THE RULES OF CHOCOLATE

Saturday, November 21, 2009

~ If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.

~ Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.

~ The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.

~ Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.

~ A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?

~ If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer.

~ But if you can't eat all your chocolate, what's wrong with you?

~ If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.

~ If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?

~ Money talks. Chocolate sings.

~ Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.

~ Q. Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous?
A. Because no one wants to quit.

~ Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

~If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devastated. You can't let that happen, can you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHAY72 12/1/2009 9:36PM

that was pure genius, chocolate should be a food group Report Inappropriate Comment

MIS2101 11/25/2009 3:58PM

Love it! Report Inappropriate Comment

TONISTRELEC 11/25/2009 9:19AM

I love this, I am a chocoholic. Report Inappropriate Comment

JELLI-LEAN 11/24/2009 11:22AM

I love this blog... I always call Chocolate my fifth food group! Report Inappropriate Comment

NIXFROMTHEBLOC 11/24/2009 3:12AM

hee hee yes what would we do without chocolate! i think i feel a craving coming on Report Inappropriate Comment

CONNEALS 11/23/2009 9:13PM

Very cute! Report Inappropriate Comment

PURPLELABRADOR 11/23/2009 6:58PM

I'm pretty sure chocolate is good for us, too Report Inappropriate Comment

JAMERZ88 11/23/2009 1:23PM

Awesome blog! I ! Report Inappropriate Comment

FARFROMASAINT 11/23/2009 12:48PM

great post! chocolate is like my lifeline Report Inappropriate Comment

SALDABA6 11/23/2009 12:03AM

Omg I loved this LMAO Report Inappropriate Comment

TERMITEMOM 11/21/2009 7:33PM

Life with0ut chocolate is not worth living! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEMGODDESS 11/21/2009 4:01PM

I eat chocolate every day! LOVE IT! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUE_ANGEL3471 11/21/2009 3:44PM

Chocolate is like a rainbow in your mouth, it makes your heart shine and your smile bright. Never deny yourself these happy endorphins! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBARAROSE54 11/21/2009 1:58PM

Sooooo, Chocolate is good for me ???? Report Inappropriate Comment

CCSOGIRL 11/21/2009 8:19AM

ohhhh, a woman after my own heart..... (humming the songs of chocolate's graces in my head) Report Inappropriate Comment

-PAULA 11/21/2009 8:02AM

I absolutely love that blog. Thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

TELLISELLDRA 11/21/2009 7:49AM

'Brilliant' From one Chocaholic to another, well done. Report Inappropriate Comment

BROWREN 11/21/2009 7:43AM

Very true!!! There should be a saying "A little dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away." I know that is my mantra. Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 11/21/2009 7:27AM

"Money talks. Chocolate sings. " You got THAT right, sister! Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORIAB73 11/21/2009 5:55AM

Thanks, from a chocoholic Report Inappropriate Comment

TENACIOUSTRISH 11/21/2009 5:46AM

however you make it...the darker the better, warmed, chilled or melted. CHocolate is my fav!@ Report Inappropriate Comment

IUHRYTR 11/21/2009 4:37AM

Ah, true chocolate lovers can appreciate the wisdom of your words. :) -- Lou Report Inappropriate Comment

DAISES2 11/21/2009 3:24AM

very good Report Inappropriate Comment

MSMAKEOVER 11/21/2009 3:08AM

LOL I love this...thank you... Report Inappropriate Comment

DUTCHONEY 11/21/2009 2:59AM

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SHERRYCG 11/21/2009 2:35AM

So glad I read you blog. It gave me a chocolate thrill! Sherry Report Inappropriate Comment

LEEDZ09 11/21/2009 2:25AM

too good! Report Inappropriate Comment

CERBERUS_ARSTD 11/21/2009 2:19AM

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Today's Kick in the butt!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Okay, my pity party from yesterday is over. I feel sluggish and don't really want to run today. I have already come up with all sorts of excuses not to, including the fact the scale is STILL UP. I have never had so much trouble with a scale. In the past, if I even put in a half a$$ed effort, the scale would show some improvement for me. No so much lately. It has me really discouraged.

I have to admit, I need to find other reasons to keep running today. I am worth it. The scale will not dictate to me. I am stronger than that scale. I will physically and emotionally feel great for having kept up my resolve to continue on my journey at this point. I have already had 4 successful days. Yes I am counting yesterday. I got out and danced my butt off for the evening- there for a total of 5 hours, and dancing over 80% of the time.

Today is a 40 minute easy run. I ran 30 minutes two days ago without any problems. Did have to stop - pick up after the dog, then a red light. Other than that, I made it with just a little bit of pushing. I know I can do this. Heck, I can do it in my vibrams even.

I should get dressed and get out there now, so I have time to do some running around after. I want to go to the Xcess Cargo place to see about a computer desk - they have some nice ones for $30. They also have scales. I might have a look at one. I know. Fully clothed and with shoes, but if it comes up with a lower number there than my one at home, I will pick it up. Part of me is wondering if the scale is not broken. I guess it's just me grasping at straws, but I am so frustrated right now.

You can do this. The getting dressed and out the door is the hardest part. I know how that sounds, but once I get going, part of my internal motivation kicks in. I want to prove to myself I can carry through with something I commit to. Especially if it's a commitment to me. I deserve to carry through with it. I deserve to see the results. If I want to see the end of my weight loss journey around my birthday, today is the day to kick it out of the park. Especially if the scale is actually not moving at all for me right now. That has the potential to make my journey even longer if I let it. I can do this. I am not asking my body to do 8 solid hours in the gym. I am not asking my body to suffer through aches and pains. I am asking it to get up and burn some calories. Today, any calories I burn on my run will be good enough for me.

Next week, I will start to push myself to burn more and more calories. Not today. That feels like too overwhelming a task right now. Instead, today I will just push to stay on track. To pull myself up out of my pity party, and get going. I can do this. Heck, I already finshed 4 days out of my next 84 (12 weeks).

Hey, I just figured out that 12 weeks will take me right up to a few days before my birthday. I didn't plan it that way. I just decided on 12 weeks one day. Then I decided to look at where I could be if I could work on loosing 2lbs a week and that takes me to my goal weight at just before my birthday. Nice the way that all worked out like that. Now I'm even more determined to finish my 12 week push.

See you all later. I can't wait to get my exercise in for today!

UPDATE:
Back from my run. I am not sure about my scale. I did buy a new one - a weight watchers one. I will be comparing the two scales over the next couple of days. I can't really count this afternoon trying it - my usual weigh in time is in the morning before breakfast.

The run went great. I was able to run the full 40 minutes. Didn't even really struggle with it. yes, I pushed a little, but nothing major. Even when I crested the tops of the few hills on my running route. I feel great for having accomplished it. I can't wait for tomorrows challenge. Yeah for being over halfway through day 5!

The scales are weighing me differently. My old one has me almost 3lbs heavier than the new one. I will keep watching over the next few days.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DUTCHONEY 11/21/2009 3:01AM

Things will get better! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAFOSTER11 11/21/2009 1:42AM

Tiny steps. You'll get there. I have the hardest time getting up too. You have in the past and you will continue. Maybe change the time of day, or the area. You'll do what you need to I'm sure. You have what it takes to get it done. Report Inappropriate Comment

TERMITEMOM 11/20/2009 7:15PM

Good for you! Tell us about the scales, I am curious... Report Inappropriate Comment

FIGHT2SURVIVE 11/20/2009 4:49PM

Next time, try walking part of the way and listen to the sounds around you. You will be amazed at what you never noticed before. I spent four years walking the same route every morning. Then, as we were driving down that street one day I said, "Oh look at that unusual mailbox". I had gone passed it every day for 4 years and never noticed it. You can and will get this weight off. The more you try and the more you push yourself, pretty soon it will become a habit and you'll feel bad when you don't do it. Erin Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBARAROSE54 11/20/2009 4:14PM

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VSWINGLE 11/20/2009 3:57PM

It's tough for me most of the time too, but I'm like you...if I can just get up and get out the door, it is a little easier. ANyway, I'm rooting for you, and hope you find out your scale is, indeed, broken. :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

WOLFSPIRITS 11/20/2009 3:40PM

HAVE A NICE RUN AND A GREAT WEEKEND!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Daily Exercise for the Non-Athletic

Friday, November 20, 2009

Calories can be burned by the hundreds by engaging in strenuous
activities that do not require physical exercise.

Exercise.....Calories burned per hour

Beating around the bush........75

Jumping to conclusions.....100

Climbing the walls..........150

Swallowing your pride........50

Passing the buck........25

Throwing your weight around
(depending on your weight)........50-300

Dragging your heels..........100

Pushing your luck................250

Making mountains out of molehills.........500

Hitting the nail on the head........50

Wading through paperwork........300

Bending over backwards.........75

Jumping on the bandwagon.......200

Balancing the books..........25

Running around in circles........350

Eating crow................225

Tooting your own horn.........25

Climbing the ladder of success...........750

Pulling out the stops............75

Adding fuel to the fire........160

Wrapping it up at the day's end.....12

To which you may want to add your own favorite activities, including:

Opening a can of worms ..........50

Putting your foot in your mouth....300

Starting the ball rolling.......90

Going over the edge...........25

Picking up the pieces.........350

Let's all get out there and burn some calories!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1NICUBABE 11/20/2009 7:29PM

I must update my fitness page now, since I am burning far more calories than I realized!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELGAL01 11/20/2009 2:29PM

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WOLFSPIRITS 11/20/2009 1:54PM

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YAFENELRA 11/20/2009 12:02PM

Thanks. I can run right out and eat a hot fudge sundae as I have burned more than that number of calories already today!! Arlene Report Inappropriate Comment

NORAB52GOOD 11/20/2009 11:56AM

Awesome! Thanks!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

THE_JULES1 11/20/2009 9:55AM

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JYANTKILR 11/20/2009 9:52AM

heh heh Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORIAB73 11/20/2009 9:20AM

I'm burning calories every day without realizing it Thanks for sharing this Katrina, gave me a good chuckle! Report Inappropriate Comment

PINKNFITCARLA 11/20/2009 8:58AM

Love it, thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIADALE 11/20/2009 7:02AM

I love the pictures we can conjure with language... thaks...these were cute. Report Inappropriate Comment

GIRLTRUCKIN 11/20/2009 5:46AM

woo hoo....never knew I could burn so many calories...lol. Report Inappropriate Comment

GETTINGFIT4ME80 11/20/2009 4:26AM

that is good! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBARAROSE54 11/20/2009 3:20AM

Hey, I am a workout queen ! Report Inappropriate Comment

Today's Kick in the butt!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

My feet ache today. So do my calves. Or is it calfs? Who knows. Anyhow, I am leaning towards a day off for rest today.

Not only am I physically worn out - I am emotionally worn out too. The TV was cut off last night. Today the phones. I am expecting the internet connection to go soon too unfortunately. Someone who always pays on time has not been doing so well lately. I have decided to leave the TV off indefinitely. The phones may need to be changed to less expensive plans. I already am getting a new internet service provider to provide me with the same services for about 60% of the cost of what it is now. Telus keeps agreeing to cut the costs of their service since I can get it cheaper elsewhere, then I see the bills and there are no discounts at all. I am just tired of it all.

Top this all off with the scale refusing to move. I have been working hard for the past 3 days. Today would have been day 4, but so far it's off track. I had some cookies, which in themselves are not too bad - I can work them into my calories. However, I am sitting here with a bag of GF pretzles beside me. As I am typing this, I have decided the pretzles are not worth loosing my winning streak. I will close the bag and put them away only having had about 10 (they are small ones, so that's not so bad).

I will not be running today. I have gone 3 days in a row, with dance lessons each night of at least 2 hours - 3 last night. However, I am considering going social dancing tonight. Something to get out of the house and enjoy myself. A way to get away from all this stress around the house today. I just don't want to go and be a drag on everyone around me. I need to find the part of me that can put away this stressful stuff, and just go out and enjoy an evening with friends. That way, if I actually am active tonight and dance a lot, I can count it as some exercise. I will wear my hrm, and keep an eye on how active I am, so no cheating.

Worst case senario, I don't go out tonight. I just call it a day, and stay in bed. My eating won't have been 100%, but I have not completely lost it. I am resting my body physically. I could count it as my rest day for this week. That means no more taking it easy. I will need to push myself hard for at least the next 3 days. I can do it. I just am worried about getting stuck here in activity again.

So I guess, in total, there is no kick in the butt today. Actually, maybe I do need a kick. I should take some extra time and journal about all this stuff that is weighing me down today. Make today an emotional workout. I can do that. I can even feel good about for today. Even if I don't go out tonight. I will count today as a success. All I need to do is journal, and really watch my nutrition. The pretzles are wrapped up. I should put them away and get a big bowl of salad.

UPDATE:
Okay, pitty party over. I am still taking today off of running. My physical pains already feel so much better for taking today off. I am sure I will be back in shape in the morning to kick my own butt again.

As for the financials, while blogging, I found a solution to keep my internet connected. Knowing I will not loose my connection to SP is a saving grace. I am taking steps in the right directions. I can do this. I know I can. I am looking forward to getting out tonight, taking care of things, and going dancing for a while. Thanks so much for listening to my ranting.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WOLFSPIRITS 11/20/2009 2:15PM

LOVE ERIN'S ANSWER! PLEASE LISTEN TO HER. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMBELISLE 11/20/2009 1:04PM

We all have days where we just need to let it all out. Hopefully things will work out soon for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

TERMITEMOM 11/19/2009 5:51PM

I am so relieved you found a solution for your Internet! I am thinking of you! Off topic: you were pretty much on the mark with my blog! Today's quotation is easier to understand and -in my opinion- just wonderful! Go and have a look,,, Did you study French in depth? Report Inappropriate Comment

FIGHT2SURVIVE 11/19/2009 5:14PM

You are in what I call a "deep blue funk". And you deserve to have your pity party. But put a time limit on it! Tell yourself, "OK - for the rest of the night I will feel very sorry for myself, I may even cry and throw things (like the scale)" but here's the important part. TOMORROW MORNING, GET YOUR FANNY OUT OF BED AND START ALL OVER AGAIN. We all have days like that. I am having half of one today because I know I will have to hit the emergency room again as soon as my husband gets home. Just what we don't need is another doctor bill. So you pray for me and I'll pray for you and we will both do a better job with tomorrow. Erin Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIADALE 11/19/2009 4:43PM

Patience...the scales will move. Report Inappropriate Comment

My Weight Loss Goals - AKA My Mountain - REDEFINED Nov 19,09

Thursday, November 19, 2009

I was looking through some of my old blogs, and found My Weight Loss Goals - AKA my mountain. I realized just how off track I got on that one. I tried redefining it in August, but I again didn't really stick to it.

However, this time I am already ahead of the game. I just finished my 3rd day of clean eating and exercise. I am focusing on another 12 weeks of pushing to loose weight every day. Keeping in mind I need rest days, I am going to do my best every day for at least 12 weeks. I am focusing on every day redefining my motivation and deciding what I can do that day to reach my goals.

Anyhow, this blog will oversee the culmination of those days, and the small stones I define each week. Hopefully it will help me keep on track. 12 weeks. I can do this.

Nov 15 weight - 206.
This week I am still at 206. The scale does not seem to be moving. I will give myself a little leeway this week, to prevent setting myself up for a let down right off the start.

Nov 20 - 206 - I am down to 204 today. Yipee. Ahead of the game. FINALLY
Nov 27 - 204 - down to just over 202 today. Not sure how, but I'll take it.
Dec 4 - 202 - actually at 203 today. I just don' t get it.
Dec 11 - 200 -
Dec 18 - 198 - Actually at 204.6. Been stuck here a while.
Dec 25 - 203 - at 202 Dec 28
Jan 1 - 201 - down to 199.8. Ahead of the game. Yippee!
Jan 8 - 199
Jan 15 - 197
Jan 22 - 195
Jan 29 - 193
Feb 5 - 191
Feb 12 - 189
Feb 19 - 187
Feb 26 - 185 - Goal met after my Bday now.

Well, look at that, I can actually reach my goal before my birthday if I focus. It will be hard - Christmas and New Years are right in the middle. If I really focus and push myself each and every day, I might be able to relax a little for one or two days during the holidays - even if they are just Christmas and New Years.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BLUEROSE73 1/1/2010 12:44PM

January 1, 2010 Well, thanks to a last minute push to get to Onederland by Jan1, I am now down to 199.8. I made it, and I am so tired. So much exercising every day to meet this goal. Now I need to push to get away from the 200lb mark. If I sit back now, I will regain those 4lbs I worked so hard this past week to loose. Definitely don't want to do that. I think I'm going to repost this mountain again, today. It will be easier to find when I am looking for it to update it. I am also down to my last 15lbs. I should also get back into defining my small stones every week. I really need to stay focused if I want to reach my goal by my birthday. 2lbs per week will get me there. Well, almost there. I will be less than 3lbs over my goal weight. I obviously need to keep up with my daily butt kicks also. Just look at today. I took yesterday off to relax, and get ready for the dance last night. I also am planning for some new challenges - namely working on the rigs in Fort McMurray. Nutrition, fitness, and my overall mental and physical health are all issues I need to be sure to address. I have a great plan in place, and think if I keep working on getting prepared, I will be just fine. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUEROSE73 12/17/2009 2:55PM

December 17 I am stuck at 204.6. Been here for about 2 weeks. I have started a new job. Between that, and the crazy weather here, I have not been able to run for about 2.5 weeks. Surprise, surprise. My weight loss stalled when my exercise stalled. I am handling the hours at work quite well. I am going to start running again soon. I woke up yesterday 2 hours before I needed to for work. This morning, 4 hours. Wide awake both mornings. I am getting plenty of sleep. I am going to start to take advantage of this extra time. Today I need to finish my bookkeeping. I know I keep saying it, but it's getting important. Today I will finish it. Tomorrow I will take it to my lawyer. Unfortunately, reaching my goal weight has been pushed back to the end of Feb, because of all of this stalling. I am struggling to not let it discourage me. I am 20lbs from my goal weight. I am just frustrated with stalling like this just above 200lbs. I can break this number. I know I can. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUEROSE73 12/6/2009 1:32PM

It was Nov 15 that I recommitted to my weight loss journey. Since then, 21 days have passed. I have had problems staying on track at times - dog being let loose and lost, separating from hubby, etc. However, I have had 11 days that I have been focused and on track 100%. That being said, I am not seeing the results I would like. I need to stay on track more of the time. Kind of hard to do, with all the snowfall we have had here over the past two days. Actually, that's not exactly true. I could get out and burn calories. I just find it so much harder to get out the door in this weather. I also need to make some changes to my diet. My freggies have been low, which means I am eating other "stuff" and having cravings. Time to turn it around. Water is low too. I am really struggling with this one. I have turned my water cooler refrigeration off - I would prefer room temp water for the next while. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDREA963 11/20/2009 3:15PM

I like the way you are breaking it down. I need to take a look at how you did this and think about how I would translate it. Good job using your blog to re-evaluate your plan Katrina. :) Comment edited on: 11/20/2009 3:16:51 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

WOLFSPIRITS 11/19/2009 1:38PM

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CMBELISLE 11/19/2009 7:28AM

You have really well-defined goals - that should help you achieve them. I usually have one week a month (the week before and/or week of "that time") where I don't see the scale move at all, except maybe to go up. Then the next week I start seeing progress again, sometimes making up for the off week. Best of luck to you on your continuing journey. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIADALE 11/19/2009 7:15AM

You share a birthday with my daughter. I hope to return to goal weight by my February 17 birthday. We can do this! Report Inappropriate Comment

SALDRU 11/19/2009 7:02AM

Great goals! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIGHT2SURVIVE 11/19/2009 3:40AM

You plan of attack sounds very reasonable. I KNOW you can do this. Isn't it time you focused on you for a change and not everything that is going on around you? Erin Report Inappropriate Comment

DIGUPHERBONES 11/19/2009 1:32AM

I had a broken scale once too. They suck. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUEROSE73 11/19/2009 1:18AM

I think I can do this. My only hesitation is due to the fact the scale is not moving for me this week. I am working my butt off, and it is not showing on the scale. If I keep pushing like I have been, and there is no change in a week, I will go and look at another scale. My hope will be that my scale is broken. I doubt it, but... I am not expecting much change tomorrow. I was very low on calories today, so I opened a bag of my GF rice chips. The biggest issue is the salt. I guess I will see in the morning. Report Inappropriate Comment