On a Yoga High... finally

I am writing this post on a high - a Yoga high...

What on earth is wrong with me? WHY have I been putting off doing Yoga for 3 or 4 months?

I compare myself (as a PCOS victim) to someone who has bi-polarity and having been on a medication for some time, feels so good that they think they've been cured and that they don't need the medication any more. Therefore they go off of it, and over time, life becomes miserable again - a series of highs and lows.

Well, as a PCOS victim, and as someone who never has normal hormonal balance in their body, I have to say it is quite a similar situation with me and Yoga. Goodness me, I even feel my deadly cold (+ Asthma) waning as a result of the good hormones coursing through my veins. I read once, that this is the reason Yoga makes us feel so good. The positions we hold have a way of squeezing our glands, and therefore making them release the hormones that make us feel so much better. At the same time, it builds muscle tone, and just overall feels good. I also have noticed that my back pain has vanished. What a moron I have been to put it off for so long, when it makes me so happy.

Well, I hope I can continue to remember how good it makes me feel, and do it every day. (as mentioned in the diet plan - see above) I haven't been stalwart in my dieting as planned, and also I find myself struggling to walk to work every day. (back pain - due to old-agedness) So, if I can commit myself to one hour every day of Yoga, I think I can see some results - in every aspect of my life.

Oh, how silly we are - people...

Check out this fantastic video that my Cousin Claire shared on facebook...



Claire is in fact the owner of Leeds most exclusive Personal Training and Pilates Studio - "Equilibrium Health Personal Training and Pilates" so, if you're in Leeds or the area, do go and check out her studio... http://www.equilibriumhealth.co.uk/

I wish I was half as fit as our Claire. But, I can get there, with persistence.

My Yorkshire Holiday...

I feel well and truly relaxed today... I guess that's a sign of having had a good holiday. I think I was in need of a good holiday. I was all stressed and grouchy, but no longer. Life is good.

Ok, well from my Twitter updates, I'm sure you've gathered that I didn't entirely stick to the diet while on holiday... in fact - I didn't stick to it at all. I had Fish & Chips 3 times while in Yorkshire! 3 times! Don't ask me why - I have no idea really - but I think that F&C are maybe - better in Yorkshire? I know that all of my Scottish friends are going to protest to that comment, but I don't know what it is - it tastes different down there. Also, the claim seems ludicrous considering that according to some or other chippy experts extraordinaire who have had F&C literally all over the country - the BEST F&C in the entire UK are found in Anstruther which is a mere 30 minute drive from where I live - here in Dundee. I mean - even Prince William gives that one his thumbs up. I think - maybe it was the fact that I was on holiday - and you know - everything you eat on holiday is calorie free... or at least that's what you keep telling yourself - though your body says something else entirely when it's all finished. I had F&C, Chocolate of all manner - egg shaped...



My Aunty bought me some Easter candy... because she loves me. :-) <3

Also, I ate - just about anything that came across my path really. Including this lovely Proper Yorkshire Sunday Dinner...



Just like my Mum used to make. :-) Only this one was made by Gary. Thanks Gary. :-) I mean - just LOOK at these delicious Yorkshire Puddings the man made. I was supposed to say that Sara made them, but I cannot tell a lie - it was all Gary - bless him.



So, yesterday and today, I've been eating according to the diet, and it's amazing really how much better I feel when I eat healthy. However, when you're on holiday you can really only eat what you're given, and enjoy yourself. :-) I certainly did enjoy myself. I had visits with family members, and a special friend who came to Leeds to see me... it was just really enjoyable overall. :-)

One really interesting (historical) thing I was able to see was "Temple Newsam" which is a very old estate in Leeds that was mentioned in the Domesday book... Uncle Arthur, Aunty Rosalie and I toured it - it was fascinating. One of it's many claims to fame is that it was the Birthplace of Lord Darnley - who was the husband of Mary - Queen of Scots, and the Father of King James the VI of Scotland, and I of England. It was also once the home of Lord Darcy - who led the Pilgrimage of Grace against Henry VIII and his dissolution of the Yorkshire Abbeys and Monasteries which made Henry a VERY wealthy King.





(that's my Uncle Arthur in the courtyard of Temple Newsam - I tell you at times it was just like my Dad was right there with me)

I also was able to take a day and visit the ancient city of York - which was absolutely fabulous! Katie and I walked along the walls, and saw a bit of the old city. Including this fabulous little street called "The Shambles" - which Steve had told me about, so I really wanted to see it...



It's like walking into Diagon Alley! It's the cutest little street in the world! All of the shops are really quaint, and the buildings seem to be leaning towards each other. Totally cool place! We went into York Minster, but alas - the religious minds of the day seem to think it's ok to charge people 8.POUNDS. just to take a look at the place - so umm, we gave that a miss. I kid you not - £8!!! ... to tour a religious building. Granted, it is a very famous and interesting religious building - but um - most churches let you tour for free - or at the very most a donation. I would have been happy to pay £3 or £4, but - nope York Minster wants £8!!! Ridiculous. So, we went in, took a few pictures, and turned around again. It really is a beautiful building though...







Here's some of the pics we took whilst in York...



(Katie's chic pose on the wall)



(my attempt at looking Chic on the wall comes out looking rather special...)

I feel very well rested, and very blessed to have been able to spend Easter break with my family here in the UK. I think sometimes I get caught up in life, and forget who I am, and where I came from - so this was an opportunity for me to get in touch with my roots a bit... to close - here's some pics of Otley and surrounding countryside to give you a taste of some of Yorkshire's beauty.

It's Too Tasty To Be Called A Slimming Diet...

Ok, so this diet.... is AMAZING!!!!! Not only am I losing weight and noticing a difference in girth, but I feel great!!! My energy levels are back up, AND I'm never that hungry at all. Plus, the food is tasty... AND!!!!!! I think it's actually saving me money. I make everything from scratch - but it's simple things. Simple, easy things made from - you know - food. I find, that I'm actually enjoying meal planning, and grocery shopping. It also seems that my grocery bags are lighter, because I'm buying quality, not quantity.

Some examples of things I've eaten this week (MUFAs in bold)...

PB&B - 1 whole wheat English muffin, toasted, spread with 2 Tbsp natural peanut butter and topped with 1 small sliced banana.



Raisin Toast - 2 slices raisin bread, toasted, spread with 2 wedges of light laughing cow cheese spread, and topped with 2 Tbsp Sunflower seeds (the book says walnuts, but I don't like walnuts); supplemented with 1 apple.



California Chicken Burger - 1 grilled medium chicken breast, skinless on 1 small seeded wholemeal bap, dressed with 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 large lettuce leaves, 1 oz roasted red peppers and 2 oz of sliced Hass Avocado.



Dijon Turkey Wrap - 1 large seeded tortilla wrap, warmed spread with 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, sprinkled with 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds, and filled with 50 g cooked wafer-thin turkey breast, 1/4 sliced red onion, 1/2 fresh plum tomato, sliced, and 3 large lettuce leaves.



Tuna Pitta - 1/2 a wholemeal pitta filled with 3 1/2 oz water-packed tuna, 2 diced sun-dried tomatoes jarred in extra virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp chopped sunflower seeds (again, I replaced walnuts), and 1 oz crumbled feta cheese.



Waldorf Pitta - 1 wholemeal pitta spread with 2 wedges of light laughing cow cheese spread and filled with 2 sticks chopped celery, 1 medium apple, sliced, 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds (ditto with walnuts), and 3 large lettuce leaves.

Slaw Dog - 1 small hot dog browned in frying pan in 1 Tbsp peanut oil, on 1 hot dog bun dressed with 1 Tbsp mustard and 1 heaped Tbsp reduced-calorie coleslaw.



Turkey Quesadilla - Spread 1 wedge light laughing cow cheese spread on 1 large seeded tortilla wrap. On half of wrap, place 50 grams cooked turkey breast slices, 1 small handful baby spinach leaves, 30 grams crumbled feta, and 10 sliced large black olives. Fold over and heat in toaster oven or a non-stick pan over medium heat.



Chocolate-Raspberry Oatmeal - 1 packet original Oats-So-Simple, cooked with 6 fl oz semi-skimmed milk topped with 3 Tbsp raspberries and 1 1/2 oz dark chocolate chips.
(I really should have taken a picture of this for you, as it was ABSOLUTELY delicious - and beautiful too - sorry for the google pics - I've been slack on my food photography as late)

Pineapple 'Sundae' - 130 grams pineapple, tinned in pineapple juice, mixed into cottage cheese, low-fat 200 grams sprinkled with 2 Tbsp sunflower seeds. (again, replaced walnuts)


So - as you can see - each meal is fairly well balanced, but the thing that makes a difference in this diet (the scientific thing) is the MUFA rich ingredients (mono-unsaturated fatty acid) Apparently - they're the thing that are targeting my belly fat. Hey man, if it means losing my belly fat, I'll eat more chocolate - that is NOT a problem. (dark chocolate being one of the MUFAs) I feel like I'm not at all missing out on anything. Honestly, I've never been this excited about a diet in my life. I could just eat like this the rest of my life and be happy - even if I never did lose a single pound. I'm down-right impressed with the creativity in the menu.

This week, I get to try this...

Banana Split Oatmeal - 1 packet Oats So Simple original variety made up with 6 fl oz semi-skimmed milk mixed with 3 Tbsp microwaved frozen berries and topped with 1/2 small sliced banana, 1/2 oz dark chocolate chips, and 2 Tbsp peanuts.

Honestly, how much better could it get?

I've also broken down, and decided to weigh myself. I won't be weighing myself often though... maybe once every couple of weeks or so. I weiged myself at the end of the 4 day jump start - and I was at about 207, whereas today I weighed myself, and was at 205.8. Not bad really - for not doing much exercise this week, and just changing my diet - with very little inconvenience at all. I shall make a chart on the side of my blog - listing my current weight and dates weighed so that you can follow along.

You may notice also - that I have changed the layout of my blog. You would not believe how many different templates I went through before finally deciding on this one. It's simple, it's green-ish (my favourite colour), and it says "Becky" to me. It was ridiculous really - I couldn't settle on one. I'd pick one, it would be there a day or two, and then I'd say - nah - I'm looking for something else. So, I'm not going to change this one, even if I do have that thought again... I'll leave it on - at least a few months.

I have also started tweeting. I don't know - thought I'd give it a go. I can send a text on my mobile phone, and it updates my twitter, facebook, and also the wee blurb on the side which you can see says "I Tweet Now". It seems almost like it should simplify my life, but I'm sure it will just complicate it further... :-)

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Caffeine Withdrawal & Diets

For some reason or other - I have been leaving my blogging to the last minute on Sunday nights lately. My apologies for that. I'm about to go to bed, but I will tell you what I've been up to for the last week or so...

So I started my new diet - "The Flat Belly Diet" this week. The diet begins with a 4 day jump start that includes a well balanced, 1200 calorie a day plan... this part I could live with. The part I had trouble with - it seems was the cold turkey restraint from carbonated drinks - which lead me to quite possibly, the worst caffeine withdrawal I have ever suffered. May I advise those of you who are thinking of starting this diet... please give up caffeine before hand - and gradually. Otherwise - you shall hurt - much. There will be much pain. There was much pain, and nausea. Honestly, I felt like a heroin addict trying to go clean... I'm over it now mind you. I feel like a million pounds (that's £££, not lbs). The jump start did the trick. I start the main diet tomorrow. I'm treating it a bit like a science experiment. I want to see if it really will do what it promises to do.... which is - to target belly fat over all other fat in the body. We shall see whether or not these MUFAS will do what they promise to...

I'll keep you posted.

The New New Plan...

Sigh... I know I change my mind about this every single week, but...

I've decided to make a new overall plan for my health.

The week before last was probably the most stressful one I've had in a while, and my body didn't respond well to it. So, after doing some thinking, and listening to my body, I've decided to take a different overall approach for my health.

I've also decided to give this "Flat Belly Diet" a go. My sister started on it last week, I'm not sure how it's gone for her (need to call her tonight), but overall - how bad could it be? It's like 1600 calories, well balanced, and promises to banish belly fat, whilst eating more - fat. How bad could it be? I'm going to read the book all the way through before I start though. It's best I know what I'm doing if I'm going to apply myself seriously to it.

Anyway, besides that, I've decided that I need more sleep, and a balanced approach to exercise. Therefore, instead of the hardcore 30 minutes of cardio every single day, on top of walking and Yoga...

I shall follow this routine...

Monday - Walk to and from work, do 30 minutes of cardio at lunch.

Tuesday - Walk to and from work, do 60 minutes of Yoga at home.

Wednesday - Walk to and from work, do 30 minutes of cardio at lunch.

Thursday - Walk to and from work, do 60 minutes of Yoga at home.

Friday - Walk to and from work.

Saturday - 60 minutes of Yoga at home, walk to and from the grocery store.

Sunday - Walk to and from church


Simple enough? I think so. How hard could that be? The hard part is going to be sleep... I remember some time ago, my friend Natalie who is a Dietician told me that when you get at least 7 hours of sleep a night, then certain chemicals (leptin and grehlin) are released which help you to lose weight. (in a manner of speaking) Plus, I have found that when I don't get enough sleep, I'm cranky, unhappy, unhealthy, and stressed out. Kalms have been helpful, but nothing replaces sleep. Yoga should help with feeling less stressed too.

Bad stress is bad. Bad. Bad. As time goes on, I think I'm going to face more of this bad stress. Therefore, I better get my routine going now so that I can have the tools to face it.

I need to spend less time at my computer as well, and more time reading. I have a lot of reading to catch up on. When I start school, (hopefully in March - if all works out) then I'll definitely have to spend less time at the computer and more time reading, or perhaps more reading at the computer, and less social networking. Well, regardless - I need more balance. Balance is what I'm going to get.

Same Old... New Name?

It's 11 pm, and this is the first chance I've had to sit down and write a blog entry today. Life gets continually busier, but you know - it feels fulfilled. I find, that the busier I get, the less chance I have of getting myself into trouble. I just feel better overall when I keep busy. Not over-busy, I mean - too much stuff creates the bad kind of stress. I hope I don't push myself to that point, but good stress is very helpful I find.



My sister called me today, she says I need to look into this "Flat Belly Diet". She's going to give it a go. I'm not one for fad diets, but there are an awful lot of people out there that swear by this one. I don't know, someone needs to tell me what I did before. I seem to have a difficult time finding the right balance between exercise and diet. I may be exercising too much. Perhaps am not doing the right kind of exercise. My diet definitely could be improved, but at the moment is entirely dependent on my budget. Which really isn't an excuse. I eat healthy for the most part, but if someone is going to give me free food, I'm certainly not going to turn it away...

Speaking of this, the ladies at church have asked me to speak to them about how I lost weight before... what I did, and what was the connection I made in my head that finally got me to change my lifestyle. I haven't planned exactly what I'm going to say to them, but I hope to be able to convey to them exactly the sort of motivation that I had in the beginning, and in doing so - re-motivate myself to do something differently. Because whatever I'm doing doesn't seem to help. The more exercise I do, the bigger my thighs seem to get. It is rather defeating...

I will try to muster motivation to motivate others, but it is difficult just now. Ah well, I'm still reasonably healthy at least...

Time Again For Resolutions.....

Remember that movie? I guess we're not living in space stations on the moon or any other exotic places in the solar system for that matter. A bit behind in our progression I'd say. Nonetheless, 2010 is now upon us.

I thought that since I've spent most of the week thinking about all that transpired in 2009, and what I'd like to accomplish in 2010, that I'd share my resolutions with you. I write resolutions every year, and even though I often don't accomplish everything on the list, something about writing them down keeps me focused enough to accomplish at least some things. So, I'd call that successful. Remember the other day when I said I'd try to set a resolution to blog every single day? Well, after the last week of planning things for my new calling as Primary President, and anticipating the other things that I'll be busy with in 2010, I don't think that's possible, however - I've kept the blog in mind whilst planning my resolutions. So, without further delay, here they are...

Becky's Resolutions 2010

Health:
I will practice Yoga for an hour – at least 3 days a week
I will do 30 minutes of some sort of Cardio exercise 6 Days a week
I will not eat Candy at all, except for Dark Chocolate and Crystallized Ginger at my discretion
I will eat a Healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables as usual

(these go in line with goals written earlier this month)

Spirituality:
I will study at least 1 chapter of Scriptures every day
I will offer up sincere prayer every night and throughout the day (never could master morning prayers - always fell asleep)
I will attend the temple more often in 2010, aiming for March as the first trip. (travel is expensive)
I will give every bit of attention I can to my calling as Primary President, and give each child individualized attention according to their needs

Education:
I will set aside time (at least a couple of hours) every day except Sunday to study and work on my University Course
I will do everything I can to keep a first class Honours standing

Personal:
I will write a Blog entry once a week (on Sunday)
I will go to all church activities and meet as many people as I can
I will look into the Capoeira class and other classes where I can meet new people.

So, there you have it - Resolutions 2010. I have to say - the health goals are particularly in the fore-front of my mind (as usual) - as people have been posting pictures of me on facebook that I am NOT happy with. I know that the camera adds like 10 pounds, but still - I'm feeling quite uncomfortable with those pictures. So, as soon as I'm back to the office, regular routine ensues.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am to start a new year... when I was young, I used to think that New Year's was a stupid holiday that was over-hyped. Now that I'm older, I get excited about starting fresh every year. I think it's a great holiday.

Tomorrow night, I'm going to the Hogmanay Ceilidh at the church - which should get me into exercise mode - as Ceilidh = workout.

Happy Hogmanay everyone!

How Becky Got Her Groove Back...

Well, it's been a week of being back on the wagon...

I seriously feel like I've got my groove back. I feel amazing. It's all due to exercise and good nutrition. Maybe that's what I've been missing all of these months. I've been slightly... down in the mouth for a while now. I blamed it on being single, and the usual depressing things. Apparently all I needed (not that I don't still need the other things) was good nutrition and exercise.

Life is pretty good this week I have to say. I shall continue my ride on the wagon to wellness and fitness. I have not weighed myself, nor will I. I have no idea what progress I've made this week weight-wise. I have to say though - looking and feeling fairly hot.

Roll on wagon train...

Back On The Wagon

I have no idea how much I weigh at this moment, and I'm not going to find out. Sufficeth to say though, I'm not too impressed with my physical situation at the moment, because my clothes are starting to not fit, and I can't afford to buy new clothes. So, the answer is...

BACK ON THE WAGON

However, I've decided to keep the rules simple this time around.

Rule 1: I will not weigh myself at all (for at least a year)

Rule 2: I will eat no candy except dark chocolate and crystallized ginger (and then sparingly)

Rule 3: I will do Yoga at least 3 times a week

Rule 4: I will do 30 minutes of cardio 6 days a week. (Running, Cycling, or Fast Walking)

I think my eating habits are fairly normal other than that, so I'm going to keep everything else the same, and continue to try to eat healthy overall. Christmas is coming, and I've still got the mound of Birthday Candy to conquer, so that may prove difficult, however - I CAN DO IT. As I have proven before. I just need to remember that. Plus, I can't afford new clothes.

The Green Smoothie Experiment

So, I've been trying this new thing for about a couple of months now. My friend Pam in Australia told me about it, and I thought - you know the idea is sound, it makes sense, so why not give it a go?

Check out this link... (link)

The idea in it's simplicity is to take a cup of fruit of some kind, (I use mixed berries usually because their full of anti-oxidants) 2 or 3 big handfuls of something green and leafy, a cup of water, maybe a banana, maybe some honey, perhaps a bit of spice (I've been experimenting with cinnamon); put it all in a blender and drink it.

I have to say, I'm really impressed overall with how I look, feel, and generally live now that I'm on the green smoothies.

I admit, when I first went to the website, I thought - ok, what's all this? Is this some sort of pyramid scheme or something? Or an opportunity for someone to sell my e-mail address? Truth is, it absolutely isn't. These people just want to give out recipes for green smoothies. I signed up and received loads of recipes for Green smoothies. I didn't follow them though if I'm honest about it. They did give me some interesting ideas for what to put into my smoothies though. I mean, these people live in Australia, and they have every fruit/vegetable known to human kind available to them. I live in Scotland, I've got Spinach, Kale, and dark green lettuce. Plus, it can get expensive to buy all kinds of exotic fruits.

Simply done, I've been using frozen berries bought at Tesco for £1.29, putting them into my 1000 watt blender with 3 big handfuls of spinach or kale, water, banana, honey (just a touch), and cinnamon. I usually save a small container for the morning, but I've been taking the entire thing for supper. (that's me replacing meals again - I can do that since I only answer to myself) You don't have to replace meals though, you can just add it to your normal every day diet, and still reap the benefits. It's amazing.

My skin, hair, and overall energy level, health, cravings, cholesterol, GI tract (loads of fibre) have improved immensely. You should give it a go for a month, and see what happens for you. It's amazing really.

That's what I've been doing lately with my diet. Regular, normal healthy eating for Breakfast, and Lunch, extra healthy Green smoothie for dinner. I've also been trying really hard to keep up the Yoga. I have to say, those two things combined are seriously powerful...

2 Simple Things

I just finished my Yoga Practice tonight. It's the first time I've done Yoga since April 11th - so that's 10 days without Yoga - even though I keep telling myself that I'll do it every day. Well, today and for the last week really - I haven't felt like myself. Unfortunately, I have not been blessed with normal body chemistry, so when I take something out of the "magical formula" for weight loss I've been doing over the last 3 years - unbeknownst to me (until I REALLY notice it), it seriously affects my overall well being. Weight loss is only a side benefit from practicing Yoga really.

I think it does something with the glands when you do those twists, balances, etc - like squeezes them, or energizes them or something - but somehow - good chemistry comes out of it.

I feel 100 times better now than I did on my walk home today. Clearly - for me that means - walking is not as beneficial for me as Yoga is. Walking for 2 - 40 minute intervals every single day actually may trigger Hyper-Cortisol production. Anyway, I'm seeing the Doctor on Thursday to see if we can change something (medication perhaps) - because I've been gaining weight and suffering other unpleasant symptoms. There is no normal explanation for me doing so (as I really haven't changed that much about my lifestyle with the exception of a few "emotional eating" days - which was likely a product of the disease as well.) So, I've decided that instead of making a grand scheme/plan for weight loss - I shall do two simple things. My lifestyle is fine in every other way (as far as I'm concerned). I shall...

1. Do at least a little Yoga every single day. (7 days a week) I shall perhaps make up a spreadsheet with tick boxes to remind myself that I haven't done it yet for the day - so that it gets done.

2. Cut out refined sugar entirely from my diet. I shall use Honey, and bake good stuff from time to time, but as far as Candy, Juice, Pop, and Cakes go - they are out - in their entirety. They are like poison to my body. We all know this is true. It's as dangerous to me as pouring Battery Acid down my throat. (ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it is very detrimental to my health)

I just have to accept that I'm not like other people, and I can't live the lifestyle other people live. (especially not in this country) Therefore, I have determined to do these two things.

What I've Been Up To...

Well, it's been almost a month since I blogged last, so I thought I'd give an update as to what I've been doing, and how I've been going with the goals set in my last blog...



The goals, umm - haven't gone great. It's really hard to keep to conventional diet goals when so much good food is around. I'm not even speaking of the grease-fare that Scottish people call food. I'm speaking of my dear friends and their excellent regular healthy-ish cooking - which I seem to have no will to turn down, and of course I must have seconds. Then there's the chocolate. Gaaaaaarrrrrr, the chocolate. However, I have come to a conclusion that as long as my clothes continue to fit, and as long as I'm comfortable with my body, then the scale can go to hell. That's right - no more weighing. I'm still going to try to eat healthy and do Yoga every day, and obviously will walk to work and all of that (because that's part of my normal every day life), but I'm not going to lose sleep over weight gained - simply because there are so many factors involved in weight gain. There's muscle (which I seem to have a lot of lately), and there's stupid monthly hormone nonsense, and other things. I'm not saying I'm not rolly - I'm definitely a little rolly, so obviously something needs to change. It can all be taken care of, however, by small, consistent changes. So - there is my update on weight loss. (or rather fat maintenance)

Other than that, I've been working away at the University. I'm now on a temporary contract at the School I've been working with until September - so that's a good thing. I've had 3 major interviews for permanent positions over the last 3 weeks - each of which lead to me being unsuccessful in obtaining the positions. However, I'm learning. I will find something permanent soon-ish, and my foot is in the door now (I'm an actual University employee), so hopefully that will work in my favor.



Steve, Sue Anne, and I have been planting a garden!!!! That's the most exciting thing I have to report today. Sue Anne lives in this fantastic little cottage with a tiny bit of land at the back, so we have decided to plant food and reap the benefits. So exciting. I am contributing Purple Carrots, White Carrots, and Yellow Beets; and I found on the University weekly newsletter "2 year old" Rhubarb Plants - which we planted yesterday and hope to get at least a few excellent pies and/or crumbles out of this fall. We have also planted Blue and Red Potatoes, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, and Leeks. I am also using the lovely seeds which mbfm sent me for Christmas. Thanks mbfm. Missing you. So, yes sir - we are going to have a lovely harvest this year. We're also doing Tomatoes, and Peppers (in a wee greenhouse), and other items which we haven't actually entirely decided on yet. It turns out we have loads of room, so we'll make the most of it. I will have to take some pictures. I wish I had taken before pictures because we really had to (and still have to) turn a fair bit of sod. We're sod-turning machines. When I'm at Sue Anne's next weekend I'll take some pictures of our lovely little garden in progress.

Nothing to report in the Social department. Sorry to disappoint. I have lots of lovely friends, though - dating prospects are apparently scarce, or shy, or something. It makes it more difficult apparently because I'm old. Not too worried though, I'm having fun with my friends.

Still haven't made the trip south to visit my family - but in a few months I hope to feel semi-secure enough financially to do so.

That's all I have for now, but thought I should at least write something - as I know people do actually read this from time to time.

I'm Slightly Alarmed!!!

Oh my giddy freaking aunt!!!!!!!

I just weighed myself - and I'm going to reveal to you - just what the scale said - brace yourselves!!!!!!!

189 pounds

that's right - 189!!!!

Granted, I'm just coming off of the monthlies, so am probably retaining water (too much information, but you women understand and need to know these things), and am pretty muscular from the hill walking, but I am DEFINITELY feeling slightly more flabby. Ok, a lot more flabby, and also - my trousers are tighter, and my underwear too. What to do? What to do?

Ok, determination time. I am making a determination.

To determine to do something means - to decide. I have determined to...

Eat chocolate - only once a week - on a Friday - set day so that I don't forget whether or not I have had it that week. Also, only a small amount - and dark.

Do Yoga - every single day. That's right - every day. It doesn't have to be the hour long session, but the hour long should be done 3 times a week.

I will find a meal replacement, and replace my evening meal with it. A good quality one with lots of protein, and fibre, and good nutrients. I know meal replacements are not the natural way of doing things, but they can be helpful - especially when the situation is this dire.

No more of the fancy cheeses that I've been eating. Just because cheese is cheap in this country, it doesn't mean I have to eat it every single day. Ok, limiting my cheese intake to like - 3 slices a day.

Sugar - it's the devil. I've been noticing that I've been getting headaches - every time I eat sugar. I'm concerned that I'm sliding along on the border of Diabetes. It's quite possible for someone with my condition. They're connected. I need to lessen my refined sugar intake. Only Honey from here on in, and even then, not that much. Honey is good, and I SWEAR, it is the only thing preventing this cold from really taking a hold over me. No more devil sugar. Though, EVERY SINGLE THING in this country has added sugar in it, and the sweeteners without sugar in them are carcinogenic. They use some which are banned in Canada. Sigh, you really can't win. So, candy (even the ginger - sigh) is out. I'm going to the sink this very minute, and pouring out my remaining Ginger Beer. Gaaaaaaahhh!!!!

Right, that's done - egats that was hard, but I feel better. Yes, sugar is a definite culprit for this weight gain. Oh my?!?! What will I do when Brian gives me candy to eat through church next time? I shall have to hide it, and not eat it, and hand it over to a friend after. Steve, you will now be eating all of my Brian candy. Don't tell Brian.

Still hill walking to and from work - so will have to eat something substantial - like almonds, and something with fibre in it before I begin my trek home. Then when I get home, I shall eat my meal replacement. Hopefully I can find a good one.

That's the initial plan for determinations - that's a lot to begin with, so - we'll start there. Best to start with a few things.

Hold me to it. Check up on me. PLEASE.

Thanks

"Fight or Flight", Hills, and My Massive Thunder Thighs...

I think this is my problem...

http://www.advance-health.com/cortisol.html

It's either cortisol over-production, due to the "fight or flight" response being overactive; or mass muscle growth, combined with other hormonal imbalances. Freaking Hormones...

Men have it so easy, all they have to do is eat less and exercise. With us, it's some sort of battle, it's like - our bodies want us to retain fat. Likely they do. Something about reproduction or the like. I think all of the mass hill walking I'm doing to and from work every day combined with my slightly increased appetite (normal food, just increased slightly) has made it extra difficult for me to lose weight, and in fact, I am gaining it. Gaaah!!!! I mean, I'm not giving up the hill walking. I love my therapeutic walks to and from work, and being a Dundonian and all of that. I love it. Plus, eventually, it has to work in my favor right? I mean, I feel great otherwise... just heavy. Why does it always have to be an uphill battle for me? Right, just venting, but as you can see, (at the right) I've decided to ignore my scale. I suppose I shall have to live with my thunder thighs for now. My trousers are tighter and everything. I would take a picture, but I'm sure you don't want to see my huge tree-trunk thighs. Remember when I was biking 40 km to and from work? That didn't last long either, mainly because of the same reason - concern that if I continued, I might develop massive thighs. Well, I'm not giving up my hills. It's healthy, it's cheap travel (free travel), and it's therapeutic. So, I suppose I shall have to learn to live with it and stop complaining.

Perhaps I should take the perspective of this Nike ad on...

The New "Hill Factored" Plan

So, since starting the new job, and realizing that it is really a pretty huge work-out walking to work and back every day - what with all those hills; I have decided to alter the weight-loss plan a little. I have been burning up the calories, let me tell you, and am developing some killer thighs. I got home yesterday - literally with a self-digesting stomach, and decided that I needed to eat something quick. Unfortunately I ate the wrong thing, and too quickly - apparently my stomach had shrunk to nothing - due to increased metabolizing of the contents. My stomach was not happy with what I had done to it, what with filling it so quickly and all, and I had a wicked stomach ache the rest of the night. I'm surprised I actually got to sleep to be honest with you.

So, long story short, I am adjusting the plan. Marsha (and my knees) will be happy to hear that I will no longer be running. Also, I have acquired a video that my best friend suggested called - Turbo Jam which she swears has really tightened up her abs like you wouldn't believe. That seems to be one of my trouble areas for certain, so I'm going to give that a go. I haven't dropped into the library for a class once, and to be honest, it interrupts my walking time, so I probably won't now. New plan, as mentioned before will be...

EXERCISE

- 3 times a week - 1 hour of Yoga
- 2 times a week - Turbo Jam
- Walking/Biking to get everywhere for Transportation (this one's also financial - 2 purposes)

DIET

- Eat 3 meals a day at meal times (this is really important for metabolism) with healthy snacks when hungry.
- Light meal for Dinner (example - toast and eggs, or salad, or cereal)
- Front load calories (Dayna's term) - Have most of my calories during the am - because in reality you need more calories to get through the day, and virtually none to get you through sleep - and you really don't want those extra calories sitting there when you do go to sleep because it just gets stored to fat. Don't be afraid to go to bed hungry - it's actually better in my opinion.
- Get plenty of Fibre and Essential Fatty Acids - Fibre and EFA's carry out excess Hormones and also lowers LDL levels. Excess hormones often are the problem with women trying to lose weight - a lot of women (like me) are Insulin Resistant which makes it harder to metabolize food.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day - flushing toxins and keeping hydrated is really important and also aids in digestion.
- Gum Chewing also can't hurt in aiding digestion in my opinion - I don't know if there's any scientific proof of that, but I find it helps me.
- Get the daily requirement of 5 fruit and veg a day (in fact more is helpful) - this also adds to fibre intake.

The diet, as you can see - remains pretty much the same. However, tonight I strayed from that as well, I must admit - again my stomach was pretty empty, but I was sensible. I went to my local chippy - "Gigi's" FANTASTIC selection, I must say, friendly people, reasonably priced, and overall, a great experience. Tasty food too. Though, that will not be every day, it was a pleasant break from the every day eating experience.

So, yes, this is the plan as adjusted. I found that most of last year, this adjusting occured quite frequently according to my needs. You can do that you know, in fact it's a good idea because it shakes things up, and your body doesn't get into a routine. It's important to be realistic as well, and perhaps I wasn't factoring in the massive hilled streets of Dundee. It takes 40 minutes give or take for me to walk to work - which is infinitely better than an hour of traffic in Calgary. I love my life.

P.S. I promise that I will start taking pictures of my new world. I keep forgetting. It's fun to just live for a bit and not be "obsessive picture taking Becky".

The Plan For The Last 20 - Written Out

So, yes I have written out my resolutions for 2009. The first one - of course - being on my mind as I rolled away from the Dinner Table has to do with weight loss and general Health, the second one had to do with careers and finances, and the third one was personal - sound familiar? These are likely the same sorts of resolutions that people all over the world have written up for themselves, and write every year. I'm not going to bore you with my financial goals, but here in detail for those of you who are trying to get in shape are my plans to remove the last 20 pounds of excess fat from my body...

As many of you know - I have lost 100 odd pounds over the last 3 years. The truth is - it's a lot easier to lose 100 pounds than it is to lose 20. Your body knows it shouldn't have 100 extra pounds on it, so when you make efforts to lose it, your body complies - in stages of loss and plateau. When I weighed myself last at Junes (after the feasting) I was at about 173. I don't actually own a scale at the moment, but will have to purchase one. My initial goal when I went on this journey of weight loss was 150, and I never did reach it. The best I got to was 160. So, because it's a new year, and a new beginning, I have decided that this is it - I WILL lose 20 pounds, and I will reach my goal of 150 pounds. I have decided it, and therefore it will happen. It will happen because of what I will do to make it happen.

Here in detail is what I will do to make it happen, and if you want to, you can follow my outline with your own variations of what you are comfortable with...

EXERCISE

- 3 times a week - 1 hour of Yoga
- 2 times a week - 30 minutes of Running (don't worry Marsha, I'll do intervals)
- 2 times a week - TKO class/Keep Fit class at local Library
- Walking/Biking to get everywhere for Transportation (this one's also financial - 2 purposes)

DIET

- Eat 3 meals a day at meal times (this is really important for metabolism) with healthy snacks when hungry.
- Light meal for Dinner (example - toast and eggs, or salad, or cereal)
- Front load calories (Dayna's term) - Have most of my calories during the am - because in reality you need more calories to get through the day, and virtually none to get you through sleep - and you really don't want those extra calories sitting there when you do go to sleep because it just gets stored to fat. Don't be afraid to go to bed hungry - it's actually better in my opinion.
- Get plenty of Fibre and Essential Fatty Acids - Fibre and EFA's carry out excess Hormones and also lowers LDL levels. Excess hormones often are the problem with women trying to lose weight - a lot of women (like me) are Insulin Resistant which makes it harder to metabolize food.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day - flushing toxins and keeping hydrated is really important and also aids in digestion.
- Gum Chewing also can't hurt in aiding digestion in my opinion - I don't know if there's any scientific proof of that, but I find it helps me.
- Get the daily requirement of 5 fruit and veg a day (in fact more is helpful) - this also adds to fibre intake.

So that's everything I can think of at the moment to do for accomplishing my goals. Remember when making your own goals to make them realistic. For me - these requirements are not that far off of what I do already so it's not that much of a stretch for me. A week and a half of being idle and eating lots of food that I don't normally has made me a bit rusty, but the body has an excellent memory, and everything should jump back into routine soon-ish. So, good luck friends - let's get at it. Wish me luck. I'm back onto weighing - once I buy a scale.

Julie's Genius Creation

So, I had a list today of apparently 79 items in which to buy at the store. I went to the Tesco, and started looking for the items one by one. It turns out that it's quite difficult to find specific items in a store that is unknown to me in a foreign-ish country. So - 2 and a half hours later, I found everything - except the toothpicks, and then, ordered a cab to bring me home to my flat. I now have ingredients and tools for making Choclava, Bran Muffins, Mulligatawny, and a lovely Lemon Berry Loaf, among other things. So, what was the first real thing besides tuna melt and eggs I cooked in my flat? Choclava!!! This is a fantastic recipe invented by Julie Van Rosendaal which has now become my favorite low-fat, low-cal cookie - simply because it really doesn't taste low fat or low calorie at all, and it's so very very choclatey. Mmmmmmm. The picture above isn't mine, I stole it from Julie's site. Hope you don't mind Julie. I give you all the credit though. You are the genius who created them. Anyway, yeah - made Choclava, and now my whole flat smells like Chocolate. It is fantastic. I was all ready to go to bed by the way - about an hour ago, but then got up to check something online, and now here I find myself blogging. Ah, it's a ripple effect. I ended up staying up until 3 last night, just catching up with email, etc. This is a habit which I shall have to nip in the bud. Especially since I have 2 interviews for jobs next week, and will start work/real life soon. I think I'm going to head down to Tayside Recyclers tomorrow and see about finding a bed, and maybe a hand mixer. I saw a hand mixer at the Tesco, but couldn't justify the 10 pounds it cost. (still haven't got that button for the pound symbol - gaah) There's a chance I might go with friends for sushi in St. Andrew's on Saturday afternoon. Fingers crossed it all goes through because we all know I love Sushi. Yes, things are coming together here for me. One thing at a time. I honestly feel at peace - weird, but true. No job, living in a foreign-ish country, living in a flat all by myself without furniture. Feeling great.

Learned - A Painful Lesson

Drug Dealer - thy name is CRAVE!!!

This blog may contain negative words - it's the sugar talking. So, as you know, yesterday was my first crave experience. It was overall pleasant, however, today I thought I'd be brave and try again because - I don't do guilt, and there they were - sitting there - waiting for me to come and buy and eat. I figure it's quite sensible to buy one now and then. 2 days in a row may be pushing it, however - thought I'd give it a try again. I now wish I had payed attention to the forboding feeling telling me not to. Well, I went in there - it was the end of the day, and for some - very strange reason - they had surplus cupcakes. I guess she said they were about to sell out, but got one last shipment in from the bakery (which is elsewhere in the city I take it). So, instead of throwing them out, she offered me one free one to go with the one I bought. I thought - ooh - that's not a good idea, however, I relented - thinking I would wait until tomorrow - at breakfast to enjoy it. I believe breakfast may actually be the best time to eat high calorie foods. However, the second one didn't last until morning - no indeed. After I had enjoyed the first one - which was the CraveOLicious - I guess - their signature cupcake. Chocolate cupcake smothered in blue vanilla icing...



I apparently had to have the second one. Why not? It's only a cupcake - for crying out loud. So, I had the Lemon-lime twist one that I had hoped to save until morning. It's a white lemon cupcake with creamy green lime butter icing...



Immediately after I finished my second cupcake - I had the full feeling in my stomach - the one which feels like a little bit too much. Apparently it was a lot too much - because my head started spinning out of control about 10 minutes later. No, I don't have diabetes, I am insulin resistant, but have managed to avoid the big D. You would think I was having a major high blood sugar though, considering how bad I felt. Now I'm completely dead - totally crashed right out. Basically, I feel like I had a really bad acid trip - not that I know what a bad acid trip feels like - but let's call this Becky's bad acid trip shall we?

I guess - my body doesn't tolerate large quantities of refined sugar anymore. I used to work with a lady - some of you may remember - who made these AMAZING sugar cookies for every single holiday. They were the kind that were really good sugar cookies to begin with, but were smothered in the most elaborate icing designs - that made you want to gobble their pretty little selves right up. I used to be able to sit and eat about a dozen without blinking an eye. They were quite large too. Well, I suppose I should be happy to be able to say that I really can't tolerate large quantities of sugar anymore. However, I do wish I didn't feel so awful right now. I guess I've learned my lesson.

Yes, this is a prime example of how enjoying your food is very important. Enjoying the eating part, and also enjoying the digesting. If you're not enjoying one or the other of these parts, then - I guess you know your answer as to whether or not you should eat it.

I think I need some Ibuprofen. I'm in so much pain. My head actually hurts. I must go and drink LARGE quantities of water now...

My Behind Will Thank Me For Taking Transit Tomorrow...

Report on first day of biking commute... Well, it was pretty good really. I mean, I am obviously more out of shape than I thought. I'm not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, I'm healthy, but alas, there is much needed in the training department. So, 20 km to work, took me about an hour and a half. I had to walk her up 2 hills, and across one huge slab of ice across the path. My chain fell off once, but snapped that puppy right back on there. It was really enjoyable over all, and it was nice to be among the morning outdoorsy folk - feeling like - one of them. That was really nice. Plus, it was nice to be among the little scurrying things. I almost gave this little chipmunk a heart attack as I came around the corner - poor thing. Yes, the ride to work was lovely. Though - I did complain about my behind hurting ALL DAY (among other things). This particular part made me dread the ride home, and the pain that would be inflicted by it. So, 4:00 came around, and I hopped on, wincingly, but I was on my way. The way home took me 2 hours instead of the nice hour and a half, and again, had to walk her up a couple of hills, (learned how to avoid the ice flow) But, I did survive, and for that, I am grateful. I realize that this is only due to the prayers I offered before the ride. So grateful. Tomorrow, my behind WILL thank me for taking transit.

Bisphenol A Rant!!!!! (do not read if you don't want to see the angry Becky)

Today's news release from Health Canada can be found here...
Other articles about it have me more than a little concerned. Though it is the concern that comes from knowing something when it's too late.

Globe and Mail
Yahoo Canada News
CTV News
Washington Post

So, some of you may remember my post on the day I replaced my nalgene with a lovely Stainless Steel number which I bought at MEC. Apparently, I should have done that a lot sooner, like perhaps 8 years sooner. It seems ludicrous to think that every person living on the planet ought to sue the idiots that decided that it would be a good idea to put a toxic chemical into everything we eat from, drink from, and live off of; but the idea tempts me a little when I think about how my life could have been a lot different if I had not been hormonally disrupted by bisphenol A. I obviously won't, as seriously - it would be every person on the planet; but I'm really angry after hearing how serious the situation is in today's news. It's been in baby bottles - we're poisoning them at birth. My stupid dental sealants (which my best friend ignorantly convinced me I needed in order to protect my teeth) has it in them. I honestly feel a little violated knowing that it is permanently planted in my mouth. (I wonder if my dentist can remove them? - doubtful) Also, it makes me think about all those young, healthy patients we had on the Urology unit that came in because they needed their testicle removed due to cancer. Healthy young men in the prime of life - they eat healthy, they exercise, they do everything they should - probably drinking lots of water out of their stupid Nalgene Water Bottles which took over for the Lexan milk bottles which their mothers ignorantly fed them from. There were some who didn't make it. There's more cancer than ever out there. I don't know one person who hasn't been affected by it. I myself lost 2 loved ones in the last 3 years to it (I miss you Gram and Speedy). Where is all this cancer coming from? Well, we know that smoking causes cancer, and unhealthy living (bad diet and lack of exercise), even alcohol intake leads to cancer, and of course, NOW we know that Bisphenol A causes cancer. What else are we being poisoned with unknowingly? Who flipping knows? This is why I've started eating organic. You know, besides the cancer, this toxin has done more damage than people are aware. Did you know... (I've blogged about it before, so if you've read them, then you know) that 10% of women in the world suffer from a disease called Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome? More women than ever in the history of the world. I myself am a victim, and do you know why now? Because of hormone disrupters like Bisphenol A, and who knows what else out there in the environment?! Life could have been so much easier had I not had to suffer through it, but I did, and you know the truth is, I'm stronger for it, and now am trying to reverse the symptoms; but it leaves me with a little bit of anger inside thinking that someone somewhere knew what this would do, and probably didn't care enough because they knew they could make a lot of money from a plastic that was hard and "unbreakable" in nature. Grrrr, I curse you and people like you - the conspiring men who make our lives difficult because of the love of filthy lucre. I know - this is the angry side of me that most people don't get to see, but it's there, and it's fierce, and if those conspiring men were standing in front of me right now, there's no telling what I might do to them. Enough of angry Becky. Avoid plastic period (if possible), but more than any other - avoid the dreaded (7) and (3) type plastic. (Look on the bottom of your containers)


This video deserves a revisit. It's very liberating to watch.

By the way, here is the American Chemistry Council's response to Health Canada's announcement today. Note that this is the industry association that represents Bisphenol A manufacturers, and that no Bisphenol A is made in Canada.