Biggest Loser "Where Are They Now?"

Biggest Loser came up when we were on the machines yesterday, so I thought this link from Yahoo was timely.

http://tv.yahoo.com/falltv/photos/where-are-they-now/352

They only have recaps for 5 people, one of which doesn't have a current photo and who admits that he hasn't had the same success in keeping the weight off since leaving the ranch.

Mendy - I noticed that on the show's site, you can watch the first episode online. http://nbc.com/biggestloser

And when he spotted Jillian standing on various contestants as they were doing wall work, my husband turned to me and asked if that's what happens at the community center on Mondays. :)

I have a love/hate relationship with this show. I love watching it for motivation and I always look for someone who is my height and starting weight as motivation (Heba is it this time around.) I think the transitions that they're able to undergo are so amazing, and I have to have tissues close by while watching because I can empathize with what they're going through.

But I really hate the message that it sends about losing weight in general. The ranch setting is just so insular. All they have to do every day is concentrate on losing weight - no jobs, no families or friends, no daily pressures or household schedules to contend with. I've gone through a few cycles of the show where my Weight Watchers meetings will have an increase in new members, but when they don't drop big, double-digits numbers in the first few weeks like they do on the show, they stop trying and quit. It's frustrating, but I know weight loss is something that a person has to be ready to commit time and effort to.

Just my $.02... :)

Heart Rate Monitor Website

As discussed at the end of our AM group today, here's the website that I got my monitor at: http://heartratemonitorsusa.com/

I have the Polar F6. I've seen them sold at a few different places, but the price points at this website is the lowest I've found since it doesn't charge sales tax and ships free using UPS. GALAXY as a coupon code should give you 10% off.

I chose this one because the chest strap is coded so it doesn't pick up interference from another monitor or machine. It also has a file section that stores workout information (time spent, average/highest heart rate, calories burned) and I get a weekly summary every Monday of my total calorie expenditure for the previous week.

One thing to keep in mind when looking at these is to get one is customizable for gender, height, weight and age (that way your calories burned will be closer to target) and that will display calories burned. Some heart rate monitors will only display the heart rate and don't have the kcal calculation function. Which is fine if you're aiming to stay in a certain heart rate zone, but I get motivated from seeing that kcal number increase!!

Navel to Spine! Navel to Spine!

Kashi

I was on Kashi's web site and they have 30 or so recipice to make things even cookies(with 60 cal.) and an apple dessert. thought you might like to check it out.

fractionated palm kernal oil

I have read about this on several lables especally bars and stuff like that I did not know anything about it so here is what I found. this article on fit sugar.com just so everyone else has the info. it is not as bad as hydrogenated but is not the best either.
Label Able: Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil
Wed, 03/26/2008 - 8:45am by FitSugar

Recently, while reading the ingredients of an energy bar, I came across the term "fractionated" and it was modifying an oil – palm kernel oil to be exact. Well, I know that palm kernel is 86 percent saturated fat, that is the bad kind of fat, and I wondered if this "fractionating" process was akin to hydrogenating. Since deciphering a nutrition label can be so tricky these days, I wanted to make sure no one was pulling the wool over my eyes or that there were no new code words to watch out for.It turns out I was being overly paranoid, but just a bit. Fractionating oil is not the same as hydrogenating it, but it does make the oil less healthy rather than more. The process, most commonly used on palm and palm kernel oil, involves heating then cooling the oil so it separates into fractions, hence the name. The thicker fractions have a higher melting point and are more stable, making them perfect for keeping chocolate coatings from melting. Fractionated palm kernel oil contains a higher concentration of saturated fat than regular palm kernel oil, which would be the reason you want to avoid fractionated oil. It is commonly found in energy bars, especially those coated with chocolate or flavored icing.
The ranking of palm oils healthiest to least, goes like this:
Palm oil
Palm kernel oil
Fractionated palm oil of either variety

Plastic Surgery, How bout good ole Exercise?

I am not sure how many of you have the time to watch television during the day, but I wanted to share with you a newer show that is on NBC (Ch.41 Direct TV) @ 1:00p.m. M-F called, "The Doctors" if you have Tivo this might be a show to add to your list. Anywho, this show is really interesting and provides a lot of information about really great issues concerning health, exercise, pregnancy, etc. I wanted to share with you quickly about an episode I watched about plastic surgery.

There was this girl on the show who had a Lipo procedure at the AGE OF 12! I couldn't believe it! Both her parents were on the show (noting they were both quite slim) defending her and a quote from her father was, "My daughter was FAT and OVERWEIGHT and no diet or pills helped her, and the belly tuck thing was too expensive" HA! Can you believe that! Why isn't he telling her to get in the gym and how to eat better. She is wanting to have another surgery to get her down to a size 4. Of course the doctors on the show help to show the risks and why this isn't the right way to go. The girl stated she wanted to look like 'Jessica Simpson or Anna Nicole' I thought this was really interesting and a great point in our 'plastic celeb world' What happened to good ole exercise?

Same colors, new look

Today I changed the background....it was too cloudy and hard to read. Hope you like the new look. I love pink and black together!!!

Alternating upper/lower body workouts?

Mendy - should we vary our workouts from day to day to allow muscle groups time to rest? Or aim for a mix of cardio and over-all strength training every day?

I'm off to do some planks and push-ups now. Hopefully the boy won't think I'm a vaulting horse and attempt to add 36 pounds to my weight load... :)

What Do 300 Calorie Meals Look Like?

I was trying to come up with some ideas to plan a menu based on my new calorie goal (I always do better at anything with a plan...), and I came across this article that I found both interesting & eyeopening - especially the part that states that the average American consumes 3,800 calories a day! WOW! There's also several meal ideas that I thought sounded pretty good and balanced. Check it out at http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2007/04/26/what_do_300_calorie_meals_look_like.php

Confession of a personal trainer........

I would suggest that you only go out to eat one time like on the weekends. It will help your health and will help your budget. I agree with Andrea...who really knows what they are putting in that food. I find it hard to count my calories when eating out. We really try to keep it to a minimum. Here is one thing you can do when eating out.....split your meal with a kid or with your husband. Dennis and I split meals all the time. In fact, the other night, when we were carbing up for our marathon ( that didn't happen), he told me to get my own pasta...I was like, "are you kidding me?'' I knew that I wouldn't be able to eat it all. Sure enough, I could hardly finish 1/2 of the dish. When going to eat always substitute fries for steamed veggies!!! Eat all your veggies first, then eat 1/2 of your meat and 1/2 of your starch. Take the other 1/2 home for your snack the next day. I can't say it enough....small meals all day is the key!!!!!

Here are a few of my favorite things to eat when going out:
http://www.panerabread.com/pdf/nutr-guide.pdf

black bean soup w/ ww bread
french onion soup w/o cheese and croutons w/ ww bread
lowfat veggie soup w/ ww bread
fresh fruit cup
classic salad

http://www.applebees.com/Menu_WW.aspx

On that note...The other day I was sitting in the Hobby Lobby parking, I look up and a couple of very large gals come walking out of the Starbucks across the parking lot. They were joyfully sipping on a frappachinno....All that I could think was "wow, I wonder how there butts got so big...do they know how many calories are in those drinks." I really love Starbucks, I also love Sonic...can anyone say cherry limeade?? While I am confessing...I love love love Sheridans? Can I get an AMEN SISTER to the strawberry and cheesecake concrete. My point is that I try to stay away on a regular basis. Sure, I will have one now and then, but seriously...I am not getting any younger here.

Out for dinner, top picks...

Hey Mendy-

My family and I like to go out to eat a few times a week. What are your top picks for healthy eating and your favorite entree's?

Thanks!

Rolanda

Today's post is brought to you by the word "ouch."

Anyone else feeling the after-effects of the bosu ball and those weights?

I would say raise your hand, but if you're like me, it will probably hurt to do so. But the burn, albeit a little annoying, is a good thing. It's a reminder that even though I'm out of shape now, I'm taking steps to remedy that.

I did have a bit of a problem yesterday afternoon when it came to snacks and meals. I had this insane urge to keep heading into the kitchen and graze. I found myself drawn to the fridge like a magnet, and there were times when I had to ask myself if I was really hungry or if I was just bored. I ended up brushing my teeth and popping a few pieces of gum, because there's nothing like the taste of mouthwash and mint to kill the urge to become one with the chips and salsa.

It's such a beautiful day outside - hope everyone got a chance to get out and enjoy it!!

pantry raid

Okay I just went through almost everything in my cabinets and nearly everything I have has one of the things in it that Mendy said to not eat. well for my food budget sake I think I am going to have to replace with better rather than throw away what I have. groceries cost too much for me to do that. hope the pantry raid went better for everyone else.
April

Mendy's 9:30 group...?

Here is the pic we took as a group this morning. Have a blessed and prosperous week yall! See ya on the elliptical...

Oh yeah, we need to come up with a group name. Maybe we should challenge the evening group to a biggest looser type contest. I think they have less members but we could tweak the numbers in order to still do it. But what would the prize be? Ok, Lori I hear you now, I guess it is kind of a cheesy idea, but a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Right?

Hey Ladies

I am kinda nervous about tomorrow. I don't mind the exercise, I am good with that, I think. I am afraid, however, of the calorie goals. I totally sucked this week. Yes, me, the one who challenged Mendy on the "eat as you normally do this week", business. I decided to do what she said and eat normally, and what I learned was this: I am totally rotten about my food choices. I also realize how much I use food as a comfort. The calorie totals really opened my eyes. So, in short, I am glad to be here, and I can raise my water bottle in a toast, but you might find I have a milkshake in it, or maybe even some fries.

But I'm not giving up.

Ro

This picture is going to keep me away from McDonald's, I'm putting it on my fridge...creepy.

Ready, Set, Go!

I just want to say how excited and motivated I am to be training with Mendy! Since having my baby 7 weeks ago, I am more motivated than ever to really change from not caring really what I put into my body, to really caring about how healthy and fit I can be! Mendy has helped me realize that its not about the six-pack abs or the size 0 jeans I wore in high school, but to get healthy and to achieve a good, useful goal that will not only benefit me, but can help other people too! I too, have to realize that I am not 16 anymore and that I can't get away with eating whatever I feel the need and still be skinny.
I have noticed even in this first week of working out that I already have more energy than before. I love the way it feels to be sweating your butt off and thinking, 'gosh, this is the longest last ten minutes on the elliptical or how bad the last set of crunches hurts,' but Wow, what a great feeling it is to step off the machine after a 45 minute workout and realize your one step closer to achieving the goal you have set for yourself!
It is also a great motivation to look down at my innocent little baby boy and have the urge to strive to be the best mother I can be and show him as he grows how to have good eating habits, make the right choices, and that being healthy will have a strong positive affect on his life! I look around in the world and see such obesity in small children and it makes me sick to think about how people are letting their children even at small ages have such bad, unhealthy eating habits and instead of being outside playing sports, they are sitting in front of the television and playing video/computer games.
So, lift up your water bottles ladies... I PROPOSE A TOAST to all the ladies on this blog that are wanting to make a change in their life or achieve a certain goal....Get ready, Get set, Go For It!!!

Confessions of a Personal Trainer

Yesterday I overate. Ok, I overate healthy food, but still, I know I overate. I went over on my calories, and I ate till I was stuffed ( not good). Last night I made my favorite bran muffins because I had a friend coming over this morning for a Bible study. Last night after dinner I knew they were sitting in the kitchen....I swear they were saying, " Mendy, come eat me....its ok, I am healthy!!!" Well, I did. It put me over my calories by about 300 and it also made me feel absolutely stuffed. I should have stopped at one, but NO, I had 3. I guess the good thing is that my pipes are working well today and I have pooped twice and it is only 2 in the afternoon.

I always make a point not obsess about counting my calories. I like to count them because when I don't I tend to put stuff in my mouth that does not benefit my body in any way. So, another lesson learned.....stop at ONE!!!!!!! I will be learning this lesson all my life I guess. THe point is that I don't ignore it and try to pick back up and try, try again. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for reading.

Recipe - Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts

Chinese food is a big trigger for me, so I was thrilled to find this recipe in the Weight Watchers Take Home Tonight cookbook.

Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts
Serves 4
1 cup = 302 calories, 11g fat, 3g fiber, 293 mg sodium

Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp chili-garlic sauce
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 Tbsp minced, peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced on a diagonal
1/4 c unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts

Directions:
1. Combine the chicken, 1 Tbsp of the hoisin sauce, and 1 Tbsp of the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Toss well to coat and set aside.

2. Combine the remaining 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, broth, vinegar, sugar and chili-garlic sauce in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Heat a nonstick wok or a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles. Swirl in the oil, then add the chicken. Stir-fry until almost cooked through, 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

5. Add the bell pepper, carrots and peanuts. Stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.

6. Add the hoisin sauce mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens, and the chicken is cooked through, about 1 minute.

-----

I have kind of wimpy taste buds, so I use the chili-garlic paste somewhat sparingly. This reheats very well (unlike some other Chinese recipes that I've made where the sauce goes a bit off when refrigerated.)

LETS DO IT!

alright ladies, I am ready to do this thing, I went out with a bang today I ate a cherry danish from Panera and enjoyed every buttery morsel! but thats it! bring on the chicken breasts and lettuce! The storage tub of "skinny clothes" will be opened by the end of the year! Cant wait to get to know everyone and there disappearing forms! Lori

Only 5 openings left for evening class

Only 5 spots left for this new evening class. If you are interested then please call the Liberty Community Center at 792-5152, press 0 for the front desk. You can sign up and pay over the phone.

This class is exactly what you need to get back into shape, foster discipline with you eating, have accountability to keep working out, and see the results you have been wanting for a long time.