Maintaining

Friday, December 23, 2011

Since I reached my goal weight, I switched to maintaining rather than losing weight. My weight is now staying between 140 and 143 pounds. I have stopped measuring everything I eat. I only measure the olive oil that I use. Everything else I approximate to keep my portion size honest. I have given up eating nuts because they are a trigger food that causes me to overeat. Likewise, dried fruit is also off limits for me except for four prunes a day, which I enjoy and don't overeat.

I have switched from eating canned salmon to frozen salmon, which doesn't have all the salt and has a higher nutritional content. The high heat of the canning process destroys a lot of the vitamins. It also forms oxidized cholesterol, which may be harmful to your health. My thanks to CINDYTW for letting me know that you can get frozen salmon at Walmart for $5 for a one-pound package. It comes as individually wrapped four-ounce fillets. I am enjoying the frozen salmon so much that I don't expect to ever return to eating canned.

I am still following the Paleo Diet of Dr. Loren Cordain. This diet forbids grains, beans, dairy, potatoes and fatty meats. It is restrictive and challenging to eat this way, but my body loves it. I am eating no processed foods other than Vigo extra virgin olive oil, which is recommended for the healthy monounsaturated fat it contains. My diet consists of lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Merry Christmas to all my SparkFriends!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CINDYTW 12/23/2011 8:56PM

You're welcome Conrad! Let me know when you need a price check on anything else! Great job working it out so you don't have to track! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDROSEMARIE 12/23/2011 5:44PM

Conrad, you are doing fabulous! I imagine maintaining is just as difficult as loosing, especially during the holidays. You must be very proud of everything you have accomplished! Enjoy the holiday season! Rose Report Inappropriate Comment

BRENDARK 12/23/2011 9:55AM

Congratulations on maintaining! I can't wait to get to that point...and speaking of weighing... I need a food scale yo! Keep it up!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARB_48 12/23/2011 9:20AM

Hi, Conrad! I'm new to blogging; in fact this is my very first comment on a blog. When I saw your comment about the salmon, I wanted to share that a few months ago, I found some fresh salmon at SAMs. It was a large package, but when I got it home I weighed it and put it in 6-oz packages in the freezer. It yielded 8 packages, and as I use each one, I'm so glad I "bit the bullet" and paid the "high" price for it, because it tastes soooooo good. I do like that at Walmart, it's already measured and frozen, so I may try that next. Report Inappropriate Comment

Hiking

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

My cold is completely gone! It lasted three days, which is the usual time for my colds. I believe that I have a strong immune system because I eat a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables. I feel 100% again and am grateful for the healing.

I went on a two-hour hike on Sunday with the Trinity Lifeline Singles. There were 8 of us on the hike, and I was the leader. It was a beautiful, cool, overcast day. The rain held off, and we all had a wonderful time! It was so good to get this exercise with my friends! I am thankful that my hip injury is 100% healed, and I am able to hike again. WooHoo!


Photo of Conrad with hiking stick.

Keep those blogs and comments coming and keep sparking!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOSTMOM1 12/17/2011 10:03PM

I'm so glad you got to go hiking. What a great way to exercise with friends! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDAMARIEZ1 12/14/2011 6:48PM

W O W! You recovered in great time! I am happy for you! It is no fun feeling bad! I was happy to hear you are hiking! Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Think of the fresh air you got! We all should have more days like that! Good 4 U! linda Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYTW 12/13/2011 9:24PM

You do have a very strong immune system! And have the added advantage of living in Florida! Report Inappropriate Comment

WOLFSPIRITMOM 12/13/2011 8:57PM

Glad you had a good time and you are healthy again. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRULYVISIBLE 12/13/2011 6:19PM

Hiking is my 2nd favorite activity after Zumba dancing. You look like you are really in good shape! Keep up the good work and post more hikes. They make me wanna go hike. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHINJU39 12/13/2011 2:44PM

Awesome Sounds like you had a lovely time. Have a great day Report Inappropriate Comment

GATORJOY 12/13/2011 1:21PM

Keep on, keepin' on! Report Inappropriate Comment

Cold is almost over

Friday, December 09, 2011

I felt pretty miserable most of yesterday in spite of taking the cold medicine. I feel much better this afternoon, almost back to normal. Thank God! It is so wonderful to be functioning again on all cylinders!

I worked out with dumbells and walked this afternoon. It was a beautiful, sunny day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LINDAMARIEZ1 12/13/2011 9:18AM

I am glad you are starting to feel better! Don't want to be ill for Christmas!!!! We need you well! hugs linda Comment edited on: 12/13/2011 9:19:20 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

WOLFSPIRITMOM 12/11/2011 11:36AM

Glad you are better and almost back to normal. Merry Christmas! Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYTW 12/9/2011 8:21PM

Glad you are better! SO fast too! Report Inappropriate Comment

GATORJOY 12/9/2011 6:00PM

Sorry you are sick, but glad you are improving! Report Inappropriate Comment

How to treat a cold

Thursday, December 08, 2011

I just got a cold and was sneezing with a runny nose the entire morning. I took some Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom and the symptoms disappeared in about a half hour. I am no longer sneezing, my runny nose has stopped, and I don't feel miserable anymore. In fact, I feel pretty good. This Tylenol is awesome! The antihistamine in the Tylenol is called Chlorpeniramine Maleate, and it doesn't make you drowsy. It usually takes me three days to get over a cold. I hope to feel better in a few days. I can't stand sitting around and suffering when I am sick, so I plan to go about my regular routine. It will help to distract me from the symptoms.

I hope all you SparkPeople who are sick too get well soon!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CINDYTW 12/8/2011 9:27PM

Hope you feel better soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDROSEMARIE 12/8/2011 6:28PM

Hope you feel better fast! Antihistamines can be powerful, I wish I could use them. I suffer from allergies. I am glad they worked for you or they might have made you look like Rudolph. Take Care and give yourself some TLC, Rose Report Inappropriate Comment

MARKSTIPANOVSKY 12/8/2011 5:45PM

Get well soon Conrad. And to answer the coffee question - there are two camps - one is the plain water camp - and the other is the body is able to filter water from any substance including coffee. My personal take is that plain water is easier for the body to use and it makes sense to hydrate on a daily basis first thing. Not sure about drinking 8 cups a day, makes sense if you want to eat less, but not so sensible on top of overeating as the body intake works by weight and not calories... Anyway, hope you are feeling better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

Good News!

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

I just received my renewed Florida Driver's License this morning! WooHoo! It feels good to have a valid Florida ID again. I feel legitimate. Now I will be even more careful to drive without an accident or moving violation! You may remember that I had a medical review of my ability to drive. It took almost two months to finally get my driver's license renewed!

Now I can continue to drive to the grocery store to buy my fresh fruits, veggies and lean meats. Thanks to all you SparkFriends who were wishing me success with this renewal. Your thoughts and prayers helped a lot!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WOLFSPIRITMOM 12/7/2011 1:20PM

on feeling better. Comment edited on: 12/8/2011 11:14:28 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

TRULYVISIBLE 12/7/2011 10:47AM

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CONRADBURK 12/7/2011 7:59AM

I was able to continue driving with a temporary driving permit during the time it took to complete the medical review of my ability to drive, so I was never unable to drive, for which I am very grateful! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDAMARIEZ1 12/7/2011 3:29AM

super 4 U Conrad! It is nice to be able to drive (legally)! Here in ohio I think our license is good for 4 years! I wasn't aware you could not drive! That makes your accomplisments all the more courageous!!!! big hug! Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYTW 12/6/2011 10:08PM

I get almost panicky without a car! When I have to leave it for repairs or maintenance I get very edgy! Silly, because usually I just want to stay home! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDROSEMARIE 12/6/2011 3:28PM

Great news Conrad, I never realized the freedom I had until my car had to go to car Heaven. Buses are yuck taxis expensive. When you have something taken away you realize how much you took it for granted. I am happy for you. Rose Comment edited on: 12/7/2011 8:17:25 AM Report Inappropriate Comment