SEE and be Free, Overeaters Support in CNY

So Long For Awhile, That's All The Songs For Awhile!

2007-09-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is post number 142, the last to be posted! I started this blog to reach out to those in need of support and to try to get food discounts for those who couldn't afford to eat healthy. I also thought that an online chat/support group would be great for some people. There really wasn't any interest. I was able to get some discounts for those in need. And, a few readers who also attend the SEE group meetings join in and read the blog. But, at this point, I'm just talking to myself and not really helping anyone. The people who read the blog and attend meetings get their support at the meetings. Like the songs say, "So long for awhile, that's all the songs for awhile" and "So long its been good to know ya, so long its been good to know ya, so long its been good to know ya, It's a long time since I've been home, and I've got to be drifting along." Best wishes to you all! Keep on keeping on and never, never, never give up! Your time will come! If you're not attending the SEE group and you want to talk, don't hesitate to contact me. My email address is seeandbfree@yahoo.com. With affection, Lyn

"You got to know when to hold, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run." Kenny Rogers

Support! It Helps!

2007-09-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Surrounding yourself with positive people who are going through or have gone through a similar journey helps us succeed! Losing weight can be like riding in an elevator, up and down, up and down. The support and friendship from those who can relate to you and visa versa helps that elevator go down! It also helps to have someone who is interested in talking about exercise, food, weight loss and the trials and tribulations of weight management. To have people rooting for you when you triumph or have a bad day, that's what helps me keep on! It gives me a positive high that deserves to be shared with others.

Many people are too busy to attend a group meeting, so SEE is starting an online support/chat group for the people who could benefit from it. It begins tomorrow at 8:00 PM and continues every Thursday thereafter. Join us from the comfort of your own home. Let the dishes wait, sit down with a hot cup of tea or coffee, feet up, and join in. If you're interested check out the blogs September 6th post to find out "how to". Don't worry if you're a little late. We'll be connected until about 8:30 PM.

SEE is also starting a weekly Tuesday 11:00 am group at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Auburn, on the 18th of September. If you're interested in attending, let me know at seeandbfree@yahoo.com.

Have a great week-end everyone. I'll be back to post Tuesday for Talk Tuesdays. Lyn

"Anything is possible with love." Author Unknown

September 11th!

2007-09-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today it's difficult for me to talk about weight management issues and prepare for Wednesday's post. Our issues seem dim in comparison to what happened to many on this fateful day six years ago. Three thousand people lost their lives, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on flight 93.

It's a time to reflect, a time to remember and a time to say a prayer for all the people who lost loved ones that fateful day. And, for those who lost their lives,

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh

Lyn

"Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own"
G.C. Lichtenberg (1741 - 99)

Talk Tuesdays and "Shouldn't Summer Be A Good Time ?"

2007-09-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

A recent study shows that kids gain weight in the summer. Doug Downey, an Ohio State University sociologist co-authored a study that said, "The lazy days of summer may offer plenty of free time to eat snacks and lounge about watching TV or playing video games, and kids gain weight."

Victoria Johnson, author of 'Body Revival, Lose Weight, Feel Great and Pump Up Your Faith' said, "When I was in high school, I ended up being a cheer leader and getting on the dance team. During the summer, I would go back in the fields, hang out with my folks and gain as much as thirty pounds."

I always thought that we're more physically active and eat less during the summer. And, weight gain is about energy in and energy out! But, many people I know have put on weight this past summer. Shouldn't summer be a good time to lose it? Why not?

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

Did you gain weight over the summer?

Why do you think that is?

What do you think you'd do differently next summer?

You may talk about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it. Lyn

"They can because they think they can." Virgil (70 - 19 B.C.)

She Wore An "Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini."

2007-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

The dairy industry touts the claim that dairy products promote weight loss. According to Tufts Health Nutrition Letter, " The National Dairy Council's web site lists eight pages of research along those lines but, most of the studies were not controlled clinical trials......The jury's still out on whether dairy consumption actually helps control weight in the absence of a significant reduction in calorie intake....That doesn't mean there aren't other good reasons to eat low or non-fat dairy products. But, remember that consuming whole dairy products can undo possible weight loss benefits. Drinking 3 glasses of whole milk daily, instead of skim, adds more than 200 calories, causing one to put on more than 20 pounds a year."

So, drink low or non-fat milk , Its calories are few. Have your cake and eat it, a small piece will do. Moderation is the key for me as well as you!

Reminder - Our online support group starts Thursday, September 13TH at 8:00 PM. If you already have GMail or Google Talk, click on the following link in order to be able to chat in the group.
http://mail.google.com/mail/b-c83dd16109-237e904fle-b0095c91d0c945ad

If you don't have a Google account, you'll have to register, and set up a free Gmail google account. Then, you'll be able to chat and participate in the support group. Click on the following link to set up your Gmail account:
http://mail.google.com/mail/a-c83dd16109-237e904fle-519cd3efe3

Test it out before hand to iron out the kinks, so, that you're up and ready to go on the 13Th. Let me know if you have difficulty doing it. Have a great week-end everyone. I'll be back to talk to you on 'Talk Tuesdays'. Lyn

"Good thoughts are no better than good dreams if we don't follow through." Emerson 1803-82

" It Seems I've Heard That Song Before, Was From An Old Familiar Score! "

2007-09-05T01:00:00.001-07:00

An advertisement for Akavar states, "Eat all you want and still lose weight. And, we couldn't say it on TV if it wasn't true." Baloney! You could, you do, and so do others!

According to the Federal Trade Commission's report issued in September of 2002, A review of 300 advertisements for weight loss products found that 40% had at least one false claim, and 55% had assertions that couldn't be substantiated. And, the beat goes on. The beat goes on!

This past January, four of the companies who were advertising falsely selling their useless weight loss aids ,(and were doing it for years), finally got fined by the Federal Trade Commission for unsubstantiated claims. The makers of Xenadrine, EFX, CortiSlim, TrimSpa and One A Day Weight Smart, paid a combined fine of 25 million dollars.

The FDC says American consumers spend 1 billion dollars a year on worthless weight loss aids. The market is flooded with false advertising of products and programs that promise you'll lose weight quickly and easily. Phony testimonials from celebrities and the average Joe, are often used to push the sell.

One of the questions for Talk Tuesdays was, "What changes will you make to your diet." Nothing drastic, no gimmicks, I hope! Participants in the SEE, (Sensible Eating and Exercise) support groups, eat healthy foods, enjoy a sweet treat every once-in-awhile, cut back moderately on their daily caloric intake, exercise regularly within moderation, get the support they need, and keep a daily diary of what they're eating. No miracles! Nothing drastic! They keep it simple, and they keep on keeping on! Lyn

"All the wonders you seek are within yourself." Sir Thomas Brown (1605 - 82)

Need Food For The Soul?

2007-09-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

One of the questions for 'Talk Tuesdays' was "Do you plan to join a support group?" According to the Canadian Community Action on Seniors, "Loneliness is hard on one's health. A lonely person is more liable to develop colds and infections because loneliness puts ones immune system under stress and it becomes impaired." People try to reduce that stress in different ways. Some rely on food, alcohol or medications. This only exacerbates the problem and causes other difficulties.

Being alone and being lonely are not the same thing. Some people are happy being a lone wolf. For many, being alone doesn't mean being lonely! They may connect with others from time to time, have meaningful activities in their lives, have a pet or pets as companions or a spiritual relationship that's important to them.

Loneliness usually refers to being unhappy with the emotional and social relationships that one does or does not have! When we are trying to manage our weight, it's important to have support. If you don't get it at home, join a weight management support group. If you're not comfortable in that setting, get the support you need through spiritual involvement. People involved in their church or synagogue, giving help, support and love to others, get it back ten fold!

Also, if you're a computer person, joining an online support group works for many. It's the latest form of communication for busy people. It helps because you have others to talk to who desire to proceed in the same direction.

Write and let us know how you plan to get the support and "food for the soul" you need to achieve success in weight management. Lyn

"Give and it will be given to you." Jesus

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

2007-09-03T00:15:00.000-07:00

September is a great time to begin anew. The kids are back in school. There's time to take care of you ! Are you ready to make the necessary changes to do it? Listed for 'Talk Tuesdays', are some of the questions taken from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's questionaire, entitled "Are You Ready For Weight Loss" .

Are you ready for a long term commitment? (not just a wedding, reunion, etc.)

What changes will you make to your diet ?

Can you set aside time in your daily routine for exercising?

Which exercises will you do?

Have you set small attainable goals?

Do you plan to join a support group?

According to a study which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine "Programs with frequent meetings and calorie restrictions, resulted in more successful weight loss over time."

You can talk about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Lyn

"Ready? On your mark, get set, go !" Author Unknown

Forcast for "Perfect Weather"!

2007-09-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

I heard on the Channel 5 News weather report, that the weather for the holiday week-end will be "perfect". Nothing in life is "perfect", but our weather will be! "Gray skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face." "Life can be so sweet, on the sunny side of the street." Blue skies, shining at me, nothing but blue skies, do I see." A perfect start to the holidays!

Now, even if we feel stress, or a little sad, we'll work towards replacing overeating with healthy coping strategies. "Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I've got a wonderful feeling, everything's going my way."

We'll take a minute or two periodically throughout the day to stand up, stretch, breathe deeply and shake off those negative feelings. It's a lovely day for a walk, to sit outside and read a good book, or enjoy brunch at our favorite eating spot. We'll take time for ourselves ,or maybe we'll see the people who we really want to see. Those whom we have healthy relationships with. Positive people who bring joy to our lives!

So, "grab your coat and get your hat, leave your worries on the doorstep, just direct your feet, to the sunny side of the street." Happy Labor Day everyone! Talk to you on Tuesday. Lyn

"All the wonders you seek are within yourself." Sir Thomas Brown (1605 - 82)

"Survive and Thrive" the coming week-end!

2007-08-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Let's focus on weight maintenance rather than losing weight over the long labor day week-end. Even if we want to lose more weight, it may not be the best time to do it. Maintenance is a big enough challenge. When we set unrealistic goals, that we can't attain, some of us tend to give up entirely! I wouldn't want that to happen when we've come so far. If we aim to maintain, we'll "survive and thrive"!

We talked about being active, eating in moderation the foods we like, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Let's also remember to have a snack before we attend the barbecue or picnic, so that we don't arrive half starved. Also, we'll make sure we get plenty of sleep so that we're not tired. Research shows that only two nights of sleep deprivation changes one's body chemistry to increase appetite and cause carbohydrate cravings. So, let's get our Zzzzzzz's!

Remember too, if we do overeat one time, it won't make a difference in our weight. We'll stay away from the mindset that "I've already blown it, so I might as well eat the whole thing". It takes days of overeating to gain weight. We'll just put that meal behind us and get back on track without feeling guilt and despair and plan to "survive and thrive". We can do it! Little by little! Inch by Inch! Lyn

"It's just a bad day, it's not a bad life. Smile!" Patti Hegdal

This Labor Day Weekend!

2007-08-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Labor Day Holiday began in 1882 to create a day off for the "working man". It actually became a national holiday in 1894 and has been celebrated on the first Monday In September since then. It's regarded as a day of rest, but, celebrations usually involve "food glorious food", like picnics, barbecues, and for school aged youngsters, it's the last day of weekend parties before returning to school. It's also the last weekend of the summer and we want to have fun and indulge ourselves! After all, we're entitled!!

I always gained weight over the Labor Day weekend. It became a tradition along with the custom of not wearing white after Labor Day. I enjoyed over eating! It made me feel good! However, feeling good quickly ended when I got on the scale.

Traditions can change. The custom of not wearing white after Labor Day is fading from popularity and gaining weight over the Labor Day weekend is also a disappearing act for me and for many of you! We're smarter now and we're working at it inch by inch. We don't need to overeat during the holidays to "feel good", nor do we need to eat lots of chocolate and sugary foods to load our bodies with seratonin . We don't deprive ourselves of these foods either. We eat them in moderation, and we get that "feel good" feeling from getting together with friends and family, from talking, laughing and giving lots of hugs . In addition, we get in a daily 30 minute walk to kick in those "feel good" hormones.

This Labor Day weekend we'll really enjoy ourselves. We're on a roll! We're doing it! The times they are a changing! Little by little, slow and steady. We're winning the race! Lyn

"Nothing in excess." Inscription, Temple of Apollo, Delphi, Greece

Talk Tuesdays and Online Support Groups

2007-08-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of setting up an online support group for all of us, SEE members and friends. Hopefully it will be up and running starting Thursday, September 13th, at 8:00pm . It's wonderful to have an online community that supports and encourages one another. I noticed that it's become a popular and successful venue for many different types of groups. I feel we need something like this, especially when we're unable, or too busy to attend meetings during the winter months. A support group understands, helps motivate and helps us feel more relaxed and comfortable. Right now, however, I am so stressed trying to get this set up and running, that I want to eat everything in the house :). I did say before didn't I, that over eating is managed, not cured? The over eater in myself is saying "Eat bubula! You'll feel better!" I'm ignoring it and trying not to pay it any mind!

We'll all probably have a little difficulty working with the system at first. It's a new venue for many of us "older ones", but, once we get used to it, we'll love it! We'll talk, support, motivate, socialize and enjoy one another from the comfort of our own home. Aint modern technology grand?

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

Would you like to be part of an online weight management support group?

If not, why?

You may talk about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it. Lyn

"Any powerful idea is absolutely fascinating - and absolutely useless unless we choose to use it." Richard Bach

Onward!

2007-08-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm typing, a glass of water half full sitting on the shelf, and I'm feeling very virtuous! I'm really trying to drink more, knowing that water is good for me, and I feel "holier than thou" because I actually dislike drinking the water. Ah well! Bottoms up!

Something happened that I found interesting, and I want to pursue it as an addition to the SEE group and blog. I never belonged to an online chat group. BCAN (Bladder Cancer Advocacy Group) runs a support group, online, every Sunday evening from 8 to 9 PM, for people dealing with the various stages of bladder cancer. I decided to join in a few weeks ago.

It was an amazing experience for me! A group of about 8 people, including a moderator, were all talking from the comfort of their homes (one lives in Oslo, Norway), and supporting one another. It isn't the same as writing comments on the blog. Everyone talks, you see their name on your computer screen and there's instant messaging. Ideas are exchanged, support is given, like checking up on each other to see how every one's doing, or welcoming new participants and members who didn't attend the week before. "What a great way to get together", I thought. "I'd love to have that capability on the blog."

We live in snow country and it's hard for us to travel, especially during the evening hours. It would be helpful to many, if SEE were also to have an online support group one evening a week, from 8:00 PM to 8:30 or 9:00 PM. What do you think? Would you join in?

Now, here's the rub. I'm technologically challenged! Figuring out how to do it and set it up is proving to be difficult. I'd like to have a link on the blog for invited members and friends to be able to enter it easily. But, so far, the Yahoo and Google sites make it difficult for those invited to access. I'm still checking it out through, looking into other providers, and hopefully I'll have what I want up and running soon! It's another way to connect and a benefit for us all. New challenges and new ways of doing things are always exciting! Onward! Have a great week-end everyone! Talk to you on Tuesday. Lyn

"I'm going to change my way of living and if that aint enough. I'm going to change the way I strut my stuff." Song from 1950s - Name?

Water, True or False!

2007-08-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

*Use thirst as a guide for when to drink. False

As stated in CNN.Com "By the time one becomes thirsty, it is possible to already be slightly dehydrated." Further, as we get older our body is less able to sense dehydration and send us brain signals of thirst. To ward off dehydration, we should make sure our bodies have the fluids they need and make water our beverage of choice. A good rule of thumb is to drink 8 to 12, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

*Women who drink eleven, eight ounce glasses of water reduce their risk of kidney stones. True

In 1988 Harvard University researchers reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine that women who drink eleven 8-ounce glasses of water a day, were 38% less likely to develop kidney stones.

*Ice cold drinks reduce the effectiveness of warding off colds. True

According to Bayer Health Care "Avoid ice-cold drinks because they chill the mucous membranes. As a result, they can no longer effectively ward off colds."

*One can never drink too much water. False

According to About.com Sport's Medical review board "Hyponatremia, also called water intoxication, is generally the result of drinking excessive amounts of plain water, which causes a low concentration of sodium in the blood." Runners and hikers can experience this condition, when they consume massive amounts of water over the course of a run or hike, especially in hot weather.

*Drinking cold water causes cancer and heart attacks!
*Drinking cold water burns calories and helps us lose weight!

And the claims go on, the claims go on! Drinking cold water burns a negligible amount of calories. Eating less and exercising regularly will help us lose weight. Since 2006, an email has been floating around, stating that "drinking cold water can cause cancer as well as heart attacks". Every doctor I've spoken to reject that as "hogwash". You be the judge! True or False?

*Andrew Weil, M.D. author of 'Eating Well For Optimum Health has said, "Half of the American population does not drink enough water, and suffer from NAMAIS. When he asks them how much water they drink, they say, "Not as much as I should." Lyn

"This was among my prayers. A piece of land not so very large, where a garden should be and a spring of ever-flowing water near the house." Horace, Roman poet

Turn On That Faucet!

2007-08-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

My husband likes the convenience of bottled water. He runs every day and started taking a bottle with him. Anything that gets him to drink water is AOK with me. But, think about this - If the water we use at home cost what bottled water costs, our monthly water bills would be a whopping $9,000. And, according to the latest studies "It's no better for us than tap water". In fact, the brands, Dasani and Aquafina take municipal tap water, run it through a filter, place it in a bottle and sell it!

According to Fast Company, "thirty years ago bottled water barely existed as a business in the US. Last year Americans spent 15 billion and it's expected to be 16 billion this year. Americans spend 2, 3, 4 times the cost of gasoline on a product they've always gotten and can still get for virtually free, from taps in their homes."

Is the convenience worth it? It isn't healthier than tap water. In fact, Nick Reeves, Executive Director of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management in Great Britain stated that "the perception that the bottled product is purer than tap water is unfounded. For example, the high mineral content of some bottled waters, makes them unsuitable for feeding babies and young children."

In addition according to Wikapedia, "the FDA does not define guidelines for which regulations may be considered applicable for bottled water. Also, bottled water suppliers are not required to provide details of the water source on their labels and are permitted to sell contaminated water if their labeling notes the water contains "excessive bacteria." Unbelievable!

In the US, tap water is regulated by the stringent United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, bottled water is regulated under a similar, but, significantly less strict set of regulations, from the United States Food and Drug Administration.

So, let's turn on that faucet and drink up everyone! Tap water is cheaper, safer, and another plus is that it doesn't add plastic debris to our environment. Lyn

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook," William James (1842 - 1910)

Talk Tuesdays and "Do You Think Drink?"

2007-08-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Chronic dehydration is widespread and affects everyone who is not drinking enough liquid. In fact, my husband was told by his doctor for the second time after reviewing his blood work, that he is dehydrated. He doesn't drink much water, has been very tired lately and has more backaches than usual. All he has to do to improve his situation is to drink more water! Imagine! According to CNN.com, the following is a list of 13 symptoms that will inspire us all to drink a glass of water, and then another one, and another one, and another one!

Symptoms of Dehydration

1. Fatigue
2. Constipation
3. Digestive Disorders
4. High and Low Blood Pressure
5. Gastritis
6. Respiratory Troubles
7. Acid-Alkaline Imbalance
8. Excess Weight - We may over eat because we crave foods rich in water, confusing hunger with thirst.
9. Eczema
10. Cholesterol - When too much liquid is removed from cells the body tries to stop this by producing more cholesterol.
11. Cystitis - Urinary Infections
12. Rheumatism
13. Premature Aging

Whew! I also read that 75% of the people are chronically dehydrated and that dehydration also causes stress. Stress causes many of us to over eat at times (including yours truly). I must admit, I needed to drink more water, and I have started today. How about you?

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

How many glasses of water a day do you normally drink?

How do you spread it out over the day? In other words when do you consume your water?

You may talk about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it. Lyn

"Either control your own destiny or someone else will." John F. Welch

Youngsters Having Gastric Lap Band Surgery?

2007-08-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

Brooke Bates was 12 years old last year when she had liposuction, and then a gastric lap band because she gained back 35 of the 40 pounds she lost during the original liposuction. Brooke's parents took her to Mexico to have the lap band procedure done, because at 5'6", 193 pounds and a body mass index of 31, she did not meet the criteria that has been established nationally.

Johnnie Figueroa of Rochester, 17 years old, had the surgery done over a year ago and is 132 lbs lighter. He said, "I think it is too bad that people think that the surgery should not be a last resort for someone this young. I did try diets, he added, "I took drugs that suppressed my hunger, and I still did not lose weight. A lot of things did not work, but this did." He took drugs and tried diets? What drugs? What "diet"?

A New York University study of 53 obese persons ages 13 to 17 was the first to evaluate gastric lap band surgery in patients this young. All of the study participants had a history of obesity for at least 5 years, a body mass index of 40 or above and the same medical conditions found in obese adults such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. The participants had previous unsuccessful attempts at losing weight through diet and exercise. With gastric lap band they lost an average of 50 percent of their weight a year after surgery. Researchers stated in HealthDay News that, "stomach banding commonly called lap band surgery, is a safe and effective method of helping obese adolescents lose weight."

Lap Bands are not FDA approved for weight loss in adolescents, but are sometimes used when it is medically warranted. New York University Hospital is leading in seeking FDA approval.

Something about it bothers me! Young people are giving up, not believing in themselves. They were looking for the magic pill, now it's the magic surgery. Hopefully there's little risk to the surgery. But, in the study referred to, that also assessed the risks, there were only 53 participants. That's a very small study to come up with such strong conclusions.

Even after the surgery, these children have to work at it, so that they don't gain the weight back. Imagine the failure they'll feel if they do! Talk to me and share how you feel about gastric lap band surgery for adolescents. I must admit, I'm not comfortable with it. Have a great week-end everyone. I'll be back on Tuesday. Lyn

"What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you."
Senecca (4 B.C.- A.D.65)

Fall Into Laughter This Coming Season!

2007-08-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Every day stressors can sometimes trigger us to over eat. The old saying "Laughter is the best medicine" still rings true. It's one of the best ways to relieve stress. Psychoneuroimmunology is the name science gives to the stress reducing impact of humor and laughter. In WebMd it states that "laughter may actually help us boost our immune systems and we'd be less apt to get colds and the flu. If we do, we'll heal much faster!"

On WebMD they also referred to Humor Therapy or therapeutic humor, using the power of smiles and laughter to aid in healing. "Humor may allow a person to feel in control of a situation, make it seem manageable and actually improve the quality of life!"

So, fall into laughter this coming season. Go see a funny movie or a comic entertainer. Read a funny book, tell a joke, laugh at yourself and hang out with happy people. Sing in the shower positive and happy songs like, "Look For The Silver Lining, Gray Clouds Are Going To Clear Up, You've Got To Accentuate The Positive, The Sunny Side Of The Street, and others."

Let's also go out of our way to make someone else feel good and lift their spirits as well as ours. Humor, laughter, smiles, and caring deserve to be shared. They're inexpensive, readily available and risk free, so why not try it? After all, what have we got to lose? Certainly not our sense of humor! Lyn

"The world is my country; mankind is my brethren; to do good is my religion"
Thomas Paine (1737 - 1809)

Autumn is also......!

2007-08-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn is vaccination time. It's time to get ready and prepared for the cold and flu season that's just around the corner. But, what about people who don't have medical insurance, who can't afford to pay for the vaccinations they need for themselves and their children? What do they do?

Come the winter, we can't grow our own fresh fruits and vegetables reaping the rewards of the land. What happens to people who can't afford to purchase the produce, lean meats and reduced fat milk they need to eat healthy?

Thank goodness for the food banks in Central New York! Their Food Sense program designed to increase self sufficiency by helping people stretch their food dollars, and their fresh food distribution is a boon to those who are going through hard times. "Give and it shall be given unto you." Let's check out the food bank website www.foodbankcny.org and help where we can, whether it's by donating money, food, time, or just letting those who are going through difficult times, know that there is a place they can turn to! When we help others we help ourselves so, let's "Fall into giving" this coming season. We'll be better for it! Lyn

"There is a giant asleep within every man. When the giant awakes, miracles happen."
Frederick Faust (1892 - 1944)

Talk Tuesdays and "Don't Alli Me"!

2007-08-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Alli is the first fat blocking weight loss pill that was FDA approved on June 15, 2007. Even though it's expensive, has gross side effects and small potential benefits, people are buying it in droves!

Using Alli still requires you to cut down on your caloric intake and exercise regularly. In addition, you have to read food labels, and limit eating high fat foods. Its participants have to "work at it" just like we do. In one study, dieters using Alli only lost 3 more pounds over the entire year, than the people who watched what they ate and exercised throughout the year. So why bother? Don't Alli me!

As far as side effects go, all users experience loose stools that are frequently hard to control and some people have had to wear special garments. People also experience increased gas with oily discharge! Yuch!

Let's just stick with the basics of energy in (caloric intake) and energy out (exercise). There is no magic pill! The magic is within us, waiting to be let out!

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

* What are you doing to help you avoid over eating when you're going through a stressful period?

* Have you developed any new interests or endeavors?

* Is there anything you've tried that you'd like to recommend and share with us?

You can talk about the above or anything else you like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it! Lyn

"A man who does not think for himself does not think at all."
Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

Fall in, 1,2,3,4

2007-08-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a great time to eat healthy and "Fall" into a good routine. The Summer heat is fading and cooler temperatures are on the way. "Fall in 1,2,3,4, hot weather is no more." Now that the kids are back in school, there's more time to prepare healthy meals. And, a hearty breakfast is a must for all! Walking in the crisp Autumn air is an absolute delight! Fall is also the time for wonderful fruits and vegetables, like pumpkin and squash, and the time to hear the crunch of fallen leaves beneath our feet.

But, shorter days and lack of sunshine reduce the body's production of serotonin that promotes a feeling of relaxation and happiness. Some of us eat more comfort carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes and rice. They raise our serotonin levels, but they also raise our weight!

It doesn't have to be like that! Exercising regularly kicks in the serotonin, so that we're as "happy as a pig in sh______t". We won't put on weight! We don't want to be a German hedgehog. The German hedgehog spends its Autumn eating and getting fat. Then, when winter comes it hides under a pile of leaves. Like us hiding under a big shirt or coat. After all, we don't have to manage our weight! No one can see if we gain. But we know, our body knows, and we'll be less healthy for it!

That's not going to happen to us this time. We're going to fall into healthy eating, planning our meals, exercising regularly, monitoring our food intake by writing everything down that we eat, and monitoring our weight by stepping on the scale daily. We'll make it a part of our morning routine, like brushing our teeth.

Autumn's coming! We know the drill! We know we can and we know we will! Have a great week-end everyone. I'll be back to talk with you Tuesday, on 'Talk Tuesdays'! Lyn

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."
Epictetus (A.D. 60 - 110)

Repeat it! Repeat it! Repeat it again!

2007-08-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

When I started this weight management blog, my "skinny" girl friend said, "Weight is not a big enough subject to talk about every day. How much can you talk about eating less?" I just looked at her thinking "what do you know?" She's 5'4" tall, weighs 126 lbs since she was twenty years old and celebrated her 67th birthday last Saturday.

This blog isn't about magic pills, or magic diets. It's about caring, support and believing. It's about strategies for success, healthy eating, togetherness, and motivation. What we talk about has to be repeated over and over again to remind us that we can do it! Like Dr. Phil says, "Overeating is managed, not cured". A pat on the back when we're doing well. Encouragment to fight the good fight and not give up. A subtle push towards success when we've lost our way. These are the things that help us keep on keeping on.

Repitition is the way to pull us back when we're almost ready to give up. We know what to do and we're doing it now, if not now, definitely tomorrow, but never Never!

We lower our caloric intake moderately, follow the food pyramid for healthy eating, exercise regularly for 30 minutes a day, for a minimum of of 4 days per week, and write down everything we eat in our daily food log. Most of all we remind ourselves that it isn't over till we say it is! Onward and upward! Lyn

"One must have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilites and undertake the most interesting game in the world - making the most of one's best." Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878 - 1969)

Handling The Stressors In Our Life!

2007-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

The last post we talked about the stress on over weight children when they go back to school. Life is full of stressors, some small, some not so small, but how we handle them is key.

According to Montclair's State University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), stress comes from four basic sources:

* The environment such as weather, noise, pollution

* Social Stressors such as financial problems, relationship problems, demand for time and attention, loss of a loved one

* Physiological such as lack of exercise, change in sleeping and eating habits, illness and accidents

* Our thoughts and perceptions

People find different ways to handle stress. I was taught to think of the word 'stress' and then think of the techniques used to combat it.

S ensible diet
T ime management
R elaxation techniques and deep breathing
E xercise
S leep
S olve problems

Humor and laughter, supportive friends, keeping problems in perspective and focusing on the positive side also helps.

We all have stressors to deal with. Life isn't always a bed of roses. My stressor is a physical one. I have superficial bladder cancer that keeps returning. It's something I have to check on every three months and go for treatment when it does return. Being anxious about it doesn't help me. Over eating because of it doesn't help. Worrying, will it change, will it get worse, etc., doesn't help. But, keeping a positive attitude, looking on the bright side, being proactive and reaching out for support and to support others does help!

I decided to be proactive and join BCAN, a relatively new national bladder cancer advocacy group. And, to offer my services in organizing and starting up a bladder cancer support group in the finger lakes area of New York. When we help others, we help ourselves. I really believe that caring about others can reduce ones own stress.

Like I said before, "We all have stressors. How we handle them is key." Think about the things in your life that cause you stress. Then, find the things that bring you pleasure to counter balance those stressors. Let us know what you decided to do to "beat it". Lyn

"Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own."
Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833-70)

Talk Tuesdays and Back To School!

2007-08-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Back to school can be a stressful time for some, especially the overweight child. Overweight children feel stressed and unhappy about returning to a place where they were often teased. We as parents need to create a supportive home environment that empowers our children. We can't tease, point, yell or chastise them about their weight. We can serve them a healthy breakfast, provide them with healthy lunches to bring to school, and be there to listen, encourage and believe in them. We'll bring exercise into our lives as a family 4 times a week, 30 minutes each, and we'll start eating dinner together to bring us closer as a unit. We've started to get those late summer bedtimes in line with early school mornings, because our children need their rest. Statistics show that lack of sleep and being tired is one reason for "over eating".

If we're over-weight, we won't deprecate ourselves in front of our children, act self conscious, be sloppy, or hide in baggy pants and loose shirts. We don't want our child to follow suit! If we're a healthy weight, we won't chastise, criticize or make fun of our child as that only leads to "sneak eating".

We are family! Here to support, help and motivate one another to win!

Questions For Talk Tuesdays:

* About.com on Women's Fashion gives some plus-size tips including not to let the child hide out in over sized T shirts and baggy pants as it isn't cool or flattering, just sloppy. They suggest going for leg flattering styles like flares or boot cut. They also suggest letting the child choose a tight fitting tank (like her peers wear) but layer it with an unbuttoned sleeveless shirt. Do you agree?

* Some say that if you know your child's size he/she might try shopping online with you (check out the return policy of the store). It's sometimes less stressful for the child to shop in this manner. How do you feel about that?

* About.com on Woman's Fashions also suggests items that arn't size specific (accessories, shoes, jewelry, back packs, handbags) are the best way for overweight children to feel exactly like their peers. They suggest going overboard there. Do you?

You can write about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it! Lyn

"All unhappiness is the result of excessive expectations." Buddhist saying

What About Dancing?

2007-08-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Doctors like cardiologist Suzanne Steinbaum have started prescribing dancing for patients who might not exercise any other way. CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports, "Many doctors say dancing is a perfect way for people of any age to get cardiovascular exercise. This weekend 'Spirit of Women', a network of hospitals is sponsoring a day of "Dance for Health".

Most of us love to dance and many find ourselves dancing along with the contestants in the different dance reality shows. It feels good to "move and grove". For many, aerobic dancing in the living room to a good video is what works for them. Structured workouts don't! And, there are dozens of good dance videos to choose from.

Yes, dancing is great exercise and it also relieves tension and boosts the immune system. Prisoners in the Philippines are doing dancer sizing to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. It helps improve their physical and mental being as well as their attitude!

Dance around the house while listening to pop, country, western, social, ballroom, contra, gospel or any other music that you like to get up and move to. Dancing develops flexibility and coordination. Best of all, you don't need to be trained to listen to the music and move!

So, if walking, either outside or on the treadmill isn't for you, and you love to listen and move to the music, do it! Move to the music for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. Try "Movin and groovin" this week-end guys and enjoy! Talk to you Tuesday on Talk Tuesdays. Lyn

"It shall not be without reward" Dante Alighieri: The Divine Comedy

Did You Do It?

2007-08-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Why not? Was it too hot? You don't have the time? You don't have an interesting place to walk?

It was never too hot for me to eat. I always had the time to "stop and have a bite".
I'd eat anywhere, interesting or not! Eating was fun to me. I did it often to help me relax. It was my calming medicine, my best friend, and of course my worst enemy.

I've since learned to make exercise fun so that I look forward to doing it. When the endorphins kick in, I feel good, relaxed and when evening comes, I sleep like a baby!

Try walking. It's a wonderful exercise all of us, young and old can participate in. To maximize the fat burning, experts say "walk fast enough so that you can hold a conversation but can't sing". Make it fun. Some people enjoy walking with a friend, some like listening to music. If you enjoy it you'll stick with it. Don't have time to walk outside, walk on the treadmill. I do that after dinner while watching TV. It keeps me from night time eating and relaxes me. Experts say, "Walking 30 to 40 minutes a day, at least 4 days a week increases the rate of fat burning."

According to AARP, "walking helps you think clearly, make better decisions, solve problems and concentrate. It beefs up your brain. It also helps you get a better night's sleep, reduces stress and relieves tension."

So, what are we waiting for? One, two, three four, we don't sit around anymore. Five, Six, seven, eight, we're moving out and feeling great! Have fun! Lyn

"Proceed as if success were inevitable." Author Unknown

Back To The Basics Including Exercise!

2007-08-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Enough talk about how others respond to the "obesity panic". It's time to talk about us! We're eating healthy, following the food pyramid of our choice (check out our Mayo Clinic link and write the word pyramid in their search section to find the pyramid you can live with), having a sweet every once in awhile, writing down every thing we eat in our food log, cutting back on our caloric intake, exercising within moderation and weighing ourselves in the morning as part of our daily routine.

Recent reports by the researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health say It's fine to weigh daily. They found no strong evidence linking daily scale stepping and depression as previously thought. Research from the National Weight Loss Registry has determined that almost all successful weight loss maintainers have a 5 lb range monitoring system. By monitoring daily, they catch themselves before their weight can get out of control.

I weigh every morning upon rising and have a 4 lb range that's acceptable to me. By monitoring my weight daily and writing down everything I put in my mouth, I'm a compulsive over eater finally in control. As Dr. Phil says, "Overeating is managed, not cured".

Now let's talk about exercising, another important component to staying healthy and managing our weight. Speaking of exercising, I was taking my morning constitutional in Fillmore Glen state park the other day, and saw two young girls riding around the campground in a golf cart rather than walking (there's no golf course in Fillmore Glen state park). They were a little "hefty" too! The Methodist Hospital System came out with exercise statistics for women in the US. Sixty percent don't engage in the recommended amount of physical activity and more than 25% are not active at all. Let's change those statistics for our good health and "move it". Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day will do wonders for us. A calorie is a calorie. The best way to lose and maintain weight is to eat fewer calories than we burn. If we don't exercise...........The weather is lovely. So, on your mark, get set, go! Lyn

"Being extremely honest with oneself is a good exercise" Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939)

Talk Tuesdays and Aaaaah!

2007-07-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

The obesity panic driven media and others are saying that a study in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, funded by the National Institute of Aging shows that "Obesity is Contagious". They said data on more than 12,000 people suggested the risk was increased by 57% if a friend was obese, by 40% if a sibling was and 37% if a spouse was. But, researchers think it is more than just people with similar eating and exercise habits hanging out with one another "birds of a feather flocking together". It may be that having relatives and friends who become obese changes one's idea of what is an acceptable weight. Despite their findings, the researchers said people should not sever their relationships. Well, at least they're not saying, "Run for the hills! Your obese friend, parent, cousin, spouse, child is coming. You don't want to catch "it". Aaaaaaah!

Another study group thinks one can catch obesity from a virus. "Obesity is a complex, chronic disease" noted leading researcher Leah D. Whigham, a research scientist in the department of nutritional sciences at The University Of Wisconsin. There are lots of factors contributing to the 'broad epidemic', but because of the rate of increase, it is very possible that it is partially due to an infectious disease." Katz, another expert said that "viruses probably have only a small role to play in obesity". Lona Sandon an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas said, "for now people need to stick with what works for preventing and treating obesity, that's eating less and moving more. We may not be able to change our genes and environment, but we can change the way we eat and exercise." And the beat goes on, the beat goes on!

For Talk Tuesdays:

**What do you think of the latest findings by researchers?

**How do you feel it affects overweight adults and children?

**What do you think the "obesity panic" is doing to the diet industry including but not limited to weight loss programs, diet pills and nutritionists?

You can answer the above or write about anything else you prefer, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below and go for it! Lyn

"What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you."
Seneca (4 B.C. - A.D. 65)

Misinformation And Help!

2007-07-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, in 2004, that obesity was causing 400,000 deaths a year. Much of the "obesity panic" kicked in about then. After careful review a second report suggested that a more accurate figure for excess obesity deaths was 25,000. Wow! A 96% difference! Misinformation and panic doesn't help the overweight person or their families. I implore, just ignore!

Let's continue to work towards eating healthier, enjoying a sweet every once in awhile, practicing portion control, logging everything we eat, exercising regularly, and enjoying giving and receiving the support of loved ones. We're doing it, little by little. All of us aiming to maintain a healthier weight, not the weight of some media skinny minnie, but of our own body type!

Right now however, yours truly is a little frustrated. I'm not exercising like I've done in the past, due to illness. I am doing what I can and I'm eating in moderation. My weight stays within the same 3 lb range, once in awhile I'm 1 pound over. No big deal! But, my waistline and tummy due to not being as physical, has expanded and I've gone up a size. Now, that's not fair! :) I'm really a believer now in "move it or lose it". The weight's the same, but I'm not as tight, nor as lean around the middle.

Does anyone out there know of good tummy and waistline exercises that I can do sitting in a chair and not lying down or standing up. I've been doing stomach contractions and side bends, but they don't seem to be helping. Suggestions?

Years ago, I would have said, "Aah! I give up and then I would overeat. I think differently now. I'm still in the game of life and am better off not gaining and keeping on. You do the same. Keep up the good work and don't give up the ship! If you do fall off, just climb back on board. It isn't over till we say it is.

Have a great week-end everyone! I'll be back to talk to you on Talk Tuesdays! Lyn

"The original sin is to limit the IS. Don't." Richard Bach

Weight Stigma And Pointing Fingers!

2007-07-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

No one really argues that obesity is healthy, but the public awareness campaign by some government agencies, the media and the medical establishment isn't helping. Some think pointing fingers is actually hurting the overweight adult and child. According to Wikipedia "obese children and adults are vulnerable targets of weight stigma from a variety of sources. At school students who are overweight or obese can face harassment and victimization from peers as well as negative attitudes from teachers and other educators. Even family members may express stigmatizing attitudes toward loved ones who are obese. Obese youth who are victimized by peers because of their weight are at risk for poor body image, unhealthy eating behaviors, eating disorders, lower levels of physical activity, lower self-esteem......Weight stigma can also lead to social isolation, poorer interpersonal relationships and self blame by those who are targeted."

We should be teaching acceptance and tolerance of peoples differences. Pointing fingers at the overweight adult or child doesn't appear to help them. It can actually cause unhealthy eating behaviors. And, family stigmatizing one of their own? An overweight member's home has to be a safe haven. No pointing, no lecturing, no stigmatizing, just working together as a family unit by eating healthier, exercising regularly and supporting one an other's efforts. In that way you help every member of the family maintain a healthier weight.

Don't panic! Slow and easy! Make the necessary changes one step at a time. Check out our link to the Food Network Channel, then click on Healthy eating. There you'll get healthy food menus, tips and other information you'll need to succeed. Good luck! It's no big deal. Inch by inch it's a cinch for a healthier you and your family. Lyn

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are only rearranging their prejudices." William James (1842 - 1910)

Pay Attention To Your Needs, Not The Panic Over Obesity!

2007-07-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

"Reports on the obesity epidemic have exploded in recent years eclipsing coverage of other health issues, said Abigail Sagny of UCLA Today. But. a growing number of researchers have critiqued the medical science behind the claims pointing out that epidemiological studies find an association with mortality and body mass in only the heaviest 6% and lightest 3% of the population. Yet the beat goes on, the beat goes on!

It's not obesity, but the panic over obesity that's the real health problem states J. Eric Oliver, Political Science Professor at the University of Chicago and author of the new book 'Fat Politics'. He argues that fatness is perfectly compatible with fitness and says that scapegoating obesity drives Americans to experiment with dangerous fad diets and diet pills.

I have finally reached the age of enlightenment (71) and I'm not really influenced by what others think or say at this point in my life. I try to do what I think is best for my health. It's not related to the obesity panic, it's related to me!

As I've said before, logging everything I eat, moderately reducing my caloric intake and exercising regularly (walking) is what works for me. However, I've had to contend with illness that has prevented my exercising as much, keeps me indoors (near the kitchen) and has really tested my mettle! In order to maintain one's weight, it's energy in and energy expended. I'm not as active as before and I'm eating the same as I did when I was more active. So far, so good, but....

Write and let me know how and what you're doing. And please, just pay attention to your emotional needs, your body needs, your kind of slim, and not the hysteria out there. Lyn

"Remember, no one can make you feel inferior (or anything else) without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 - 1962), adapted

"Put The Blame On Mame Boys!"

2007-07-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

"It's a myth that immigrants don't pay takes", according to Justice for Immigrants; A range of studies find that immigrants pay between 90 and 140 billion a year in federal, state and local taxes. Undocumented immigrants pay income taxes as well, which grew by @20 billion between 1990 and 1998. But, blame the immigrants for rising taxes and health care costs!

The cost of health care which had stabilized in the mid-1990s with the advent of managed care is climbing rapidly, putting new strains on employers, workers and government programs that cover 75 million Americans. The soaring costs are driven in part by "the biomedical revolution of the past decade which produced an array of expensive new treatments for an aging population, from drugs to fight osteoporosis to high-tech heart pumps", says Robin Toner and Sheryl Gay Stolberg in an article in The New York Times. Blame the elderly for rising health care costs!

"Treating obesity is a major cause for the rising cost of health care, according to a study by researchers at Emory University. In an aricle in the Washington Post on October of 2004, it stated "from 1987 to 2001 medical bills for obese people constituted 27 percent of the growth in overall health care spending." Blame obesity for rising health care costs!

We all are descendants of immigrants. Aging is a natural occurrence we all expect to go through, unless we die before our time. Obesity is an illness. These are our people, part of the "American Quilt". Let's stop blaming them for the rise in health care costs and the cost of living. Years ago it cost me a nickel to ride the bus! "Times they are a changing."

For Talk Tuesdays:

* Do you feel immigrants, the aging or the overweight person deserve the blame they are receiving?

* Do you feel that blaming causes hate or that hate causes blaming?

* Do you agree or disagree with the complaints listed?

You can talk about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below and go for it. Lyn

"The world is what we think it is. If we can change our thoughts, we can change the world". H. M. Tomlinson (1873 - 1958)

Factoids To Feed On!

2007-07-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

A small study from the University of Cologne in Germany stated that "Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, and it requires an amount less than two Hershey kisses to do it". A small piece containing 30 calories will help lower your blood pressure and not expand your waist. More research has to be done, but, if its not a trigger food for you, and you love chocolate, a little bit is good for you!

I read in cnn.com that The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) said, "we all naturally tend to process information, solve problems and relate to others in a particular way, and such inclinations roughly correspond to four different quadrants in the brain". They found that those with the most dramatic losses scored noticeably higher in favoring 'B', the lower left quadrant.

People who process in the B lower left quadrant are controlled, methodical, disciplined sticklers for structure and routine..... They would be the most comfortable with the mundane details of calorie counting, portion control and writing everything down. Even if you're not a 'B', counting, writing and portion control are a must for success in weight loss! So, go to it!

"Being fat increases your chance of a heart attack, but gives you a better chance of surviving one" according to a study by scientists at Duke University, who examined nearly 16,000 people in 37 countries. Why? They don't know yet. Dr. Andrew Newby, vascular biologist of Bristol Heart Institute and spokesman for the European Society of Cardiology said, "It could be that the hearts of obese people are 'pre-conditioned' because they're under more stress in the first place."

Youfa Wang, MD PhD, lead author of the study to predict the future situation regarding obesity and overweight among US adults and children at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Human Nutrition stated "Obesity is a public health crisis. If the rate of obesity and overweight continues at this pace, by 2015, 75 percent of adults and nearly 24 percent of U.S. children and adolescents will be overweight or obese."

We know that eating healthy, having a sweet once in awhile, counting calories, reducing them moderately, writing down what we eat and exercising regularly is the key to success. And, we're doing it! Worry causes people to overeat! Obesity Panic doesn't help those who need assistance! I wish people would just "lighten up". Next week we'll talk about the prejudice and anger the "obesity panic" is causing and how it's affecting us.

Have a great week-end everyone. I won't be writing on Mondays for the next six weeks, but will always be back to talk to you on Tuesdays. Lyn

"Our self image and our habits tend to go together. Change one and you will automatically change the other." Dr. Maxwell Maltz (1899 - 1975)

Discrimination By Physicians??

2007-07-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

In 2005, The New Hampshire Board of Medicine set a hearing for a Dr. Terry Bennett. One complaint charged that he spoke to an obese female patient about her condition in a way that caused her distress and embarrassment. Another complaint, which was filed in 2001 said Dr. Bennett advised another female patient to buy a pistol so she could commit suicide to end her physical suffering.

In the 2005 complaint he told the woman, "You need to lose weight. Let's face it if your husband were to die tomorrow who would want you? Well, men might want you but not the types that you want to want you. Might even be a black guy!" - Wow, discrimination about the size of a person and the color of a person's skin! I remember the Boston Globe investigating it. It's 2007, and I haven't heard what happened to Dr. Bennett. The story just faded away. After all it was no big deal. It wasn't malpractice. Just a doctor being tough on his patients in an effort to get them to lose weight and a poor bedside manner. Do you really believe that?

The Houston School of Public Health of The University of Texas together with Dartmouth College of New Hampshire, did a study focusing on the quality of health care that heavy patients receive from their physicians. They found that during their training, physician's biases were strengthened as they realized that heavier people often require more space, more effort, increased recovery time and non-standardized sizes of equipment. Indeed, residents have reported that their overweight patients are less likable and more emotional than their non-overweight patients. Similarly medical students have indicated that overweight patients are not as likely to benefit from medical help.

They also found that physician's negative attitudes may further set up a self-fulfilling prophecy dynamic. If physicians treat overweight patients less favorably, overweight patients may learn or continue to expect lower levels of care for themselves. Additionally, if the patients receive negative feedback and less favorable medical treatment, they may blame themselves and not attribute it to deficits in physician care.

We have to be strong, believe in ourselves and fight for our right to equality in everything, including physician care. If you receive unfavorable medical treatment, change doctors! From my experiences, and the people that I've met in weight loss support groups, most physicians were kind and caring. Have you ever had a problem with a physician? What were your experiences with the doctors you've had? Write and let us know. Lyn

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference." Virginia Satir

A Fat Tax??

2007-07-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

UK researchers said that "Imposing a tax on unhealthy foods could prevent up to 3,200 deaths from heart disease and stroke every year." A food and drink federation spokesman said it was utter nonsense. "The research doesn't prove whether taxing the foods that consumers love would lead to any changes in their buying habits. It would only result in lighter wallets, not smaller waists."

Maura Gillespie, the head of policy and public affairs at the British Heart Foundation said, "Further evidence is needed on the effect of targeted food taxes before we can support a 'fat tax'.

According to the Post, six bills proposed by NYS Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D) would not only tax fatty foods, but sedentary activities such as movie tickets, video games and DVD rentals. "We have focused on smoking, now it's time we fight Obesity", Ortiz told the Post.

Some insurance industry officials have suggested charging obese persons higher premiums. HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson cautioned that doing so could run afoul of federal anti-discrimination laws.

What do you think? What food could they tax that would help us in our weight management efforts? I can eat everything in moderation. I could also overeat anything, including healthy foods that would cause me to gain weight. But, I choose not to. How does that saying go, "It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it."

Food for thought:
Does the tax on cigarettes help people to smoke less?
Does the tax on alcohol help people to drink less?
Does the tax on gasoline help people to drive less?
Will a fat tax save lives?
Is it discrimination?
Is it another way to raise tax revenues?
Does it hurt "the poor even more"?

Write and let me know what you think. Lyn

"He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper." Edmund Burke (1729 - 97)

Talk Tuesdays and Blaming Obesity For What??

2007-07-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

In The New York Times, an article by Sheldon H. Jacobson, of the University of Illinois, and doctoral student Laura McLay, discussed how much extra gasoline is used to transport "fatter Americans". They came up with the figure, a billion gallons a year.

In the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, they calculated how much extra fuel airlines spend, hauling around "fatter Americans". By calculating how many pounds the average American gained in the 1990s, they came up with 350 million gallons or an extra 3.8 million tons of Carbon Dioxide. "This is like, let's find another reason to scapegoat fat people", said Dr. Eric Oliver, a political scientist at The University of Chicago.

Unbelievable! I wonder if Al Gore feels that the over weight person is affecting global warming? I don't think so! I didn't see it referred to in his movie. He knows better!

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

* Do you think that stigmatization of over weight people causes them to eat more, less or the same?

* Do you think discrimination of over weight people causes them to eat more, less or the same?

You can talk about the above, or anything else you're interested in, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it! Lyn

"Why not spend some time in determining what is worthwhile for us, and than go after that?" William Ross

Go Beyond Half The Battle!

2007-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Don't criticize, be positive, don't give meaningless praise, eat raw foods, cleanse, eat more meat, eat less fat, eat less meat, chew slowly. And the beat goes on, the beat goes on!

The bottom line is, if we keep it simple it's no big deal! Eat healthy. Practice portion control. Write down everything you eat. Reduce your caloric intake slowly. Exercise moderately, about 30 minutes a day. Then, presto! Like magic, you'll get down to a healthy weight. Try to go beyond "half the battle", get right into the "red zone", and fight to do it! You'll be happier for it.

It's tough to get started, but, force yourself. Start with small steps. You'll find that doing it slowly and in moderation makes it easier to stick with. Start by exercising 3 times a week, instead of daily. Cut down your calories gradually. But, begin now!

Get plenty of rest too! A good night's sleep is important. We tend to over eat when we're tired. Think of it as a way of life, rather than "I have to lose weight" . It's easier to deal with that way.

Have a great week-end and fight the good fight, for your good health. Talk to you Tuesday. (I'm taking a long week-end) Lyn

"Proceed as if success were inevitable" Author Unknown

Their Time Will Come Too!

2007-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm the leader for SEE (Sensible, Eating and Exercise) in Auburn and Moravia, New York. I was a leader at 4 locations for Weight Watchers in Westchester County and for TOPS in Moravia. People join these groups to lose or manage their weight. Some people attend regularly, lose a pound, gain a pound, and at the end of the year they're about the same. Now that's OK if they are at a relatively healthy weight, but, most were 40 pounds or more over weight, and had medical issues too! We would encourage them to keep on keeping on. We would talk about good nutrition, exercise and strategies for success. We would tell them to pat themselves on the back for coming and for not gaining. But, did we help them by recognizing them in those ways?

It appears to me that the people who had been successful in losing weight, believed they could achieve. Believed they could lose it and could keep it off! What instills that belief? I think we should encourage more positive self talk amongst our members, more positive affirmations such as, we're terrific, we deserve it, we can do it, we will do it, starting today. Perhaps we should encourage members to write up a contract with themselves.

Some people who keep attending weight management meetings, without making visible progress, reinforce "I can't" in themselves. I saw that in Weight Watchers, in TOPS, in SEE and I assume in most weight loss support groups. But, it's not over till we say it's over. It took me years to stop smoking until I finally did. So, attending and trying is half the battle isn't it? Maybe it was alright to give a pat on the back for coming. People reach their "aha" moment believing "it's time" and "I can" at different times. Wouldn't it be great if we had a magic wand that said, "you can do it now". We don't have that, and we don't have all the answers yet, but, we do have the magic of the people. We support, we care, we encourage, and we learn from one another. Those who haven't had their "aha" moment will have it one day!

When did you have your "aha" moment? What do you think turned you on and about? Share the magic. Lyn

"Believe that you have it, and you have it" Latin proverb

You've Got To Accentuate The Positive - But, Be Careful!

2007-07-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

The latest theory is too much praise can be harmful. In his article in New York Magazine, 'How Not To Talk To Your Kids', Bronson stated, "Offering praise has become a sort of panacea for the anxieties of modern parenting. Out of our child's lives from breakfast to dinner, we want them to hear the things we can't say during the day - We are in your corner, we are here for you, we believe in you."

Sincerity of praise is crucial. Just as we can sniff out the true meaning of a back handed compliment, or a disingenuous apology, children too scrutinize praise for hidden agendas. "Praise is important, but not vacuous praise", says New York University professor of psychiatry Judith Brook. It has to be based on a real thing -some skill or talent they have. Once children hear praise they interpret as merit less, they discount not just the insincere praise, but sincere praise as well!

A weight management support group member who was having difficulty managing her weight was always praised for attending the meetings. Another member was often praised for not gaining and for staying the same, even though her doctor said she had to lose 50 pounds for her good health.

Students in school turn to cheating according to Brook, because they haven't developed a strategy for handling failure. The problem is compounded when a parent ignores a child's failures and insists he'll do better next time.

Should the weight management support group be praising a member for just attending meetings or for not gaining? Does that help them succeed in their weight management efforts or are they innocuous praises that reinforce the member's beliefs that they can't do it? When is it right to praise and support efforts and when is it over done?

You be the judge and let me know what you think. Lyn

"Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back" Babe Ruth - Ruth held the all-time record for home runs and strike outs. (1895 - 1948)

Talk Tuesdays and that "Aha Moment"!

2007-07-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

In the April issue of Good Housekeeping's "Using Food", Caroline Bollinger profiles different women who had to lose 100 pounds and finally did it! They each had that "aha moment" when they came to realize it was time. And, they also came to realize that they were hungry for something other than food.

In Emme and Phillip Aronson's picture book for children "What Are You Hungry For, Feed Your Tummy and Your Heart", they talk about the need to feel warm, safe, happy and satisfied. In other words, just right! Could it be a yummy treat like pizza, or a cuddle with their dog, on a rainy afternoon, was what they really needed?

Young and old reach for food when it's not what they need. Once we realize what our needs are, once we have that "aha moment" that says I must to be healthy and I will! Once we stop saying, "I can't, I'll never"! Then, it can finally be done; eating healthy, in moderation and being physically fit.

For Talk Tuesdays tell us:

* When did you have that "aha moment"?

* What motivates you to stay the course?

You may talk about the above or anything else you like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on "comments" and go for it. Lyn

"We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve." Dr. Maxwell Maltz (1899 - 1975)

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, Shame On You!

2007-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Before I start my diatribe, I just want to let you know that I haven't walked since June 13th because I hurt my knee badly, and also had minor surgery of my bladder last Friday. But, I'm proud to say that my weight stayed within the same 3 lb. range even though I cut back on walking! Yippee! I've been able to practice what I preach. Keeping my mind focused on doing it. Eating healthy. Having a sweet treat every once in awhile so that I don't feel "deprived". Cutting down moderately on caloric intake, and recording everything that I eat. I've also been doing chair exercises from the waist up, to take the place of walking, so that I "burn" some calories. Like you, I have to keep on keeping on!

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Here's a new "Shame On You" tidbit! Have you seen the latest LA Weight Loss commercials in which a young lady states she lost "50% more by taking a particular pill" distributed by the LA Weight Loss Centers" I was appalled! I couldn't believe that a weight loss center was pushing pills.

This is what I've learned from an article by Christine Park of the ABC 30 News Team. Dieter Della Caver said, "LA Weight loss starts at $10 - $99 a week and I thought it was a pay as you go plan". She is one of 6 women who contacted Action News Consumer Watch saying "They felt misled by LA Weight Loss". They ended up spending hundreds even thousands of dollars after they found out that everything had to be paid up front. That included a year long contract and buying supplements and pills that staff insisted was essential to the program." Lorraine Burrow said, "LA Weight Loss counselors pushed so hard that she ended up spending $1,400 for her plan."

Attorney Generals in two states, Washington and New York investigated LA Weight Loss Centers' advertising and sales practices. Without admitting wrong doing, the company agreed to nearly a million dollars worth of settlements in those cases.

Shame on you Whoopi for being a spokesperson for LA Weight Loss Centers! We'll stick with our moderate program. It's not too extreme for us to follow, not costly and there are no gimmicks! We just Weigh, Watch and Walk to Win! Lyn

"Every man must find his own phiosophy..his attitude toward life."
Lin Yutang(1895 - 1976)

Is It Me?

2007-07-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

I talked about the "9 KIDS Challenge" program sponsored by WSYR that works with 9 children in front of the TV camera to show publicly how they're helping "obese" kids! But, I feel that it's not good for children to be exposed like that! If they don't succeed, they'll be teased that much more, and they themselves will feel failure and embarrassment from this exploitation.

I learned that ABC is doing something similar nationally. The national program is called "Shaq's Big Challenge". Shaquille O'Neal works with 6 overweight children and tackles their childhood obesity in front of the nation. I'm glad about one thing though! The show doesn't have good ratings. Hopefully it will be dropped soon! Is it me? Am I being overly sensitive to the needs of these young children? Write and let me know what you think.

I'm so excited! This is the 100th post on the SEE blog! We should have a big birthday celebration. Well, maybe for the 200th post, we'll do something special! At this time, I'm having minor surgery and am taking a few days leave of absence. I'll return on Monday, July 9th and we'll get together then. Enjoy the rest of the week everyone. If you're having a rough time food wise, just remember that it isn't over till you say it is! Get right back on track and never, never, give up! Talk to you Monday. Hugs to all! Lyn

"The most difficult way, in the long run, is the easiest." Henry Miller

Whoops! I almost forgot. "HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!"

Talk Tuesdays and Double The Trouble!

2007-07-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

July 4th week-end celebration and July 4th mid week celebration means double the trouble. We had a July 4th celebration at our home on Sunday, and food wise I did pretty well. I had everyone take home the left overs, including Oatmeal Raisin Cookies which I adore. But, I told them to leave me one cookie and I'll have it later with coffee. Wouldn't you know it, one of our guests ate that cookie! If murder wasn't against the law.......:) Ah well! It just wasn't meant to be.

On Wednesday, I'm attending a July 4th celebration at the home of a friend who is the greatest baker in the world. She gets insulted if you don't try her latest culinary endeavor! I'm just saying over and over to myself "In moderation it's OK Lyn, In moderation it's OK."

For Talk Tuesdays tell us

* How did you handle eating challenges this past week-end?

* What are you doing eating wise on the 4th?

You can talk about the above or anything else you like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below and go for it. Lyn

"Scramble over the obstacles." D.H. Lawrence: Lady Chatterley's Lover

Stay Safe And Have A Happy July 4th Week-end!

2007-06-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed July 4th as the "Deadliest Day" on America's roads; July 3rd is the second deadliest day. Key factors include alcohol, increased traffic on the road, and grogginess. So, don't drink and drive. Forty one percent of motor vehicle fatalities this July 4th week-end will be related to driving under the influence! The authorities also say, "Don't Binge Eat"! Over indulging on holiday treats can make you feel uncomfortable and groggy! People tend to have seconds and thirds around the holidays. It's dangerous to overeat before leaving to drive back home because you become too sleepy and groggy to drive safely. Keep caffeinated drinks in the car and find a safe place to pull over if necessary. If you're not alert, you should avert!

Try to avoid over indulging as best you can.

* Watch the Alcohol

* Don't arrive hungry or there's the tendency to overeat.

* Control portions.

* Drink water.

* Fill up on the good stuff and have small portions of the fat and sweet items.

The Fourth of July week-end is a time of celebration and tradition. Celebrate by going to the local fireworks display done by professionals in the area, but, let's not set off fireworks or firecrackers on our own, especially when camping! Fireworks in state parks and forests have been the cause of many fires. Stay safe!

Have a wonderful time picnicking, traveling, sight seeing, relaxing, reading, entertaining, visiting, camping, etc. I'll be thinking of you. Talk to you on Tuesday! Lyn

Way To Go!

2007-06-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

"Eat Well Play Hard", a program created by the New York State Department of Health gives three Universal health guidelines: 1. Increase physical activity. 2. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. 3. Increase intake of low fat and fat free dairy products. Cayuga County's Women, Infant and Children's Supplement Program's members are providing 400 backpacks to kids, filled with exercise equipment, music CDs and more. "We're trying to teach parents and children how to play again," said Mary Beth Hogan, WIC Program Coordinator. Way to go! Providing equipment, training and guidance to 400 kids. Now that's a program! Unlike WSYR and SUNY Upstate Medical University's program "9 KIDS Challenge", that works with only 9 young children and displays their weight loss progress, or lack there of on TV for all the world to see.

In a recent L.A. Weight Loss commercial, a woman who lost quite a bit of weight stated that her man loved who she was before she lost the weight, picked her to marry, and is happy for her now that she lost the weight. A positive message that tells every over-weight viewer that they're still capable of being loved for who they are. Way to go! Unlike the Nutri System commercial, where a husband who lost weight stated, "my wife thought I was disgusting, but now..." What a negative message that sends to over-weight viewers!

The new Slim Fast commercial doesn't emphasise losing weight overnight, doesn't emphasise working towards "skinny",. but states "We believe in hips, not hip bones." and "Find your own kind of slim." That kind of message tells an overweight viewer that they're not dreaming the impossible dream. They can have an attainable goal that's realistic for them. Way to Go!

A new book, "Rethinking Thin; The New Science of Weight Loss" by Gina Kolata, science writer for The New York Times makes us more knowledgeable about metabolism and nutrition. Way to go! Kolata has an interesting approach. You may not agree with everything she says, but it's a worthwhile read. I found it particularly interesting, when she talked about the World War Two era and the study of conscientious objectors restricted to half their normal food intake. They became obsessed, dreamed of food, and developed elaborate rituals. Few people can live this way for long, no matter how disciplined they are. They weren't comfort or binge eaters in the past, but being restricted too much, caused them to obsess and think about food most of the time.

Like we say, little by little, inch by inch, in moderation, we'll succeed! Lyn

"To be blind is bad, but worse is to have eyes and not to see."
Helen Keller (1880-1968)

Comforting Ourselves With Food!

2007-06-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Eating for comfort. Most everyone can relate to it! We see it on TV in the sitcoms, movies, women upset with their boy friends, husbands, children. They sit down with a half-gallon tub of ice cream! Remember the "Golden Girls" and their evening ice cream splurge?

But, many of us take it to the extreme. We eat when we're sad, lonely, bored, or angry. It comforts and numbs us! It suppresses the pain, the negative thoughts and while we're eating we feel good!

After the comfort eating to squelch our negative thoughts, comes the feeling of guilt and feeling bad about ourselves. And, let's face it, eating only gives us temporary relief. We're eating to avoid something or to fill an emptiness that we can't cope with. We're over weight because we comfort ourselves with food and that doesn't make us feel very happy!

I found that it helped to keep a journal to find patterns of eating and see how it related to my emotions. The act of writing actually becomes a substitute for eating and provides relief. It also allows you to vent your feelings. I used a notebook, but you can use any medium you like. Keeping a notebook around and writing down what you're feeling before you head to the refrigerator actually curtails the eating syndrome.

Once we have the ability to clear our heads of the things that bother us by writing them down, we open ourselves to all sorts of interests and possibilities. Try it! Who knows. You may become a poet lauriette :) Lyn

"So oftentimes we live our lives in chains and we never even know
we have the key." The Eagles

Talk Tuesdays and Whose Got Your Back?

2007-06-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

"Loving Yourself With Food", sex therapist Trisha Garvey's new self-help hit was inspired by the eating habits of Oprah Winfrey and Kirstie Alley. Emotional and sub-conscious eating affects approximately 75% of woman. Unfortunately, emotional eating is an area of weight management that's not often addressed. Self medicating with food because we're either lonely, bored, depressed, anxious or angry is a common occurrence.

One of my emotional eating triggers was loneliness. Having a husband wasn't enough for me, I guess. When working for The Guild in Manhattan, I saw loneliness amongst many senior citizens, especially those living in senior housing and nursing homes. Moms and dads who had "their children's backs" as caring providers and protectors, now alone with few visits from their family. No one had "their backs"!

I'm lucky though! I'm not in senior housing or a nursing home just yet. When the time comes, I'll reach out to that community! Right now, I have six furry children who give unconditional love. My new home is in a lovely, friendly town. I recently joined the local UU Society. The people in it are warm and welcoming. I enjoy the interaction and concern for one another at our SEE meetings. I've "got my back", but, I have the help and support of others who care.

For Talk Tuesdays, tell me:

* Whose got your back?

* Of the emotions listed above, which one(s) trigger you to overeat and how have you handled that?

You may talk about the above or anything else as long as it pertains to weight management. Share and help fellow readers who can relate to you. Lyn

"Seek and ye shall find in your community, local church, club, etc."
Author, A friend

Doing It The Right Way!

2007-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Slim Fast has an approach that's healthy. "Find your own slim and not someone else's." We do it that way in the SEE groups. In aiming for "our" healthy body weight, moderation is the key, both in in our eating (input) and our exercising (output). But, many people who are overweight set unrealistic goals for themselves. They use fashion icons to determine their body sizes, rather than finding their individual slim. To try to achieve that unreachable goal, they take in too little calories, over exercise and set themselves up for failure, because they are unable to keep up that "extreme regime".

My "individual slim" range is 138 to 142 pounds. It's realistic for me! It's the set point my body wants to be at and is easy for me to maintain. I went from a size 20 to a size 12 and I'm happy where I'm at. I don't have to be a size 2 to feel successful. But, many young people want to look like Paris Hilton and Brad Pit! They want to lose it and get there fast! They try fad diets, diet pills, all or nothing diets, and the list goes on! They either don't lose it all, or whatever they do lose, they gain back!

In the June 11th issue of Time Magazine, it stated that "The Biggest Loser helped contestants quickly drop a lot of weight. Many dropped more than 20 lbs in a week through caloric restriction, endless exercise and no small amount of dehydration. Ryan Benson lost 122 lbs to win the first season in January 2005. Two and a half years after Benson's final weigh in at 208 lbs., he slipped into old habits and now hovers around 300 lbs.". It was too "extreme a regime" for him to maintain.

All of the above reminds us to keep on keeping on. Do it in moderation, slow and easy, inch by inch, aiming for "our slim" and not someone else's! Lyn

"Your life is up to you. Life provides the canvas; you do the painting."
Author Unknown

Here I Go Again!

2007-06-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

My knee is still under investigation. The x rays show spurs, calcium deposits, osteoarthritis and fluid on the knee. They also suspect torn meniscus, so I'm scheduled for an MRI next week. The bottom line is, I can't walk for awhile and I've been doing speed walking, 40 minutes a day, 6 days a week for the past two years!

In order to continue to maintain my weight, I have to find other ways to expend energy. I started doing 30 minutes of upper body strength training with dumbbells every other day and a friend is lending me a "chair exercise video" to try out.

I'm also going to make some slight changes in the way I eat. Sitting around most of the day with my leg raised isn't very healthy so, I might as well make my eating healthier. It will give me a psychological boost, as well as a physical one to be in control of my body in some way. When it comes to starch, I'm switching to all brown. No white for me! You get more fiber, vitamin E, vitamin B-6, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese and potassium in whole wheat than in refined "enriched" white flour. That means, no white bread, no white rice, no white pasta and no white potato. I'm sticking to Whole Wheat bread. Wheat, Multi Grain, Bran, French, Italian, Rye and Pumpernickel are made from mostly white flour. Second best, are breads with whole wheat listed before any other flour. Whole grain breakfast cereals, whole wheat pasta or couscous, kasha and brown rice will be in my menu plan.

I'm a cheese lover, and I decided to cut back on regular cheese. It's one of the top three sources of artery-clogging saturated fats. The other two are beef and milk. I'll continue eating Friendship no salt 1 % cottage cheese and will also include Cracker Barrel 1/3 less fat and Borden's low fat American Cheese in my eating plan.

This week, I weighed in at the low end of my range which is 138 - 142 pounds, eating 1700 calories daily. I stopped my normal walking routine about a week ago.

The metabolism is still up there and working well! We'll see what happens after not walking for a few weeks. Like you, I have to just work at it one day at a time, and never give up! It's not over till we say it is! Have a wonderful week-end everyone! Talk to you Monday. Lyn

"Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to cope with them."
Author Unknown

Why Put The Children On Display?

2007-06-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

President Clinton joined with the American Heart Association to encourage children to have healthy diets and be physically active - both worthy and notable goals. But, sometimes the "obesity scare" is taken to extremes!

Did you watch the five o'clock news on 9 WSYR. Nine over weight children were selected to participate in the program to help them with their "obesity problems". The '9 KIDS Challenge' is the name of the program. It is sponsored by WSYR and SUNY Upstate Medical University. The children were interviewed, and one young girl talked about how she was teased in school. Viewers will watch the children, and learn about their exercising to burn calories, training to eat healthier, etc. Dietitians will be on call to answer viewers questions about their over weight children. It's noble to want to help kids! But, it's not what you do, it's the way you do it! The program takes 9 children, who are exposed to viewers as "obese". They discuss on TV in front of viewers how much these youngsters need to lose and we'll watch the children participate in the program to see how they're doing. Why?

Over weight youngsters are self conscious as it is, and they'll be even more so if they don't succeed. According to The Department Of Health's 1994 report, "Diets have a 97% failure rate and most people will regain their weight within a year". The cause of obesity is more complicated than just over eating. Factors suggested to contribute to obesity include but are not limited to, genetics, weight cycling, (caused by repeated attempts to lose weight), eating disorders (such as binge eating disorder), stressful mentality, sedentary lifestyle, and the list goes on! Think of how the child will feel who doesn't make it in front of "the world". Don't you think that's harmful? Why expose a youngster to that?

If WSYR and SUNY Upstate Medical University really want to help the overweight child, conduct a free program for more than 9 children and teach the children and their families about exercising, eating healthy and reducing caloric intake moderately. Have a psychologist work with the parents to understand the factors that contribute to obesity, but don't do it publicly! Don't expose and exploit the youngsters! Tell the viewers about the program without having the children on display.

It really bothered me to see it! I remember how hard it was to be an over weight youngster. It's sad what some adults do to "help" children. How do you feel about the kids and their "obesity problems" being publicly displayed? I'd love to hear from you. Lyn

"Every man must find his own philosophy...his attitude toward life."
Lin Yutang (1895-1976)

Testing 1,2,3,4 !

2007-06-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

I sounded good in my last post! "I know where I'm going. I know just what to do." But, life's challenges never cease. I'm sitting on the couch in the living room with my leg raised, taking Ibuprofen and an ice pack sits on my knee. I went to the Chiropractor yesterday, who told me to see my doctor as I appear to have torn meniscus on the inner and outer knee. Besides hurting like the dickens, panic came over me. I can't walk for awhile! I can't exercise! I can't burn calories! And, G-d. I can't eat as little as 1200 calories (which is what I'd have to eat without exercising). After all, it's energy in and energy expended. Today I had 1800 calories. "That won't do for a couch potato" I said to myself.

I've learned to substitute other activities for comfort rather than food, but I'll be lying around and...........Testing 1, 2, 3, 4. Hmm! I'll do upper body strength training with dumbbells sitting in a chair, every other day, and eat approximately 1500 calories daily. We'll see how that goes. They say if you say it out loud, you'll do it! Well I'm saying it, writing it, and sending it to my SEE buddies! That should do it :)

Going to the Orthopedist tomorrow to find out my prognosis and the next step. I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. What about you? How are you doing? Write when you get a chance. We'd all like to hear from you! Lyn

"There is nothing the body suffers that the soul may not profit by."
George Meredith (1828-1909)

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-06-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to talk about why? So many of us have fought the "battle of the bulge" for years. Me included! This time it was different for me. I wasn't aiming to be a model. I wasn't aiming to be a skinny m'link. I just wanted to lose enough weight to be healthy, exercise moderately, eat sensibly, and not beat myself up if I've had a bad day. I strived and am still striving to keep on maintaining. This is the first time I can sing, "I know where I'm going, I know just what to do." I think it happened because I realized I didn't have to be Twiggy to look good, and I was determined to do it because I felt I could succeed. My desired goal weight wasn't out of reach! Also, I pursued other passions to make me feel good, rather then using food for comfort. What about you?

Why did you start?

What motivated you to stick with your program through "thick and thin"?

What convinced you to do it slow, easy and persistently?

What made it different this time?

You can talk about the above or anything else you like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below, then click on other, type your name or click on anonymous, and write in your comment. Lyn

"We find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve." Dr. Maxwell Maltz (1899-1975)

Microwaves A Cause For Obesity??

2007-06-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Gimme a break! I read in the July issue of 'Good Health' that Professor Jane Wardle says "obesity rates started to rise after 1984 around the time of the rapid spread of microwave ownership". At the Cheltenham Science Festival, it is one of three theories including supermarkets being blamed, and also the end of the second world war, because technology started to replace physical efforts in both work and leisure during that period.

There are so many causes for obesity, different for different individuals. Some of the ones suggested that make sense are leading sedentary lifestyles, genetic factors and eating disorders. One could blame the automobile, because we drive rather than walk, the TV, because we sit rather than move, and the list goes on! To blame supermarkets, restaurants, microwaves, etc., is "passing the buck". During prohibition, we felt that if we removed alcoholic beverages from the general public, we wouldn't have alcoholics. Boy were we wrong! So, I really don't think removing the microwave from your home will help. Oh! I also heard some are blaming The Apple Macintosh, because it created "lazy people" who sit in front of their computers and eat!

Microwaves cook healthy foods. In fact, Jenny Craig only supplies food that you pop in the microwave for their diet program. Supermarkets sell healthy foods. Not everyone became obese when technology started! Computers changed the way we learn more than the way we eat!

"To our own selves be true!" We are responsible for choosing what we do and how we do it! If we work at eating moderately, exercising regularly, purchasing and cooking healthy foods, we'll be ahead of the game. We're not looking for excuses. We're looking for results! Little by little! Inch by inch! We're doing it in spite of microwaves, supermarkets, restaurants, technology, etc. Lyn

"After all, it's what we do that makes us what we are." Jim Croce

Are You Really Hungry?

2007-06-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Mimi lives alone. Just her and her cat. She's lonely and bored. Last night she was oh so hungry, and couldn't stop eating! She kept eating without a stop, and never felt satisfied.

Dan misses his kids. They're grown up, in their 40s, married, some with children, others not. They seldom call, except if they need something, and they don't visit much. He got tired of calling them. They either don't answer their phone, or they cut the conversation short. They're just too busy for him. Last night he ate, and ate, and couldn't seem to fill up.

Shirley is stressed on the job. Her boss is constantly "at her" and it's very difficult. She just finished eating a large dinner, had ice cream for dessert and she's still hungry.

Bill's kids are driving him crazy. He and Mary have four little ones who want his attention when he gets home from work. Sometimes he can't think, they're talking so much. He and his wife haven't had "alone time" in years. He's so tired. Maybe a little something to eat will make him feel better. He's been eating constantly since finishing dinner and there doesn't seem to be any let up.

And the list goes on! We fill up with food when there's an emptiness, a void, an issue, and it's not food that we need. We're not really hungry! Eating is the way we've learned to comfort ourselves, or to avoid facing issues in our life that we find hard to deal with. We have to find other ways to handle our feelings and problems rather than eating!

Mimi can join a club, a support group, a church, so she won't feel so isolated.

Dan has to accept the fact that his kids are busy and not that into family at this time. They're grown and they're doing well. He has to move on! Take the wife out to dinner. Help out at the local boys club. Join a square dance group. Just get out and meet people!

Shirley has to come to terms with her job. Perhaps have a heart to heart with her boss to come to a mutual understanding. Find other interests to occupy her mind when she's not working, and if necessary, look for another job!

Bill and his wife have to find a good baby sitter, so that they can have some alone time. They need to get away. Go to a show and have dinner out. Join a tennis club (he and she used to love to play tennis). Some time away is needed, so, that when they're home with the kids, it will be quality time and fun for all!

Food isn't really what they need. It's what they've grown accustomed to turning towards. I can relate. Been there! Done that!

Mimi, Dan, Shirley and Bill are over weight. But, they're reaching out and joining a local weight loss support group. Self-help groups offer encouragement, support, motivation, and strategies to succeed. But, most of all they offer friendship, camaraderie and a place to feel welcome and belong!

Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island and a study author of 'What Makes Us Happy' said, "Relationships with other people are what makes us the happiest." We have to reach out to others, rather than reaching out for food. One day at a time. Inch by inch. Slow and easy. Have a great week-end everyone. Talk to you Monday. Lyn

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude of mind." William James (1842-1910)

How could I forget you guys? For all the daddies of human and furry children, for all the daddies to be, and for all the children of daddies, wherever you are and whatever you're doing, enjoy this Sunday!

Why Gain The Weight Back?

2007-06-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kirstie Allie lost 75 pounds. She literally put Jenny Craig back on the map and Weight Watchers is falling behind. Her story is in magazines, on TV, and we see her pictures everywhere! But, in the latest Jenny Craig promos, even with the trick lighting, the coloring and style of her outfits, I can see that she's gaining back weight!

In 1994, the Department of Health came out with grim statistics. They said, "it does not matter what type of commercial diet a person chooses. All diets have a 97% failure rate and most people will regain their weight, plus additional weight within a year." Now that's encouraging!

But, in a descriptive study of people successful at long term weight maintenance, were the following unremarkable findings:

* 89% modified their dietary intake as well as their physical activity levels moderately.

* 92% of the participants exercised at home.

* Women engaged mostly in walking as their activity of choice.

* Food habits were unremarkable. They ate a variety of foods daily, 3 meals and 2 snacks.

* Women's caloric intake was about 1300 - 1800 per day

* Men were significantly higher 1700 - 3000 per day

* Nutritional breakdown of food intake averaged 15-33% fat, 20-30% protein,45-65% carbs.

Check out the National Weight Control Registry, established to investigate the successful weight losers www.nwcr.ws and learn what other winners are doing!

Long term weight loss doesn't require deprivation or eliminating starch or sugar. It's about eating healthy, exercising in moderation and reducing caloric intake moderately. Inch by inch it's a cinch. We should have told Kirstie Allie that :) When dieting leaves one feeling deprived of the foods they crave and enjoy, when the media's attitudes toward the body is just too hard to attain (size 10 to a size 2), one tends to give up! But, we're aiming for a healthier weight, a healthier way of eating, and exercising moderately on a regular basis. It's a lifestyle we can keep up and enjoy doing.

Who could eat prepared packaged foods for the rest of their lives? I couldn't! Moderation and variety is the key to success! We can keep it off and we will! Lyn

"All unhappiness is the result of excessive expectations" Buddhist saying

"Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever"

2007-06-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

What people won't do to look beautiful! Cosmetic surgery to improve appearance, cosmetic pigment for skin color changes, and the list goes on! One can get liposuction for their abs, back, legs, ankles, feet, toes, arms and chin. They can reshape their nose with Rhinoplasty. They can lift their face, remove puffiness from below their eyes and remove wrinkles from their forehead, etc. All this in the name of beauty!

Have you read the latest book by Judge Judy Sheindlin, "Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever"? I haven't read it yet, but the title intrigues me. It talks to me and tells me that "young women shouldn't aim to be a Paris Hilton, because in her later years, her beauty will fade and her mental capacity, well...."

The title of the book reminds me to keep on keeping on, eat healthy, exercise, both our body and our minds, and aim to learn and try new things. "Beauty Fades and Dumb Is Forever" doesn't apply to us, as we strive to keep physically and mentally fit. We are beautiful, both inside and out, and we're doing it the healthy way! We use it, won't lose it! 'Atta way! Lyn

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)

Talk Tuesdays and "I'm A Closet Chub-Toe"!

2007-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

I confess that I'm a closet chub-toe! Few people know this about me, because I'm always in my sneakers or my pumps, covered up. But, I finally decided to come out today!

The fear of obesity in toes is getting carried away! Dr. Robert Ersek, plastic surgeon in Texas says, "many young women are paying for liposuction of their toes", straightening their toes, even shortening their toes! The average cost for foot surgery is $20,000 and it's not covered by insurance. It's been popular recently because women opt for the open toed sandles and sexy ankle straps. In fact women are having the "fat" sucked out of their ankles too!
But, foot surgery can cause many complications in their future, like not being able to wear shoes again, infections, nerve injury, swelling of the toes and chronic pain!

No thank you! That's not for me! Now that I've come out, people will just have to accept me as I am.

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

If you could afford it, and your feet weren't as good looking as you would have liked, would you opt for foot surgery?

Would you opt for other types of cosmetic surgery? Which one(s)?

Have you had cosmetic surgery? If you had it to do all over again, tell me would you? Could you?

You may talk about the above or anything else you'd like to talk about, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below and go for it! Lyn

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."
William James (1842-1910)

What About Keeping Up Our Exercising?

2007-06-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

We decided we'll add more spice to our eating so that we don't become bored. If we find it tough to lose at this time, we'll maintain rather than gain! We talked about exercising but, not about how to keep it up.

Some tips from the trade:

Walk with a partner - studies have shown that people are more successful and consistent at exercising, knowing that someone is waiting for them to "do it". It's a great motivator.

Monitor - Just like we do with our food, keep a daily diary of activities and progress. This not only shows a record of our success, it serves as a reminder of efforts so far. We wouldn't want that to go to waste!

Make it fun - Watch TV, listen to music or, enjoy the quiet. We have to just make sure we do it in a way that's enjoyable for us! I watch TV every evening while I walk on the treadmill. That's the way I like it!

Don't push too hard - If it hurts or is even uncomfortable, then stop and do something different. "No pain no gain" is not the way its supposed to be! Proper exercise does not require pain.

We'll remember to take fluids regularly as a dehydrated body cannot function well. We'll wear shoes that fit and aren't worn out, so that we're comfortable. We'll practice positive self talk. It's needed for exercise too! We'll keep our goals realistic, not too much, or too little, and we won't beat ourselves up if we dropped out for awhile. We'll just get right back on track!
On your mark, get set, go! Lyn
"Hard-won victories are the sweetest of all" Lara McClellan

Tomorrow is Talk Tuesdays and my confessions on being a "closet chub-toe". Do join in and share!

Never, Never, Never Give Up !

2007-06-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

In our last two posts, we discussed positive self talk, we talked about staying away from negative people, sticking with our support group even when its not going well. I should have said, "especially when it's not going well". We talked about tracking; writing down everything we eat. It keeps one "conscious" and helps avoid calorie "amnesia".

If you're having a hard time sticking with the program and trying to lose weight, "aim to maintain rather than gain"! Eat sensibly, but keep it interesting. Motivation can wane if you feel hungry or bored. Vary calorie counted recipes. Click on our link to the food network for new meal ideas. Also, there's no need to ban certain foods - like chocolate. It will only make you crave them even more. Plan a small amount into your day, unless of course, you know that it's a "trigger" food for you.

In the April 9, 2007 Tufts Newsletter, Susan B. Roberts of the USDAs Human Nutrition Center for Aging at Tufts said, "Calories count more than the types of food in your diet. Findings showed a greater tendency for weight and body fat regain amongst low-glycemic diet participants, suggesting that reduced caloric intake may be harder to sustain on low glycemic index foods."

Keep up your physical activity. It will boost your spirit and your outlook! A study reported in the September 10, 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that "the women who exercised moderately, lost about the same weight, on the same weight loss program, as the women who worked out vigorously for longer periods." So, 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week on the treadmill, at a moderate pace, will do the trick. And oh! Think of how good you'll feel when that Serotonin kicks in.

"According to the theory of aerodynamics, the bumble bee is unable to fly. This is because the size, weight and shape of its body, in relation to the total wing spread, makes flying impossible. But, the bumble bee, being ignorant of these profound scientific truths, goes ahead and flies anyway, and manages to make a little honey every day." Author Unknown

I believe we can fly, I believe we can touch the sky. Never, Never, Never give up!
Have a great week-end. Talk to you Monday. Lyn

Staying Motivated, Continued!

2007-06-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

To stay motivated, "we have to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch onto the affirmative, don't mess with Mister In between". Staying motivated means surrounding ourselves with positive people who believe in us and with members of our support group. Together we'll do it! Some faster than others, but, we're moving up! We're exercising more, eating healthier, maintaining or losing, and most of all we're learning to like and believe in ourselves.

The chubba-phobes who make cheerful jibes at overweight friends, family, colleagues and even strangers, joking "who ate all the ice cream", etc. The ones who think that people who have extra pounds are lazy and have no self-discipline. The ones who say, "All we have to do is eat less". The ones who sing songs like, "I don't want her, you can have her, she's too fat for me". Their kind of negativity just brings us down. Run hard and fast from people like that "for they know not what they do".

I read that a speaker and advocate for the overweight, Betty Travis recently passed away. She felt it was unacceptable for people to lose out on job opportunities, receive inferior health care or be denied access to facilities and services because of their size and she fought for change in the way our society thinks and treats the overweight person. There is prejudice. Kids get teased in school, people lose out on jobs and its a prejudice people don't feel guilty having. In time that will change as more and more people in the United States are going from slim to "battling the bulge". They're learning that managing ones weight is much more complicated than "just eating less" . We have an advantage, because we have experience. We know what to do, and we know how, we know what to do, and we're doing it now!! (Hey that rhymes) Lyn

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it."
David Starr Jordan (1851-1931)

Staying Motivated!

2007-06-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Negative Self-Talk - "I've been at it since January and I'm still not where I want to be. I'll die if I have to get into a swim suit. I lost weight, but not enough, and the summer is here! Oh! What's the use. I'm tired of the whole d---n thing."

Positive Self-Talk - "Hmmm! Looking better every day! I'm eating better, exercising more and I'm feeling much more energetic. I'd like to lose more, but, I'm holding my own which is a success in itself. Before you know it, the pounds will come off again. Inch by inch, it's a cinch!"

Staying motivated, sticking with it for the long haul is the most important step in reaching ones goal. Sharing our experiences and feelings with people who understand and share the same problems, and just knowing that someone will ask you "How's it going?, can be the difference between success and failure. People who drop out of their support group when the going gets rough, have a larger weight gain than those who keep on during the tough times.

Find the fun! Do other things with your weight loss group. The mind body and soul connection is very important. Our SEE group met in my home adjacent to Fillmore Glen State Park at 5:30 PM yesterday. I served fresh cut veggies, fruit, water and Lipton Iced Green Tea with Splenda, because people wouldn't be eating dinner until after our meeting. We talked and shared on many levels other than weight loss topics. Then we took a brisk walk in the park, continually talking and laughing. You know women! There was a bonding, a connection. We could feel it, and it will really help us in our weight management efforts. We had fun and look forward to next week's support group meeting.

Track Your Success - Writing down how much we're eating and exercising helps keep us motivated. Research shows that people who keep a food diary, even if they're not consciously eating less, lose weight. They can see and know if they can have that extra snack and it helps keep them on track rather than giving up. People who say "I'm not going to write it down" usually mean "I'm not going to watch it". So, write it down!

Let's keep on keeping on! Let's stick with the program even when the going gets rough, even when the kids are off from school, even when we have a lot of weeding to do, even when....We deserve it. We won't drop out. We'll drop in! Lyn

"For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are "It might have been."
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-92)

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-06-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today is "Hunger Awareness Day". The Food Bank of Central New York helps hungry children, adults and the elderly. One can donate time, money, or be an advocate! It takes more than food to end hunger.

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

* Do you know of individuals or families that need help with their food needs?

* Do you find it difficult to purchase the food you need to manage your weight?

* Do you volunteer for the local food bank?

You can talk about the above or anything else you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below,(to read comments too!) then click on 'other', type in your name in the rectangle, write your comments in the square box and press publish when you're finished. I look forward to hearing from you. Lyn

"Your task....to build a better world," God said. I answered, "How? This world is such a large, vast place, and there's nothing I can do." But God in all His wisdom said, "just build a better you." Author Unknown

Hunger Awareness Day!

2007-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

'Hunger Awareness Day' is tomorrow, June 5th. The statistics on poverty really blew me away! Not here, not in the United States of America! Arn't we supposed to be the wealthiest nation in the world?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau from the 2003 census, 2,660,000 people in NYS were living below the poverty level. This is equivilent to 14.3% of the total population. The number is consistently rising.

The statistics of clients in the Food Bank's recent study of Central and Northern New York are as follows:

* 73% of client's households have annual incomes below the official federal poverty line.

* 49% of which had annual incomes below $10,000.

* 42% of clients have to choose between food and necessities, like medicine.

* Federal nutrition programs are underutilized or inadequate - food stamps only last an average of 2 and a half weeks, and summer food service programs and after-school programs experience low participation rates due to accessibility issues.

Since 2001 75% of food pantries, 67% of soup kitchens and 34% of emergency shelters reported an increase in the number of people turning to their emergency programs. There are approximately 3,000 soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters providing food to low income people in New York State.

When I founded the free SEE (Sensible, Eating and Exercise) weight management support groups, I knew that there were many who couldn't afford to pay for the support they needed. But, I was shocked when elderly women stated they couldn't afford the fresh produce, lean meat and reduced fat milk they needed to eat healthy and lose unwanted pounds. Can't afford to lose weight? The concept is still shocking to me. In fact, I started this blog, not only to give support to those of us who need it, but, to try to get food chain advertisers and food manufacturers to give us discount coupons (for distribution) as payment for advertising on our blog. So far, I haven't had much luck.

For those of you out there, who are not in the high risk categories listed, but, are experiencing food insecurity and must resort to lower quality diets because you cannot afford the food you need, check out the Food Sense Program. You don't have to supply the details of your income or expenses and you don't have to be on food stamps to participate. Pay $15 a month for $32 worth of food. The meals provided consist of meat, vegetables fresh and canned, fruit and a starch. Contact the following people to find out who, how, where and when.

Auburn Sue Norton 315 253-5759

Homer Barbara Gebhardt 607 7492280

Moravia Mary Hart 315 497-0977

Many people use coupons to get food discounts. I saw the following sites listed in a local magazine

mygrocerydeals.com
boodle.com
ThecouponMom.com

I don't have the patience to wade through the variety of coupons listed on the above sites. For me, the best way to save is to buy store brands. The packaged foods I use for helping in weight maintenance, such as Friendship low salt 1% cottage cheese, Smart Balance light buttery spread and Healthy Choice frozen foods, I'm trying to get coupons for advertising on our blog. If and when that happens, they'll be distributed to those of us who need a little 'extra help'! So far, I haven't had success. But, 'patience and persistence'.

No matter how difficult things might seem, there are people in our towns who have less. Let's reach out and help our neighbors and remember them on June 5th and the days thereafter! Lyn

"I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet" Persian saying

When Is It "Too Much Exercise"?

2007-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

One may think you can't get too much of a good thing, but in the case of exercise, a healthy activity can sometimes turn into an unhealthy compulsion.

We hear how exercise helps ones heart, muscles, bones and about the "endorphin rush" that helps in controlling the feelings of stress!

If you find yourself compelled to exercise rather than choosing to exercise and struggle with guilt when you don't. If you won't miss a day of exercising even when you're sick. If you put workouts ahead of friends and responsibilities. If it's taking over your life, step back and take a better look at yourself. You may be developing a dependence on exercise.

Excessive exercise can damage tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and joints. Long term overdoing it actually destroys muscle mass instead of building muscle.

So, just like with our eating, when it comes to exercise, moderation, moderation, moderation! Slow and easy, inch by inch. If you find that you can't control the compulsion to exercise, speak to your physician for knowledgeable advice!

Have a great week-end. Don't over do, and take a joyful walk for yourself! Lyn

"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable." Moliere (1622-73)

Fitness At Any Size!

2007-05-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

At The Cooper Institute in Dallas, scientists research obesity, epidemiology and nutrition. "There is a misdirected obsession with weight and weight loss. The focus is all wrong. It's fitness that's the key", says Steven Blair, PhD and Director. Blair is 5' 4" and weighs 180 pounds. He runs 30 miles a week. A slim person could "leave him in the dust". But, he's fit even though he's over weight! Blair does state though, that "it's better to be lean and fit, than overweight and fit".

The National Institute of Health published a guide called "Active At Any Size". Long term health studies showed that obese people who exercise have half the death rate of those who are trim but skimp on fitness.

The Alexandra Hospital gives tips for the older person regarding low impact aerobic activity (walking).

* Start slowly, especially if you have not been doing this regularly.

* Start with 5 to 10 minutes of walking every other day and build towards a goal of 30 minutes a day, 3 to 7 times a week.

* Current studies have found that benefits of low impact exercises extend to how often you do them, rather than how long you do it each time. Benefits may be cumulative.

So, even if we haven't yet reached the weight we're aiming for, let's aim for another prize. Let's aim to be fit! Walk! Walk and talk with a friend, with your mate, with the dog. You can do it! Slow and easy. Inch by inch!
Lyn

"Live all you can; It's a mistake not to." Henry James

It's That Time Of Year!

2007-05-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

The weather is lovely! Time to go outside and walk, bike, run and play! Don't forget the strength training that one does indoors. Take the dumbbells outside if you want "fresh air", but, don't give up the idea of strength training just 'cause the weather's nice. For older adults, it's especially valuable.

Some interesting physical exercise factoids:

* Researchers from The University of Arizona completed a landmark study on how strength training affects changes in bone density in post menopausal women. The most recent study confirms that a regimen of weight-bearing and resistance exercises combined with calcium citrate supplements over four years provided significant improvement in bone mineral density sites whether or not the women were on hormone therapy.

* Injuries and wounds heal 25% faster in the older adult who exercises regularly.

* Older participants, that had never participated in formal weight training, participated in resistance and weight resistance exercising at home lifting soup cans or using elastic bands for six months. They were followed up by the Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Clinic at McMaster University and were found to be as strong and had the same muscle mass as those pumping iron in a gym. "This shows it's never to late to start and that you don't have to spend your life pumping iron in a gym", said Tarnopolsky, who directs the clinic.

* Not only does exercise make most people feel better and perform physical tasks better, exercise, specifically resistance training actually rejuvenates muscle tissue in senior citizens.

* Aerobic exercise, walking briskly, 12 miles per week, is sufficient for heart health.

* "Move It Or Lose It", said the International Osteoporosis Foundation, releasing an online publication in October of 2006 showing how exercise helps to build and maintain strong bones.

So, let's walk as much as we can and gradually try to increase it to 12 miles a week to benefit our hearts. Let's aim to do weight resistance exercises too! Click on the link to the right of the blog where it says "Free Weight Workout" and scroll down for the complete strength training exercise program as described in the latest AARP magazine.

I was never a "physical type". Exercise and sports were not my thing, except for dancing. I alway loved to "shake it". But, this 71 year old couch potato, actually feels younger, more energetic, more "with it" and looks forward to exercising! If I can do it regularly and enjoy it, anyone can!!

If you have a game plan and are exercising, please share with our readers what you're doing to keep fit. If not, the weather's gorgeous and today's the day to begin! Lyn

"Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use" Charles Schulz

Talk Tuesdays and Standing Up For What You Believe!

2007-05-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I don't believe in handing out Obesity and BMI Report Cards to children in school as you well know, but the state requires it!

I don't believe in writing down a member's weight in red when they show a gain, but one weight loss organization I know of, requires it. It also requires that if there's to be a food activity at the meeting, the leader must write down what the group will be eating, have two witnesses sign and attest to that fact, and then wait for permission from the powers that be before proceeding. To me, it's childish and makes me want to "bite my thumbs", as the expression goes.

Still, standing up for what one believes in is difficult! I really miss some of the lovely ladies in that group. But, as Louise Hay said, "If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you." In everything we do in order to achieve, we must believe!

I remember after the Weight Watcher's meetings that I ran (some were back-to-back meetings), I never ate before I weighed in, and by the time I got home, I was overly hungry. Needless to say, I over ate many times after the meetings. When I lead the local TOPS meeting, I came home starved and the same thing occurred!

At the SEE, Weigh, Watch and Walk to Win, meeting, I'm offering fresh cut veggies, fruit and water for people to partake of before they walk, and before they head home for dinner. I believe it will take the "edge" off for many and reduce the starving/binging cycle. I also feel one needs water before and sometimes during walking, especially in the hot weather!

Question for Talk Tuesdays:

How do you feel about my offering food at a weight loss meeting? Why?

You may respond to the question or talk about anything else you like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments below and go for it.

Hope you had a nice Memorial Day week-end. Wasn't the weather lovely? Lyn

A Happy Memorial Day Week-End!

2007-05-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

The summer really begins Memorial Day weekend. Record numbers will be traveling to go to the beach, to go camping, to go to the movies, to an out door concert, a Memorial Day Service, and so on. It's a time for barbecues, picnics and celebrations with food, glorious food! It's the first 3 day weekend of warm weather, a time to relax and enjoy, and most of all, its a time to remember and think of those who served and serve our country. Let us bow our head in a moment of silence in their honor before we proceed with the day's activities.

If the barbecue is at your house, don't forget the vegetables! The following vegetables and marinate is a low calorie, nutritious, delicious addition to the holiday meal.

Grilled Vegetable Marinate
3/4 C Olive Oil
1 T Basil, dried
1 T Oregano, dried
1/2 T Thyme, fresh
1/2 T Fresh Rosemary, chopped
1 t Kosher Salt
1/2 t Black Pepper
1 1/2 T Garlic, chopped

Yield 17 Oz
Servings 35
Serving Size 2 Oz
Single Serving 4 Calories
Fat - trace
Sodium 5 mg
Net Carbs - trace

Grilling Vegetables
Carrots - Rub unpeeled medium sized carrots with marinate before grilling
Grilling time - 20 to 25 minutes, turning frequently until brown and soft

Tomatoes - skewer small tomatoes, cut larger ones into slices or quarters. Plum tomatoes can be cut in half or grilled whole. Brush with marinate.
Grilling time- 3 to 5 minutes or until hot

Peppers - skewer chunks, slice into rings or leave whole - Marinate chunks or rings briefly before grilling - brush whole peppers with marinate during grilling
Grilling time - 10 t0 20 minutes, or until brown and tender

Yams or Sweet Potatoes - Cut in half or into 1/2 inch lengthwise slices - marinate briefly before grilling
Grilling time - 10 to 20 minutes per side or until brown and soft

Eggplant and Japanese Eggplant - cut large eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds or lengthwise slices, cut small Japanese eggplants in half or leave whole - marinate briefly before grilling
Grilling time - 5 to 7 minutes per side or until brown and tender

Enjoy the holiday week-end everyone, but remember, moderation, moderation, moderation! Talk to you Tuesday. Lyn

'Those who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who do nothing and succeed.' Richard Bird

They're Coming!

2007-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day, Graduations, June weddings, they're just around the corner. Food challenges, what to wear when nothing fits, Memorial Day pool openings, the dread of getting into a bathing suit, etc., etc. Help!!!

Have no fear! SEE's still here! :) We set up a support group starting, 5:30 PM on June 5th and every Tuesday thereafter, at my home which backs onto Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia. In fact, there's an entrance into the park just 100 yards from my house. The first 1/2 half hour will be a weigh in, sharing and strategizing. The last 1/2 hour, we'll do a brisk 30 minute walk in the park. It's gorgeous this time of year! If a participant doesn't want to weigh, they can still play! We're all in it together offering each other support and camaraderie. The only thing it costs you is one hour of your time. Weigh, Watch and Walk to Win! You're welcome to join us. Just contact my email to let me know if you'll be attending seeandbfree@yahoo.com.

You will find, that when you belong to a support group, the food challenges are easier to handle. You're not alone, and you have the support of those who understand and care!

Some tips for the upcoming week-end:

* If you're attending a picnic or party, have something to eat before you go. When we're hungry, we're more likely to over eat.

* Don't sit too close to the "snack table". If I had a bowl of chips in front of me, I might do more "mindless" eating.

* Squeeze in 30 minutes of physical activity that day. Exercise is great for that "feel good" feeling of the mind as well as the body.

* Choose sensible portion sizes.

* Plan ahead what you will eat for dessert at the picnic. Something that you enjoy, that isn't a trigger food for you, and eat it in moderation. This way, you won't feel deprived, and are much less likely to binge eat.

Perhaps you'd do better focusing on weight maintenance rather than weight loss during the holiday week-end. Maintaining your present weight is still a challenge.

All in all, if the week-end doesn't go as well as you would have liked, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again.

'They can because they think they can' Virgil (70-19 B.C.)

What are your plans for the coming holiday week-end? Love to hear from you. Lyn

You Can Eat In Moderation Too!

2007-05-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

I am not a "moderate" person. In everything in life; work, hobbies, school, dining, dancing, family, friends, etc., I have been enthusiastic, passionate, high spirited, and at times compulsive. So, eating in moderation has been a challenge for me every step of the way. I've come to realize though, if I can do it, anyone can! Sometimes, I lose it and have a bad day. But, back on track I go. It's the only way!

At SEE we approach losing weight in moderation. Not too fast, not too drastic a change, but slow and easy, a little at a time. We cut back on our daily caloric intake, and eat about 10 times in calories the weight we're aiming for (ie 150 lbs. = 1500 calories) and we do it in increments. We keep a daily food log to prevent calorie "amnesia", practice portion control, exercise regularly and support one another at our weekly meetings.

For me to be successful, I need the routine of eating three meals and two snacks a day. I can't have certain "trigger" foods in the house like nuts, chocolate and ice-cream. Keeping those foods around can cause food cravings for me and then I'm off in "binge land". But, I do like a sweet treat every once in awhile, and I might pick up one small milk chocolate bar to have for dessert and count it in my daily calorie allotment.

If I were in school surrounded by candy vending machines, the "food craving monster" would take hold of me, and I'd probably eat more than just one chocolate bar. Thank goodness I'm way too old for high school :-) Most of my meals are eaten at home and planned for. When fatigue kicks in and I want dinner on the table fast, I pull a "Jenny Craig" and have a selection of Healthy Choice Dinners in the freezer. They're my saving grace at times!

We eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. If we plan and have something we love in moderation, but don't keep a "stash" of it in the house, this works for some of us including yours truly. Some foods trigger my compulsive eating behavior others don't. After awhile you get to know the foods that cause you to overeat and the ones you enjoy that you can eat in moderation. If I can do that, anyone can! We just have to believe to achieve! I finally learned that at 70. You can do it, younger!

'Scramble Over The Obstacles' D H Lawrence

Lyn

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Yippee! The problem I was having with readers not being able to comment has been fixed.

We were talking about food in the schools, more specifically candy cookies, cake and coke, (the 4Cs) sold in vending machines. I checked with a few High Schools in the area and found out the following.

* Auburn only has soda and candy machines in the teacher's room, but, according to a cafeteria worker, "the kids can go in and buy". Really?

* A High School office worker in Skaneateles stated, "there are candy and soda machines, but kids can only buy after school." Why have it at all?

* A High School office worker in Weedsport said, "We do not have soda or candy vending machines in the school." Way to go Weedsport!

It takes the pressure off the over weight child, if everyone in the school eats healthier foods, notes portion sizes, and participates in exercise and gym classes on a regular basis. There are many unhealthy "slim" kids too! It's beneficial to us all to have a healthier lifestyle! It also takes the pressure off the over weight child, if everyone in the family does the same; eats healthier, practices portion control and participates in physical activity on a regular basis. Try going for a walk or bike ride in the evening as a family. There's an old saying, "The family that plays together, stays together!" When we work as a team, we help ourselves as well as others.

"Give, and it will be given to you." Jesus

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

How do you feel about soda and candy vending machines in the school?

What town do you live in? Does the local High School have candy and soda vending machines?

You can respond to the questions or talk about anything else you feel like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it. You don't have to register with Google to comment. Lyn

Does The BMI Report Card Affect A Child's Body Image

2007-05-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

We talked about Obesity and Body Mass Index report cards and the seven states including New York who require BMI report cards. Youngsters started receiving them a couple of years ago and my little town of Moravia complies. I wonder how kids feel when others point out to them and let them know that they think they're obese or will become obese? Do you think this helps a child's image of self? Do you think youngsters compare BMI report cards or lie about them? Click onto the Link on the right hand side of the post "How One Feels As An Over Weight Youngster" and read letters from young and old who tell us how they feel and felt as overweight kids. It's a sad commentary.

Building up a youngsters self esteem is an important part of parenting. Here are a few of the tips from Tolerance.Org on helping your child embrace his or her self image:

* Teach your kids that their body size and weight are just one part of who they are.

* Set a good example. Putting down your own body in front of your kids sends a clear message that it's OK not to like yourself.

* Teach your kids about health, weight, nutrition and exercise, keeping the focus on health and not societal expectations. Let your kids know that body size alone is not an indicator of health. People with big bodies may be healthy, and people with thin bodies may not.

Teach them that when one starts to eat healthy, exercise and practice good nutrition, they'll have a healthier body weight for themselves, not for someone else. We also have to teach children to tolerate one another's differences, and that strength and beauty come in different forms and sizes.

As parents, we are the "rock" our children lean on. We should use our voices early and often to speak out against something we see as harmful to our kids. As I stated in a previous post, teenage boys today, would be swimming in the nude in high schools in NYC, if parents hadn't spoken out against it!

Something I found out that I'm happy about in the Moravia schools. They don't have any candy or soda vending machines. Just milk, juice and water are available to the students. Way to go Moravia!! Do the schools in your town still have soda and candy vending machines? If they do, and you and other parents don't want that available to your children, speak out! You can help affect change ,but, Rome wasn't built in a day! It takes time! Inch by inch, it's a cinch! Lyn

"Hard-won victories are the sweetest of all." Lara McClellan

LOST COMMENTING CAPABILITY. TRYING TO CORRECT. SORRY!

Food In Our Schools!

2007-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Lucy Valleau, Chairwoman of the Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health said "The school should be a safe haven for students to go. They should be safe and have healthy food choices. There's no need to be selling food with minimal nutrition value." For school boards in Canada, the vending machines are a lucrative revenue source at a time when they have been struggling with budget cuts. However, Canada is optimistic about following Britain's lead in banishing lots of unhealthy foods from schools. There are many reasons to feed children healthy food in schools, such as inspiring better behavior, better academic performance and preventing diseases like obesity.

Interesting factoids:

One large school district in Colorado signed a 10 million pouring rights deal with Coca Cola.

Soft Drink Consumption - Americans 6.4 % of total caloric intake, Teenage boys 10%,
Teenage girls 9%.

In many school lunch rooms, food directors have taken up the challenge. Vending machines are being restocked with bottled water and juice. Snacks like baked soy and fruit chips are replacing fried potato chips and soft pretzels. What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Eating too little carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to fall and kids start feeling it by as early as 11:00 AM. It could be that their body knows its easier to boost blood sugar by eating something sweet. But candy bars in the school are not the answer. Many youngsters crave more chocolate and can't stop at eating one candy bar! Watch them buy 1, 2 even 3 chocolate bars from the vending machines.

In his book "Eat To Live", Dr. Fuhrman gives some healthy kid friendly sweet recipes instead of the 3 Cs, Candy , Cookies and Cake. Wouldn't it be great if children had these treats available to them at school?

1. Date Nut Pom Ems - A mix of dates, ground nuts, cinnamon and carob powder. You can make your own or purchase them.

2. Soak dried fruit - dried apricots, apples or mangoes soaked overnight in soy milk.

3. Frozen banana whip - frozen bananas sliced and pureed in a blender or food processor with a little soy milk and skim milk. Dash of cinnamon.

4. Baked Apples - Cored apples filled with a mix of apple sauce, cinnamon and raisins and then baked 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

5. Fruit Smoothies - blended mixture of fresh fruit, banana, dried fruit and soy milk, milk or fruit juice, unsweetened canned pineapple, with the juice, mix banana, & frozen strawberries. It's a kids favorite. Experiment!

I know when I need a sweet treat I have a frozen banana, sprinkled with a dash of sugar and cinnamon and a tablespoon of low fat cool whip. Delicious!

Let's encourage our schools to provide our children with healthy food and drink, exercise and nutrition classes and of course, a quality education!

Have a wonderful week-end everyone.

"To see what is right and not do it is want of courage" Confucius (551-479 B.C.)
Lyn

Food Cravings Always Pops Up!

2007-05-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

How did you handle mother's day? Were you able to get in some exercise? What about your relationship with food and eating on the holiday. Were you able to eat in moderation? Did you have food cravings? How did you handle that?

According to Samantha Heller, nutritionist at NYU Medical Center, 97% of women and 68% of men reported food craving episodes. Overeaters Anonymous encourages their members to abstain from starch and sugar. Nutritionist, Marsha Hudnall says,"eat the food you crave in moderation and build it into your food program deliberately to fulfill your longing so that you don't feel guilty and binge!"

Some experts suggest giving into food cravings moderately, others support the notion of finding other alternatives, and some weight loss groups say abstain. You have to decide what will work for you!

In the nutrition section of the Citizen Register yesterday, Christine Gutelius said, "feeling guilty about what you eat reflects the common belief that there are good and bad foods. This way of looking at eating actually makes it harder to eat well without overeating. If you think you are "being bad" you have given up on making good decisions. All foods can fit into a healthy diet. Replace thinking that "I can't have it" with "I can have it when I really want it but I don't have to give in to every impulse"......legalize all foods because forbidden foods lead to binges."

What did you do that worked for you when a food craving grabbed hold? What didn't work? If I eat something, in moderation, that I crave, it works "most of the time" but some times........ I have to catch myself, and get back on track. If I abstain, I eventually over eat . That just doesn't work for me. I tend to agree with Christine Gutelius, Nutrition Resource Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, and I do not follow the "abstaining from starch and sugar" theory of Overeaters Anonymous!

Food cravings always pop up. They visit over eaters often. How we deal with them is key. Tomorrow, once again, we'll talk about childhood obesity, the schools, and, according to some health experts, how the food served in schools can either help with this issue or set off an over weight child's food cravings.

How do you handle food cravings? Included on this post are comments from a previous post on food cravings. Write and share your experiences too! Lyn

Obesity Report Cards, Continued!

2007-05-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

In the Health section of yesterday's New York Times it stated "in the rural Southern Tioga School District, the schools distributed state mandated obesity reports even as they continue to serve funnel cakes and pizza for breakfast. Some students have physical education for only half the school year, even though 34 percent of kindergartners were overweight!" Incongruous, isn't it?

Dr. Steven Parker of Web MD co taught a class in the Boston University School of Public Health in which they discussed "the child, the family and the state." He feels the school will not accomplish by badgering and by extension condemning parents about what they almost already know about their child's overweight.... He said "by educating kids on sound nutritional principles and the value of exercise, by infusing the peer culture at school with the values of a healthy diet and exercise, by teaching a culture of tolerence and sensitivity towards those who are overweight, by offering healthy low animal fat meals, by banning soda and junk food vending machines from the premises the school can help." In other words, do what's appropriate for a school to do, such as regularly scheduled gym ,exercise and nutrition classes for all, and the serving of healthy and nutritious meals. Leave the rest to the parents!

There was an anonymous letter sent to the web site that intrigued me. It said...
it's hard enough to be young and going through puberty. When I was 12 my mother took me to the pediatrician for an illness. The doc informed me that if I continued to eat chips and such I was going to get fat. He said I was almost over weight. I was 12, 5ft, 4 inches, 110 lbs. and had just recently started my period........I was mortified at the thought of being told I was fat by the doc. I went home that night panic strickened. I ate what ever I could find in the kitchen because something felt out of control in me. I never did become fat, but he hurt my self esteem that day.......Maybe I was overly sensitive, but what about the other young girls out there who are like I was? What will it do to have their bodies compared to their peers at school by their teachers?

What do you think? We all know it's going to affect the child, but, how will it affect him or her? Will an Obesity Report Card have a good effect or a bad one? Will it help or hurt? Talk to us and share your thoughts and ideas! Lyn

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-05-14T15:49:00.001-07:00

If you read Monday's blog, you'll see that many school systems are involving themselves with the problem of childhood obesity, but what and how they do it is the key. With that in mind, here are the questions for Talk Tuesdays:

1. Do you feel that schools should send home health, fitness and BMI report cards?

Why?

2. What do you feel schools should do to help over weight students?

3. Do you feel that schools shouldn't be involved with a child's weight,
other than providing nutritious lunches, exercise and healthy physical activities?

Why?

If you don't feel like talking about the above, you can talk about anything else you like, as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on comments and go for it. You don't have to be registered with Google to comment.

Something to think about, even for the school system. "For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe" Author Larry Eisenberg. Lyn

Labeling Them In School, Really!

2007-05-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

"Parents who received health and fitness report cards were almost twice as likely to know or acknowledge that their child was actually overweight than those parents who did not get a report card," said Robert McGowan, Physical Education Program Leader at Cambridge Public Schools. Hm mm! The parents aren't smart enough to know without the school sending home a report card with the child, that their child is over weight. Interesting!

Seven states, Arkansas, California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia - require BMI or Body Mass Index report cards informing parents of a child's risk of becoming obese. Oh great! Telling the child that he/she could become obese! Causing concern and worry about what could occur. Would this encourage them to binge and purge or starve themselves to prevent it from happening? Has that happened already to some children?

But, the educators know what's best! It reminds me of the 1950s when I was in High School. The boys were required to swim in the nude in swim class. Some young men weren't as well endowed as others. They were self conscious, embarrassed and teased! It was an awful situation and was concocted as beneficial by the educators. A group of parents complained and asked why? Low and behold, within a year, swimming in the nude was not a requirement in the NYC schools. Parents could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

I noticed in The Citizen, our local newspaper, in the May 10th issue, there was an article about the forum for six school board hopefuls in the town of Moravia. Amongst other items, views were sought about improving the weight problems of the student body. I only hope they approach it as was done in KidShapers.

We don't need report cards regarding our children's body mass. As a parent, if we don't handle it correctly, we can send a child into patterns of anorexia or other bad eating habits. Dr. Mark Cavitt, child psychiatrist said, "The best thing to do is deal with what is very frequently a factor in the child's overeating; the eating and exercise habits of the entire family. It's about what the family does, and not singling out the child or adolescent."

This is what KidShapers, the program at the All Conference Children's Center in St Petersburg does. They work with the entire family as a whole, helping them to lead a healthier lifestyle. They never use the words diet or fat. They use the words healthy and fun. "We teach parents to be a good example. Don't eat too much or too little, use portion control and keep a food log. Don't obsess about your weight or anyone else's and exercise moderately on a regular basis."

Sending home report cards regarding a youngster's weight is a very touchy situation. How do you feel about it? Write and let us know. Lyn

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are celebrating Mother's Day with your children, have fun, but not too much fun! If you receive the famous "Mother's Day Chocolates" remember to share or beware! You don't want to have too much left over when everyone leaves. The temptation to say, today is my day, will get in the way!

If you're planning to go out for lunch or dinner, eat a salad or fruit before you leave so you don't arrive too hungry, and do watch your portion sizes. If you are doing the cooking, god bless you! What a good mother you are! Still, have a salad or fruit to munch on before you begin to cook so you won't get tempted to taste, and taste, and taste, etc.

Also, how about cooking a healthy dish and redoing the family dessert recipe that contains too much sugar by substituting 'Splendor'. Even though your day is booked, try to squeeze in some exercise in the early morning or evening if you can.

With all that in mind, have fun, enjoy, stay focused, and Oh yes,
Happy Mother's Day!!

"There is never a wrong time to do the right thing" Author Unknown
Talk to you on Monday. Lyn

Mother's Day Is Sad For Some!

2007-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is a sad day for the one who could not have a baby of her own. The one whose grown kids never call. The one who misses her mom who died. The one who lost a child. The one who feels she wasn't a good enough mother. The one who lives far from her children, and the one who doesn't say why she feels pain on Mother's Day!

If you feel sad and alone on Mother's Day, over eating will only make you feel sadder. Elaine Rodino PhD, Clinical Psychologist in Santa Monica California says,
"De mythologize and adjust expectations. Statistically the number of traditional households in this country are not in the majority. Many women feel that it's supposed to be perfect and if its not, they ask what's wrong with me? Nothing is wrong with you. It's like that for many," I tell them.

To the mothers who feel sad around mother's day, try the following to help you get through it:

Pick up the phone - Call a friend who you can talk to about your feelings.

Be pro-active - Create an "alternative family" made up of people whose company you enjoy. Plan to do something together.

Take a potted plant or flowers to a nursing home and brighten the lives of the elderly moms who don't get many visitors.

Usually, when you're sad on mother's day, you're sad on other holidays that involve family. I know this sounds far fetched, but, If you don't have a dog, consider getting one! They're great company at home, on walks, going on a picnic and for receiving unconditional love, they can't be beat! You'll always have a best friend. A cat is wonderful too! You'll have warm furry children to take care of and to keep you company.

Do you have any suggestions to share? If mother's day was once a difficult time for you, what did you do in the past to get through it? You can always comment anonymously on this blog.

"Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to cope with them." Author Unknown. Lyn

More, Different, Confusing!

2007-05-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

Another Pyramid just came out for the over 70 set (that's me) in the latest AARP magazine issue. Tufts University worked with the USDA to develop these eating guidelines. In the section 'better Nutrition Serving By Serving' the guidelines state "Drink six to 8 oz. glasses of water, juice, milk, soup, coffee or tea." Not just water? Coffee and Tea?? That goes against everything we've learned!!

In another section of the AARP magazine 'Eat For Strength' it says, "six to eight glasses of water every day helps your body's digestive and circulatory systems function at their best." Whew! That's better! Confusing though!

The 'Eat For Strength' section also gives advice it you need to eat more "Use bright napkins and plates and serve food in various colors and textures. The colors red, yellow and orange have been proven to spark the appetite." I'm going shopping today to buy black plates!!

A new group of diet books are on the book shelves, as per usual, for this time of year (right before swim suit season). Just to name a few: You On A Diet, Best Life Diet, Sonoma Diet and Abs Diet. "None of these books has yet been put to the acid test of a large clinical trial" says Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports also came out on ranking the diet plans. The Volumetrics Eating Plan came out as #1 and Weight Watchers came out as #2. But, the grim results for all of the plans were that only 10% of those who followed them were successful after a year!

To me, its just the basics, calories in, energy expended. I don't follow the suggested pyramid to a "T" as you can see in my last post. I just use it as a guide to better nutrition. Like the SEE members, I eat moderately and exercise to win! If we have a bad day, a week or two, we go right back and start anew! Take care! Keep on keeping on! Lyn

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-05-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week we're talking about using the food pyramid of your choice. The Mayo Clinic's Healthy Weight Pyramid is my choice and the following is suggested for daily food intake:

Mayo Clinic Health Pyramid

Sweets (up to 75 calories) - (I find this difficult and I eat more at times)

Fats - 3-5 daily servings - (I have less)

Protein/Dairy 3-7 daily servings

Carbohydrates - 4-8 daily servings

Fruit - unlimited - minimum 3 (I don't eat an unlimited amount of fruit - that's too much)

Vegetables - Unlimited - minimum 4

Food pyramids place foods in categories - to help guide your food choices. No single food provides all of the nutrients that our body needs. Then of course, portion control is necessary and limiting the calories one consumes. If our caloric intake has to be reduced they suggest limiting our intake starting from the top down, gradually aiming to eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruits - less fats and sweets.

Questions for Talk Tuesdays:

1. Are You a Vegetarian? Do you find it difficult to get the food you need to follow your eating program? How do you handle the winter when vegetables and fruits are not as plentiful?

2. Are You a Vegan Vegetarian? Please give us an example of a typical breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Do you find it difficult to get the food variety you need to get all the necessary nutrients?

3. Not a Vegetarian. How come?

If you're not interested in talking about the above, talk to us about anything you like as long as it pertains to weight management and healthy eating. Just click on the comments and go for it! You don't have to be registered with Google to place a comment on this blog.
Lyn

What Is A Healthy Way Of Eating??

2007-05-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

The first thing to do is to follow a food pyramid. According to the world renown Mayo Clinic - "The days of the four basic food groups - dairy, meat, vegetables and fruit -- are long gone! Today, a healthy diet encompasses a far wider range of options; whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, fish and even plant oils, such as olive oil. Add in ethnic, religious, cultural and personal preferences, and you have more options than ever before for planning healthy meals and snacks."

Click onto our Mayo Clinic link for the food pyramid that you prefer for healthy eating. According to the Mayo Clinic "They all offer the same premise of variety and moderation. The differences reflect dietary and cultural food preferences."

Asian Pyramid

Latin American Pyramid

Mediterranean Pyramid

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid

Vegetarian Pyramid

I listed the Vegetarian Pyramid as shown in the Mayo Clinic's suggested pyramid guides, but, I'm not convinced that Vegetarianism is the healthiest way to go! However, I am an animal lover, and the thought of having them killed for me to be able to dine is unsettling. That's another subject for another post, at another time! Next week we'll try to cover the different pyramids in more detail.
Let me know what you think.

I chose the Mayo Clinic's Healthy Pyramid and the Government's Pyramid. When you check on the pyramid you prefer, they ask your height, weight, activity level and give a suggested caloric intake. To me their suggested intake is too low! I prefer to lose slowly and aim for a caloric intake of 10 times the weight that I'm aiming for, and I'm not aiming to weigh 120 pounds. Eating 1200 calories is just too little for me to keep on keeping on. Many people tend not to stick with the program when the caloric intake is that low! It's just too difficult for them to sustain!

Of course, along with healthy eating goes portion control, monitoring what we eat by writing down what we consume daily, and moderately reducing the daily calories we take in. Slow and easy wins the race! Moderation, moderation, moderation! We can do it!

If we did all the things we are capable of doing,
we would literally astonish ourselves!
Thomas Edison (1847-1931)

Lyn

Disordered Eating Continued!

2007-05-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Adjunct Professor of gender studies at Hunter College in New York and author of a new book, "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters" examines the accepted "normalcy" of women and girls preoccupied with what they eat and hating their bodies. She gathers the stories of hundreds of women across the country, along with eating disorder experts, and shares their perspectives.

We don't need to read the book to know and see the problem. High School Prom time is arriving, and young girls are starving, binging and purging! Many girls who are not doing that, but are overweight, are not going to the prom. They're ashamed and embarrassed of their bodies and dread wearing a prom gown! These are some of the painful realities that young females face every day in our culture. Disordered eating, binging to starving, from one end of the spectrum to the other, is not only increasing in the female population, it's increasingly affecting males! Last month Harvard researchers reported the results of the first national study of eating disorders in a population of nearly 3000 young adults, 25% of men had anorexia or bulimia, 40% of the men were binge eaters. Binge eating (which many of us can relate to) is not officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder and is not considered life threatening, but, it's still upsetting as we feel out of control when we binge eat.

Believing that the obsession with dieting in our world has led to deadly eating disorders, unhealthy use of pills, weight loss surgeries with serious long term health degradation, the group NAAFA celebrates on May 6th "International No Diet Day" to get people out of the "diet at all costs routine" if only for one day.

Diet groups who want you to join, state that their regimen is "not really a diet, but a way of life", even though they stress only eating certain foods, and 1200 calories or less per day.

We know better! We're not striving for either end of the spectrum! We eat in moderation, practice portion control, gradually increase our physical activity and aim for a healthier way of life! We believe, we'll achieve and we're doing it now!

Have a great week-end guys! Slow and easy! Inch by inch! Onward!
Talk to you Monday. Lyn

Disordered Eating!

2007-05-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

There's a new terminology for those suffering from obesity and compulsive overeating and people suffering from eating disorders such as binge eating and purging or taking laxatives, Anorexia, etc. When we suffer with disordered eating, we tend to think of ourselves with regard to our weight! We forget that we're talented teachers, counselors, social workers, actors, writers, musicians, etc. The list goes on and on and on! We carry the eating label on our backs that others have given us-- and are often embarrassed, ashamed, feel guilty and then eat more! We forget that it's only a part of us. We make it a lot bigger then it deserves to be! We are so much more than our eating habits.

While we attempt to exercise more, eat in moderation and work towards a healthier weight, we should also reflect on our talents and strengths, and think about what else we want to do, besides managing our weight!

Last year I wanted to write a play about September 11th. I did! It was picked and performed in Auburn's Small Play Festival. I'm trying to identify myself with other things, not just Lyn the compulsive overeater, now in control. I was Lyn the playwrite, and it did wonders for my concept of self!

As I stated in yesterdays post, In his book 'Regaining Self', Dr. Ira Sacker, MD suggested finding a passion, something that you enjoy doing, to identify you, other than your weight issues. Help yourself believe in you! Improved self identity is important to succeed in what you're aiming for in life, including successful weight management.

What is your passion, as I asked in yesterdays blog? What would you like to do and be identified with other than success or lack of success with weight management. You know you are good at.......... On your mark, get set, go on, go for it!!
Lyn

My Computer Broke Down. I Want To Eat Everything In Sight!!

2007-05-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have to write in the SEE blog, answer comments, respond to emails, do Wednesday's post, acknowledge to the ebay seller that I mailed the money order, etc., etc. I want to eat everything in sight! I wanted to, but I didn't. Instead, I called the different libraries near by, found out that the Groton one opened at 200 PM, planned to go there, but, hubby fixed the computer. Yippee! Still the first thing I thought about to make me feel better, was my best friend and worst enemy "food". Like you, I have to work at it, stay in focus, write everything down that I eat, and eat in moderation. The writing down and monitoring helps me stay the course. Any who how, here I go with the post, better late than never!

The problems of disordered eating, from obesity to eating disorders are soaring in this country at an alarming rate. Dr. Ira Sacker, MD, Eating Disorder Specialist who wrote the book, "Regaining Yourself" sees youngsters as young as 5 years of age. Dr. Richard Kreipe, MD Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center said, "We've got to get back to three square meals a day, healthy meal planning, nutritious snacks and most of all regular physical activities. Levels of physical activity are at record lows as television and computers replace more active leisure activities and travel by automobile has replaced walking. Also, The mass media, family and peers may be sending children and adolescents mixed messages about food and weight that encourages disordered eating." Overeating and starving at the opposite side of the penny, are both dangerous to our health. Moderation, moderation, moderation! Slow and easy wins the race. Inch by inch, it's a cinch!

Dr. Sacker says that an eating disorder is an identity issue from anxiety. Food becomes the passion to make one feel better. He encourages his patients to think of another passion to pursue to take its place. One of his patients pursued Art, another became a counselor and so on. My passion is the SEE groups, the blog and handmade doll collecting. Think of something that you're passionate about and pursue it! What's your passion? Let us know. You can write anonymously if you prefer.

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-05-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

In an Op-Ed in Newsday, Victoria Torres in her piece, 'Obsession Over Thin Babies' writes, "Anna Nicole Smith asked her Nanny to skimp on her baby's formula because she wanted the infant to be thin," Sandy Szware, BSN,RN,CCP said, "The babies of many of the middle class mothers who live in my neighborhood have lithe necks, high cheekbones and look as emaciated as Iggy Pop. My own little boy is not so little. He's chubby. My sons pediatrician frowns and tells me her office is overrun with babies who are underweight."

Mrs. Torres also writes, "Everywhere I turn there's frightening news about an obesity epidemic." What about the eating disorder patterns that are emerging at an alarmingly fast rate? That's a big problem too!

The questions for Talk Tuesdays:

1. Have you ever suffered from an eating disorder. If so, how are you handling it? You can write anonymously if you like.

2. Are you approaching weight loss in moderation? What are you doing?

3. Do you feel men have an easier time being overweight than women? Why?

You can respond to the questions, or, you can talk about anything you like as long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go for it. You don't have to register with Google to participate. Care and share!
Lyn

I Was Happy To Be Sick And Throwing Up!

2007-04-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I had a stomach bug on Saturday, the works, throwing up and diarrhea. I was actually happy to weigh myself Sunday morning. I knew I lost weight cause I was throwing up the day before. Losing weight from throwing up, and being happy about it is not a healthy way to think! It's not a natural loss, and I would gain it back when I started eating healthfully. Of course, if I threw up every day........then I would keep the weight off. But, I would be sick mentally as well as physically!

That's what many of our teenagers are doing! They're binging, then throwing it up! They're taking laxatives! They're not eating! The ones who are starving themselves, feel it's a price they're willing to pay. They're called Pro Anorexics. They see all the weight loss pills on TV, fad diets, quick weight losses, the "I went from a size 10 to a size 2" and "my husband thinks I'm hot" mentality, and they want that! They want to be that sickly, skinny person! "Even going to the hospital and being near death was worth it to me," said Hayley of the Pro Anorexics Xanger group.

I remember the Carpenters and the pretty voice of Karen Carpenter who died at 32 years of age from Anorexia in 1983. Peoples references to chubbiness, pudginess or baby fat sent the signal that weight must be lost. Bright and successful people saw themselves as disgustingly fat (even when they weren't). They felt they had to measure up to the Barbie image, and low and behold 1 in every 300 women between the ages of 14 and 25 suffered from Anorexia in 1983. Before Karen Carpenter died, no one spoke about any of this. She brought it to the attention of the larger population.

We're back at that point again in 2007. Eating disorders are growing as fast as the problem of obesity. Both sides of the coin are dangerous!

You and I know better! We don't have to be skinny, but we don't want to be obese either! Both are dangerous to our health! We eat healthfully, reduce our caloric intake moderately, gradually increase our daily exercise, and we aim for a healthy weight goal as recommended by our physician. Slow and steady wins the race! Inch by Inch it's a cinch!

I won't be happy about being sick again. It was foolish of me.
Lyn

Have A Great Week-End!

2007-04-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

For awhile, week-ends were a sad time for me. My family is grown. Many don't live close by, and they're all busy professionals. We get together a couple of times a year, maybe a few times a year with children that live closer, but....... Week-ends were once a time to feel sorry for myself and nothing felt better than turning to sweets! After all I deserved it! Then, as I tell others to, I made my own kind of rainbow. I filled it with furry children, lovely friends, neighbors, TOPS and SEE members, a wonderful UU Society "family", etc., etc. I also decided I deserve to be healthy and to lose some weight, and I work at it as best I can every day of the week!

Rena R. Wine and Suzanne Phelan from the Brown Medical School, The Miriam Hospital Dept of Psychiatry, found that "those who reported a consistent diet across the week, on both week-ends and week-days, were 1.5 times more likely to maintain their weight within five lbs. over the subsequent year." They also found from their study of people in the general population, the following six key strategies for long term success in weight loss:

1. Engaging in high levels of physical activity.
2, Eating a diet that is low in calories from fat.
3. Eating breakfast.
4. Self-monitoring weight on a regular basis.
5. Maintaining a consistent eating pattern.
6. Catching "slips" before they turn into larger regains.

We all have "triggering events" that factor into our eating. No ones life is picture perfect! The ability to recognize our triggers and keep on keeping on inspite of them, will help us succeed! We'll be healthier. We'll feel good and then those triggers won't seem as important.

So, have a great week-end! I won't be writing on Saturday and Sunday. I noticed that those are the days that people arn't into reading blogs. Talk to you on Monday! Take care and enjoy! Lyn

Now I Have Time For Me!

2007-04-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

I got on the scale this morning and said to my husband, "I've got it down to a science. I know exactly how many calories I can have, and how much exercise I need to do, in order to maintain my weight within 3 lbs." Then I said, "its because I have time to focus and think about me."

When I was younger, I had one, two, sometimes three jobs to make ends meet, and three children whom I cared for and worried about. I didn't feel I had the time nor the right to think about me. After all, I didn't want to be a selfish mom! I'm retired now and live with my husband in a lovely small town in the finger lakes. My husband and I have to take care of ourselves. No one can do it for us. We eat healthy, exercise regularly and enjoy relaxing by playing with our furry children and watching the gorgeous array of birds that come to our feeders. I'm involved in running the SEE support groups, the blog, activities in the community and my husband has several hobbies he enjoys. The SEE support groups started me thinking, "I could have made time for myself when I was younger. I just didn't feel I was important enough!"

Even though you have a young family, are working, might be a single parent or have the troubles that many young people have struggling to "make it", try to make time for yourself to help you 'win'. Your children won't suffer because you take care of yourself. After all, a healthy parent can do even more! John Redman, psychologist said, "Take time out for friends, keeping fit, chilling out, and grooming. You'll not only be happier, you'll be healthier!"

At this stage of my life, I simplify, break things down and make my goals easy and attainable. What do you do, to make time for you? What do you intend to do to make it possible to focus on "yourself" for a healthier you? Share and care!
Lyn

What about Hoodia?

2007-04-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Now every one's talking about Hoodia. What about it? According to Weight Loss Specialist and Dietitian, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.,L.D., and her colleagues of The Mayo Clinic, "One small study, sponsored by a supplement manufacturer, found that Hoodia may affect the part of the brain that controls hunger, but, much more is needed to establish the potential effectiveness and 'long term safety'."

They're also talking about Bitter Orange again. Zeratsky stated "there is no definitive evidence that bitter orange is effective for weight loss. After Ephedra was taken off the market due to its health concerns, consumers and weight loss supplement manufacturers began looking for alternatives. Unfortunately, many of the problems associated with ephedra seem to also occur with bitter orange. Eating less and exercising more still appears to be the safest and most effective approach to losing weight!"

We're doing it right guys! Slow and steady wins the race. Just keep on keeping on and don't give up the ship! Lyn

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-04-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

An interesting thing happened at one of the SEE support groups last week. A young woman who had lost over 110 pounds, walked past our group in the building where we hold our meetings and said to me after the meeting was over, "I like me and I'm tired of battling with myself. Whether I'm fat or slim, either is fine with me!" What do you think about that comment and how would you have responded?

Why do you suppose there are less members attending weight loss support groups in March, April and May? One thing I can tell you, It's not that every one's reached their goal or that they're managing their weight as well as can be expected.

Talk to us. Many heads with different ideas are better than one. If you'd rather talk about something else, go for it as long as it relates to weight management. Just click on the comments on the bottom right side of the post and proceed. You don't have to be registered with Google to comment!

Mindful Eating and Somebody Help!!

2007-04-22T16:04:00.001-07:00

The threads (on the previous posts) are going well! They're about keeping a diary, food cravings, exercise, etc. Keep on helping each other guys! It's great! Also, let us know how the week-end went with your weight management.

Today, I'm referring to mindful eating. The process of eating that starts with paying attention to what you're eating, to experience the different flavors, smells and textures of your food, and not eating along with other activities nor eating fast and on the run. Instead of the hurry up and eat mentality, we have to try the slow down and taste the food mentality!

But, the taste of my food is boring! I'm bored with the food that I'm eating! Eating foods with different smells, flavors and textures, takes away from the boredom and helps one mindfully eat. The problem I have, is that I hate to cook, and my list of easy recipes are limited. When I worked in the city, there was always a place to go and pick up ready cooked gourmet meals.

I reached a point where I'd like more variety, and would like some help from our readers who enjoy cooking. Do you have easy recipes, that are not too difficult for the likes of me, to take the boredom out of my eating? How about a tasty chicken recipe, vegetable or dessert recipe with the calories and fat content listed? If you do please share!

Is there anyone else out there that's like me? I raised three boys who would eat whatever I cooked and never complained. They were easy to please! The food was either broiled, baked, barbecued, or boring! Right now "mom" needs to add a little Pzazz to her eating plan. Hopefully, help is on the way :)
Lyn

Serene Sunday!

2007-04-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

A time to relax, meditate, think! This is a touching song, with a beautiful melody (sorry I can't impart that) . It comes from our hymn book at the UU Society. It could be about a wife to a husband, a husband to his wife, a child to the parent, a senior citizen to her children. It could be you to yourself. Think about it!

SEE ME BEAUTIFUL

See me Beautiful, Look for the best in me.
It's what I really am and all I want to be.
It may take some time, It may be hard to find.
But See Me Beautiful.

See Me Beautiful, each and every day.
Could you take a chance? Could you find a way?
To see me shining through, in every thing I do
And See Me Beautiful?

See Me Beautiful, Look for the best in me.
It's what I really am, and all I want to be.
It may take some time, It may be hard to find
But, See Me Beautiful.

Have a great Sunday! Lyn

Positive Thoughts And Tidbits!

2007-04-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

There's much participation going on, now that people are able to comment without registering on Google. There are a few threads going full blast on this blog, with readers contributing how they handle food cravings, exercise, keeping a daily diary, etc., etc. One of our readers attends a clinic in Rochester and has shared the things she's learned, and we've gotten tips and comments from others. Some tips work for some people, other tips work for other people. For example, I have a very bad knee and can't walk down even a few steps. So stair stepping and stair walking is out for me. For many, it's great! But, after working at it inch by inch over 3 years, I can now walk on the treadmill 40 minutes at 3.2 , six days a week. You hear that Bob? It took me three years!! You'll do it. Inch by inch we're all doing it!

How about some positive thoughts to digest for a positive attitude.

Look forward not backward.

Do a little more each day than we think we possibly can.

Trust our hopes not our fears.

Focus on our achievements.

Refuse to be discouraged.

Remember - 85% of accomplishment is attitude - 15% is apptitude and ability!

Now for the tidbit. You think it's just you who loves the "mommy food", peanut butter? A restaurant opened up in the village in New York City last year, that serves only peanut butter. The cashier asks you a series of questions if you've never been there before. 1. White or Wheat 2. Crunchy or Smooth 3. Grape, Strawberry or Apricot Jam. Do you want a drink? How about a Mary Jane with Peanut Butter and Honey? There's a Pregnant Lady sandwich with peanut butter and pickles, a grilled peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich topped with bacon if you like. There's also Peanut Butter and chocolate, with cinnamon raisin, and the list goes on and on and on! If you don't want a sandwich, order a peanut butter sampler and you can dip celery and carrot sticks into the peanut butter. Then there's all kinds of peanut butter smoothies. The restaurant, Peanut Butter & Co. was rated #21 in NYC out of over 2,000 restaurants. Will wonders never cease?
Lyn

Keeping A Food And Exercise Diary Is A Must!!

2007-04-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Our thread is really hopping on "Talk Tuesdays" with advice from different readers on how to handle food cravings and the urge to overeat. I find that the biggest help to me is keeping a daily food and exercise diary.

Allan Baushek, Dietician says "People who keep a food and exercise diary, not only lose more, they also keep it off! That's because of the following:

Recording when we exercise, and what we're eating, jolts us into realizing just what we're doing each day to manage our weight.

It helps identify moods, situations and events that lead to excessive eating. Then, we can work on different strategies to combat the things we have difficulty with.

It prevents calorie 'amnesia'.

It helps us develop greater self discipline. We'll think twice about over indulging when we record it. (I've stopped myself and gained control in the middle of a binge when I wrote down what I was eating. Lyn)

It motivates us to carefully plan meals and exercise."

For me the food and exercise diary is a must. It keeps me in check. I just wouldn't do as well without it. If I had realized that years ago.......but, one can't cry over spilled milk. We just have to keep on keeping on!
Lyn

HUGS!

2007-04-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

When I'm upset or under stress there's nothing better then a good old fashioned "hug". The warmth I feel when someone wraps their arms around me is better than a Hershey's Kiss any day! In support groups, hugs are given often. At the SEE workshops and on the SEE blog we give each other a different kind of HUG; Help, Understanding, Guidance, Support because we care and share "the love". Any type of hug we can get when the going gets rough helps!

Hugging

Hugging is health: It helps the body's immune system, it keeps you healthier,
It cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, its invigorating,
Its rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects and hugging is nothing less
than a miracle drug!

Hugging is all natural: It is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides,
No preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100 percent wholesome!

Hugging is practically perfect: There are no movable parts no batteries
to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield
Inflation proof, non-fattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements
Theft proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and of course fully returnable!

Author Unknown

Go and give someone in need HUGS! You'll be glad you did! Lyn

P.S. Some new info for you. P&C foods is having their marketing division look into what they can do for us regarding discount cards as pay for advertising on our blog. If they come thru, we have to shop till we drop at P&C and give them a big display add on this site. Hey, you might as well go over to the store manager and give him/her a big hug! I'll keep you posted with info regarding their final decision .

Talk Tuesdays!

2007-04-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

At the SEE groups for weight management, in which our members are either maintaining or reducing, SEE stresses the following: Reduce to a healthier weight as recommended by your physician. Eat healthy foods from all the food groups in the Pyramid and practice portion control. Incorporate exercise into your daily lives gradually, and reduce caloric intake moderately. Once in awhile you may eat a so called "forbidden food", in moderation if you crave it. Include it in your daily allotment of calories. Unless of course, you are not allowed to have it for medical reasons, ie diabetes, celliac disease, etc.

We don't use the word "diet" and we don't have to be slim in 2 days, a week or a month, etc. A prize for the "biggest loser" is not part of our mentality. We encourage aiming for a loss of 10 to 15% a year, and we eat healthy and lead more active lives. Moderation is the golden key for us! Inch by inch its a cinch!

"Forget the carrot sticks and have a portion controlled dish of ice cream, if its ice cream that you really want. In moderation, favorite high-calorie foods can help you stay within a well-balanced diet and achieve a healthy weight", says Marsh Hudnall, M.S.,R.D. program director of nutrition at Green Mountain at Fox Run. "Among weight-management experts, it's a familiar story. In an attempt to avoid going off their diets, dieters literally stuff themselves with carrot and celery sticks, all the while craving ice cream, cake and potato chips. But, the forbidden foods win big and the dieters give in and overindulge. The sad cycle of binging and dieting begins once again!"

How do you feel about eating the food you crave in moderation within the context of well balanced, healthy eating?

Talk to us. If you prefer to talk about something else, go for it. As long as it pertains to weight management. Just click on the comments and go from there. You dont need a google account to comment.

Our Concept Of Self!

2007-04-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was nominated from the floor to be a trustee for our UU Society along with three other people. They all accepted the nomination. I declined because I felt and said that "I'm too new to the society and don't know enough yet." Some people said "Awww", and pooh poohed it with a smile that said, "you can do it". But, if I accepted the nomination and was elected, I probably wouldn't do that good a job because my concept of self was that I wasn't ready and up to the task. Self concepts contain both your present view of yourself and future (possible selves). My self concept is that sometime in the future, after being involved in the UU Society for a few years, I would be up to the task. Then, if nominated, I would probably do a great job, because I believe I can!

At our weight management groups people have said, "I've lost weight before, but I never kept it off longer than 3 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc." Their self-concept is what? That they'll succeed or that they're going to fail?

I was once a heavy smoker. I tried to stop smoking one, two (I lasted up to 9 mos. smoke free) three times! The third time, I was home free. It's been 27 years now. I succeeded! Why? I failed 2 times before that. What made me finally believe that I could do it the third time? I remember thinking about other things I accomplished in my life through adversity and hard times and saying to myself "you can do it". Now I believe I'll be able to manage my weight. After all, I quit smoking after years of being unsuccessful trying to quit!

Think about some of the things you accomplished and some of the problems you solved that seemed insurmountable. Then realize, as far as your weight management is concerned, you can do it! It's a piece of cake (or should I say celery)!

As Social psychologist Julian B. Rotter said "...people whose positive self-concept leads them to beieve they will succeed at a task are likely to behave in ways that ultimately lead to success, while those who expect failure are much more likely to bring it about through their own actions". Believe! Achieve! Lyn

Serene Sunday!

2007-04-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday is a day to relax, to reflect, to enjoy ones home and those who reside there or come to visit (including furry children), to be thankful, to remember to be kind and caring and to look forward to the coming week.
Talk to you Monday guys! Have a Happy___________ Lyn

Don't Search For The Rainbow - Make Your Own!

2007-04-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

When women are newly retired, often they don't know what to do with themselves. Some are fortunate to have family nearby whom they interact with, not just as the grandchildren's baby sitter, but as a friend. Some live far from family, but, they still keep in touch with each other often by telephone and visiting one another. Some are not as fortunate! I knew of a woman who was always trying to connect with her kids, their spouses and grandchildren "I'll rent a place near them for a couple of months. I'll set up a room with all the ammenities they need, so they'll visit more, et.,etc." The rainbow she was constantly chasing she never caught! Then one day, she stopped the chase and started doing things for herself little by little. She became involved in her local library as a volunteer, wrote a column for the local newspaper, then took up ballroom dancing, joined a church group, made friends, then she met a man, adopted pets to love and love her and had fun searching for handmade dolls for her new doll collection. I recently saw her, and after talking awhile, she told me that she feels a little guilty because she hasn't been down to visit her family this year as yet! She's been too busy! I just smiled. She's busy making her own rainbow and adding years to her life!

When managing your weight, aim for a goal that's "yours", your rainbow destination in increments, a little at a time. Not that skinny model's or your slim best friends weight! I used to wear a size 22 and now I'm a size 12. I'm enjoying the rainbow I've made filled with good friends, a healthy weight and an active lifestyle. I recently checked out MyPyramid and it states for my height I should weigh 132 lbs. at the most, and I weigh more than that! Well, I exercise, eat healthy, and am happy where I'm at. I guess it all depends where you start from. But, my doctor is happy too! Maybe someday I'll aim for a lower goal. However, the rainbow I made I'm content with! This year's theme for TOPS (a national weight loss organization) is "Make Your Own Kind Of Music". Do that guys! Aim for a prize you can achieve,a little at a time. Make your own rainbow, your own kind of music, starting today!
Lyn