Back On Track.

So it was bound to happen. I fell off the wagon. After being sick for two weeks, I was craving comfort food and laying around on the sofa. Although I didn't gain any weight, (except for the two pounds I gained in Manhattan) I didn't lose any either. I also spent 2 solid weeks without a single day in the gym. I am now getting back on track but boy, do I feel it.

At my age, I gave up the idea of perfection long ago. I'm not really beating myself up, but I am digging deep to get my resolve and committment back. I know I may trip and fall a few times before this is over, but in the end, I will get there.

Dealing With Disaster

As we watch the devastating images unfolding in Louisiana, Mississippi & Alabama, the normal response is to try to help those in such desperate need, and we should attempt to help in any way we can - http://www.redcross.org

We must also remember that any one of us could be the victim of a disaster, whether it be hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or even an act of terrorism, and as we have seen, help can take days to arrive. Every American should have a Mobile Disaster Kit, with supplies to sustain survival until help arrives.

I have compiled two documents, the first is a plan for preparing for a disaster with steps that should be taken during and after, and the second is a list of instructions for assembling a Mobile Disaster Kit. Click the link below to download these documents.
http://www.hoffmansites.com/preparing-for-disaster.htm

From Fat to Thin Daily Mantra

Say this mantra aloud every day to help actualize your goals. Keeping the focus on the end result instead of the daily process will help to keep you on track. Concentrate on feeling the MEANING of the words as you say it, and mentally visualize the picture of a leaner you. It is really helping me!

I can see myself skinny,
I can see myself thin,
I can feel my body toning up,
and getting very trim.
My thin and healthy body,
is all that I can see,
an outer shell of beauty,
to reflect the beauty in me.

Katrina Victims

Our hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The scenes of devastation on CNN are just incredible, and serve once again, as disasters always do, to remind us of what is really important. Our hope is that assistance comes to the victims as quickly as possible, and that they receive the help they so desperately need.
www.redcross.org

Back From Manhattan

Back from Manhattan, and I did fairly well, considering the awesome food there! I didn't deny myself much, and given the fact that I was there on my anniversary, we indulged in some incredibly great dinners, including the awesome meal we had at Babbo (Malto Mario's Restaurant). Manhattan is a veritable plethora of great food, and as a result, I did gain 2 lbs. back, but no worries, I will diligently work at getting that weight back off.

New Quick Meals

After 5 days of falling off the wagon due to poor planning - I am back on track. I have discovered some great food at Trader Joe's. Low Fat Chicken sausages - they are precooked and come in a variety of flavors including Apple Smoked with Chardonnay; Sundried tomato, black olive, and feta; and Jalapeno and Cheddar. Among the three different brands they offer; there are at least 8 different varieties - all of which have lots of protein and only 6 - 10 grams of fat per serving (just check the packages). I eat them with TJ's low carb tortillas (that have 13 grams of fiber) and taste just like regular tortillas! I cut up the sausage, heat it in a frying pan with no oil or grease, then brown the tortillas on both sides in the same pan. I eat it with fresh salsa, and lowfat cheese or low fat sour cream. I have a small salad of greens on the side with Kathy's orange dressing (see recipes). It is a lightning fast delicous meal! I am not a big fan of sausage, but this chicken saugsage tastes nothing like regular pork sausage - it is delicious!!!

Manhattan, Here I Come!

We leave for NYC tonight! I am so excited to finally see all the sights I have seen in the "Sex & The City" episodes. If only I had some Manolo Blahnik's to wear........

I weighed myself yesterday, and I have lost a total of 7 1/2 lbs. I know with all the great food in New York, that I am probably going to gain a couple of pounds, but that's ok. I'm prepared for it, and in the end, it's worth it. I will however, keep the portions in control, which will be very hard considering we have reservations at Babbo. I will try to work out a little bit also. I packed a Denise Austin workout DVD, (which I can play on my computer) and a couple of 3 lb. weights. That should keep me going pretty good. Visiting Manhattan is a goal I have had for a very long time, and I plan to live it up!

Reasonable Portions

When Amy came to visit, we had lunch, (twice) at my favorite restaurant, Violet, in Santa Monica. Violet is famous not only for their hip atmosphere and fabulous food, but for serving "small plates", (smaller portions), thus most patrons order several items. I am going there again today, and it got me thinking about the conversation Amy and I had while at lunch. While most people think Violet serves small portions, we actually think they are reasonable portions. America has grown accostomed to having everything "super-sized", to gorging ourselves and not feeling satisfied unless we have to unzip our pants and take a nap after lunch. I have been controlling my portions pretty well the last two weeks, and while I am not depriving myself, I stop eating when I am satisfied, not when I feel so full that I can't move. I seem to have more energy and don't feel nearly as lethargic as I used to. My eating habits are definitely moving more towards quality vs quantity. Bravo to Violet, for serving excellent, healthy food in reasonable portions!
violet web site link

Boredom on the treadmill

or the recumbant bike, or the stairmaster, or the elliptical machine. I have always struggled with boredom while I worked out. I would start great, then it was always the same thing - 5 minutes? That's it? Oh God, I have 25 minutes left! I have tried reading, and I can sometimes, but I always have a hard time concentrating. It occurred to me that I could make much better use of my iPod. I took some upbeat music I had and created a workout playlist, (works just as well with a CD). I normally do 30 straight minutes of cardio, so I made the playlist approx. 30 minutes. I tried it out today and it worked great. I placed my towel over the display showing the minutes, just played the tracks, and when they were over, I was done. The upbeat music kept me going and made the time go by much faster.

My track list (32 min.) :
Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?
Pink - Get The Party Started
Madonna - Ray Of Light
Berlin - No More Words
Berlin - Metro
Blondie - Dreaming
Blondie - Hanging On The Telephone
Blondie - Atomic
Blondie - One Way Or Another

Healthy Recipes

OK, Amy threw down the gauntlet with her praise of my "mad skills" cooking, so I thought I better post some recipes. Click on the links in the side section. There are currently just a handful of recipes, but more is coming! Thanks Amy! By the way, Amy has "mad skills" when it comes to motivation!