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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Leslie Sansone - Walk Away the Pounds - Super Fat Burning [VHS]

Leslie Sansone - Walk Away the Pounds - Super Fat Burning [VHS]Simulate Gastric Band Surgery with Hypnosis to Help you to Lose Weight with this professionally-recorded hypnosis CD CD from Hypnotic World

Would you like to lose weight using gastric band surgery without having to go under the knife? Gastric band surgery has excellent success results for people who want to lose weight; an average person undergoing this method will lose half their excess weight in the first 2 years - many will lose far more in less time.

Any type of surgery has possible complications, however hypnosis can help you to feel that you really have had this surgery performed on you, enabling you to eat far smaller portions without feeling hungry and without the side effects of invasive surgery.

Gastric Band Hypnosis Weight Loss is becoming increasingly popular and many of our customers have already experienced the benefit of losing weight easily and effortlessly with this hypnosis CD. Typical reports are that they can only manage to eat small amounts of food after the hypnosis session and continue to lose weight at a steady pace.

You can lose the same amount of weight as someone who has actually had the surgery performed on them by listening to this hypnosis CD from Hypnotic World.

This audio hypnosis CD can be listened to at your computer, at bed-time or in your spare time.

The CD was produced by an expert team including hypnotherapist Faith Waude, who has been helping thousands of clients since 1994 using hypnosis, and has trained upcoming hypnotists around the world, and Stephen Armstrong, who records Hypnotic World CDs to the highest quality.

Price: $9.95


Click here to buy from Amazon

Two word Wednesday.

FINALLY FINISHED.

ok more words.

The above does not mean my BLOG is finished (thanks for your concerns) the PROJECT is finished.

The Two Word Wednesday is clickable.


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Do You Read the Ingredients Label of Food Products {Poll}

Ingredients Label Poll
(Photo Credit: basykes)

I know you definitely look at the packaging of products, and more than likely you take a look at the nutrition facts, but, Do You Read the Ingredients Label of Food Products? Sharing is caring - so hit up the poll to let us know whether you do or don't.

Coupons.com

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MizFit, Fila Real Women Models & NYC.


(yes. I am still jumping for joy. It’s who I am: an overzealous misfit.)

I don’t know a lot—but I do know a little.

Im heading to NYC Monday morning (Id joke at the crack of dawn but even my early flight time is mid-day up in herre).I’ll be in NYC through Thursday morning.I’ll be photo-shooting along side five other *amazing amazing* women.I have to be in hair and make-up at 8a on Tuesday. (Yes, Oh Readers whom I view as friends, the words HAIR & MAKE-UP did cause my heart to skip a beat.  This head has spent the past 10+ years at the Cuts which are Super and I havent worn make-up since high school.  Fare the well comfort zone—Ill be back soon!)Hmmmm.  Except for the fact Im *way* excited, Im seriously super curious what it will be like & I intend to drag you (willing or not) with me every step of the way that’s about all I know right now.

My plan is to attempt to blog from Ren Man’s ipad (tips? suggestions? anyone out there use wordpress and an ipad?).

In addition, I’ll be tweeting /facebooking random updates and panic attacks .

I *hope* to upload video but, given my distinct lack of ipad’ing skills, Im not sure that will happen.

Most importantly Lastly, Im hoping there’s some built in free-time for a blogger/tweeter NYC meet up.

That’s me on this Friday:

Looking for ipad tips, wondering if I should have gotten a hair-do, super excited for this crazy random experience, and curious if any of you live in NYC.

I await yer wisdom in the comments below…

The photo above was taken by the awesome kristina kennedy.  Austin people? Take note!

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Challenge: Walk with me?

I wanted to tell you guys about this earlier but the day got away from me. I had a little work to do this morning and then Little Bean and I took a nap…

Tomorrow he’s 4 weeks. Can you believe it? I can’t. (side note: click here for for more baby photos. I did a side by side of Little Guy and LIttle Bean)

I also can’t believe tomorrow is my second Weight Watchers weigh in. I’ve been keeping up with my food journal and it’s been fun! Totally helping with the mindless nibbles and keeping me honest. Exactly what it’s suppose to be doing. I haven’t been counting points but that’s a whole other story I’ll get into tomorrow. I want to see how my weigh in goes first.

Anyway, let me get back to the point of this post. I have posed a challenge on BlogToLose, the Let’s Walk! Challenge!

The idea is simple. Take at least a 10 minute walk a day for 1 week. It’s just a week and it’s just 10 minute but I truly believe this is how it starts. This is a great was to adopt healthy habits. It’s all about making small attainable goals that build confidence and sets momentum in the right direction.

And you better not be thinking you’ll start this challenge on Sunday. As I said in an older challenge post

My perfection gene would love it if we always started a challenge on Sunday and wrapped it up by Saturday BUT we are about breaking out of that mold here on BlogToLose. We no longer wait till Monday to live healthier. Right? We don’t "throw away" a day because we were tempted by an office donut. There is no more "I already… I might as well…" mindset anymore. We do what we can when we can. We forgive ourselves if we aren’t "perfect" and we move on. Weight loss happens over time one choice AT a time and the more we get that through our heads the better. I hope to help shed that perfection disease by mixing it up with these challenges.

I’ll be making the choice the find at least 10 minutes tomorrow and I hope you’ll join me. :)


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Muir Glen Organic Southwest Black Bean Soup Review

Muir Glen Organic Southwest Black Bean Soup

Muir Glen Organic Southwest Black Bean Soup is organic and vegan and, according to the website, "features tender black beans simmered with spices and vegetables including our vine-ripened Muir Glen tomatoes."

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 cup (254 grams)
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 0.5 grams, 1%
Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams, 2%
Sodium: 650 mg, 27%
Carbohydrates: 27 grams
Fiber: 7 grams, 28%
Sugar: 3 grams
Protein: 8 grams

I have to admit at having scoffed at canned soup lately, but Muir Glen is RIDICULOUSLY GOOD! First I enjoyed the Muir Glen Organic Chicken Tortilla Soup, but luckily I bought this Southwest Black Bean variety as well, which I can say is just as good as the former. I don't think I have ever had a canned soup where the solid content is not mushy - not until now! The black beans are still slightly firm, and there is plenty of them, plus lots of corn and little chunks of tomatoes floating around. And, there is a spicy kick to the soup which I quite enjoyed. It does have a Southwest feeling to it ... take note Pacific Natural Foods Homestyle Creamy Southwestern Corn Soup.

Coupons.com

Each cup of Muir Glen Organic Southwest Black Bean Soup provides 120 calories from 0.5 grams of fat (1% of the daily value), 650 mg of sodium (27% of the DV), 7 grams of fiber (28% of the DV), 3 grams of sugars plus 8 grams of protein. That's 10 calories less than the Muir Glen Organic Chicken Tortilla Soup, and more than twice the fiber, plus less sodium.

The ingredients are organic, and the soup is vegan as well. I purchased a 16 ounce can for $2.00 on sale (regular price $2.50). I would give Muir Glen Organic Chicken Tortilla Soup a slight edge in taste, but the Southwest Black Bean Soup has better nutrition facts.

{Website: Muir Glen}


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Friday, April 29, 2011

Motivation to Move! Hypnosis Exercise Motivation

Motivation to Move!  Hypnosis Exercise MotivationReady to look and feel great? Go for it!
Wake up each morning - looking forward to exercising! Imagine how exciting it will be to see your body change, as your muscles begin to firm and unwanted fat cells melt away!
Beverly Hills Hypnosis' exercise motivation CDs can actually help change the way you think about exercising. You can begin associating exercise with relaxation or a long awaited break in your day -- the special time that you take for yourself. As this happens, you will find that you are eager to begin your exercise routine. Sounds crazy? Not at all. Some people look forward to cigarettes, while others look forward to eating chocolate or French fries. When we change the way we think, our attitudes change as well.
You can wake up each day and really be excited about doing things that make you look and feel great.
When you listen to Beverly Hills Hypnosis' exercise motivation CD each night before going to sleep, not only will you look forward to your exercise routine you will start to enjoy it.
Why is "Motivation to Move!" so effective?
By creating direct access to the most powerful part of the mind, the subconscious, you can teach your subconscious mind to automatically act in the ways that best suit your goals, rather than relying on poor habits that you've built up over the years.
When you align what you consciously desire with your subconscious motivations...your possibilities are endless!
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Yes. Have you ever been driving a familiar route home and suddenly arrived at your destination without remembering the last few minutes of the drive? This is one example of our subconscious mind taking over the routine details of life. Our subconscious mind handles most of our day to day activities. That is the subconscious mind's job - to handle the details of life, while our conscious mind handles the more important needs.
Most clients are amazed at how quickly they accomplish their desired results. Unlike traditional therapies, Hypnotherapy is able to help you reach your goals without going through years of self-exploration.
When You Are Ready!
Reach your goals faster than ever! You can and will make permanent, positive changes in your personal and professional life. Beverly Hills Hypnosis offers an effective, relaxing, drug-free choice for change.

Price: $19.95


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Supreme 90 Day workout (giveaway post).


(because to know me is to be aware of my fondness for all things As Seen On TV!)

Yes, People.

Im finally a wee bit on the mend and, as a result, am ready to slowly carefully ease back git right to it!

Im cutting way, way, WAY back on reviews (that’s a rant for a different day), but I couldnt pass up the opportunity to check these DVDs out.

I’m one of the few I know who’s never SEEN P90X –let alone done them to extreme exhaustion.

And, quite frankly, I’ll admit to being a tad P90-curious.

A tad curious—-but not 150.00 dollars curious.

As a result, when the opportunity to test the Supreme 90 Day workout arose I immediately said YES.**

Not only did it seem like what *I* needed to shake things up a bit, the 10 DVD set complete with nutrition plan & online support appeared to my misfit eyes to be a new! improved! AFFORDABLE! P90ISH option.

But Im getting ahead of myself.

The Supreme 90 Day workout comes with 10 dvds (chest & back, swiss ball workout, tabata, shoulders & arms, cardio, legs, total body, core, back & bis, & chest shoulders & tris), a nutrition plan from a woman we all adore Tosca Reno, free online support, & a 90 day support chart (pictured below in its place of honor on my fridge).


Now that Ive given you the deets—-let me break it on down to my likes and dislikes.

As opinionated-usual I have a few of each.

What I liked about the Supreme 90 Day workout in no particular order:

It comes with a food plan. Not only does it come with a food plan but one from Tosca Reno to boot (I love me some Tosca). The plan is easy to follow, suggests consumption of whole, clean foods, & will definitely increase the odds of getting lean success.  I already have a mindful-eating plan (read: I didnt use theirs), but as a woman who firmly believes 80% of weight-loss success is created in the kitchen I loved the inclusion of this information.The dvds are comprehensive.  With five DVDs of muscle-building strength routines, three DVDs of fat burning cardio, and two DVDs for core & abs there arent any gaping muscle/core/cardio holes in the set.Supreme 90 Day workout is AFFORDABLE! With a price-tag of 19.99 this goes without saying—but Im saying.  Yes I like they didnt sacrifice quality for price, but the DVDs could have been merely mediocre at this price and Id still have celebrated.  It also made me *smile* part of their marketing pitch is the notion you can afford to buy the Supreme 90 Day DVDs and still have money left over for new clothes after you lose weight. 
Challenging with out being defeating. Im only in the first week of the program but given all Id heard about P90X I feared these DVDS would kick my ass booty into quitting.  The DVDs are challenging (& Ive needed to stop and take breaks) but not so difficult I quit.
I love the visual of the success chart. Sure most of this love is probably triggered by the fact we are all kinds of charted up here as of late (hello! reward system for the five year old) —but whatever the reason I surprisingly enjoyed it.
I like the promise of the online support. Ive not used this option—but I like that it’s offered.  Perhaps you winner-type could explore it and let us all know?

What did I NOT like?

The need for a Swiss ball and weights. Yes I sung the praises of the affordability.  That singing, however, was lessened in volume when I realized I needed a Swiss ball and weights.  (I owned neither.  Collage Video was generous enough to send me a ball and I purchased weights.) This was a negative for me as I’ve always used resistance bands at home and never really wanted to own dumbbells.  Additional cost. Additional clutter.
No yoga. Not only have I heard about the hardcore HARD AS HECK yoga dvd in P90X– Ive been working to add more yoga into my life as well.  Personally I would have happily accepted one less strength training DVD in exchange for a yoga DVD.

Now it’s your turn.

Any of you interested in joining me in this quest as long as it lasts for the next a little less than 90 days?

After reading my ramblings above why do YOU think you’d like the Supreme 90 Day workout?

From Tabata-trying to successchart-seeking please to hit me up in the comments below.

USA only

winner announced 4.18.11

**Hi FTC! I just wanted to take a moment and let you know that not only did I receive the dvds & swiss ball for free—but Ive dragged two other bloggers into this with me.  You can look forward to their posts as well. xo xo


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Heavy Duty Source Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up Pull-Up Bar

Heavy Duty Source Easy Gym Doorway Chin-up Pull-Up BarThis portable, multi-function chin up bar is an inexpensive and easy way to tone up your muscles and get that beachbody you always wanted.




Home Pull up bars are great for developing back and arm muscles, particularly biceps and forearms. You can also do a variety of abdominal exercises including leg raises and oblique curls. Use the bars the pros use, only from Source.




We are not affiliated with Product Partners LLC and make no claims that these are p90x brand products.

Price: $59.99


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Your Personal Best Workout [VHS]

Your Personal Best Workout [VHS]This video misrepresents itself. Although the title is Low Impact Aerobics, it is not low impact. The cardio intervals include jogging, jumping jacks, and other moves with hops. This is a 65-minute reissue of a 1988 video that features Janet Jones-Gretzky, who is so slim that you can count her ribs through her white leotard, leading a class of fit, gorgeous exercisers (female and male). This aerobic interval workout combines fast cardio (no patterns) with more controlled cardio plus weights, though still at a fast pace. We've learned a lot about exercise since 1988, and these two-second reps with weights are not as effective as slower reps. They are also more likely to lead to injury. Although the video is targeted to all levels, unless you're an experienced exerciser, it's too easy to lose correct form when you're doing such fast reps and aerobic moves at the same time. You might find the weight intervals repetitious (tons of lunges and shoulder presses). A floor-work segment uses ankle weights, followed by a stretch. Unless you miss the old Firm workouts, choose one that is more up to date (and therefore safer and more effective). --Joan Price

Price: $12.99


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Sleevemore

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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Body Confidence: Venice Nutrition's 3-Step System That Unlocks Your Body's Full Potential

Product Description
At last, there’s a nutrition and fitness program that doesn’t require you to develop superhuman willpower, shun entire food groups, or devote your every waking moment to the treadmill.

Body Confidence is a revolutionary approach based on three key nutrition factors that stabilize your blood sugar and keep your body in balance:

  • Eating at consistent meal intervals
  • Absolute certainty in essential nutrient ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
  • Identifying and consuming the right amount of calories per meal

But there’s much more to Body Confidence than when and what you eat. You’ll become a master at:

  • Determining your current metabolismâ??and then reprogramming it
  • Focusing on body fat percentage rather than body weight
  • Setting measurable, motivating goals (short- and long-term, internal and external)
  • Following a customized, efficient, diverse exercise plan that makes you feel energetic and strong
  • Harnessing the powers of sleep, supplements, water, and stress management, all in perfect sync to optimize your body’s performance

Body Confidence creator Mark Macdonald knows that weight loss doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and he has made room for “real life” at every stage of this program. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to some of Venice Nutrition’s extraordinary success stories, and learn how to stay on track no matter what life throws at you. Packed with recipes, nutrition guides, exercise journals, and Venice Nutrition’s proven goal-setting tools, Body Confidence walks you through every step of a process that has already changed thousands of lives.

Getting in shape (and staying in shape) no longer has to mean feeling deprived and hungry, living with low energy, being irritable and anxious, or obsessing about food and exercise. There is a way to make looking and feeling your best a permanent way of life.


A Q&A between Chelsea Handler and Mark MacDonald

Chelsea Handler is an accomplished stand-up comic and actress, as well as the bestselling author of My Horizontal Life. She is the star of her own late-night show on E!, Chelsea Lately; was one of the stars of Girls Behaving Badly; and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as Late Night with David Letterman.

Handler: Seriously, how can eating more meals actually get rid of my muffin top?

MacDonald: I know, it goes against all the dieting rules. We are trained to think, eat less, move more, and lose fat. This may work for a moment, but soon your body stops progressing, because your body actually holds onto fat when you skip meals. The reality is your body is a "re-fuel as it goes" machine. Meaning, you need to eat balanced meals throughout the day to maintain a steady supply of energy. By eating right when you get up, then every 3–4 hours, and then before bed, your blood sugar levels and hormones will stay in balance. This state of balance causes your body to consistently release its stored fat, which then gets burned as energy in your muscle tissue. This is how your muffin top will permanently become a thing of the past!

Handler: You know I love my Belvedere; can I drink on the program and still get lean?

MacDonald: Of course! The last thing I would ever remove from your program is your Belvedere! The cool thing is that making your program part of your world is never about what you cannot have; it is actually about being clear on what you want and then working together to fit that into your program. Belvedere and all alcohol is totally fine in moderation. The trick is to find the right balance with your food, exercise, and alcohol to ensure that you achieve your Body Confidence goals. Here are three adjustments to make when it is Belvedere time that will keep your metabolism humming and minimize the effects of alcohol:

  • First off, let’s limit drinking to 1–2 times per week, with a max of 2 drinks at a time. Now I know there are all sizes and shapes of drinks, so let’s define a drink as a shot of Belvedere (or any hard liquor), 6 oz of wine (red or white), and 12 oz of beer (preferably light)
  • Second, avoid eating all starchy carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potato, etc.) when you drink. Alcohol actually gets metabolized by the body before food does; so when you eat heavy carbohydrates along with alcohol, your meal contains too many calories and the result is typically extra fat storage (definitely not the goal!)
  • And third, let’s be cautious with drinking before bed, and preferably stop drinking within two hours of bed. Alcohol affects the quality of your sleep and interrupts your sleep cycles. Since you are always on the go, you already know how important your sleep is for your daily energy. Your quality of sleep also affects the speed of your metabolism, which we both know is a big component of your burning body fat and getting and staying lean.

Handler: Mark, you know my schedule gets crazier by the day; how can I make it all work?

MacDonald: Tell me about it! Making your health work is never about doing more; it is actually about becoming better and more efficient at what you do. This way, whether you are going on location to tape Chelsea Lately in Australia, or performing a show at Caesars Palace or just powering through a hectic day in LA, you will have the tools to keep your blood sugar balanced and your muscles optimally activated to burn your body fat up, without having to do more!

With your food, it is a simple process. You will quickly know the right amount of calories, protein, fat, and carbs per meal and then basically you can eat any food, any time, as long as it stays in the right combination. This provides you the flexibility to eat anywhere your day takes you and still stay on plan.

Now with your exercise, let’s get each training session working at maximum capacity. We need a combination of fat burning and high intensity cardio, utilizing the best movements to activate all of your muscle fibers (since fat is burned in muscle). Then once your cardio is dialed in, strength training is next. Since your goal is to be lean and tight, the best type of training for you is core training, like Pilates. Core training will work your entire body and also activate maximum muscle fibers.

There you have it Chelsea, real solutions on how to make it all work. You will be spending the same time on your food and exercise as you currently spend, with much greater results and the knowledge to keep your health momentum rolling!

Price: $26.99


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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Enjoying Weight Loss

Enjoying Weight LossDiscover the Weight Loss Hypnosis Program that Doctors and Psychologists recommend to their patients. "The research is mounting: hypnosis can help you lose weight and keep it off longer. Compared with individual hypnotherapy, a hypnosis CD can be a cost-effective way to get entranced. This CD set Enjoying Weight Loss has a lot to offer: a warm, fun hypnotist offering sound dietary advice and on a variety of issues, from choosing a food plan to avoiding temptation." Shape Magazine: as reviewed by Jean Fain, Harvard Medical School. Enjoying Weight Loss will enable you to reach your ideal weight. Guaranteed. You know that the only way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat right and exercise. There is no pill, mental program, or diet that will allow you to reach and maintain your ideal weight without eating better and working out. You've tried everything? You may have tried one of many weight loss plans. Most of these plans work if you are consistent. Then why are so many overweight? We ususally go back to our old eating habits. There is hope. You can harness the power of your unconscious mind and make following your weight-loss plan easy. Eating properly will become automatic, and your weight-loss experience enjoyable. You'll see and feel the results - making it easier to reach and maintain your ideal weight. These techniques from the latest weight-loss research, will help you reach and maintain your optimal weight. Each session will change and reinforce how you interact with food, giving you total control over how and what you eat. This time you'll lose the weight forever.

Price: $119.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

Look What I Just Bought, Yo!

Frivolous Demands: *Subscribe to the blog *Follow me on Twittah *Like me on Facebook *YouTube my videos

Grab some Shakeology in my Beachbody shop.

Contact me with questions about Shakeology.

Get the Facts On Shakeology

Shakeology is the all-natural meal (shake) developed by Beachbody, the makers of P90X. The shake will help you lose weight, reduce cravings, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol. It can also improve stamina and libido, alleviate hormonal issues (including menopause-related), aid memory, support immune function and boost serotonin levels to improve mood and symptoms of depression, while also reducing the symptoms of high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.

Shakeology can be mixed with water on the go, or hook it up in the blender for an ice cream shake experience!

I enjoy my Shakeology on most days of the week and have significantly reduced my cravings and experienced weight loss, better digestion, more energy (which is priceless to me with 4 child-spawns) and a better mood. You can also find out what doctors are saying about Shakeology.

Chocolate Shakeology has 18 grams protein and 140 calories. View the nutrition label.

Greenberry Shakeology has 16 grams of protein and 140 calories. View the nutrition label.

90 Days of Shakeology: My Experiment

Shakeology 30-Day Recipe Calendars

You can purchase Shakeology in my Beachbody shop. Beachbody has a trusted reputation for putting out top-notch products, like P90X and Insanity. There’s no other product like Shakeology on the market and it comes with a 30-day empty bag, money back guarantee. Try it for 30 days. Use up the entire bag, and if you’re not satisfied, then get your money back!

If you have a true passion for fitness and helping people reach their goals, and you’re committed to achieving financial independence, contact me now about becoming a Beachbody Coach.
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Join the Planktastic Plankathon Challenge! Make your planking video to compete against the champs!

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Word-less Wednesday: "Can I Run, Mom?"

Of course!

I hope to be joining you soon. ;)

Had a great day but I’m exhausted and I have a fussy baby. It’s time to cuddle. Tomorrow’s weigh in day for week 1 on Weight Watchers. Wish my luck!

Oh! and I posted on Babble about baby.


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Skechers Shape Ups Optimize Womens Athletic Sneakers

Skechers Shape Ups Optimize Womens Athletic SneakersWomen's SKECHERS® SHAPE-UPS STRENGTH :: Lose weight, shape your calves, thighs, butt, and core muscles, plus improve posture while you walk! Skechers® Shape-Ups Strength are fitness walking shoes that actually help you work out in your day-to-day routine of running errands, shopping, and more. Shape-Ups Strength walking shoes feature soft, durable nubuck leather upper. Enjoy amazing cushioning and reduced impact on joints thanks to the curved outsole that rolls forward with each step.

Price:


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Help me design the FitBloggin “Design 101″ session

Spread the word, win a prize. (Maybe.) Tell someone about Jennette’s latest book, Chocolate & Vicodin and you could win an iPod Shuffle or a gift card from Amazon or iTunes. Learn more.

Design

I’ll be hangin’ in Baltimore between May 20-May 21 at the second annual FitBloggin’ conference. I’ve been asked to lead a session called “Design 101: Simple tips to Build a Better Blog” because of the web design work I do over at Make My Blog Pretty. I would like my session to be free of snoring and people sneaking out, so I wanted to know what any FitBloggin’ attendees out there are interested in learning. You can comment either on this post or on this post at the FitBloggin’ web site.

I’m most interested in knowing how general or specific you’d like the session to be. Are you interested in learning some general principles of design? Or would you prefer specific instructions on how to change your header in WordPress or to use the Blogger template designer? Lemme’ know!

Oh, and if you’re not attending FitBloggin’, I still think you are a precious, unique snowflake, but since you’re not actually going to be at the session please let me know that in your comment. I’m still interested in what other bloggers and blog readers want to know about design, but I’d like to make sure the people actually at the session get the most out of it.

Chocolate & Vicodin: My Quest for Relief from the Headache that Wouldn't Go Away"Smart, unflinchingly honest, and laugh-out-loud funny."– Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice

PastaQueen.com is a fascist regime ruled with a benevolent fist by PastaQueen and the macaroni military. Lively discussion is encouraged, but any comment may be deleted or edited according to the whims of your monarch. Please read the official rules of commenting etiquette for more details. Spammers are publicly beheaded and their blood is mixed into our spaghetti sauce. Comments are occasionally disabled some time after an entry has been posted to keep the blog on a spam-free diet.


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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Roni’s “Pregnancy” Week 40

I decided to do a quick video today. Just an update on baby, nursing and how we are adjusting.

Totally kept my food journal today but I have to be honest, I didn’t count points. Long story, I hope to get into tomorrow. Click here to see it on twitter.

Oh! and click here for my latest Babble Post, A Bottle for a Breastfed Baby.


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900mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery fits DS Lite

900mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery fits DS LiteDesigned with performance and reliability in mind, this superior battery improves run time and battery life while providing protection to the powered device. Enjoy the power that exceeds standard OEM battery today!

Model Compatible:-Nintendo DS Lite

NOTE: Not compatible with Nintendo DS

Price:


Click here to buy from Amazon

Acai Berry Extreme All-In-One Weight Loss, Colon Cleanse, Antioxidant, Appetite Suppressant, Metabolism Booster

Acai Berry Extreme All-In-One Weight Loss, Colon Cleanse, Antioxidant, Appetite Suppressant, Metabolism Booster

LOOK and FEEL BETTER with Acai Berry
Extreme


Acai Berry Extreme is the ultimate all-natural weight loss and gentle cleanse formula! Our proprietary blend of all-natural ingredients allows an all-in-one solution that fights hunger, speeds metabolism, cleanses the body of pounds of waste and toxins and just flat out helps you lose weight, FAST!


HH Nutritionals has gone to great lengths to insure that Acai Berry Extreme has the most potent combination of herbal ingredients to power you toward the body you've always wanted.
Our formula includes 250mg of the most PURE ACAI BERRY the world has to offer.
We also include ingredients that aid your body in cleansing harmful build-up. You should feel and see several unique results that all aid in feeling and looking better!


APPETITE SUPPRESSANT: Reduce those annoying and nagging hunger pains that tell your brain FEED ME. This is one of the main reasons people over eat and gain unhealthy weight.


COLON CLEANSER: Our
colon-cleansing ingredients are gentle and will not have you running to restroom in fear of an accident. We offer a mild cleanse versus the hard core flushes
that force you stay near a restroom. You WILL go more regularly and your
movements can be larger and more intense as you pass harmful waste build-up. If you are looking for an even more powerful cleanse, then we recommend our Vital Cleanse product sold separately or in a combination package with Acai Berry Extreme.


ENERGY BOOSTER: you will notice a marked increase in your energy levels throughout the day and more restful
sleep during the night.


For additional carb-blocking and fat-burning formula, please see Maximum Strength Acai Berry Extreme. For greater cleansing power, please see the Acai Berry Extreme - Vital Cleanse Combo Pack

Price:


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A kid’s guide to mindful eating.

Spring has sprung in our neck of the woods and, as a result, the Tornado & I have been picnicking.

Yesterday, while watching her eat, I was reminded of all she’s taught me these past five years.

Sure some of my sentimentalnessment (technical term) is in part due to the fact we had her kindergarten roundup yesterday (!), but you’ll have that.

Please to enjoy Five Mindful Eating Tips as furnished unknowingly by the Almost-In-Kindergarten Tornado.

Really take time to assess your hunger. REALLY.

Lately, when I ask her if she’s hungry there’s a l-o-n-gass lag before she responds.

And I wont lie to you.  Many, many times the aforementioned lag annoys me.

I find myself longing to say: “Make up your mind!” or the ever notsonice “It’s not that hard of a question!  Are you hungry?!”

As I recently watched her decide if she wanted a snack or not, it occurred to me she seemed to have a check list she went through in her head.

She really is DECIDING if she’s tired, bored, hungry, whatevs *before* she answers my question.  As it’s only *then* that she knows her answer.

Duly noted.

I could learn a few things from her slowslow response.

Be selective.

As a mom it’s my job to encourage her to try new foods.  I offer & encourage  and, should she not like a food at first encounter, I always proffer it at least one more time.

That said, Ive noticed she doesnt eat what she doesnt like.

While this used to annoy me greatly, Im choosing to view it in a different light.

When viewed through the lens of mindful eating her refusal is her simply being selective.

I can think of many times Ive eaten what I knew I didnt adore (hello lemon cake!!) & not only did I not enjoy it—I ended up eating what I did like (greetings brownies!!) anyway.

In addition.

Being selective mightcould be a good thing.

EMBRACE your food…literally.

Ahh age five.

It’s not enough to simply eat and be done with it.  She touches, smells, mashes, tastes, envelopes every morsel which goes into her pizza-hole mouth.

This, like her drawn out answer to are you hungry, used to be a Mama-crazy maker.

Now I view it as her being more present than I could ever hope to be while eating.

Now I view it as virtually the definition of mindful eating.

Parties or special occasions are about far more than food.

Before we head to a birthday party for one of her peers the Tornado is filled with questions about the cake.

What it will look like.  Will be cakecake, ice cream cake, or cup cakes.  What flavor it will be.  When will they cut it?

The list of questions go on and on.

Until we get to the party.

Once the fun begins—whatever the “fun” for that soiree is—the cake is entirely forgotten.

So much so she typically takes one bite & abandons the confection entirely in favor of frolicking with friends.

It’s all a great reminder that parties, holidays, & special events need not be about the food but about the socializing.

Time with friends can be just as decadent a treat or indulgence.

(heck not having to prepare food myself/clean up is a huge treat—no matter what we’re eating)

Eating as a family ROCKS.

I could quote statistics here but we all know how important family meals are.

Any meals, in my opinion.

Right now we are more family breakfasts than dinners and that’s ok.

While she doesn’t mind when she’s the only one eating (hello dinner at 5pm!) she clearly prefers the three of us at the table & no other distractions around.

Food. Family. Talking. Time together.

So there you have it, Oh Patient Readers.

Myriad meandering musings all gleaned from a five year old mind.

And you?

Whats your biggest mindful eating tip?

Have you watched others (from kids to friends to strangers) as they’ve eaten and picked up some tips along the way as well?

Please to hit us all up in the comments


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Popchips Potato Chips

Think Thin Bar (60g)

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Been Dieting For Month so far I've lost 31 days - Refrigerator Magnets 7x2 in

Been Dieting For Month so far I've lost 31 days - Refrigerator Magnets 7x2 inRefrigerator magnet measures 7 x 2 inches. Spice up you fridge with our magnetic stickers!

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Power 90 In-Home Boot Camp

Power 90 In-Home Boot CampWhether you're looking to relieve some minor pain or enhance your weight loss efforts, the McDavid waist trimmer is an ideal choice. The waist trimmer cushions, compresses, and supports your lower back and abdominal muscles while retaining therapeutic heat. As a result, you'll not only trim your love handles, but also relieve sore muscles and arthritis. The waist trimmer is made of thermal 100-percent latex-free neoprene, with a nylon facing on the outer side and a contoured design for comfort. The fully adjustable Velcro closure, meanwhile, ensures an optimal fit on waists up to 50 inches.

Note: McDavid recommends avoiding the waist trimmer is you're susceptible to dermatitis or have an allergy to neoprene.

Price: $193.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Morning Express French Toast with Turkey Sausage Review

Weight Watchers French Toast with Turkey Sausage

You've got mail! And in the package was Weight Watchers Smart Ones Morning Express French Toast with Turkey Sausage. I thought this was an ambitious undertaking as a frozen, microwaveable food product, so I was really curious as to how this would turn out.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 126 grams (1 pkg)
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 8 grams, 12%
Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams, 11%
Sodium: 570 mg, 24%
Carbohydrates: 38 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 8%
Sugar: 18 grams
Protein: 14 grams

Inside the box are 2 french toast slices, 4 small sausage ... bits, and a packet of syrup. I followed the directions to microwave, and the result was a pretty decent tasting breakfast meal. The french toast was slightly sweet on it's own, and of course, with the added syrup, the sweetness factor explodes. And the turkey sausage was like what a slightly smoky, salty turkey sausage should taste like. If you've ever looked at the astronomical fat content of sausages, you'll understand why there was not more included in this meal. The question I asked myself is, would I rather purchase this product for $3.09, or make my own french toast? More on that later ...

Coupons.com

The contents of each package of Weight Watchers Smart Ones Morning Express French Toast with Turkey Sausage provides 280 calories, 8 grams of total fat which includes 2.5 grams of saturated fat (12% and 11% of the daily value), 570 mg of sodium (24% of the DV), 2 grams of fiber, 18 grams of sugars and 14 grams of protein. The ingredients list is quite the lengthy diatribe you would expect it to be since this is not an all natural product, and this is 7 Weight Watchers Points.

This product retails for $3,09, so, back to the question, would I buy this instead of making it myself, especially since it's so easy to make? For me, french toast & sausage is an indulgent breakfast, and Weight Watchers Smart Ones did a good job of providing a portion that wasn't too high in calories and fat, but this is not something I would really be eating if I were following a "Weight Watchers" plan, or trying to lose weight. If I were indulging as a weekend breakfast for example, then I would prefer to make it myself. But as I said, WW did a good job on the taste.

What do you think? Would you buy this?

{Website: Weight Watchers Smart Ones}


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Redmon Fun and Fitness Exercise Equipment for Kids - Weight Bench Set

Redmon Fun and Fitness Exercise Equipment for Kids - Weight Bench SetRedmon Bench Press Set It's not about vanity or unrealistic beauty standards. It's about your child's present and future health and well being. The fact is, childhood obesity levels have tripled in the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who are significantly overweight are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes and are more likely to become obese adults. Establishing a fitness routine early in life will help prevent current and future weight problems. To help kids get into fitness right from the start, Redmon has designed a foam Bench Press Set. Redmon believes children's exercise should be fun, exciting, and safe, and inspire them to permanently maintain an active lifestyle. The Redmon Bench Press Set encourages children to move with healthy activity based recreation. Safety tested and approved for children 3-8 years old, it features a weight bench that allows them to perform bench presses, leg curls and leg lifts with weights appropriate for their age and size. These three fundamental exercises provide a strong foundation for any exercise routine.

Price: $129.99


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Nutribiotic - GSE Liquid Concentrate, 4 fl oz

Nutribiotic - GSE Liquid Concentrate, 4 fl ozAll-purpose liquid concentrate. A multi-purpose extract used by doctors worldwide as nutritional support.

Price: $17.95


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Rediscovery, Redefining

For four years, I’ve been known as "That Woman Who’s Lost A Lot Of Weight." While my weight loss is something I truly am grateful for and I am happy my story has inspired a few of you along your own weight-loss journeys, for awhile now, I’ve felt like weight loss is who I am. So over the last few weeks, I’ve been examining what it is I’m truly passionate about, what it is that also defines me.

What I love so much about writing, particularly writing blogs, is that I have access to years ago – a concrete record of what I was thinking/dreaming/analyzing at a specific point in time. It is how the me of yesteryear has often taught, mentored and guided the present me. The following is a blog I wrote for ZenBagLady, one I’d forgotten about until today when I searching for a different piece of writing. But it seems to me that I was supposed to find this one. Reading it was a big step in helping me remember what I’m passionate about.

Remember, your weight doesn’t define you, just as weight loss isn’t who I am; it’s a part of the whole.

The Gleefle That Sneefed – Lynn in First Grade

In my report card dated June 5, 1970, my teacher, Mrs. Marlene Larson, wrote: “Lynn is a good natured and friendly child who is most considerate when associating with her peers…She completes the majority of her assignments with a high degree of accuracy.” It was Mrs. Larson’s nice way of saying, “Lynn is a bit high strung and nervous. She hates conflict, hates to make mistakes, and seems to be growing a large stick out her ass.”

Ah, the good old days.

Academically, first grade was my favorite year ever. That’s when I learned how to write the alphabet, then words, then stories. I apparently was quite good at math, too, but it didn’t take long for my right brain to eat up most of my left brain, and in future years my math skills went in the toilet.

But I could write!

“In our creative writing program,” wrote Mrs. Larson, “Lynn can express her ideas through written communication. Her stories are indicative of advancement in the use of capitalization and punctuation technique.” Not exactly a rave review of the content of my stories, but it’s good to know my love of grammar was apparent from the beginning.

My parents kept a few of my stories. Here are a few I wrote in first grade, verbatim. In a few instances I put the real word in parenthesis so you don’t struggle in guessing what the heck the misspelled word is.

Jan. 28, 1970
My friend
"I have a friend who lives in Omaha her name is Teela her est (used) to live here with me I love her very much her love me to"

OK, so my grammar sucks in that one, but Teela is still my friend (although she doesn’t live in Omaha anymore), and look at the next one and how much my punctuation improved in just a few weeks.

LynnH
March 6, 1970
"If I want to go to the moon I wood see. Captain kangaroo and Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. And the Man in the moon. That’s how Mane (many). I liked it."

Some girls wrote of becoming a princess. I wrote about seeing Captain Kangaroo on the moon. I was probably inspired by the moon landing seven months prior. Dad and Mom woke up my little brother and I and carried us out to the living room to watch it. Dad said, “Remember this, kids. This is history.” What I remember is sucking my thumb and rubbing my soft white blankie and staring at the black and white TV, too sleepy to think. But somewhere in the back of my mind I was formulating a story. Granted, I was no Phil Nowlan (creator of Buck Rogers), but it’s fun to see that 6-year-old Lynn thought outside the box. I need to tap into my inner child more often, apparently.

This next story was no doubt inspired by my love for Dr. Seuss books. I wish I could remember what was going on in my head as I wrote this because it is incomplete. Either I wasn’t given enough time or I wasn’t given enough space to explain what “sneefing” is. The Gleefle went to the zoo and I’m sure he meant to “sneef” while at the zoo, but he apparently didn’t get past the pig exhibit.

LynnH
May 2, 1970
The Gleefle that Sneefed
"Once upon a time there lived a. Gleefle and he was going to the zoo. He saw a big pig his is a big fat one to."

Sneefing could mean so many things. Maybe that’s what my ex- husband was doing in 1970 when he and his friends got stoned at ZZ Top concerts on the beach in Galveston. Perhaps Nixon was sneefing in the White House.

This has potential as a creative writing assignment: finish the Gleefle story and define “sneef.” Care to post your ideas?

I’ve not known a time when I didn’t write. Throughout school, my grades in language and reading were always top notch, and I’ve kept a journal since fifth grade. I once thought about being a veterinarian, a marketing major, and a teacher, but always, always, I went back to writing. Yes, I am still uptight and anxious, and that stick is still there much of the time, but writing has always been a release, a way for me to understand who I am. I appreciate it for the gift it is.

What were you passionate about as a kid? Did you recognize it then and does your career or educational path reflect that passion? As always, post a comment or send me an email. And don’t forget to make your best guess about “sneefing.”


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Pacific Natural Foods Homestyle Creamy Southwestern Corn Soup Review

Pacific Natural Foods Homestyle Creamy Southwestern Corn Soup

As I was looking at various soups in the supermarket to review, Pacific Natural Foods Homestyle Creamy Southwestern Corn Soup caught my eye, as it's Vegan, Kosher, gluten free and low fat. The only thing it didn't say was delicious - but I sure was hoping it would be.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 1 gram, 2%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 450 mg, 19%
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 8%
Sugar: 2 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Now this soup has a lot to live up to because V8 SouthWestern Corn Soup is the BUSINESS! Unfortunately for Pacific Foods, I had already experienced what a delicious "Southwestern" corn soup tastes like, and I wasn't impressed with their rendition.

First off, it could really be described as just creamy corn soup, because that it was ... creamy and slightly sweet. What it didn't have was any kind of Southwestern flavor AT ALL. I didn't get a hint of spicy - even the Muir Glen Organic Chicken Tortilla Soup Review has more of a spicy kick than this. Still, this soup isn't really bad, in fact, the more I ate, the better I thought it tasted and it didn't seem as sweet as at first.

Coupons.com

Each cup of Pacific Natural Foods Homestyle Creamy Southwestern Corn Soup provides 90 calories from 1 gram of total fat, no saturated fat, 450 mg of sodium (19% of the daily value), 2 grams of fiber, sugars & protein. The ingredients are, filtered water, sweet corn, rice flour, onion, evaporated cane juice, seasoning (spices, salt, garlic, onion, evaporated cane juice, cilantro, sunflower oil), sea salt, guar gum.

I purchased a 32 ounce box for $2.50 which is very economical, but this is not my favorite variety. I prefer Pacific Natural Foods Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup and Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup.


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Bikini Monday: The Sniper Action Method Works

Frivolous Demands: *Subscribe to the blog *Follow me on Twittah *Like me on Facebook *YouTube my videos

Grab some Shakeology in my Beachbody shop.

Contact me with questions about Shakeology.

Get the Facts On Shakeology

Shakeology is the all-natural meal (shake) developed by Beachbody, the makers of P90X. The shake will help you lose weight, reduce cravings, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol. It can also improve stamina and libido, alleviate hormonal issues (including menopause-related), aid memory, support immune function and boost serotonin levels to improve mood and symptoms of depression, while also reducing the symptoms of high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.

Shakeology can be mixed with water on the go, or hook it up in the blender for an ice cream shake experience!

I enjoy my Shakeology on most days of the week and have significantly reduced my cravings and experienced weight loss, better digestion, more energy (which is priceless to me with 4 child-spawns) and a better mood. You can also find out what doctors are saying about Shakeology.

Chocolate Shakeology has 18 grams protein and 140 calories. View the nutrition label.

Greenberry Shakeology has 16 grams of protein and 140 calories. View the nutrition label.

90 Days of Shakeology: My Experiment

Shakeology 30-Day Recipe Calendars

You can purchase Shakeology in my Beachbody shop. Beachbody has a trusted reputation for putting out top-notch products, like P90X and Insanity. There’s no other product like Shakeology on the market and it comes with a 30-day empty bag, money back guarantee. Try it for 30 days. Use up the entire bag, and if you’re not satisfied, then get your money back!

If you have a true passion for fitness and helping people reach their goals, and you’re committed to achieving financial independence, contact me now about becoming a Beachbody Coach.
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Monday, April 25, 2011

The Weekly Blush

Shenanigans from April 4 - 10 , 2011.

Food: Last week on i{ate}A{pie}.net it was all Soup Reviews - and they were either all natural or organic.

Muir Glen Organic Southwest Black Bean Soup Review

I was so happy to discover Muir Glen Organic Chicken Tortilla Soup and Muir Glen Organic Southwest Black Bean Soup. Plus Kettle Cuisine Thai Curry Chicken Soup and Pacific Natural Foods Homestyle Creamy Southwestern Corn Soup were also pretty good. This week, we'll be looking in the freezer aisle!

Coupons.com

The results for the poll, What Do You Look For in a Nutrition Bar {Poll}, showed that 51% of you picked low calories, followed by 37% for high protein. Only 16% voted for high fiber - I thought that would be the main choice - while approximately 12% of you picked  low sugar, natural organic, or don't eat nutrition bars often.

Workout Music: We had 2 totally different vibes going on last week with our workout playlists.

Mission Hulktopia Workout PlaylistChop Suey Style Workout Playlist

Mission Hulktopia Workout Playlist (rock) and Chop Suey Style Workout Playlist (dance and electronic) - but as usual they are fresh and funky - time to update the tunes on your mp3 player!

Working on mah Fitness: Race #5 for the year was my 2nd Half Marathon on April 3rd (race recap at IntheGym.net).

Half Marathon Medal

In a word - this race was HILLY! And Race #6 was a 7.2 mile event - also very HILLY!!! We're talking monstrous, beastly rolling hills that just kept coming and coming - at one point I tried to tell myself I was going downhill no matter what I actually saw ... it didn't work. I did improve over my 1st half marathon time, but I have to admit I totally sucked in race #6 - I should say I "race walked" instead of ran. Oh well - On to the next one as Jay-Z says.

Fit Links: I shared my favorite fitness related links over at IntheGym.net on the weekend, but the 2 MUST check out links are:

Both are really powerful and so imspirational.


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McDavid Waist Trimmer

McDavid Waist TrimmerWhether you're looking to relieve some minor pain or enhance your weight loss efforts, the McDavid waist trimmer is an ideal choice. The waist trimmer cushions, compresses, and supports your lower back and abdominal muscles while retaining therapeutic heat. As a result, you'll not only trim your love handles, but also relieve sore muscles and arthritis. The waist trimmer is made of thermal 100-percent latex-free neoprene, with a nylon facing on the outer side and a contoured design for comfort. The fully adjustable Velcro closure, meanwhile, ensures an optimal fit on waists up to 50 inches.

Note: McDavid recommends avoiding the waist trimmer is you're susceptible to dermatitis or have an allergy to neoprene.

Price: $16.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

Fat Talk and Why I Don’t Do It Anymore (guest post).

Hey MizFit lovers!

I am Maria and I write a little (not very well known) blog called RealFitMama. I write about everything from almost pooping my pants on a run to running a 5k with my daughter; from exposing myself to all of the internet and then exposing myself for a second time. I love to write. I love to write about food. I love to write about my life. I love to write about my daughters. I really just love to write.

It’s what I want to do when I “grow up”.

Today I want to write about fat talk and why I don’t do it anymore.

I have struggled with my body and feelings towards my body from a very early age. I don’t really know what started it or when it happened, but I was young and it hit me hard. I would compare myself to girls at school, girls I saw on television and girls I saw in magazines. I was constantly going on this diet or that diet or skipping breakfast only to gorge at lunch. I vowed not to be like all the women in my family…fat.

My younger sister was naturally thin. She never worried about what she ate, how much she ate, what size her jeans were or what size they weren’t. I did. All the time. And I couldn’t stop.

I never told my parents (or any adult for that matter) but I struggled with disordered eating all of my life. I had a love hate relationship with food that just got worse and worse until I would skip eating all together for days at a time.

Once I saw the number I thought I was looking for show up on that bathroom scale I would allow myself to binge on cereal, chips & dip, ice cream or whatever I could find. Then, without hesitation, I would start the whole cycle over again.

Looking back I wasn’t fat, but I was definitely over weight. At the age of 16, being 5’5? tall I weighed 145lbs. Obviously not fat. But was in desperate need of getting into shape and learning how to eat and be healthy.

I walked around with this secret for many years. It ate away at me. I would tell myself I was too fat to be loved. I was too fat to have a boyfriend. I was too hideous for any guy to ever be interested in me. I would crack jokes around my friends about my “ghetto booty”, my “thunder thighs” and my “birthing hips” to make my weight not so serious.

But also I was hoping that someone would say, “Oh Maria, you’re beautiful. You’re not fat at all.” All these negative comments and hateful thoughts about myself caused me to do things to my body that no one should ever do.

At night, after everyone had gone to bed, I would sit in my room with a sharpie and mark on my thighs and hips. I would draw lines to signify how thin I wanted them to be. I would draw circles on my stomach to represent the “fat” that I wanted to be removed. I would stay up late into the night marking up my flesh and crying about how fat I was. Most nights I would cry myself to sleep with a pain in my stomach. That pain was almost always hunger.

After graduating high school I started working at a local restaurant and moved into an apartment with my boyfriend. A lot of the people that worked there were using cocaine, meth or drinking all the time. They were all so thin. They were all so (seemingly) happy. I wanted to be like them, but not like that. Drugs were something I could never bring myself to try. THANKFULLY!

Instead I would decide every night exactly what I was going to allow myself to eat the next day. I would come up with my workout plan for the next day and I would stick to it. Faithfully. I ended up losing a bit of weight. I think by the time I found out I was pregnant with my daughter I weighed about 130lbs.


Jason and I weren’t married yet and that caused a huge rift throughout the families. By the time we got married I had gained about 20lbs due to stress, pregnancy and falling back into old habits.

I was so excited to be pregnant with our first child that I gave myself a “free pass” to eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. When I went into labor with Linsey I had ballooned up to 200lbs.

Something in my brain clicked that day. I knew I didn’t want to be “fat” like the women in my family, but I knew I didn’t want to obsess about weight for the rest of my life either. I did not want to be drawing on my fat with a sharpie when I was 45 years old and I certainly did not want my daughter to be in her room at 15 years old drawing on her thighs with a sharpie either.

I made a choice. I vowed never to say, think or feel hurtful things towards myself again.

This vow was harder than I thought it would be, but as the days passed it got easier. I started to learn about food and what was healthy. I started to exercise in a way that I could maintain and enjoy. I started loosing weight slowly and stopped weighing myself everyday. I continued down this path for 6 years. I began training to run my first marathon. I was loving exercise, had become a vegetarian and really felt good about myself and my body.

Then I found out I was pregnant again. We were going to have another daughter. I knew that the decisions I had made when Linsey was born were the reasons I wasn’t freaking about being pregnant and gaining weight again. I knew how to do it in a healthy way. And I did. When Regan was born I had only gained 32lbs.

Now that my girls are here I can’t imagine ever behaving the way I did when I was younger. I still have my days when I’m not in love with my body, I feel like I have eaten way too much or I feel bad for skipping a workout, but I don’t let it consume me. I move on and start again the next day. I still weight myself, but not obsessively. I weigh once a week or once every two weeks. I no longer count calories or obsess over how much I’m eating. I stick to general rules of health. Eat until I’m full and then stop. Workout for at least 30 minutes 4-5 times a week.

I’m comfortable in my skin and love my body more now than I ever have in my life. I’m so comfortable that sometimes, when it’s really hot out, I will run in shorts and sports bra without thinking twice about it!

Fat talk destroys who you are and who you can become. Fat talk is abusive and dangerous. I swore when I became a mother that my girls would never hear the word fat and I have stuck to that for 10 years. I want to raise happy, healthy, strong women that know they are beautiful inside and out. I want them to know their mother loves them and that their mother loves herself too.


Linsey, 10 years old (above)

Regan, 3 years old (below)

I would never speak to them the way I used to speak to myself. My goal is that I have ended a cycle of destructive, negative and hurtful obsession over weight. Only time will tell…

Maria

It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.  ~ Author Unknown


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