook for a few days and do my exercise and basically chill about eeee eeee I’ll lose this weight and presto-change-o, life will really start for me. Last night totally made me come to grips with that. Just because your body isn’t immediately worth of ridicule, doesn’t immediately teach you how to handle what responses you do get.

My mother, whom I love more than there are stars in the sky times grains of sand on the shore, but whom I naturally complain about because familial love always comes with a fetid stripe of over-familiarity was hugging me and commenting on how she could tell a difference. 11 pounds and suddenly, she’s squeezing me and I pull away, shrieking and weirded-out by the attention.

Now mind you, I have been prancing around in front of the mirror trying to note every infinitesimal tightening and shrinkage and development in how my clothes fit since I started this. The day of. For someone that has serious trouble looking at her own face after washing her hands, actively avoids doing so, this is almost becoming too much. But I know how much there is left to go. We aren’t over some big peak and it’s all downhill from here. She starts telling me that she knows that when I get close to my goal, I go back the other way. That she’s noticed this. I overdramatically inform her that I am aware of this. She says she just wants me to keep going. I feel strange that I agree and I don’t feel like it’s worthwhile to once again pretend that I don’t.

All of this is to say, she said “You’ve got to stop acting like being touched hurts you.” Or something. I’m paraphrasing. But I got the general gist. And it’s true. I am so physically withdrawn that fingers on my flesh, as much as I crave that feeling, it also leaves me very nervous. I don’t know why. I know tears welled up when she said it. It feels like everything’s gotta happen at once for anything to get fixed. If you don’t want to be touched because you don’t like your body, if as you’re kind of liking yourself more and more or at least disliking yourself less and less, how do you teach yourself to respond the way you want to respond?

This has ended up in a weird area with a rhetorical question I’m not all that interested in having random (but lovely, good-intentioned) people on the internet answer.

[Via http://lustrata.wordpress.com]

E-Readers Fall Short for News, Study Says | Sarmad Ali | Voices ...

Defying Logic

2010-01-30T15:39:00.001+02:00

This morning was my weekly weigh-in, and I was a little hesitant to jump on the scales. This week kept me busy at work (and this week unfortunately includes this weekend as I’m still working on a project at home today with a Monday deadline), and my schedule was thrown off for a few days. Instead of brown-baggin’ it like I usually do, I ended up having lunch in the little cafe, and I use that term loosely, in my building. The pre-packaged sandwiches there are somewhat akin to gas station fare or the ones you find in those little carousel automat machines in hospital corridors and basements of college libraries, but they got me through the day. And then I got home too late and exhausted to jump on the treadmill on one of the days I was scheduled for it this week. Finally, to top off a week that felt totally out of balance for me, I had dinner with a friend at a wine bar last night and had a glass of red wine called Layer Cake Primitivo. Get out. When the server brought us a splash of this featured wine and told us it was called layer cake, I couldn’t resist – it subbed for my dessert and made me feel like I was cheating.

Which brings me back to the scales this morning… I was not looking forward to it. But lo and behold, I got on, fully prepared to to begin my old ritual of nose-blowing and hanging off toes to shave off a half pound. And then I looked down – 4.5 pounds lost this week! Say what? I rubbed my eyes, convinced that glass of Layer Cake was more potent than I though, but there it was – 4.5 pounds down, for a total of 37.5 pounds lost now. I stepped off and on the scale three more times just to verify, and there it was, in all its digitally displayed beauty – a great loss for the week. I looked back over my food records, and I hadn’t done as badly as I thought. Handling a busy week at work and still losing weight defies logic in my old fat guy mind – more evidence that I really am reconstructing thirty.

[Via http://reconstructingthirty.wordpress.com]

Bad news for Omar Khadr? Sort of - Canada - Macleans.ca

Double Frustration

2010-01-30T15:39:00.000+02:00

Oh my god, people! Fuck this shit! I am still weighing in at 176.0. Not a fraction more or less. I’m starting to wonder if my scale is broken or in need of batteries, because it seems almost impossible that I could stay EXACTLY the same weight for over a week with zero fluctuations. For the record I do weigh myself first thing in the morning, naked, so there is no room for error there.

I’m at the point of wondering if I should tweak my program, but I’m hesistant to make this more confusing. I could bring my calories down (right now I aim for 1800/day) but with the amount of activity I am doing right now (an hour of dog walking, then 5+ hours of incredibly physical home renos EVERYDAY) I think that would just lead to binging after a week or so because I am so exhausted and depleted. I know from past experiences that I can maintain very low calorie diets… until I can’t and it yo-yos way too far in the other direction.

With my health problems I cannot bring my level of activity up much, either. I am already too sore to bend over to blow dry my hair in the morning. Yesterday, I went to flip my hair forward and my legs almost collapsed. My doctor keeps telling me “moderate exercise… build up slowly” but these renos need to be done, like, yesterday and my partner works far too much to do them in my stead.

So… back on the horse! Better luck tomorrow, I guess. On the upside I am going food shopping today, which I haven’t had the time or energy to do for awhile, so there will be more protein-y options that don’t involve eating frozen salmon every. damn. day.

[Via http://11less.wordpress.com]

Shakesville: News from Shakes Manor

"You Don't Look Like You Weigh That Much"

2010-01-30T02:57:00.000+02:00

Ever heard this line before?

I used to hear it all the time when I was heavy; it always made me feel better about myself … like “yea, I’m heavy, but I can carry my weight well.”

Or maybe, thanks to my mom’s guidance during my teenage years, I just knew how to dress to accentuate the “positives” of my heavier, hour-glass frame (a small waist, relatively flat tummy) and dampen the “negative” (broad hips and thick thighs).

When I lost weight, my figure changed pretty dramatically.

Yes, I was still curvy, but there wasn’t nearly as big a difference between my hips and waist like there used to be — and now, since gaining a little weight over the past few years, this lack of difference has made me feel particularly “thick.”

Once again, I feel self-conscious about my weight. Though I was always a former daily weigher, I just ignored the scale during the holidays this year, and knew I had to have gained. I’ve been trying to focus on just living … and didn’t want to get tied to a machine.

So naturally, I was DREADING having to get on the scale today (at my husband’s company’s annual wellness assessment) for the first time since late November.

I weighed in at home in the morning to prepare myself mentally, and yes, there was a small, manageable gain — likely a combination of my monthly guest arriving in the next few days, coupled with a week of travel and more food/wine than I needed … but the important thing to note is that I wasn’t too concerned. Which is, in and of itself, progress.

But I digress.

Anyway, it’s been a long time since I’ve made any public comments about my weight. But after the nurse pricked my finger to do the bloodwork, it was time to step on the scale, and I was blabbering and anxious.

Truth be told, I was hoping not to have to get weighed there (in clothes and all) and told her that I’d just weighed in that morning for Weight Watchers. So she asked what the number had been. I told her, and also noted how I was pretty bummed to have let myself gain back some of the weight I’d initially lost in 2004.

As I was talking, she looked at me, eyed me up and down, and said, “Wow, you don’t look like you weigh that much. I would have guessed a lot less.”

Once again, there was that line. This time it didn’t bother me so much, but it still always makes me question myself, wondering.

She suggested I step on their scale and, with their standard 3-lb deduction for clothes, it was actually a smidge less than what my home scale said.

But what stuck with me (besides my cholesterol being so good ) was “you don’t look like you weigh that much.” I know I’m more than a number and all that, but seeing it spelled out that way — I know I have work to do. And I feel calm about it, serene even. I know what to do, and I just need to do it.

There’s no time like the present.

How about you? Has anyone ever said something similar to you? Did you take it as a compliment or an insult?

[Via http://talesofadisorderedeater.org]

Rihanna Leaves Bad News Baller Curbside, Riding Solo To Grammy's ...

Meet the manager before joining the club

2010-01-28T15:54:00.000+02:00

It may be true that a highly motivated person can work out well even at a club managed by his or her worst enemy. But most of us are not like that. We all know that our dues are in part paying for his or her salary.

Liking a club owner or manager may sound trivial to the dedicated athlete. He or she will say that at best these folks pay the club’s bills in a timely fashion, thereby insuring that doors will stay open. Beyond that they are little relevance.

If we were all as single-minded as an Olympic champion, this might very well be all that we would need to care about. But few of us are at that point. Consequently, the feelings we have toward the club’s decision-maker is of utmost importance.

Liking this individual can be crucial. By liking, it assumed that there is a general respect for his or her attitudes and inclinations toward the both the members and staff. These become evidenced in his or her daily actions when at the club and also in the staff when they are not present.

Disliking what club owners or managers are all about creates an unhealthy set of feelings. Few of us thrive on such antipathy. Those of us who do are most often eventually cut off from further relating even to members like ourselves. That can cause one to lose interest in the daily attendance which is needed for workout success.

Perhaps the single most important question to ask about this person is over whether they care about the club members actually improving at their fitness routines. That is far different than only caring about the number of advance paid memberships.

We all go through up and downs when maintaining a regular fitness lifestyle. As a result we need all of the help we can get to stay on course. A large part of that comes from having a good feeling toward person who pays the club’s bills.

Perhaps the best way to say it is that we are all better off around others who rely on us more for our improvements than for our monthly dues payment. Knowing that others care about our success makes it far easier to make to the club that day when it seems just to hard or do that one more repetition or to even make it there in the first place.

[Via http://4everfitness.wordpress.com]

ITC begins probing Apple on patents | iLounge News

Day 22 Weight Loss- January 27, 2010

2010-01-28T03:51:00.000+02:00

Day 22

Weight- 223.3 lb.

Food Consumed- ? Calories

x2 foot long chicken breast sub from Subway (no sauces), water, yogurt, and milk to go with my protein shake

Workout-

Did some core exercises on my exercise ball. Did an hour of cardio on a “gazelle”. Today was biceps and legs at the gym.

Supplements taken-

Took some multivitamins in the afternoon. Had a protein shake.

Overall thoughts-

Fun times at the gym. I started off doing dumbell curls for biceps. I got to my last set, in a semi-amusing sequence that was as follows:

12 Reps of 20 lbs.

10 Reps of 25 lbs.

…4 Reps of 30 lbs….on my right arm…ZERO on my left…gave up and tried to do 25..couldn’t… went back to the start

12 Reps of 20 lbs.

At this point I was a little confused. I was literally unable to get that weight up using my left arm at all, no matter how hard I tried. The only thing I can think that would have made my arm so tired was the relatively short breaks between my sets (I have tried to speed things up based on everyone’s feedback). I was surprised, because it was the first workout of the day, and my 3rd set…and I was unable to get that weight up (last week with longer sets, I think I was able to do 2 reps on my left arm). I figured my right arm would be stronger since it is my dominant one, but I didn’t think it would be that dramatically different. I hope I don’t end up with a beast right arm, and a small left one lol. Fortunately I finished out the day after that relatively a bit higher then normal in terms of repetitions (which means I may have to increase weight soon!). My buddy is insisting we go to the gym again tomorrow, and work on a single muscle…don’t know if that is a good idea…it would be pretty brutal without off-muscle exercises in between my workouts.

[Via http://donmichaels.wordpress.com]

In News Race, NBC's Williams Is Dominant - Media Decoder Blog ...

A return to greatness! (part II)

2010-01-28T03:47:00.000+02:00

Let me be clear, I am not completely anti-Obama, nor was I completely pro-Bush. I support some things that Obama has promised and I will be happily impressed if he follows through. I also was very deeply disappointed with much of what Bush did with his time in office. I am a registered independent, though I do tend to lean to the conservative side more often than I do the liberal/progressive side. I do definitely have some very “liberal” views, I mean hell, I work at a titty bar, that’s not exactly in line with the religious right!

I have to say, as I remarked on my Facebook wall, I could not help but to be greatly distracted from Obama’s State of The Union address by Nancy Pelosi’s various facial contortions during the entirety of his speech! I know it should not cause such a passionate outrage, but it does. Someone should seriously rethink the camera angle at the White House. Over an hour, and yes I am still listening to the S.O.T.U. address, I just hope that some, and I mean some, of what he is saying is actually done. I wonder how many understand that many of his promises are promising a “change” to socialism?

Okay, now it is finally over…

I am going to start the rest of this off by saying, I, by no means, feel that I have any of or all the answers. I know what I think we should do, but, I am not sure exactly how to go about putting into action these ideas, nor do I even know if it is even possible when it comes to some of my ideas. I do believe, however, that we have the ability to turn all of this around. I mean, really, people have the ability to do wondrous things when they really try! We, as the consumers we are, should buy only American made (made in America) products and services whenever possible. We need to try to get the factories to be opened in America instead of farming all production and services out to other countries. I would love to call a tech support or customer service line and know that I will be speaking to someone who has English as their native language and that they are in a call center or home somewhere in the United States!

Government needs to give tax incentives for businesses to stay here and to move here. We need to support local industry. We need to have towns that live off of any number of mills and factories as in years past. I am from a small New Hampshire town that was really centered around a textile mill that made sail material amongst its chief products. There are similar towns all over America, I know we’ve all heard the stories and seen the movies and t.v. shows. Some small town falls to poverty and despair when the local factory lets everyone go and closes down due to “big business” killing them by undercutting etc… It is true and very sad that we have let this happen. Small mom and pop shops continue to close due to the price slashing of larger corporations such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot etc… Small town America has all but died and it is small town America that is what we need so bad, both financially and emotionally. Along with the closure of the small businesses came the loss of hopes, dreams, and aspirations of generations that will not continue with their family’s businesses.

I don’t know how much longer we can remain divided over everything and just end up treading water and really never getting anywhere. We need to remember the sense of unity we had in the face of the horror of 9/11. I remember, even in the darkest hour that I have ever known in my life, I had a welling of great hope and optimism within me that maybe the unity would join us for the long-haul and we could really progress as a nation, as a people. But, soon, the pain began to dull and the unity began to wane, and we started falling back into old habits and obsessions. We need to realize that united we stand… yeah, I know it’s cliché, but, it’s so true. Our collective spirit and overall good nature can really make a difference if we let it. We need to come together and make our world a better place, but, we need to start at home. We cannot continue our actions that have put us in such a compromising position. PERIOD! We cannot be allowed to fall any further than we have!

I am quite tired and need to get to bed… I hope you are all well and I hope to get some feedback on the last couple post, just as anything I write, I am totally open to your opinion.

Thanks to all of you for your continued love and support.

As always, take care and remember…

Every day is a chance to turn it all around!

- Kenny

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Lane 9 News Archive: Industry News: FINIS Discounts Technical ...

Basics on Calories

2010-01-26T15:54:00.000+02:00

Balancing the calories you use through physical activity with the calories you eat will help you achieve your desired weight

a) When you eat more calories than you need to perform your day’s activities, your body stores the extra calories and you gain weight

b) When you eat fewer calories than you use, your body uses the stored calories and you lose weight.

c) When you eat the same amount of calories as your body uses, your weight stays the same.

[Via http://shareitfitness.wordpress.com]

Google News Blog: Google News Comes Back For More

Fitness After P90X - Days 22-28

2010-01-26T03:26:00.000+02:00

Day 22 (Monday)….completed a 50-minute circuit (3 times through) with our Personal Trainer, upper body and core. In the zone 96% of the time, 146 average heart rate and burned 681 calories.

Day 23 (Tuesday)….sorry kids, I was sick today, but I’ll make up for it tomorrow.

Day 24 (Wednesday)….as promised, I crushed it today. We completed a 65-minute cardio. circuit (10 times through) with our Personal Trainer. In the zone 98.7%, 151 average heart rate and burned 939 calories. I also completed a 20-minute upper body weight lifting circuit (3 times through). In the zone 96.4% of the time, 133 average heart rate and burned 231 calories.

Day 25 (Thursday)….completed 45 minutes on the treadmill with Lana. 3.4 MPH at a 12.0% incline, 2.41 miles. In the zone 98.8%, 146 average heart rate and burned 556 calories.

Day 26 (Friday)….It was a busy morning at the gym today. We’re traveling to my daughter’s cheer competition tomorrow (in Phoenix), so we had to load-up on the workouts today. We completed a 53-minute circuit (3 times through) with our Personal Trainer, entire body workout. In the zone 92.7% of the time, 145 average heart rate and burned 698 calories. I also completed a 16-minute upper body weight lifting circuit (3 times through). In the zone 87.6%, 129 average heart rate and burned 165 calories. ALSO completed 43 minutes on the treadmill with Lana. 3.4 MPH at a 10.75% (average) incline, 2.39 miles. In the zone 99.8% of the time, 155 average heart rate and burned 608 calories.

Day 27 (Saturday)…..nothing today, traveling to (and from) Phoenix for my daughter’s cheer competion.

Day 28 (Sunday)…..again, nothing today, football Baby!

[Via http://tscfitness.com]

Asia Pacific News – Japan's KDDI to buy Jupiter Telecom stake for ...

Glad it's only January

2010-01-26T03:12:00.000+02:00

I’m glad that we’re still in January, because so far this year hasn’t been that great. At least there’s still more than 11 months to go.

Last week, I had a weight gain for the week. It was the first time I’ve had a gain for the week in over two months. I don’t know yet what this week’s weigh-in will hold, but right now, I don’t really care, because I caught a cold over the weekend. It’s always something.

So, staying positive continues to be my biggest challenge. I have gone to the fitness center several times. All I’m doing right now is walking on the treadmill, but, I have been able to increase my speed and my time by a little bit since I started. I’m going to continue to walk this week unless this cold gets really bad. Hopefully, that won’t happen.

Other than that, I guess I’ll find out on Wednesday whether or not I’m going to have a weight gain two weeks in a row. I hope not, but I know I’ve gone over my points allotment for the week. I’ll just have to wait and see.

[Via http://pstarr999.wordpress.com]

CBB Rolling News: Day 23 | The Sun |Showbiz|Big Brother

Banana Cream Pie Guilt

2010-01-24T03:35:00.000+02:00

Steph said I could have a slice of cream pie tonight. And I had ordered baked stuffed shells from Nick and Joe’s for dinner. Obviously the shells are barely admissable on our diet and the banana cream pie was a clear indulgence.

But I felt guilty afterwards. And still do.

I am finding some really interesting feelings and attachments to food surfacing as I walk down this road of weight loss. Why should I feel guilty for eating something even if it is “bad for me?” Now that is not to say that I am going to go back to how I was eating before. But there is definitely something wrong when someone feels guilty over food.

I do not at this time know why I feel this way. Maybe it stems from childhood. Having been denied food I wanted at times and overindulged at others, it was a confusing time for me. My mother liked to control me and I think this was one of her ways of doing it. I had to ask permission to eat some things. And it was on her whim whether or not I could at that time. I would go to my friend’s houses and they could eat whatever they wanted whenever they wanted to. They didn’t need permission. I found this to be very frustrating and the seeds of my rebellion were planted. Not to say I blame my mother for my present condition and situation. But her need to control me with food certainly contributed.

Im still not completely clear on this. Hopefully with time it will make more sense to me.

[Via http://habluztel.wordpress.com]

The Morning News: Dr. Tiller, Port of Seattle, Bernanke, and Dead ...

How To Reduce Belly Fat? 3 Top Tips For This Year

2010-01-24T03:17:00.000+02:00

Most of us can agree that in order to reach the effect of finally getting a flat stomach, it is absolutely necessary for us to start training and stop watching television. Although we know that diet plays a significant part in cutting down the fats in our body, it will be the training sessions that is going to train our stomach to be flat and fit.

However, most do not know how to go about doing it. Most wasted quite a few months or even years doing that, without even getting rid of any weight. Without knowing the proper methods of getting rid of stomach fat, we could be going in circles and eventually get disheartened in our failed attempts to get a firm abdomen. I know how it feels when the outcome you desire has yet to be achieved.

I have been there and I will be able to teach you what you can do to achieve your goals. Now that you know there are certain stomach training exercises that you should be focusing on, these exercises will be determining what makes the major difference in exactly how lean you look.

Before we discuss about the work outs you will need to do, did you know that quite a number of people in this day and age have excess abdominal fat? If you agree, we should start doing something about it. Like I have said, I have walk the walk and I am aware that the change is feasible because I have achieved it. The upmost issue that most people come to mind is that their fatty tummy is simply unattractive, and they will have a tendency to cover up their tummy from being obvious, and it makes them shy about their body.

And another thing you should know is that junk food alone is not the only main cause of causing belly fats. There are many factors that contribute as well. There are no helpful ways to help you in cutting down stomach fat and getting 6 pack abs on the spot. But here are some ways that may support you to attain a gorgeous, well-toned and trimmed abdomen.

Try out these 3 basic techniques which is easy to follow.

1. The 1st thing you will need to start doing now is to curb your carbohydrate intake. You need to have a healthy and easy diet plan to follow. You should consult a nutritionist about what type of diet to follow to help you make sure that your body will still get the mandatory nutrients.

2. Exercise, exercise and exercise. To keep fit, you should know what are the right exercises for the midsection of your body. A good form of exercise to getting a toned stomach is the curl-ups. For starters, you should do ten curl-ups every morning before breakfast to lose belly fat quickly. Other forms of exercises are also beneficial for the body; you should also consider trying out other exercises as well.

3. You should take note that not all people have the same physique. The methods in reducing tummy fat and getting six pack abs may be different for different folks. So be patient and try to stick to your routine.

To find out more on getting a tone stomach, click on how to reduce belly fat.

[Via http://lotsofarticles.wordpress.com]

News in Summary: The IPCC and glacier shrinkage Boing Boing

Facing Down Addictions, However Sweet

2010-01-23T15:34:00.000+02:00

Potentially as addictive as what it resembles here

The good news is that I blogged my way through that longing for ice cream in my last post.

I really didn’t know how that would end. I’d created this blog to create the sort of accountability that joining an Overeaters Anonymous or Weight Watchers group might offer.

I literally wrote my way through it.

The move worked, and I seem to be on the other side of sugar-longing. That’s a good thing, because I’m going to a party this evening, and its hostess makes killer desserts. It’s good to get some distance from sugar.

My closest friend has given up sugar entirely. She’s found that this change has lifted her spirits, reduced her weight by 40 pounds, and aided her in making better nutritional decisions. She’s a year into her move, and it’s really worked for her.

To Jorge Cruise, author of the Belly Fat Cure, excessive sugar and belly fat are inextricably intertwined. When we eat excessive sugars (and Americans, on the average, consume more than 47 teaspoons of sugar each day, both in actual sweets and in processed foods dosed with sugar as flavor enhancers and preservatives), we produce excessive insulin to cope with the additional intake. Increased insulin production, as the primary regulator of fat tissue, will result in belly fat. Molecular biologists who’ve conducted studies cite insulin’s high-profile role in the creation of fat.

Once the fat in our blood becomes locked in our fat cells, they need to be broken down before they can become usable energy. Strangely, insulin fights this breakdown. Both sugars and processed carbs cause a significant increase in insulin levels, leading to fat storage that resists release. Neither fats nor proteins create this sort of impact on insulin levels.

Resisting that ice cream urge the other day helped me to get off the merry-go-round. Whew. I do find that my longings have decreased significantly.

One of the features of Jorge’s book is a big table in the back listing both carb and sugar levels in a variety of foods. I’ve been using the information to strategize my eating all week. Most importantly, I’m not sitting here with sugar-junkie thoughts, wondering whether or not I can resist the urge to bury my face in a bowl of Edy’s Slow Churned.

It’s a good feeling, this new sense of balance. And I’m four pounds down.

[Via http://lulumaude.wordpress.com]

BBC - Douglas Fraser's Ledger: Paperless news

Notice 10 Top Diet Facts

2010-01-23T03:46:00.000+02:00

In modern life of yoga and self-help gurus, “mantra” has become a common phrase. In other words it is a phrase designed to cause a needed action when repeated. So, why can’t dieters use mantras to provoke willpower and concentrate on their diets?

The following list of 10 top diet mantras is not based on the science of sound vibrations, or any mystical, far-eastern philosophy, but instead is a piece of phrases that may be used to not forget and reinforce the causes for dieting in the first place. Even though there is no science or mysticism to the formula of phrases, they might just assist with that ever vital willpower when it’s needed most.

Mantra #1- Fat is not Funny. When you search for that extra piece of bread or “just two” cookies, awake in your mind that you get no humor in being overweight.

Mantra #2- Food is my Friend, Fat is Not. Like any friend, food can wear out its welcome. In measured quantities it is good, but overdo it and it grows annoying.

Mantra #3- If it is Sweet, It is Sugar. You shouldn’t read labels to figure out the sugar in a lot of snacks. Remind yourself that if the reason you like it is because it is sweet there is perhaps sugar in it somewhere.

Mantra #4- My Family, My Friends, My Food. This is to remind you that food should not be used as a comfort. Family and friends must always come first and food is just a necessary distraction.

Mantra #5- Live, Love, Burn Fat. Just like #4, this one is a reminder. While burning the fat is important, don’t forget to live life and spend time with those you love.

Mantra #6- I am a loser. Turn a negative into a positive with this one. In most cases being called a loser is bad, but when dieting we all desire to be losers.

Mantra #7- I guess I can, I think I can… It worked for the Little Engine and it will operate for you. Only remind yourself that it can be done and keep chugging along.

Mantra #8- One pound at a time. The great pyramids were built one block at a time, a long trip is accomplished one step at a time, and your weight loss will occur one pound at a time. Total success will be measured at the end.

Mantra #9- Food does not control me. When those cravings strike remind yourself that food is an inanimate object that does not control you. You control when and how you intake food into your body.

Mantra #10- I can do this! Deep down you learn that you can. It is important to fight the urges to give up or slip from the path. When that urge creeps into your mind, just take it out with a hearty “I can do this!”

Get to know more interesting things about other diets, like 1200 calories diet by clicking here.

[Via http://lotsofarticles.wordpress.com]

CableJive rolls out duaLink sync cable for iPod, iPhone | iLounge News

Day 17 Weight Loss- January 22, 2010

2010-01-23T03:33:00.000+02:00

Day 17

Weight- 224 lb.

Food Consumed- ? Calories

x2 foot long chicken breast sub from Subway (no sauces), water, yogurt, some walnuts, and milk to go with my protein shake

Workout-

Did some core exercises on my exercise ball. Did an hour of cardio on a “gazelle”.

Supplements taken-

Took some multivitamins in the morning. Had a protein shake.

Overall thoughts-

Unfortunately missed the gym today, we decided not to go because my workout buddy was only going to be there for like 30 minutes. Our average workout sessions go for about 2 hours, so that would be a fraction of the normal things we do, so we figured it would be more appropriate to just workout Tuesday of next week instead. The gazelle seems to be getting easier, and I don’t think I am getting the greatest cardio workout in the world on it. Still looking for appropriate indoors equipment to make it a lot more convenient. Once I get SOMETHING, I can go with my originally scheduled HIIT days on Tuesdays and Thursdays….fortunately it is getting much warmer outside and I can probably just use the treadmill we have outdoors on those days. I keep running into awful work days where I will be at a customer for like 3-5 hours at a time…I definitely need to invest in a portable food source to bring around with me….today I didn’t have lunch till about 6:00 P.M. (which meant I hadn’t eaten since 9 in the morning) .

[Via http://donmichaels.wordpress.com]

Fox News, Tribune Newspapers Beat NYTimes.com In The Numbers

Happy Happy Me!

2010-01-21T15:39:00.000+02:00

I met all but one of my goals yesterday! The only one I didn’t accomplish was doing my nails. For exercise I did the Wii – My Fitness Coach. I did 30 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of core training! It kicked my butt!!!! But I LOVED IT!!!!!!

My goals for today are:

Exercise for 15 minutes strength training and 30 minutes cardio and Physical Therapy exercises for my knees
Eat 3 healthy meals and 3 healthy snacks
Do my nails
Pick up mid-week groceries at the store
Balance Budget
Keep up with my daily chores:

Make bed
Keep Kitchen Clean
Quick room pickup’s

I am so proud of myself! I wanted fast food last night but we ate the beef stew I made and it tasted so good and felt so good when I passed up the craving!

I will post the beef stew recipe I made last night later today or tomorrow. Right now I must get ready to go workout!

Have a great day!

Tcee

[Via http://myjourneytoonederland.wordpress.com]

MediaPost Publications The News Ecosystem Fosters Repetition 01/20 ...

Day 19 - I Knew I Wasn't Crazy...

2010-01-21T03:50:00.000+02:00

Holy crap… I’m sick. I woke up this morning feeling like I had inhaled a pound of dust overnight. I had that dry, wheezing hack which makes every cough feel like you are about to rip your throat open. It wasn’t pretty. I went to the walk-in clinic finally after my colleagues at work kicked me out and after a quick check-up, I was told that I have a viral infection which is why I’ve been feeling so crappy the past two weeks and the doc said I also have “early” bronchitis. He wrote me a prescription for a z-pack (is that how it’s written?) and he sent me on my way.

I worked for a few more hours, picked up my prescription and have been on the couch ever since… oh about 4pm. I had a light dinner so I could take my antibiotics and have been suffering with a pounding headache on and off throughout the afternoon. I am hoping to stretch out on the couch, put in a boring DVD and pass out, sleeping throughout the night… fat chance, but we will see.

I called CJ and asked if working out tonight would be such a bad idea and he said even though I feel energetic, the stress of the workout could slow down the respiratory healing and make it worst so he recommended I cool it, which sucks because I’ve been cooling it for so long now. At least I know now that the crappy way I have felt physically over the last 2 weeks wasn’t just mental… I’ve been fighting something in my body and I should have taken care of it sooner. If I feel better by FRI, my plan is to see CJ in the early AM because the thought of not seeing him another week pains me at this point If I still feel like crap, then I will have to wait until next WED to see my buddy again.

At least if I don’t see him for another week, it gives me a second chance to hit that 220lb mark which I was supposed to hit tonight. I woke up at 223lbs still… at least I haven’t gained by not going to the gym. I have been mindful enough to watch my caloric intake throughout all of this. Hoping the antibiotics kick in soon and I am OK. Good thing is… getting treated now should guarantee me being at 100% for next WED so CJ can go back to kicking my ass and getting me back into the routine we have worked so hard to get into… a routine I am sorely missing right now. I feel like I’ve been disappointing not only myself but CJ and everyone else invested in this. CJ has a family and it’s because of me that he doesn’t get home until 9pm every WED night… He’s investing a lot to help me and I don’t want to let him down… as I wipe snot off of my upper lip

I am dizzy… and my head is pounding… so I am going to go pray for a good night’s sleep and see what happens in the AM.

Until next time folks…

[Via http://riguy1980.wordpress.com]

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a small setback :(

2010-01-21T03:39:00.000+02:00

On January 6th, I was able to bench 85lbs….tonight, I had to dial it back to 80lbs. On the 6th, I even did 2 reps at 90lbs….I’m wondering why the setback? Is it because I did L&F last night, and coming back after Christmas I was more rested? I’m wondering if I should be eating more to replenish? Not sure. I will try bench again in a few weeks and see where I’m at.

I didn’t get to pushups tonight, so I will be getting to them later. Do them on my own.

On to Friday!

[Via http://60poundsandcounting.wordpress.com]

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This is me.

2010-01-19T15:39:00.000+02:00

Hello. My name is Brittany. I am 5′7″ and 230 lbs. Give or take. I haven’t weighed myself in a while because the sadness that overwhelms me when I step on that scale is unreal.

And I’m tired of it.

So, this is me, and this is my spot to start a journey to lose weight. My long term goal is 75 pounds. My short term goal is 30 pounds by mid-April. My first mini-goal? Ten pounds.

I used to be in excellent shape. I was never rail-thin — that has never been my body style. But I was a hard-core soccer player in High School and College, and even though I was sometimes playing six days a week, one one or more teams, I was healthiest around 155. Looking back, I realize how much work it took for me to be there. But, I was happy about how I looked and how I felt. So, my goal is to get back to that weight, or close to it.

At the very least, to a point where I am happier with myself, and my self-esteem isn’t so sucky!

I’m hoping to post regularly on here, as I am hoping to be working out on a regular basis. I have an excellent support group that I am working out with, but talking about it and writing it out always seems to be a good release for me as well. So, expect frequent updates, pictures, goals met and milestones made!

So … here we go!

[Via http://fabulousorbust.wordpress.com]

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Blog: weight-loss

It’s Spring!

Watch this nerd shrink!!!

Day 47, March 19th, 2010

232 Days Till The Wedding

Diet Friday

AWOL!

Damn Girl Scouts

SUN!

Week 7

disappointment.

204

Why Cardio Doesn't Work for Fat Loss

A Good Trainer Is Hard To Find

Tough time losing weight

A rhythm nation is Walking It Out

Weighty

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How Can I Lose Belly Fat Fast and Get Slim and Smart

An Unexpected Glimpse in the Mirror

The hardest days...

Speaking out about anorexia

Super-size Me.

Clean Sheets

10k swings- 23 days

You Haven't Been to the Gym in a While, Have You?

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The Monkey May Be Off My Back, But...

I Hate My Scale Today!

Count Down To New Life On Earth

1 : Marie Claire's Four Week Routine

Shangri La

1 . Order your free, miracle prayer cloth right now!

Today's Gratitude

Tacky, Trashy and Frumpy=Fat Girl Fashion

Day 4 - Learned a Very Important Lesson Today.

It's a new beginning...kind of

Oops.

Belly Fat Diets

Health and Wellness Update

Absent

the smorgasbord.

So, I went to a "Herbalife" meeting...

Day 5: 100cals

withdrawal schmwithdrawal

Sexy by Summer (Day 6)

Learn To Slim Down Without Diet Foods!

An Oversize Misfit

More Pharmaceutical Cover-Ups

Starting a Health Fitness Specialist degree

Women's Health and Fitness - Reducing Cortisol Levels Can Help You To Lose Weight

Are You Working Against Yourself?

Day 43 Weight Loss- February 17, 2010

So close

The Easy Way Out

02-15-10 - I did it again

Sexy by Summer

Can I lose weight with walking?

What To Do When On Isagenix

Diet Journey Day 16

Stay Simple and Your Summary Saturday

Rooted in the Infinite: The Yoga of Alignment|Weight-Loss|Yoga

Day 4 In the Life of The Get In Shape Girl

Self-Care Before Sit-Ups...

I would love to... lose 20 pounds.

In My Skin - Day 34

Day 13: K-K-K-K-K-KENPO X!

Day 2: Plyometrics

mind over matter

Why Bother with a Detox Diet or Body Cleansing

I am on a diet. What can I snack on?

A COFFEE NETWORK MARKETING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Wii, Wii, Wii... all the way thin

The Enemy Returns: The Bosu is back!

February 4, 2010

Day Six - Making a Menu

Eating Greens is a Special Treat

Tuesday Truths: Planning to Stay Ahead

32/365 helper

Discovering Enfinitea

Cough

"You Don't Look Like You Weigh That Much"