Just a side note to all my diet talk....Fernando Botero

Fernando Botero is one of my favorite artists. If you have not seen his work you should go to one of the many sites that showcase his paintings. He is really great!

Fiber and low carbs...

It's hard to get enough fiber when you eat low carbs. It's so important though. Without fiber it's hard to stay regular. Not only do you feel bad when you don't poop every day, but it makes you bloated and fat. I know I should be getting more fiber just from the foods I eat, but it does not always happen. I go through "kicks" of eating fibery foods then stop and get strict with my low carb eating. Thats what I am doing now so I am on fiber pills. They work, but I should really solve the problem by eating better.

I am trying to find a low carb high fiber food.... I will let you know. Until then if you have this problem take fiber pills, they do help.

Recipe: Love Hash Browns? Hate Carbs? Try This!

Low Carb, Low Fat, Low Calorie! Cauliflower Hash Browns!

I love hash browns but would never eat them because of the high carbs from the potatoes so I came up with this recipe. It is so good!

1 cauliflower head

2 eggs

1/4 stick of butter ( I use a butter substitute, "I can't believe it's not butter" spray

3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 bell pepper finely chopped

1/4 cup of milk

garlic, crushed peppers, salt and pepper to taste

Boil cauliflower until tender then let cool

When cooled mash in a large mixing bowl with all other ingredients

( mash like you would mashed potatoes)

Heat a frying pan with a light coat of olive oil

Add mixture to pan and fry until golden brown

Great substitute for hash browns, even my husband liked them.

Dry hair? Try this great recipe for a hair mask.

I bleach my hair, blow dry and straighten with a flat iron. It is hair suicide. I tried this the other night and it did help. I am going to do this once a week.

1/4 avocado

1 large tablespoon of real mayonnaise

1 teaspoon of olive oil

( I have shoulder length hair, for longer hair double up on recipe. )

Mix in a bowl

Apply to dry hair

Cover hair in plastic bag or anything you can sleep in, cover your pillow with a towel.

Leave overnight then wash hair thoroughly and condition in the am.

Hair will dry hard, but after a good washing it's soft!

Happy Birthday.....

My 46th birthday has come and gone. It was great. I never hit my weight goal of 135 lbs., but I did get to 142 lbs. I had a major knee injury about 2 months ago and have stopped all exercise, so the fact that I got as far as I did in my weight loss was good. I am slowly starting back to exercising with short walks. Knee injuries are so hard to get through. They are very slow healing. My advice when exercising is to be very careful, one slip or fall puts you out of commission for a really long time.

I hate to point out the obvious, but your diet and exercise plan sucks!!!!

Yeah, I am on my Starbucks rant again, I must. I do love it, and I am there at least 3-4 times per week. I usually go very early in the morning. That's when the "exercisers" come in after there work out. What kills me is the really over weight women who come in with their exercise clothes, their hair up in a pony tail, the work out jacket tied around their hips and their carpi pants with little lacy socks, talking in line about how great it feels to exercise in the morning and how great it is to start the day feeling invigorated and healthy! Now, I notice these things, they have all of their make-up on and clearly have not broken a sweat. Then, they have the nerve to order a Venti Frappuccino with extra whip and a double iced cinnamon roll. The total calorie count is 1,200!!!!!! Just for breakfast, that is your total calorie count for a whole day. Do you know how hard you would have to work out to burn those calories. It's impossible!!!! Then you'll hear the same person saying "I don't know why I can't lose weight, all I had for breakfast was a cup of coffee and a roll.

Diet? Not today. I want hot wings with extra ranch, please.

Nachos, chicken wings, french fries dipped in ranch dressing, pizza. Why do these foods haunt me? Why do I spend so much time thinking about them? What is the obsession? I want to be thin by summer, not a heffer. I want my thighs to have space in between them, not rubbing together and making clapping sounds with every step. I want to lose my love handles, have thin thighs and I never want cankles! You can only get these horrible physical attributes with improper eating, yet I dream of eating these foods like they are my drug of choice.
Sometimes I think, "what's so wrong with a little pot belly? I am 46 years old, who cares?"
I do. I can't get up in the morning and face the day if I feel that I am over weight. Weight is what you make of it. My thin might not be yours and yours maybe far from mine.
To combat my eating binges I often go through my closet and get rid of all of my fat clothes. My closet now consists of size 5 thru 8. I am actually ok with these sizes. Everyone fluctuates and at 5-9' I am good where I am.
SO.......... WHERE ARE MY F****** NACHOS?

My advice for losing weight ASAP: SHUT YOUR F****** MOUTH!

I am the low carb believer. I have gone from 180 lbs. to 142 lbs. on this "diet". (It is not really a diet to me, it is the way I eat ) But, recently I have injured my knee and have not been able to exercise. I have also plateaued on my current low carb plan. While I am still low carbing I have added some more fiber rich, GOOD CARB foods such as oatmeal and whole grain bread and a little more fruit. This helps to keep you pooping! The lack of movement in your life makes it hard to go to the bathroom. You must exercise! But if you can't, you can't.
Anyway, back to the point and what I have learned from this experience is that you can eat some carbs and you don't have to run your ass off to lose weight if, and this is the important part, YOU KEEP YOUR F*****G MOUTH SHUT!!! Stop eating so much, stop eating because your bored, your angry, your happy. JUST STOP! YOU DON'T NEED THAT MUCH FOOD! Eating 3 small meals and 1 snack should do it. And be sure to eat the right choices such as low carb, high fiber foods. Stop stuffing it in. Don't clean your plate. JUST ZIP IT!

How to be a Skinny Bitch: The milk story.

Anyone who has read my blogs before knows I am fan of Atkins, but that does not mean that I don't know the other side of the story. I found this info about dairy and cows milk interesting. It is straight out of the "SKINNY BITCH" book. Which I think everyone should read.

"Got Mucus? Dairy products produce mucus, and often, the body will develop a cold or allergies to fight the dairy invasion.

Mother nature is no fool. All species, including ours, have just what we need to get by. She did not intend for grownups to suck their mothers tits. We don't need our mothers milk as adults, just like grown cows don't need their mothers milk anymore. We are the only species on the planet that drinks milk as adults. We are the only species that drinks the milk of another species. We could be putting gorilla milk on our cereal or having zebra milk and cookies. Why cows milk? Using the animal that produces the largest quantity of milk but is more easily housed than an elephant means more money for farmers. It has nothing to do with health or nutrition. Again, it all comes back to money. The dairy industry is a multi billion dollar industry based on brilliant marketing and the addictive taste of milk, butter and cheese. It has convinced most doctors, consumers and government agencies that we need cows milk. We have been told our whole lives " You need milk to grow. Without milk, your bones will break. If you don't drink milk you will get osteoporosis. You need the calcium. Bullshit."

Lose the refined sugars and lose the weight.....

Get the sugar out of your diet and you will lose weight!
Refined sugar has no nutritional value. It is a simple carbohydrate that has been linked to hypoglycemia, yeast overgrowth, weakened immune system, hyperactivity, ADD, enlarged liver and kidneys, mental and emotional disorders, dental problems and a FAT ASS!
There are many sugar substitutes in the markets that will help you get through those "sugar cravings". The less sugary sweets you eat, the less you will crave them. I have found that a cold pear will get rid of my sweet tooth. I know a pear or any other fruit won't take the place of a double chocolate brownie, but you will wear that brownie on your ass and you won't wear the pear. You decide, you choose, but you will need to lose the sugar if you want to lose your pot belly, thunder thighs and bubbly, chunky ass.
And that's the BOTTOM line.

I like BIG BUTTS and I can not lie.....

This is my problem, how can I increase my rear end with a nice tight, firm shape, without adding to my all over body weight? Well of course there is plastic surgery, but I don't think I am ready for that extreme, yet...
There are exercises that target that area, but they have not helped me at all. My butt is flat as can be and the more weight I lose the worse it gets. Some one has suggested to me butt pads! Can you imagine the embarrassment if they don't stay in place!
My body is terribly out of balance, huge boobs and no ASS. I must look like I am going to fall forward, at least I know that thanks to my implants I will bounce right back up.
My ass is my new obsession. I will solve this problem.

Get your summer look started now.......

I know it's still cold outside and rainy, but I am getting ready for summer! Here are 10 ways to beat the gloom and start to bloom!

Take vitamin C! It will keep your immune system strong and keep you feeling good. It also helps your skin, teeth and bones to stay pretty and healthy.

Start using a self tanner on your face and body every morning. It keeps you looking all warm and sunny. Don't forget your sun screen as well!

Buy an orange lipstick, its the new "red"! It is all over the fashion mags right now and looks great!

Eat Oranges. They are good for your health, a good source of vitamin C, a low calorie snack and very inexpensive. Stock up!

Exercise now. Of course cardio is the best for all over fat loss, but start adding crunches to tighten your bikini belly and do arm exercises to tighten that SWING!

Add a few highlights to your hair around your face. It frames your face beautifully and looks like you have spent some time at the beach. I do mine at home, there are so many easy kits you can purchase at the store. Never go more than 2 shades lighter of your present color if you do it yourself. Any more should be done at a salon.

Quit with the blow dryer and straightening iron. Try some braids or loose buns. They are totally in fashion and will give your hair a break from the damaging heat.

Give yourself a mani pedi in warm summer colors. I love orange and the muted light pinks.

Buy new sandals. There are sooo many cute ones out right now.

Get a good bronzing face and cheek powder. This adds a great glow.

Now your ready for summer, If only these clouds would just GO AWAY !!!!!!!

5 birthdays to look like Madonna: Her diet tips.

Okay, I've never been a huge fan of Madonnas music, but she has always looked great! She's 51 years old and is amazing. She's been on the cutting edge of fashion, music and entertainment since 1983.

This just proves my point that as women get older they can get better. She's hotter than any 20 year old I've seen.

I've read that when Madonna diets is quite strict. She cuts out alcohol, dairy and processed foods. No root vegetables like potato's and only one whole grain carbohydrate serving per day. Also, no oils or sauces and a lot of WATER.

What she does eat is lean meats, fish, salads, vegetables and some fruit. Sounds okay! And if you could end up with a body like that....... Of course we know that there is A LOT of exercise and training that goes with this. If I start now, I have 5 years to try to get close.

See, getting old is not so bad. I have something to look forward to for the next 5 birthdays!

I sound like your Mother, " TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!"

I don't care if I sound like your Mama, she's right, take them. Here is a starter list:

Calcium:
Strengthens bones, great for your teeth, decreases bone loss, helps with insomnia.

Iron:
Aids growth, promotes resistance to disease, prevents anemia.

Potassium:
Aids in reducing blood pressure, increases clear thinking, helps body dispose of waste.

The B'S:
Aid in digestion, promotes healthy skin, a natural diuretic, increases energy, good for the nervous system.

Vitamin C:
Good for healing, blood pressure, prevents colds, protects against cancer, forms collagen, great for gums, bones and teeth!

Vitamin D:
Builds strong bones and teeth!

Vitamin E:
Keeps you looking young! Fights fatigue, prevents blood clots.

This is just a starter list. I have some problems with my gums, so I concentrate on those that promote healthy teeth and gums and I take a multi vitamin everyday to cover the other essentials. You should at least, if nothing else, take a multi vitamin. If you have any other problems, there are vitamins to aid in many illnesses and diseases. It's a healthy and natural way to stay young, beautiful and healthy!

Diet tip: Cancel your membership to the clean plate club.

Her are some tips from Bethenny Frankels book "Naturally Thin". I think this is a great book and she has many diet tips that make a lot of sense. Here are a few.....

Pay attention.
Never eat until you are ready to pay attention to what you are doing. Don't eat while standing up, working, driving or watching TV. Sit down, experience your food, and savor it so your body registers the food.

Downsize Now.
Forget supersizing. Downsizing is your new way of life. Eat from smaller plates, bowls, and glasses, and cultivate a new sense of portions.

Cancel your membership to the clean plate club.
Quit finishing everything on your plate. The fact that it is there doesn't mean you have to finish it. Share your food, save it , or leave it!

Funny dieting quotes....

The Cardiologists Diet:

"If it tastes good, spit it out!"

"Dieting is wishful shrinking"

" Never eat anything heavier than you can lift"

"Thanksgiving is not a good day for my pants"

"I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is 14 days"

Happy Valentines Day!

Like Cesear Salad? Try This Deviled Egg Recipe.

This recipe is sooo good. I made It last night for a party and it was a total hit. The original recipe came from Rachel Ray. I played with it a little and came up with this.

10 large Eggs

3 Anchovy Fillets, Chopped Finely

2 Tablespoons Of Capers

1 Clove Of Garlic, Finely Chopped

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

1 Tablespoon Of Light Mayonnaise

1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Crushed Red Peppers (To Taste)

Salt And Pepper

Top With A Sprinkling Of Paprika And Parmesan Cheese

Boil Eggs, Cool, Peel, Split In Half

Put Yolks In Large Bowl, Add All Ingredients And Mix Well

Place Egg White Shells On Serving Platter. Fill Eggs, Chill For 30 Minutes And Serve!

These are so good. And oh yeah, LOW CARB!

Red Wine Is Good For You, Drink Up! (My pants are not on fire, so it must be true)

The benefits of red wine are almost endless. Here is a sampling of my findings:

1. Heart Healthy

2. Full of Antioxidants

3. Stress Reliever

4. Cancer Protection

5. Sleep Aide, Relaxation Aide

6. Social Aide (That is not a scientific fact, I have found it to be true in my own studies)

7. Heart Protection

8. Cancer Protection

9. Reduces Blood Clots

10. Reduces Initiation And Progression of Arteries Hardening.

Also low in calories (4oz. 85 cals) and 2 carbs. Do you need another reason to open a bottle?

A smile tip: You will never look good with your front tooth on the bottom of your Martini glass. I don't care who you are.

We are all getting older and if you want to keep your teeth you are going to have to put a little effort into it. Here are some quick tips to keep healthy teeth and gums:

1. Brush and floss twice a day. I know you say you do, but you don't.
2. Have 2 toothbrushes, one to use and the other to dry out. Alternate them.
3. Spend 3 minutes brushing including the bristle hitting 1/2 of the gum line and the other 1/2 on the tooth. Yes, 3 minutes. I know your busy, but you can find the time.
4. Alternate daily rinse routines. One day Listerine, another day a mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts of each, do not swallow) another day a heavy dose of salt in warm water.
5. Drink Green Tea.
6. Take your vitamins! Especially C and Calcium.
7. Eat a least 1 raw vegetable per day.
8. See your Dentist every 6 months.

It may not seem important right now, but the first time you are out and all dressed looking totally great and suddenly your front tooth falls out and lands in the bottom your Martini glass your going to remember what I just said.

Still low carbing to reach my goal by March 9th!

I have not checked in with my weight lately. I started January 1 at 149.8 lbs. with a goal to be at 135 lbs. by my 46th birthday March 9th. I was training for a 5k and really working hard to tone and be fit by my B-Day. Then about 12 days ago, I slipped and fell, twisting my knee and tearing ligaments. While I am up and walking now, I've had a little set back. I will still be at the 5k, but probably walking. Anyway, I did weigh myself today, ( I had been scared of the scale since I 've been on a couch for nearly 2 weeks) but, I am at 144 lbs. So I have nearly a month to lose 9 lbs. That's a little more than I am comfortable with, I think 2 lbs. per week is more realistic. But, I am close, even with a 2 week set back. So I will do my best to give myself the birthday gift I had set out for, that nasty little insignificant number on a scale, 135!

Jamie Lee Curtis, a true natural beauty.

Jamie Lee Curtis. She is so wonderful. I love her honesty and the way she likes the truth to be told instead masking appearances as so many Hollywood women do. She has short hair and doesn't mind the gray. She's natural. She has been photographed without make up or air brushing. She says she's "odd looking". She says her thighs are not perfect, she has fat on her back, her tummy is flabby. I don't know about you, but I think she is perfect! What a beautiful body and face, so natural. She is 6 years older than I, born in 1958, and I hope to follow in her footsteps.

I really want to cut my hair short and stop dying it, but I don't have the courage to do it!

I have also read that she keeps her wardrobe to a minimum. At the beginning of each year she buys, I think it was 3, black cocktail dresses, a pair of blue jeans, a few white shirts and shoes. Everything is black and white so everything goes together. We really don't need 30 pairs of shoes, 10 pairs of jeans, 15 dresses etc. Minimizing is the way to go. I admire and aspire to be like her.I hope get to where she is at some point in my life.

Great Low Carb Green Bean Recipe

I have been trying to eat more vegetables instead of just salad all of the time. I started making Green Beans with Bacon and onions.....Delish...

1 can of Green Beans

1/2 Onion, chopped

3 strips of Bacon

Chopped Almonds

Fry or microwave Bacon til done then dab with paper towel to remove excess fat, cut into small pieces

Put in pan and add onions, fry together until onions are medium soft

Add Green Beans, cook on low heat for 5 minutes to warm the Green Beans and combine the flavors.

Top with Almonds...so good......

To Poop or not to Poop?

Now that is a stupid question! But, did you realize that you are suppose to Poop every day! I have even read that you should Poop after every meal. Impossible. I am happy if I Poop every 3 days. So I did some investigation into this Pooping game and found out what I already know on how to go more often.....for example:

1. Drink more water, 8 glasses per day.

2. Eat more fiber like whole grain cereals and bread, brown rice, vegetables and fruit.

3. Exercise.

4. Eat more beans. Be careful with this one, start slowly.

5. Try natural cleansing teas and my recipe for a cleansing soup. (On this blog page)

6. Do not take laxatives, you are only masking the problem. Finding the root of the problem and then fixing it will be better in the long term.

I understand that if you Poop regularly you will have better health, a clearer mind, better skin and weight loss. OKAY, I believe it! But, I don't think it's going to happen.

Pink up in the air, so beautiful.......

Wow! I thought this performance at the Grammy Awards was amazing. Her outfit and her ballet up in the air was great! She looked amazing and sounded amazing. She is so fit, toned, beautiful and talented! If you missed the performance you really need to see it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGeWN3vR_MU Sorry, they took it off line temporarily.

Easy beachy hair

As I have complained about before, my hair is really curly and really frizzy. For some reason though, it always looks great at the beach! I found a recipe to make a spray that will duplicate that look that you can make easily at home.

You'll need 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 1 cup of water, a few squirts of water based hair gel ( the amount of gel is optional depending on how much you like or how much your hair needs) I have also heard of people adding a few drops of a great smelling hair oil. I did not add that, but it seems like a good idea.

Put in a plastic squirt bottle, shake to dissolve sea salt and spray on hair. Hair that is dry and not freshly washed works best. Twist hair into spirals or do pin curls in large sections and secure with clips. Add a light coat of hair spray and let dry. Run your fingers through your hair to style and that's it!

I love this because I am sick of blow drying and straightening my hair. Not only is it time consuming, it is also damaging.

Bring on SUMMER!

Rachel Zoe

First let me say how much I love HER! I've seen all of her interviews, read articles about her and love "The Rachel Zoe Project". Her show would touch on her weight issue from time to time. Now everyone, including myself, is talking about it again. I think this picture is unflattering and she does look too thin ( since I am not a doctor I don't know what a healthy weight is for her). But, I would be a hypocrite to say that I am not a little envious. I spend a good part of my day trying to get thin, exercising, coming up with healthy meal ideas and recipes. I don't know the percentage, but don't most women want to be thin! Don't they spend hours trying new diets, joining gyms, and starving themselves to lose weight? Should we gossip, talk bad and look down upon her because she is what we wish, to some extent, to be. Sorry, I can't be hypocritical. While I think she should gain a little weight to maintain a healthy mind and body, I can't say I'm not just a little jealous of her ability to stay thin. I wish her the best and I think we should all leave her alone, I will too.

Frizzy hair tips

I have really frizzy hair. Besides using the "frizz control" shampoos and conditioners here are a few more ideas:

1. Do not wash your hair everyday! It dries it, strips it and you lose a lot of the natural hair oils you need to calm your hair down.

2. Use De-Frizzing serums after you style your hair. I use all of the Pantene De-frizz products.

3. Once a week sleep with olive oil on the middle to the ends of your hair. Be sure to cover your pillow with a towel before you sleep.

4. Rub a little of your facial moisturizer between your fingers then into the frizziest part of your hair when you've finished styling.

5. Run a fabric softener sheet from your dryer over your hair!

Great eye shadow to go......

I love these!

What a great idea.

You can toss them in your overnight bag or purse and go. One shot. Perfectly coordinated. You don't have to carry all of those eyeshadow cases!

They are sets of 30 single use eye color cards.

$12.00 on Sephora .com

Diet tips from Jackie Warner, Bravo's Work-out, Sky Sport Spa

I really loved this artical and I wanted to share it.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=1078836

I love Starbucks, but OMG!

I do love Starbucks, but the calories in the foods and drinks are incredible! For some reason, Starbucks seemed healthy to me. The freshness of the products, the way they are displayed, the whole ambiance of the place makes me feel cozy, warm, healthy, organic......but please! Don't read any further if you don't want to know.

Carmel Signature Hot Chocolate (venti) 720 calories, 32 grams of fat, 85 grams of sugar

NONFAT White Chocolate Mocha (grande) 420 calories, 13 grams of fat, 60 grams of sugar

Iced Caffe Mocha (grande, 2% milk, NO WHIP) 200 calories, 6 grams of fat, 26 sugars

Nonfat Hazelnut Hot Chocolate (tall, no whip) 350 calories, 9 grams of fat, 57 sugars

Now pair it with a Banana Nut Bread, Blueberry Scone or Maple Nut Scone and add another 500 calories, approximately 20 grams of fat, and approx. 40 grams of sugar.

That's why I say, OMG! I see many people grabbing the large size drinks, with extra this and more of that and some sort of bread or muffin or scone to go with it! Maybe I am watching and commenting negatively because I am jealous of the people eating them......or maybe I want to wear a bikini this summer.

7 beautiful ideas for a rainy day...

Bad weather can make for a great beauty and cooking day. Here are 7 ideas to make the most of being stuck inside.

1. Make a healthy pot of homemade chili. Make enough so you have it for a few days! It's better a day or two after you make it anyway. My recipe is very simple.

Ground turkey meat

Onion

Bell pepper

Green chili's

Mushrooms

Stewed tomato's

Canned red beans

Dry chili mix

Fry turkey meat in a large pan. Remove meat and drain any fat. Then fry onion, bell peppers,

chili's ( I remove the seeds from the inside if they are really hot ) and mushrooms. When the onions are soft add beans and stewed tomato's. Add meat and dry chili mix with a little water, beer or wine. Let simmer on low for about 20 mins. Really good. Really healthy.

2. Make a homemade facial mask. Mix together a 1/2 banana and 1/2 cup of oats. Apply to face for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water. Or try an avocado mask. Just mash avocado and apply to face and neck for about 20 minutes. Also cucumber and yogurt make a great mask!

3. Give yourself a mani- pedi.

4. Push ups, sit ups and squats are a great rainy day exercise in front of your favorite movie.

5. Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment. I do straight olive oil on my hair for and hour or so. Mayonnaise is also good.

6. A self tanning treatment is great on a gloomy day. I use the self tanning lotions, I have never tried the spray ons.

7. Bleach your teeth! There are many store treatments out that work great.

Now your body and face are beautifully tanned, your skin is soft from your mask, your teeth are white, your nails and hair are beautiful, you've exercised and cooked a healthy meal with left overs. That's a great use of a gloomy day.

10 Super Foods for Women

Health Magazine experts say these 10 foods make the list of "super foods" for women. I found it interesting so here is a list of the SUPER FOODS.....

!. Wild salmon: Boots mood and fights depression.

2. Oats: Lowers cholesterol.

3. Wild blueberries: Super high in antioxidants.

4. Walnuts: Protein, fiber and vitamins.

5. Broccoli: Helps fight breast cancer.

6. Greek yogurt: High calcium content.

7.Olive oil: Protects against Alzheimer's.

8. Dark chocolate: Reduces blood pressure.

9. Avocado: Fights belly fat.

10. Red beans: High in antioxidants and fiber.

This is why I am not afraid of 46......

Monica Bellucci. She's my age and also Italian. If women can look this great in their mid forties, what's so scary about it? Okay, she must eat right, exercise, take great care of her hair, face and nails. Sure, she probably has a trainer, nutritionist and stylist. But, you know she is still beautiful with out all of the "Hollywood" extras. I am just happy to see women like this, looking great and proud to be in their 40's. It makes me want to try harder.

How many calories will I burn when I am......

How many calories am I burning when I am.....

( all numbers are based on a person weighing 150 lbs. and doing each task for 10 minutes )

Carrying small children = 36 cals.

Household chores = 42 cals.

Brushing my teeth = 28.5 cals.

Gardening = 53 cals.

Grocery shopping = 40.5 cals.

Dancing = 57 cals.

Tennis = 83 cals.

Jog/walking = 71 cals.

Walking (2.5 mph) = 36 cals.

Bicycling = 95 cals.

As you can see, if you just try to keep moving through out the day your calorie burning will add up without even trying Some tricks I do to keep myself moving is always parking far away from your destination. My friends absolutely hate going places with me when I am driving. They hate the extra walk. It not only burns calories but, it saves your car from door dings from people parking too close to you. Also, taking the stairs instead of an elevator when you can, walking your dog more often, walking from place to place while running errands.

If it's possible to not move your car when you run from the grocery store to the dry cleaner to the post office etc, don't move it! Park once and get everything done. You'll burn tons of extra calories doing this. I live in a small town, so today I jogged to Starbucks and had my coffee, walked to the grocery store, did my shopping and walked home. It's about 3 miles round trip. Saves gas, burns calories and saves wear and tear on my car. All around a good idea!

A few low carb fruit choices....

Avocado 1/2 cup = 6 carbs

Blackberries, fresh 1/2 cup = 9.2

Blueberries, fresh 1/2 cup = 9.4

Boysenberries, fresh 1/2 cup = 9.2

Cherries, sour, fresh 1/2 cup = 6.3

Fig, 1 small = 7.7

Grapefruit, fresh 1/2 cup = 9.5

Guava 1/2 cup = 9.8

Most melons 1/2 cup = under 8 carbs

Peach, fresh, 1 small = 8.8

Strawberries, fresh, whole 1/2 cup = 5.1

Remember if your trying to lose weight to stay under 20-25 carbs per day. Fruit adds up quick, so in the beginning you need to be careful with your fruit choices.

Tip of the day: Start a food diary.

Keeping track of your food, beverages and exercise can be a wonderful partner in helping you reach your goals. By keeping track of these 3 things you will be able to see where you succeed and where you need to change your habits. Doing this can help you stay motivated and on track.

While many " diet professionals" say DO NOT weigh yourself everyday, I encourage it. ( Do it at the same time everyday because your weight fluctuates through out the day.) This, along with a journal of your eating habits, will let you know when something is working or going terribly astray!

Always reward yourself when you have had a good week. Do not reward yourself with food. I give myself a goal for the week or the month and if I reach it I reward myself with a new perfume, or a haircut, a pedicure, a new book, anything that feels like a treat.

Having a hard time losing weight? Try this......

If your having a hard time starting a diet or can't lose weight on your current plan try these simple tips.

Number One: If you normally have toast, bagels, muffins or anything starchy for breakfast switch it out for a week for 2 eggs, any style, and a piece of turkey sausage. Or, turkey slices with cheese wrapped in lettuce, or an omelet with onions, bell peppers, ham, cheese etc. Make the swap for a week and see what happens. Atkins bars are also great for breakfast if your on the go.

Number 2: If your usual lunch is a sandwich, chips and fruit, try your sandwich meat wrapped in lettuce with low fat cheese, a( low carb) piece of fruit and almonds instead. Or a hamburger patty with cheese and tomato's, etc. Take your starches out. It's easy to do.

Follow the same idea for dinner. What about a piece of fish or grilled chicken or a small piece of steak with cauliflower, broccoli, salad, green beans etc. ( Skip the potato's, peas, carrots all very high in carbs ) These changes make all of the difference in the world.

Number three: Do some sort of exercise. Anything will do. Just start moving.

And drink water. This is my down fall and I am trying to work on it. I have to force myself to do it. If it were Chianti I would have no problem at all.

Running vs. walking, what's the calorie difference?

I started running again yesterday. I have never been good at it. I run a little, walk a little. My friend, who is 20 years younger than I can run 2-3 miles, not get winded, doesn't stop for anything, just flies by me like I am 102 years old. I printed an application for both of us to run a 5k in March. That is my birthday present to myself. I don't care if I come in last, I just want to finish and not walk my way through it.

Running 1 mile burns about 105 calories for women. Walking burns about 75 per mile. Not a huge difference, but good to know.

No one is 100% one hundred percent of the time.

Blast chips, salsa and bean dip! I got involved with them last night. I could not weigh myself this morning! I did run a mile and 1/2! I had a perfect low carb day today and made my cleansing soup. I am also banning the cocktail hour today.

(The cleansing soup is great. The recipe is listed on my blog.)

I've been doing a lot of reading about Atkins again. Just getting reacquainted with the plan and refreshing my numbers of carbs in the foods I eat. Atkins has a great web site, Atkins.com. They have a free sample of their bars as well. I have been having 1 with my coffee in the morning. If you have not purchased a carbohydrate counter yet or printed a counter off the Internet I encourage you to do so, it's hard to maintain with out one.

Well, I feel good tonight. I had an overall good day.

147.6 lbs today!

Yesterday was a good day. I just got back home from a long trip and planned to really kick this diet up! I want to be 135lbs. by my 46th birthday, which is March 9th. About 12 lbs to go and about 2 months to do it. That's 6 lbs. a month, OK! I can do it.

I have not mentioned it yet, I don't think anyway, that I am a fast food junkie and yesterday proved it. I had 2 of my fave meals out. # 1, Carls Jr. I eat 2 of the "Big Hamburgers" .99 cents each. The meat is very thin. I order them as lettuce wraps, with extra pickles. So they have a lot of lettuce, onion and pickles. High in vegetables, low fat, low carbs and $2.00! You can't go wrong! Then for dinner, El Pollo Loco. Side salad with light cilantro dressing and 2 chicken legs. So good and $4.00! I also had my usual cocktails. For my breakfast for the next few days I am having Atkins bars. I like them with coffee.

I did go to the book store yesterday to get the 02 diet book, but they were sold out! I live in a small town so I guess I will have to order it on-line.

135 lbs. by March 9

I am finally home. I have been away from home for 6 weeks! It's not easy eating right and exercising when you live out of a suitcase. With that being said, yesterday I was traveling all day and did carb watch but, no exercise. Today will not be easy either. I've made plans already to run with a friend tomorrow. I will weigh in and start again on Friday. I am on my way to the bookstore to buy the 02 diet/healthy eating book. I will let you know the basics. It sounds great!

My birthday is March 9. I hope to be 135 lbs. by then. I also want to tone up. Nothing worse than a flabby 46 year old women in a bikini!

Slow but steady.....

Today's weight 149.0

Yesterdays breakfast:

1 fried egg with fresh salsa

Lunch:

2 thin slices of meatloaf over a large bed of lettuce, goddess dressing

Dinner:

Large salad with onion, tomato, feta cheese, a few dried cranberries and a piece of pork rib cooked in tomato sauce ( don't use bbq sauce it has too much sugar)

Snack:

1/2 orange and a few almonds

Drinks:

1 water, 1 sugar free lemonade, 2 coffees, 1 light beer, 1 glass of red wine.

Exercise:

Walked 20 minutes

Why start dieting for summer in January?

"Why start now? It's still cold outside!"

Well, It depends on how much you need to lose or tone up. This process is very slow. You have good days and bad. Days you follow your eating program and days you fall off. It also takes a lot of time to tone. I prefer old school running, push-ups and squats but, what ever you like to do is great as long as you are moving! Walking, dancing, gardening, boxing anything!

Swim suit season maybe months away, but it will come sooner than you think and you don't want to miss the fun hiding behind an umbrella and beach towel.

Down a little....

Today's weight is 149.6

Yesterday I had my usual 2 egg breakfast with chopped onions.

Lunch was a hamburger patty, 2 slices of tomato and a slice of cantaloupe.

Dinner was a large green salad with tomato, onion, and a little cheese with olive oil and rice vinegar dressing and Italian sausage.

Snack was a hand full of almonds.

Here's where I blew it....... a slice of lemon cake! Why? Oh well, this is a journey and I am bound to make mistakes....

To drink I had 1 water (that needs to change to 8 glasses)

2 vodka on the rocks, 2 coffees, 1 sugar free lemonade, 2 glasses of wine.

I walk/jogged for 30 minutes.

All in all, not a terrible day. Lets see how today goes.

I was watching the news this morning and saw a very interesting segment on a diet called 02.

I want to read more about it!

Results from day number 1

Zero weight loss.

What I ate: Breakfast

2 eggs fried in Pam cooking spray, chopped onions, a small amount of cheese.

Lunch:

(This was mistake #1) I skipped it, got home too late and decided to wait until dinner.

Snack:

Spoon full of peanut butter (not a good choice,too high in fat, but great for protein)

Dinner:

2 bowls of soup with ham, beans, tiny pasta, vegetables.

What I drank:

1 water, 2 coffees, sugar free lemon aide, 2 vodka rocks, 1 red wine

What I did wrong: Skipping lunch so then I ate more for dinner. Should not have had the pasta in soup. Should have had more veg in my day and a piece of fruit. Should have had only one cocktail! Not enough water!

What I did right: Exercised! I walked 30 mins. 50 push-ups, 50 squats

It's 6:45 am on day 2, today I will try to do a little better than yesterday....

The summer diet and exercise starts

Okay! It's 6:30 am Jan 2. My plan for a summer bikini body starts now. I weighed in at 149.8. I knew I had gained a few pounds over the holidays, but that's fine.

Todays plan is 30 minutes of cardio, power walking, and 50 push-ups. I plan on 30 mins. of cardio daily and then one specific exercise for arms or abs etc. Honestly, I hate exercise, so it's hard to get motivated. I will eat under 25 carbs, watch my fat intake and limit my alcohol. I will keep notes of how today went and post exactly what I ate today, tomorrow morning. In a few days I want to take all of my measurements as well to track my toning from exercise. We'll see..... time to start.