Persistence is Better Than Perfection

The statement above could not be more true at this moment. I just spent a lot of time writing a great blog post, and I accidentally deleted it! There is just not enough time today to redo it, so I will give you the highlights:

EVERYONE SLIPS UP. The holidays are a magical time, even for adults. I enjoy them and look forward to them. With that said, yes, I did overindulge. The point is even if you ate and drank irresponsibly, refuse to give up and abandon your efforts. I wish I could say that I was perfect over the holidays, but I wasn't and that is ok. I am proud of myself because I know i will not give up my efforts to live a healthy lifestyle. The rewards are too great. With that in your back pocket, toss out the old and bring in the new.

CREATE A NEW STANDARD FOR YOURSELF. When you get to your goal weight, and you will, set you maximum acceptable weight a bit lower. My maximum allowable weight allows me to overindulge, and that is something I want to get away from. Aren't you tired of the Feast or Famine Lifestyle? I am. Everything in moderation. In one of the post holiday weight loss articles i was reading, it suggested you might consider not going to social events that were outside your controlled food environment. NONSENSE. I am not saying I have never either done that or considered it, but I won't anymore. I think as an adult, I should be able to go to an event and have self control. It is something I strive for anyway. Another article advises how to dress 10lbs. thinner. NO! Don't fall for that. You deserve more. You deserve the real deal. To be comfortable in your own skin. Don't settle for less.

Exercise! I know in past blogs I said you don't have to exercise to lose weight, and technically that is true. BUT, exercise give you a good place to go when you slip up, making you fell instantly better once it is over. It also truly tones your body if done regularly. So, find something you love, and do it!

Nothing Tastes Better Than Thin Feels?

To the question above, I say, after some thought, NO! I can think of some things are so fantastic, I would take the chance of gaining weight! (Think of Starbucks Chocolate covered Espresso Beans in Coffee Ice Cream!) This was the quote that Kate Moss has been getting slack over lately. It was very telling, though. I honestly thought (silly me) that she was just one of those lucky ones who were naturally thin. Think of the signs that she wasn't, I remind myself: smoking (instead of eating, no doubt), drugs (instead of..)

Let me explain my position. I don't think there is anything wrong with considering what you are going to eat before you do. Is that sugar covered danish worth how it will make you feel immediately afterwards and in the long run? That would be a no for me because I don't like danish. Now that ice cream, yes, I would have SOME. I would allow myself to have some. Gone are the days for me when I would not let myself have it, then have it on an impulse without really allowing myself, and then feel like I have messed my healthy eating up, so I might as well eat the whole carton, and start fresh tomorrow! IT JUST DOESN'T WORK. Now, I let myself eat what I want, and by truly doing so, I don't fall into that awful mess. For example, Thanksgiving! I ate more than I should, more than I felt comfortable with, physically and psychologically. I take full responsibility for it. The next day I vowed to do better, but sometimes when you stretch your stomach out with food, the next day you are hungrier more often. So, the next day I ate more than usual, but I knew what I was in for. Now, I am back to normal, and glad to have enjoyed my holiday, complete with pecan pie a la mode. The only think I would change is this: When I had the pie, I really didn't want it at that moment. But I had built it up in my mind so much, my head wanted it more than my stomach! It would have been MUCH more enjoyable if I just waited. I did wait one hour, but I needed more time! All I can say is I will try to do better next time!


WHY, SARAH JESSICA!

Have you seen the ads with Sarah Jessica Parker talking about how Garnier Nutrisse products get rid of her wrinkles and dark circles, etc. There is just one problem with these ads: THEY ARE COMPLETELY AIR BRUSHED. How could she, in good conscience, lend her name to this product and these photos! It ain't right, I tell you! I love Sarah's work, but not this particular choice. Your fans and you deserve more!

Flat Belly Folly

Ok, here is a secret I am letting out of the bag: I have never had a "flat" stomach. Even when I was a skinny kid, my belly was always a bit round and protruding. Genetics, I guess. I also guess that is why I am so drawn to those ubiquitous ads claiming flat belly success if you do x, y and z. ZZZZZZZZ! Put me to sleep! I fall for it everytime: Acai berry, mediterranean diets, cider vinegar, lemon juice... You just don't know what to believe or try. Here's a newsflash for you: I am not saying that no one has a naturally flat mid section. What I am claiming is that 9 out of 10 times those people with the ultra trim, sculpted stomachs are A) airbrushed. B) dehydrated! I am serious. I've read more than once that models or celebrities getting ready for a photo shoot like that will eat very little a few days before, and even prohibit how much water they drink (body builders do this all the time before a competition).

Now the good news: Since I have reconstructed how I approach food and how much I need to be satisfied and not full and bloated, my stomach is a lot flatter. My sides are more taut and I see some six pack! Yay. (I also have to attribute this to Zumba and kickboxing. Especially Zumba, as I find the dance moves really work my abs and obliques!) It's not every day, though. Some days I get up even after I have consumed very responsibly and my lower abs look like I swallowed a water balloon. Mind you, I eat more salt than anyone should, so I do contribute it to that. But, it still bums me out, even if there is a reason for it. While I won't be showing it off anytime soon, it makes me feel good to know it's there. I feel comfortable and healthy.

With that said, I will now pass on some fodder for flat belly fiends (or friends) like myself:

Drink Green Tea Daily: Those who drank 4 cups of green tea daily lost over 8 times more ab fat. Squeeze some lemon in it and drink it piping hot for maximum results. Don't add milk or too much honey!

Eat these three proven flat belly foods: whole grains, 1 oz of nuts (they talk about almonds specifically, but any I think would be good, as long as they aren't honey roasted or chocolate coated!) They state 1 oz of pistachios is roughly 42 nuts? THAT HAS TO BE A MISTAKE, CAN SOMEONE HELP ME OUT HERE...i think on the package i have it said more like 18 which is still a good snack. The last flat belly food is protein. TRY THIS: TOSS one cup of edamame beans (get them frozen-they are easy to defrost and a quick fix) and toss them with a bit of sesame oil and maybe a bit of soy sauce. This is a really good snack or salad.

Here's a Thanksgiving themed recipe that sounds quick, easy and delish (lowfat and healthy too):

Pumpkin Soup

1 Tablespoon diced white onion
2 Tablespoons diced celery
1/2 teaspoon butter or oil (a bit more if you need)
1 can pumpkin
1 Can low fat cream of chicken soup
Chicken Broth (to make it as thin as you like)

Brown veggies, then add the rest. Simmer till warm. Season as you'd like-curry is especially good (thanks dawn).

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING IF I DON'T GET TO CHECK IN BEFORE THAT. REMEMBER, ENJOY YOURSELF AND THE FOODS YOU LOVE, BUT LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. DON'T EAT UNTIL YOU CAN'T MOVE! Make sure your Thanksgiving includes a vegetable that is not in a casserole or a salad. If you feel like eating more, eat that and put some cider vinegar in your dressing (I have been eating cider vinegar everyday, and I think it's helping??? Just call me a flat belly fool) I went to a pre-Thanksgiving Dinner last night, and did just that. I was so happy when I came home. I even had dessert, but just ate till I was comfortable. The scale the next day was less than the day before. Now that is something to be thankful for.

The Diet Coke Solution (really?)

Let me start off by saying I really am no fan of diet coke and any soda in theory. One Hundred percent horrible for you, and the diet version probably more so due to the chemicals. With that said, I have to tell you it has been my saving grace lately. For a long while i was stictly drinking water or maybe selzter with cranberry and some lemon or lime. The cranberry fizz drink is probably my favorite non-alcoholic beverage, but I have to add probably more cranberry than I should to make it really good. If you remember, I really want to save my liquid calories for wine! But when I know that I have to take it easy to ease the scale back in the right direction, I don't have any wine, even my beloved one glass a day. That is the diet coke steps in. No calories and very satisfying. It fills me up, too, which is nice. If I have a diet coke with lunch, I am usually too full to finish lunch, and then I can put in the "redistributing calorie" plan, and save the rest of my lunch until I am hungry again (usually 2-3 hours later). For now, it's working. I am really against soda, so this is kind of a bummer for me, but right now the good outweighs the bad, so I will stick with it. The most I drink are 2 diet cokes a day, so how bad can it be. Or perhaps I should start drinking soy milk? Did you hear this one? The guy who plays the agent on Entourage on HBO stated he is no longer going to drink soy milk because it gave him man BOOBS! He did mention that he drank 12 GLASSES a day! Again, is 12 of ANYTHING a day necessary? I am kind of lacking in the department of his misery, so I am considering it :)

SPEAKING OF DEMI MOORE:

Oh yeah, we weren't and seemingly neither is anyone else for her work anyway. I don't mean to be cruel, just pointing out that this 40 something woman is looking outrageously HOT for her age or any age. I chalk it up to the fact that her only job is to look outrageously hot (spa visits, diet, exercise, and of course, her own little HOTTIE, Ashton, who I am sure keeps her busy...) Some people have all the luck! Anyway, she is my idol. Looks better than ever (have you looked at her in the 90's? Not so good! But, I can tell you, from experience, we all have those pictures).

Speaking of HOT, while I was lying awake last night, I was thinking of who I thought was the hottest male on the planet (other than my husband :) Answer: David Beckham (as a matter of face, his wife is no slouch, so they qualify for the hottest imported couple!) Any thought on this? This isn't my normal subject matter, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? Hormones I guess!

A Life Style Change, One Step at a Time

Well, I can't say since I have last written that I have been perfect. I had a few slip ups and indulgences, some planned, and some not. But I do have good news: I am sticking to the plan. The plan includes mindful eating, (eating until comfortable, not full. Eating smaller meals throughout the day) daily weigh ins, Not drinking calories ( more on this!), taking a bit more time to do the things that matter to me. At 40 years old, you learn there can be a balance. Remember the changes we all need to make are lifestyle changes, not diets! Each day I remind myself, and it's working!

I have some stories to tell you. The first will be about the last few weeks. I have been really conscious as I mentioned in last blog. For the first time in my life, I truly know that I have to watch calories. I can't go into that mindless mode and expect it to all be OK somehow. I take responsibility for my actions regarding diet and exercise. So, I decided that I was going to go out with my friends. We had a great time, I knew I was going to eat and drink whatever I felt like having. I don't think I went overboard, which is the good news. I did know that perhaps I would gain a few pounds, and that I would need to get back on track the next day. I wasn't going to weigh myself the next day. But, I was curious, and felt that no matter what it said, I wasn't going to get upset because I knew I would go back to the plan. When I got on the scale I was shocked: It was the same as the day before. Wow, got to indulge and didn't feel the pain. I liked that a lot. So, I went about my normal routines. I let myself have maybe a bit more food than I would have if I my indulgent evening led to gain, but again, nothing crazy. The shocker came the next day: The scale was 4 pound more!!!!!!!!What was this? A delayed reaction? Never before had I experienced that. I was shocked, but determined to get back to the weight i like. I knew it would just take some mindful eating and an exercise class. THE KEY WAS TO BE AWARE AND NOT LET IT GET OUT OF HAND. Weighing yourself daily is a reality check, and helps you make the right choices. Two days later of no indulgences and healthy choices, and I am back to where I need to be. WHEW.

Now to another funny and telling story. I saw this guy I know who was overweight for as long as I had known him. He looked well rested and slimmer. My friend and I commented and he said he had lost 70 pounds! WOW, we asked how did he do it? He said he doesn't deprive himself of his favorites, just now he is eating less of them and incorporating exercise. (Sounds like my philosophy exactly!) So, I asked him to give me an example. He said he eats pizza, but now instead of eating 6 slices, he eats 2! Can you imagine? 6 slices of pizza at one sitting! No one needs that! Just goes to show that many of us could use a mindful eating course!

TIPS: SO, you can have your wine if you want. I mentioned earlier, don't drink any calories throughout the day and save the calories you would have used on lemonade, soda or juice, and treat yourself to ONE GLASS of wine. Red seems to be better for you, but if you like white, have white!

TIP NUMBER TWO: REDISTRIBUTE YOUR CALORIES: Often I plan out meals and half way through what I planned to eat I get full. If this happens, this is an opportunity. Save the food you were going to eat for breakfast, and eat if for your mid morning snack. Instead of eating more calories, you are just spreading out the ones you were going to eat anyway. This happened last night. I planned soup and some steamed turnips (They were fantastic, by the way) and half a tuna fish sandwich. By the time I ate half the soup and the sandwich with just a few turnips, I was full. So, I will now have lunch today with the leftovers of what was supposed to be dinner. I don't always get full that way, but hey, it works for me when I do. I also am fully aware that even if I am eating healthily, I don't want to eat more than I need to be comfortably full. If I eat more while I am feeling the full feeling, I will stretch the stomach, and will need more food next time to feel full. Once you start eating smaller meals you will see that you will be fuller with less food! That is the goal right there!!!!

40 SOMETHING BEAUTY TIP: Dark Circles and Bags under eyes: I will try these tips I just read: Vitamin K and licorice extract to minimize the darkness, caffeine to reduce swelling. Don't forget to put your eye cream in the fridge. The cold will also reduce swelling.

Big Changes and Beauty Reviews

I don't do well at parties, generally. I really like parties, but, maybe because I don't get out often enough, when I do go, I tend to over do it. Not drinking necessarily. At this stage of my life, I no longer enjoy headaches, dry mouth and all the other lovely side effects of over indulging with alcohol. So, I tend to know when I should go for a glass of water instead of another glass of wine. But, overindulging with food is another issue. Drinking alcohol is partially to blame. I am sure I am not alone when saying that drinking leads me to eat more than I normally would or should. But even if there was no alcohol, in the past, I would over eat. It was like all all rules were out the window. Actually, for a long time, i didn't have any rules when it came to food. I would eat what I wanted, when I wanted and how much I wanted. That wouldn't be so bad if I could have just controlled the last part. The how much part. I would be eating things that I knew were decadent, etc. Then I would say, well this is a party, if you can't eat X at a party, then when can you, etc. Games, games. Well, finally, I think I have a handle on it somewhat.

You see, scapegoats are a really handy thing. For example, my friends came over the other day unexpectedly. Well, time for a party in my mind. I wasn't going to drink any wine that night, but because they were there, I did. And then I got hungry, and I ate too much. I rationalized, well, it's my friend's fault-they came over, what was I going to do, not have a glass of wine with them? Well, OK, I could have had A glass of wine with them, but I used it as an excuse to have a few when that was going against all I am working for, mainly control of myself. Then I wound up eating snack type food at dinner time (they didn't have any, but I felt the need to bring it out for THEM, of course, using them as a scapegoat again). The Point is: I am starting to see it all for what it is. I have made some good changes over the past few months and here they are:

I eat smaller meals throughout the day.
I eat until I feel satisfied, not full.
I don't eat until I am too full or keep eating for all the wrong reasons (well, I already blew it, might as well keep going, I will work out tomorrow, etc.)
At the party the other day, I was genuinely hungry, at until I was satisfied. When I got home, guess what? I was hungry again, so I ate a small meal. THIS IS ALL GOOD!

What I like is that I felt in control, made good decisions. I have an example that may explain: One night I was making dinner, slid into some old habits, ate a bit too much. I felt like I ate for the wrong reasons. The next day I didn't feel excited, even though the scale said less. Today, the scale said more, but I am OK with it because I felt like I ate and acted appropriately.

That I ate when I was hungry and stopped when I wasn't. PERIOD. Why is this such a hard concept???

Because as we see on a regularly basis, people eat for many reasons. If we only ate until we weren't hungry, we wouldn't have so much obesity around us.

RECLAIM: OK LADIES, new beauty product update: Victoria Prinipal's Reclaim line. Got it at a yard sale (unused, unopened packages) for $10. So far I really like it. Only using it a week. I will give an indept review after 30 days or so.....Package included eye serums, anti aging day and night creams, enzyme masks, etc.

SENDING BACK: GOT SUCKERED INTO THE COMMERCIALS ON THE RADIO-ORDERED "HYDROLYZE" NOT LIKING THE DARK CIRCLES, BAGS UNDER MY EYES-I am sure it is from 5 years of lack of sleep due to babies and catering. Anyway, didn't work for me-everyone is different, but I sent in for my refund.....

I've Finally Made It! So, Now What?

WOW, I had my blog for today all planned out, but just read one the only other blog I've ever read, Back in Skinny Jeans (located on my blog list), and she states that she will no longer blog about basically all this nonsense. She asks how old do you have to be before you stop obsessing about your body and looks? It is a GREAT question. I think I have a great answer. Stephanie, the writer of the blog, mentions that she has been obsessing about her looks and weight since teen years (She is now in her 40's). I agree with her that our society perpetuates the feelings of insecurity women have about their looks, particulary the beauty industry as a means of survival. On the other hand, she states that there is nothing wrong about wanting to look and feel your best. That is where I am coming from. There are so many things that you can't control. The way other people make you feel, for example. But one thing you can control is how you make yourself feel. By eating right, making the right choices about diet and exercise, you are giving yourself some fabulous gifts. The gifts of self confidence, health, and if a bonus gift is beauty, well, great! We all know how it is. If you are going out, and you take the time to pick just the right outfit and do your hair and makeup, you just feel great on the way out the door. If you are rushed, didn't take the time to look the way you like to look, you wind up feeling this slightly off feeling all night, wishing you did what it took to feel your best. It is not about what others think of you: They might think you look great. But it is how you didn't live up to your standard in terms of looking your best.

So, the title of this blog is where I wanted to go with this today. I am finally at my goal weight. I have arrived. The sacred number on the scale! This number, by the way, was not the "Oh, I'd be happy at X", it is "WOW, if I could get down to X..." So, here I am. I'd like to share my feelings with you. I am ecstatic, jubuliant, all those things you would expect. I want to go clothes shopping, and get my nails done. I want to look polished. Am I perfect? NO!!! Do I care? HONESTLY, NO! I think some people will assume that if they get to their goal weight, it will never be enough once they realize they are not perfect. This is the point I want to get across. I know I will never be perfect. I do know that at this weight I feel more confident, fit into my clothes better, feel comfortable. I am happy because weight means that I have been able to shed some bad habits and eat healthily, and until I am comfortable, not FULL. I am not saying by any means that this is the way I will be from now on-the perfect eater. But, at least I can say that I like what I am experiencing,and each day I will remind myself of that. One day at a time. Bottom Line: It is important to care about how you look in my opinion. It is also important not to obsess, but to just be aware of what you are putting in your mouth and why. Enough said on this for now. Think about it.

Make the right choice!

There is no doubt about it, I love to eat. But what's unfortunate are the mind games and mis-information. For example, I was reading this food comparison in Glamour Magazine (would not buy it-got it at the library!) It's not that I don't like the mag, but looking at those images constantly can't be good. ANYWAY, they listed the calories for one medium sized Bananna Nut Muffin at 530 and 23 grams of fat. (!) If that were in my house, I would probably eat it as I was racing out the door. Then I would incorrectly say to myself "Well, I only had that muffin this morning-I can afford to eat a bit more for lunch or whatever..." 530 is PLENTY of calories for a breakfast, especially if you want to add some coffee with half and half, sugar, and some OJ! The interesting part of this article was what they listed as having the same amount of calories: 1 english muffin with 2 tsp. peanut butter, 1 hard boiled egg, 6 oz of greek yogurt with strawberries and 2tsp of honey on top and a large coffee with skim milk! Can you imagine! That is the kind of breakfast we all should be having. I certainly would not convince myself that I did not have enough for breakfast...And it actually had less calories at 430 and only 12 grams of fat. Unbelievable!