Ms. Bean came home from school detailing the 9-5-2-1-0 for health. It was distributed at the Elementary School Level - but is good health advice for all of us.
9 - get 9 hours of sleep a night.
Ms. Bean and Little Bee are pretty successful at this one. Even with the average 4 rounds of musical beds that we play a night, they still get close. Tom gets about 8-hours, but I cant imaging that his snoring allows for 8-GOOD hours. Me? Ha! Maybe 5, 7 with a well thought out Ambien!
5 - 5 Servings of fruits and vegetables each day
Ms. Bean and Little Bee are served 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Consuming them is another story. I attempt to get 1 with each mean and another at night. Successful 1/2 the time. Tom? For the sake of our marriage, I'm not going there. Let's just way that there are generally only 2 colors on his plate, and Green is rarely one of them.
2 - Limit screen time to 2 hours a day
FAIL ACROSS THE BOARD. But, we are trying to do better .............
1 - get at least 1 hour of exercise a day
Umm. The kids are getting this due to P.E. and Recess. I used to before I moved across town from my friend Patty! But, we are going to try harder, RIGHT PATTY!
0 - NO sugary drinks
Success on all fronts! Thanks to Tom's New Years resolution and the kids milk/water preferences, we have achieved 1/5 Healthy Habits. Now, let us get to work on the rest ...............................
Showing posts with label diet and exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet and exercise. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Catching up
Sorry for my noted absents. I have been sick, the kids were sick, and we spent a few nights at Jeff and Susie's house while mine was being painted. So there was little time for blogging. In addition, baby-bee has been testing all of our panic buttons as evidenced by a dislocated elbow and 4 burned finger tips in the same week. I am now completely grey and require monthly color treatments.
Catching up:
The Caps:
Fedorov is a Capital. This delighted Jeff, who is already planning his visit to their Arlington practice arena in his Russian Jersey to get it signed by the great one. I question the wisdom in picking up a 38 year old, unrestricted "legend"(albeit we got him for almost nothing). Tom suspects that GM is bringing Federov to DC to mentor Ovie and Semin. Regardless, he will sell tickets, and it is always good to see a crowd at the Verizon Center. I just hope this doesn't effect season ticket prices.
Kolzig is still in DC. Good! With all he has been through with the Caps, he deserves to retire on top. Additionally, Huet is a Cap. Johnson is under contract next year? 3 Goalies in DC? I don't think that will last.
Agitator Matt Cooke is playing for DC? Cool.
Bye Bye Pettinger. Can't say that I will miss you, but I wish you the best.
The Diet
Well, I have not gained from my original 7 pound loss, but I haven't lost anymore either. I have been feeling crummy and didn't want to deprive myself of chocolate. I need to get back on the wagon again, as evidenced by this mornings discussion with Ms. Bean:
Sarah "Mommy, your Tummy looks like it has another baby in it"
Me "Gasp. I'm sorry honey, but there isn't a baby in my tummy. Are you disappointed?"
Sarah "No, but Mommy your really Fat then".
I really need to get serious. I have to complete a 1/2 marathon in less then 8 weeks, and have not put my running shoes on since October. Anticipate about an 8 hour finish.
The Girls
Amazing as always. They switched bedrooms over the weekend and now reside in the "princess tower". They are so grown up!
Both of them chatter endlessly about the Plants and the stars, discussing the fact that Pluto is the smallest and Saturn has "wings". It is hard to believe that they are only 2 (almost 3) and 4. I think that my brother and I were 6 and 8 before we had those types of discussions. I quietly stalk their door because I cant wait to hear what they have to say.
Sarah is in love with the Janie B. Jones Books, and asks me to read them over and over again. She is loving ballet, and requested that I get her a tutu just like the girl on the cover of "Ballerinas are beautiful". Her favorite color is still purple, and her favorite person is still "her Susie". Some things will never change.
Baby Bee is a sensitive, inquisitive, and outgoing little person with an amazing sense of humor and a contagious smile. She loves to play the piano, look at rocks, dig in dirt, sing about sunshines, and climb on Papa. She is also completely in love with her sister, and she looks out for her 24/7.
"Mommy. Sarah's calling you."
"Sarah, here is your kitty".
"Sarah, I brought you your music box".
"Sarah, hold my hand. "
"Sarah, please play with me".
Ms. Bean appears to take it pretty well, and I hope that Baby Bee adores her sister forever.
Catching up:
The Caps:
Fedorov is a Capital. This delighted Jeff, who is already planning his visit to their Arlington practice arena in his Russian Jersey to get it signed by the great one. I question the wisdom in picking up a 38 year old, unrestricted "legend"(albeit we got him for almost nothing). Tom suspects that GM is bringing Federov to DC to mentor Ovie and Semin. Regardless, he will sell tickets, and it is always good to see a crowd at the Verizon Center. I just hope this doesn't effect season ticket prices.
Kolzig is still in DC. Good! With all he has been through with the Caps, he deserves to retire on top. Additionally, Huet is a Cap. Johnson is under contract next year? 3 Goalies in DC? I don't think that will last.
Agitator Matt Cooke is playing for DC? Cool.
Bye Bye Pettinger. Can't say that I will miss you, but I wish you the best.
The Diet
Well, I have not gained from my original 7 pound loss, but I haven't lost anymore either. I have been feeling crummy and didn't want to deprive myself of chocolate. I need to get back on the wagon again, as evidenced by this mornings discussion with Ms. Bean:
Sarah "Mommy, your Tummy looks like it has another baby in it"
Me "Gasp. I'm sorry honey, but there isn't a baby in my tummy. Are you disappointed?"
Sarah "No, but Mommy your really Fat then".
I really need to get serious. I have to complete a 1/2 marathon in less then 8 weeks, and have not put my running shoes on since October. Anticipate about an 8 hour finish.
The Girls
Amazing as always. They switched bedrooms over the weekend and now reside in the "princess tower". They are so grown up!
Both of them chatter endlessly about the Plants and the stars, discussing the fact that Pluto is the smallest and Saturn has "wings". It is hard to believe that they are only 2 (almost 3) and 4. I think that my brother and I were 6 and 8 before we had those types of discussions. I quietly stalk their door because I cant wait to hear what they have to say.
Sarah is in love with the Janie B. Jones Books, and asks me to read them over and over again. She is loving ballet, and requested that I get her a tutu just like the girl on the cover of "Ballerinas are beautiful". Her favorite color is still purple, and her favorite person is still "her Susie". Some things will never change.
Baby Bee is a sensitive, inquisitive, and outgoing little person with an amazing sense of humor and a contagious smile. She loves to play the piano, look at rocks, dig in dirt, sing about sunshines, and climb on Papa. She is also completely in love with her sister, and she looks out for her 24/7.
"Mommy. Sarah's calling you."
"Sarah, here is your kitty".
"Sarah, I brought you your music box".
"Sarah, hold my hand. "
"Sarah, please play with me".
Ms. Bean appears to take it pretty well, and I hope that Baby Bee adores her sister forever.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday!
First and most importantly, happy birthday to "my Susie". You are, without a doubt, the worlds best Mom, Grandma, and friend. Every year on your birthday I am reminded of how special you are!
See you for Chocolate Cake this evening.
Speaking of Chocolate Cake .................... it will need to be a small peice. I am UP 1.5 pounds! I suspect it is due to superbowl eating, staff meeting chocolate, and the big jar of pretzles on my desk.
I will do better .............
See you for Chocolate Cake this evening.
Speaking of Chocolate Cake .................... it will need to be a small peice. I am UP 1.5 pounds! I suspect it is due to superbowl eating, staff meeting chocolate, and the big jar of pretzles on my desk.
I will do better .............
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday Weigh In
Diane is down 1/2 a pound
Tom down 1 pound
Jeff down many (and under 200, congratulations Dad!)
Though heading in the right direction, this the longest, slowest diet I have EVER done. Do you think it is turing 40 or not exercising that is making this such an exhausting ordeal?
Tom down 1 pound
Jeff down many (and under 200, congratulations Dad!)
Though heading in the right direction, this the longest, slowest diet I have EVER done. Do you think it is turing 40 or not exercising that is making this such an exhausting ordeal?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
current standings
Jeff - down 2 (7 total)
Tom - down 1 (6 total)
me - Down 1 (6 total)
Not exercising is a problem, as are my evening munchies. I willl do better.
Tom - down 1 (6 total)
me - Down 1 (6 total)
Not exercising is a problem, as are my evening munchies. I willl do better.
Monday, January 14, 2008
1 week down - 1st weigh-in
Tom - down 5
Jeff - down 5
me - down 5
Maybe there is a pot of gold at the end of this (very) long rainbow?
Congratulations to us all.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Weight Watchers and Chinese Food
Jeff, Tom and I are all trying very hard to stick to weight watchers. This week is especially important, because it is the first. From what I recall, after the first week, it gets easier and if you make it through the 2nd, you have it won. However, sometimes you have to eat! Today was horrible at work and by the time that I left the office I was starving (I got 3.5 points into me all day (1 cup of cereal and a non fat yogurt). Jeff met me downtown for the Hockey Game (they won, GO CAPS) and I dragged him to a Chinese restaurant. To Dad’s credit, he REALLY didn’t want to go! He didn’t want the calories and knew that Chinese is high in fat. But, he loves me and I was starving.
When I got home I went right to Dotties Weight Loss Zone (my very favorite Weight Watchers site) As it turns out, things really weren’t that bad:
I had Won Ton Soup – 4.5 points and Jeff had Hot and Sour Soup – 2 points
We split a Szechuan Pork – 10.5 all together so I will round high and say we both got 6 points there
1 Cup Rice – 5 points
And, I had a fortune Cookie – 2 points (Jeff skipped his, but read his fortune
So, my dinner was 17.5 points (at the most) and I went into it with 3.5 – giving me a total of 21 points for the day, with 1 to spare. Not bad for a night out!
Jeff used 13 at the most, but I don’t think that he ate the rice.
Dottie also gives the following tips for ordering in a Chinese Restaurant:
Making the Best Food Choices at Chinese Restaurants
• Avoid fried foods ("fried" "crispy") - frying foods may double the calories of the food.
• Order "off the menu" instead of going for the buffet. To prevent the food at the buffet table from sticking and drying out, they tend to be prepared with more oil. Watch them "shine".
• Use chopsticks - you will eat slower thus allowing your stomach to signal when you're full. Remember - Confucious say: "Man who eat with one chopstick never have a problem with obesity!"
• Instead of ordering fried egg rolls, order steamed dumplings.
• Do not order "fried" foods. Most items at Dim Sum lunches are fried.
• Soups are very low in fat and calories (although sodium is rather high) so fill up on them (good choices are Won Ton, Egg Drop (higher in cholesterol), Hot & Sour, Velvet Corn).
• Instead of fried rice or noodles choose steamed rice or noodles. Always ask, even if it's not on the menu - you can always request it.
• Order boiled noodles (very similar to American wheat noodles) instead of fried noodles.
• If restaurants serve their food fast try to avoid them. They usually deep-fry them in advance and then stir-fry it in more oil before serving.
• Order dishes that contain more vegetables than meat. Most vegetables have 50 calories or less per cup whereas meat (beef, poultry and seafood) have 120-520 calories per cup.
• Try to avoid sweet and sour entrees - most are deep fat fried before the sauce (sugar laden) is added. If you have to have it, order the sauce on the side and only eat half of it!
• Avoid the "House Specialties" - they are usually very high in fat and calories as they contain more meat than vegetables.
• Avoid entrees with nuts - about 1/4 cup nuts will add about 200 calories and 20 grams of fat. Try water chestnuts - they only have 20 calories per 1/4 cup).
• Do not be afraid to ask the cook to prepare your dish with "as little oil as possible" - restaurants use 1-2 tbsp of oil (on the average - some use up to 4 tbsp) to stir-fry and that adds up to an extra 120-240 calories of fat.
• Always order steamed food (cooked over water or chicken broth) with the sauces on the side - you are in control this way. You can also request a sauce made of only thickened broth and no oil.
• If you are going to the restaurant with a group (of 6) and you are sharing the meal, try ordering 5 meals instead of 6.
• Order Chop Suey instead of Chow Mein. Chow Mein is topped with fried noodles whereas Chop Suey is not (so, if you order the Chow Mein keep off the fried noodles).
• Instead of meat try ordering the tofu - it is made of soybeans, high in protein and not too high in fat and calories - it soaks up the flavor of the foods that it is cooked with. Avoid dishes using fried tofu.
• Do not order foods with MSG if you are sensitive to it's effects.
• To flavor your meals try using one of these sauces (they are usually high in sugar and/or sodium): Black Bean Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Plum Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce - don't forget to order it on the side so that you remain in control.
When I got home I went right to Dotties Weight Loss Zone (my very favorite Weight Watchers site) As it turns out, things really weren’t that bad:
I had Won Ton Soup – 4.5 points and Jeff had Hot and Sour Soup – 2 points
We split a Szechuan Pork – 10.5 all together so I will round high and say we both got 6 points there
1 Cup Rice – 5 points
And, I had a fortune Cookie – 2 points (Jeff skipped his, but read his fortune
So, my dinner was 17.5 points (at the most) and I went into it with 3.5 – giving me a total of 21 points for the day, with 1 to spare. Not bad for a night out!
Jeff used 13 at the most, but I don’t think that he ate the rice.
Dottie also gives the following tips for ordering in a Chinese Restaurant:
Making the Best Food Choices at Chinese Restaurants
• Avoid fried foods ("fried" "crispy") - frying foods may double the calories of the food.
• Order "off the menu" instead of going for the buffet. To prevent the food at the buffet table from sticking and drying out, they tend to be prepared with more oil. Watch them "shine".
• Use chopsticks - you will eat slower thus allowing your stomach to signal when you're full. Remember - Confucious say: "Man who eat with one chopstick never have a problem with obesity!"
• Instead of ordering fried egg rolls, order steamed dumplings.
• Do not order "fried" foods. Most items at Dim Sum lunches are fried.
• Soups are very low in fat and calories (although sodium is rather high) so fill up on them (good choices are Won Ton, Egg Drop (higher in cholesterol), Hot & Sour, Velvet Corn).
• Instead of fried rice or noodles choose steamed rice or noodles. Always ask, even if it's not on the menu - you can always request it.
• Order boiled noodles (very similar to American wheat noodles) instead of fried noodles.
• If restaurants serve their food fast try to avoid them. They usually deep-fry them in advance and then stir-fry it in more oil before serving.
• Order dishes that contain more vegetables than meat. Most vegetables have 50 calories or less per cup whereas meat (beef, poultry and seafood) have 120-520 calories per cup.
• Try to avoid sweet and sour entrees - most are deep fat fried before the sauce (sugar laden) is added. If you have to have it, order the sauce on the side and only eat half of it!
• Avoid the "House Specialties" - they are usually very high in fat and calories as they contain more meat than vegetables.
• Avoid entrees with nuts - about 1/4 cup nuts will add about 200 calories and 20 grams of fat. Try water chestnuts - they only have 20 calories per 1/4 cup).
• Do not be afraid to ask the cook to prepare your dish with "as little oil as possible" - restaurants use 1-2 tbsp of oil (on the average - some use up to 4 tbsp) to stir-fry and that adds up to an extra 120-240 calories of fat.
• Always order steamed food (cooked over water or chicken broth) with the sauces on the side - you are in control this way. You can also request a sauce made of only thickened broth and no oil.
• If you are going to the restaurant with a group (of 6) and you are sharing the meal, try ordering 5 meals instead of 6.
• Order Chop Suey instead of Chow Mein. Chow Mein is topped with fried noodles whereas Chop Suey is not (so, if you order the Chow Mein keep off the fried noodles).
• Instead of meat try ordering the tofu - it is made of soybeans, high in protein and not too high in fat and calories - it soaks up the flavor of the foods that it is cooked with. Avoid dishes using fried tofu.
• Do not order foods with MSG if you are sensitive to it's effects.
• To flavor your meals try using one of these sauces (they are usually high in sugar and/or sodium): Black Bean Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Plum Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce - don't forget to order it on the side so that you remain in control.
Monday, January 7, 2008
I'm Fat
Well, in addition to being my brothers 38th birthday, today is the official end of the Holiday Season, beginning of another federal leave year, and the first day I am back on Weight Watchers! It is also the first day that Jeff and Tom are on WeightWatchers, because Jeff likes to join me and Tom eats less when there is no food in the house. I'm not sure how the girls will eat, maybe Susie will take pity on them.
A couple of years ago I had a lot of success on the WeightWatchers plan, and I really need it now. Of the 32 pounds that I originally lost, I have gained all but eight back! That is not only unhealthy, it shows a real character flaw on my behalf and is something that I plan to remedy, NOW!
Weight Watchers was kind enough to send me a $10 off coupon to rejoin, but I am going to see if I can spend all of my time on the Internet trying to figure out how to build a nice library of tools so that I can save $55. THEN, I will become frustrated and give Weight Watchers the money .............. I like to do things the long and hard way.
So first things first, weightwatchers needed to register their Patent (number 6,040,531) with my neighbor the PTO. Digging through the text and image pages you will find the formula:
P = (C/50) + (F/12) - (R/5)
P=points, C=calories, F=fat grams, R=fiber grams (cap the fiber at no more than 4 grams)
It's easy to estimate point values in your head by reading the nutrition labels on any food product. Divide the number of calories by 50 (round to nearest 1/2 point), add 1/2 point for 6 fat grams and deduct 1/2 point for 3 fiber grams. The result is the number of points (round to the next number if .5 or greater).
Included in the PTO paperwork is the points spread:
Under 150 lbs, 20 (at this time, I do not qualify)
150-174, 22
175-199, 24
200-224, 26
225-249, 28
250-274, 30
275-299, 31
plus you can eat as much as 35 more Flex-Points per week.
So, I get 22 points a day, with an additional 35 points per week for beer/wine. I also get additional points for exercise, but until I get exercise, I am not going to worry about it.
I think that both Tom and Jeff are starting our with 26 points per day, but I will let them tell you that. As of this writing, I have consumed 6 of my 22 daily points. I will keep you posted!
D
A couple of years ago I had a lot of success on the WeightWatchers plan, and I really need it now. Of the 32 pounds that I originally lost, I have gained all but eight back! That is not only unhealthy, it shows a real character flaw on my behalf and is something that I plan to remedy, NOW!
Weight Watchers was kind enough to send me a $10 off coupon to rejoin, but I am going to see if I can spend all of my time on the Internet trying to figure out how to build a nice library of tools so that I can save $55. THEN, I will become frustrated and give Weight Watchers the money .............. I like to do things the long and hard way.
So first things first, weightwatchers needed to register their Patent (number 6,040,531) with my neighbor the PTO. Digging through the text and image pages you will find the formula:
P = (C/50) + (F/12) - (R/5)
P=points, C=calories, F=fat grams, R=fiber grams (cap the fiber at no more than 4 grams)
It's easy to estimate point values in your head by reading the nutrition labels on any food product. Divide the number of calories by 50 (round to nearest 1/2 point), add 1/2 point for 6 fat grams and deduct 1/2 point for 3 fiber grams. The result is the number of points (round to the next number if .5 or greater).
Included in the PTO paperwork is the points spread:
Under 150 lbs, 20 (at this time, I do not qualify)
150-174, 22
175-199, 24
200-224, 26
225-249, 28
250-274, 30
275-299, 31
plus you can eat as much as 35 more Flex-Points per week.
So, I get 22 points a day, with an additional 35 points per week for beer/wine. I also get additional points for exercise, but until I get exercise, I am not going to worry about it.
I think that both Tom and Jeff are starting our with 26 points per day, but I will let them tell you that. As of this writing, I have consumed 6 of my 22 daily points. I will keep you posted!
D
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Walk for Autism Speaks
I really debated actually doing this event when I woke up this morning. We had our community Halloween Party last night, and the girls were up until after 10:00 pm. I raised all of my funds online, so I didn't need to drop off any donations. It was a 3.2 mile very SLOW walk, so there wasn't much of an exercise component. Staying in bed looked like a good option! However, I went, and it was worth it.
Ms. Bean, Papa and I took the metro downtown which was remarkably easy and the weather was wonderful. The only major disappointment of the day was the coordination of the WASHINGTON CAPITALS! There was none. We were supposed to walk with their wives and girlfriends who were no where to be found. The people at the Capitals booth had no clue what we were supposed to do or where we should go. I didn't see anyone who looked like they were a Capitals wife? And, the Capitals were supposed to be there, but Olie (who spoke from the stage) informed us that he was missing practice, which leads one to believe that the Caps were in Rosalyn and no where NEAR the mall. I don't know why I am surprised. Considering that the team seems incapable of coordination / good leadership , I have no reason to suspect that their spouses/girlfriends could pull it off.
Regardless, for Annie, Adam, and every other family that has been touched by Autism, it was a worthwhile cause and certainly worth getting out of bed for. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me this morning! D
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Baltimore 1/2 Marathon
We had such high expectations for this race. We were going to train hard, run the whole event, and set a PR. Where none of these things happened, it was still a great day!
The weather was wonderful, food plentiful, and the support staff could not have been better. After waking up early (0500), Tom drove us to Baltimore, where we found my new favorite Starbucks (corner of Eutaw and Baltimore) and sat for 2.5 hours watching the 5k and sipping coffee. THIS IS IS THE WAY TO START RACE DAY! Forget those dark parking lots filled with Vaseline and Portable Potties, we were in the lap of luxury.
At about 0915 we worked our way to the start line where Patty and I started out too far ahead in the crowd. This was a problem. We really like to start slow and pick up the pace at about mile 4. Rather, we were forced to run fast in the beginning (think running with the bulls) which was a little concerning. I also needed to stop twice early in the race to fix a sock problem, causing us to loose time. Patty and our new friend Jessica (we met her on mile 2) were troopers and waited for me, loosing several minutes. Regardless, the course seemed fast, and it was a lot of fun. The best part? 24oz of beer at the finish line. Forget those ridicules shot glasses that we got in Nashville, Baltimore treated us well, and clearly recognizes the importance of liquid carbs while changing your shoes in a parking lot. Thanks Bud Lite!
Today I am feeling really good, thanks to an 800mg Ibuprofen and Tom's willingness to do all of the driving and thinking yesterday. Patty and I are in the process of setting future course goals, and hoping that we can find time to train (this new Job does not seem to support disappearing for 2 hours mid-afternoon to circle the tidal basin). Would really like to run a full 1/2 in the Spring (no walking). Anyone want to join us?
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Happy April Fools!
Hi and Happy Spring.
The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom in Washington, reminding us why we live here. There is no place more beautiful then DC the last week of March.
April 1st means tonight is the premiere of The Tudors! That is the cause of much excitement in our house.
April 1 also begins Day 1 of my much needed diet and exercise routine. Let's just say I have fallen a little behind on those new years resolutions and with bathing suit season around the corner I really need to get serious. So, out with the cheesecake and other related comfort foods, in with the saw dust and despair. At least until my jeans fit again (which is a long way off). It is important to note that this most recent weight gain can not in ANY WAY be blamed in the girls. It has been all about fatty foods, little exercise, and no will-power.
I have committed to completing the Nashville 1/2 Marathon at the end of the month and Baltimore 1/2 Marathon in October. I am also entertaining the idea of signing up for the Philadelphia Marathon in November. I will keep you posted. Any babysitting volunteers for the 2nd weekend in November?
I have a busy week ahead of my but promise to write on any diet progress (and of course whine about my failures). First, I need to figure out how to reach Erie Insurance and get my car fixed (I was rear ended last week). Then, I will sign up for a CPR class (decided a refresher was necessary after the paramedics were called Friday because Baby-Bee choked on a bead. All ended well though I will probably never be the same). Lastly, I need to read up on how to get my 3 1/2 year old to sleep. She refuses to go to sleep before 10:00 pm (we put her in bed at 8:00 pm), wonders into our room several times during the course of the night, and gets up by 6:30. It is a constant sourse of tension and we are all walking on egg shells due to sleep deprivation. Any advise? Oh, before you ask this started before the accident and paramedic visit, though they did not help the situation.
BTW: Please note that after an accident and chocking incident in one day, I am further convinced that the girls are safer in daycare .............
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