Early Blog and some good tips

Friday, March 18, 2011

First me. I am so surprised but I did it again.No eating after 10 and was in my calorie range. I need to thank Losinit52 (sorry I don't know your real name) for challenging me and Dee (dee107) for joining in .All three of us have a terrible time with night eating. I think they are stopping earlier in the night than me, But trust me I can consume a lot of calories after 10 pm.
I also got extra exercises done today and did sleep better last night.
I decided to fix a different soup today.I had just a little broccoli and cauliflower so I chopped it up and tossed in pan with a can of chicken broth.Added some chopped celery leaves.I always wrap those soft tender leaves in the middle of celery separately just for stuff like this.
Added some of my spices and a touch more of thyme. Once it was tender I wanted to add something for flavor as milk has too many calories. I remembered I had a jar of pasta sauce in fridge. i put 1 tablespoon full in soup.Then I used my favorite gadget my immersion blender and blended everything, Yes it was good and low in calories. Made a big salad which I took enough out for supper later and had a great lunch.

I wanted to share these tips as they are tips that I try to do every day. I receive an email from the Real Age web site everyday with different info and that is where this came from.
Cut 120 Calories Daily with Ziploc Bags
By RealAge
Is a box of plastic sandwich bags all you need to easily shave 120 calories from each day? Research suggests it may be so.
As long as you use those bags to divide up your snacks -- be they nuts, pretzels, crackers, or popcorn -- into small servings. About 100 calories per bag. In a recent study, people whose snacks came prepackaged in low-calorie portions ate about 120 fewer calories each day compared with folks who munched from larger packages.
Mini-Snack Strategy
More and more research has shown that when people are presented with large servings of food, they typically don't know when to say when. The larger the serving size offered, the more people tend to eat, going so far as to completely empty an overloaded plate or jumbo snack bag even though they'd feel satisfied with a smaller portion. So when you make an effort to eat less and slim down, keep in mind that it really starts with your serving spoon, not your dinner fork.
Don't Supersize Me
Divvying up snacks into little bags is one strategy for controlling the munchies. You could also make it a habit of serving yourself snacks in a small bowl or on a plate rather than eating from the bag or the box. Measure out a reasonable portion, and leave the package or container in the kitchen. For chocolates, cookies, or candies, stick them in the freezer and thaw only one portion at a time. Better yet, you can put together a week's worth of your own healthful, homemade 100-calorie snacks

Right now I have a baggie with sliced cucumbers and one with apple slices for me to snack on during the day.

Setting the Scene for Self-Control
By RealAge
You know how information overload can wilt your decision-making powers? Well, the same principle applies to your diet.
Too much information -- in the form of snacks peeking out of the pantry, breads sitting on the kitchen counter, platters overflowing with plenty of extra helpings, and scoops of this, that, and everything else crowding your dinner plate -- makes it difficult for your brain to make rational, self-controlled choices.
Just as cityscapes can trigger the urge to explore, and gardenscapes can help your mind unwind, "kitchenscapes" can set the mood for food. Here are some suggestions about how to make your kitchenscape -- and tablescape and platescape -- trigger healthy eating choices:
Kitchenscapes: The foods on the counter, ready to grab, are going to make it into your mouth most often. So hide the candy in the cupboard and set out a bowl of fresh fruit. In your fridge, bring the produce out of hiding and package and freeze large portions of leftovers. In the pantry, keep only one kind of treat on hand and limit yourself to a small supply -- not the super family-size packs from the grocery warehouse
Tablescapes: Although seven-course meals are a mark of fine dining, it doesn't pay to offer lots of variety on your table. Present just a few options at dinnertime -- a main course and one or two vegetable side dishes. And nix large serving bowls -- serve only enough to provide each person with a reasonable helping. Package the extras in the kitchen before you serve the meal to yourself or others.
Platescapes: If you use a 12-inch plate, you'll serve yourself more food -- and eat more -- than you would if you used a 9-inch plate. Think small when choosing plates, bowls, cups, and glasses. Besides, small dishes take up less room in your dishwasher.
Bottom line: A plate, table, or kitchen with too much food is like Mount Everest to an explorer: You'll eat it "because it's there."


This is reason I take a container of salad out of my lunch salad as I would eat all the lunch and then make another for supper.This way 1 is plenty for 2 meals.

This tips will work if you do them. When I do them I lose weight.

Ok I need to finish up the grocery list for tomorrow. Hope you are having a good day.It is sunny and beautiful here.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LOSINIT52 3/20/2011 10:58AM

Great tips. Most I am doing but it's always helpful to read about them and recommit to them. I love your line at the bottom "These tips will work if you do them. When I do them I lose weight. " I think this should be our mantra. We do know what to do. We just need a little kick in the pants to do them. I am sooo glad the challenge on night eating has helped you, and Dee too! It has helped me and when I feel like snacking I think of you. Report Inappropriate Comment

GLORIAB73 3/19/2011 9:15AM

Really good tips Eleni! Thank you for sharing. I also use the snack size baggies and bag almonds for a snack ... takes me a while to chew them so my snack lasts longer! Report Inappropriate Comment

1COUNTRY_GAL 3/19/2011 2:26AM

Thank you for sharing these great tips,I am a night time eater and it's hard for me.I like to munch while I am sitting at the pc.I try to make healthy choices if they are available.You sure have healthy knowledge and sensible advice.Have a Sparkling weekend. Diana:) Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 3/19/2011 12:13AM

thank you for the tips. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 3/18/2011 11:46PM

thanks for sharing love this and again NO EATING AT NIGHT ITS SO HARD Report Inappropriate Comment

JILL313 3/18/2011 11:00PM

I love and will use the good tips! I also need help in not eating late at night and it has to be part emotional as most people say so what if you feel hungry, just don't eat. Boy, do I wish it was that simple! Thank you. Report Inappropriate Comment

2BFREE2LIVE 3/18/2011 7:52PM

Good for you and the ladies for the challenge for all of you. I read Real Age every day they have some really good articles. I make up bags for Hubby from the bulk foods isle at the store. He takes them to work and has them in his desk for snacks. He has lost 15 pounds this past year doing that alone is the only change we made for his diet other than he is eating a diabetic diet. Have a wonderful weekend. Sandy Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 3/18/2011 4:31PM

Good tips, Eleni! Thanks for sharing them. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

TILLIEBEE 3/18/2011 3:09PM

My kitchen is the Andes. Great way to put it. Thanks for the tips. Report Inappropriate Comment

ABRANDNEWSTART 3/18/2011 2:47PM

Great Tips, thanks for sharing Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 3/18/2011 2:40PM

Thanks for the tips and glad the card made you smile. I am always late but never forget! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIZCATHI 3/18/2011 2:33PM

Lots of fantastic tips, even some I had not heard or thought about. I love the idea of landscaping the kitchen! I figured out a little bit ago to take a good sized serving of whatever we make for dinner and get it ready for DH's lunch the next day. This stops nibbling and he's happy to have a home cooked meal. Also, in doing that and making his breakfast each day I've been tricking him to lose weight. He's not even getting it! Haha. The other day I urged him to step on the scales and he'd lost 10 lbs... the look of puzzlement on his face was priceless! Cat Report Inappropriate Comment

PLATEAU11 3/18/2011 2:27PM

Thanks for sharing Report Inappropriate Comment

Early Blog

Thursday, March 17, 2011

I am going to try and blog earlier when I can when Bill is home.
I now have proof that he is to blame for a lot of flowers that get bought.He got these for the butterfly garden this morning.

Then he bought this full of tomatoes to show me he had a green thumb.I think this is called cheating.LOL

Now to show you again how Roxy forgets me when Bill comes home.

And here is Roxy's new place to sit next to my chair


Ok on to other things. Due to circumstances I moved my cut off time to 10:30 last night.But I did it again. I still hate it but I am doing it and the scale has started to move. It will be back to 10 tonight.
I also did more exercises today. Unfortunately I am not sleeping as well. I wake up and then stay awake for hours.It is a miracle I haven't gotten into food when I do this.
Bill and I talked today about us being careful not to eat out more now that he is home more now. We recently cut back as we were eating out or bringing home take out on my bad days.
He is getting a lot done that he has been wanting to do for a long time. I told him he needs to pace himself.
Ok I am ready for a nap. Bill went to run another errand.

Oh i also bagged Roxy's meals so all we have to do is grab a bag. I do love my baggies.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATIE233 3/19/2011 12:04AM

lov those pictures and the tomato plant. Roxy sure loves Bill she is getting to be a man,s dog. to bad Eleni!she doesn,t pay attaction to you more.she is growing. wow. well take care and have a happy day. Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 3/18/2011 9:23PM

Hi Eleni......... It's a good thing that Bill and I aren't married or we would be in the poor house from buying too many plants. I am NOT ALLOWED near a Greenhouse unchaperoned!!! I want to take one of every plant home with me. Most of my gardens are filled with perennials but I still like to buy annuals to put in pots on the deck and as colorful borders. I also have a big antique wagon that I fill with cascading petunias of all colors. It is so beautiful when completely in bloom. I love your pictures. You are months ahead of us in being able to enjoy your outside plantings. And, what a personality that Roxy has. It's like she has been a part of your family forever. Have a great weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

TILLIEBEE 3/18/2011 9:30AM

Gorgeous photos once again! Hope you sleep better tonight. Happy Friday!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TIRED49 3/17/2011 11:48PM

I love your flowers. They will be so pretty in your garden. It is getting warmer here and I will get out in the flower beds soon. I can't wait, it takes my mind off of eating. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 3/17/2011 5:37PM

LOVE YOUR FLOWERS MAKING ME JEALOUS WISH WE HAD NICE WEATHER FOR THEM PS I WAS GOOD LAST NIGHT HUGS Report Inappropriate Comment

2BFREE2LIVE 3/17/2011 5:02PM

Have a wonderful St. Patty's day!! You have found your gold in that Bill. Your one lucky lady. Enjoy your time together. Sandy Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 3/17/2011 4:55PM

Happy St. Pat's Day and stay out of the corned beef and cabbage. It is so hard somedays. but on two nights. Report Inappropriate Comment

26M8J7 3/17/2011 4:01PM

Beautiful! I could probably grow those tomatoes. Report Inappropriate Comment

MIZCATHI 3/17/2011 3:44PM

I love your sense of humor! Bill does sound like a good guy - I wonder what I can do to light a fire under my DH's butt? Cat Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 3/17/2011 3:28PM

What a great guy that Bill is - tomato plant with fruit already on the vine. Way to go. Hope they do good. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

Wednesday

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

I have started doing something I did all the time and I got away from doing it.
I now keep a special bowl in refridg that I keep bagged veggie snacks for the day.I keep cut up cucumber and pepper slices that I recorded the calories in the morning.Then I can just grab a piece or two throughout the day.Also if I have leftovers that the calories have been counted they are also kept in that bowl. Sometimes like today you will have some leftover and they are free calories as I counted them yesterday. I may have other stuff bagged in fridge but only counted and recorded calorie ones goes in the special bowl.
Today U have 1/2 a grapefruit in it. I also have tomato slices left over from supper.
I had a nice surprise today.I had a VCR tape of Brianna's 1st birthday.and I lost it.Brianna is now 18. I found it in the excersise room.It also has 3 other grand children on it that are real young. Both of my big burly bushy sons were skinny,clean shaven and had short hair. Bill had long hair and so did I.Another nice thing was that my mother was on it. I have a friend who has a machine that will turn VCR's into CD's.Will see if I can get enough copies for the moms. But there was a big down side. This was taken before video cameras had stabilizers tape is only 17 minutes long and I did fine for the first 15 but last two minutes did me in. I get motion sickness very easy and I got sick as a dog. I had to go lay down for a long time.Then got up and ate some lunch as it was late but had to go back to bed.After an hour nap I could function.
I even tried one of recipes Brianna and I found yesterday. Baked potato chip chicken. Then after supper I went to my bedroom and went thru all my drawers and redid where I had stuff and thru away half a bag of stuff that can't be donated like old panties. So I am slowly getting some decluttering done little at a time.
Not only did I stay in my calorie range last night I also did not eat anything after 10. i still hate not eating late but I did it. I think it may be why I have woke up in middle of night and couldn't get back to sleep.
I did a few exercises today.Skipped the last two days as I was feeling so great.Will try to do more tomorrow.
Well I guess that catches me up for now. hope you all had a good day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SWEETSBEGONE 3/19/2011 12:04AM

hey i haven't gotten on sparkpage for a while i enjoy reading your blogs. thye remind me of myself and my mom. she is in the process of spring cleaning she is so proud of each room done. i helped her some yesterday and she gave me my first dress a a pair of shoes i had when i was a baby. they are 57 years old and still in pretty good shape. the dress is hand sewed probably by her white with little flowers on it. the shoes are black patent leather . they are so cute like doll shoes. mom is 78 years old and her and daddy are going slow now adays daddy uses a cane. mom is driving now because she doesn't trust daddy to have quick reactions to things he is 10 years older than mom. i am glad you are doing good and have the energy to house clean and purge we all need to do that . take care Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 3/17/2011 3:05PM

Hi Eleni..........You always have such good ideas. I will add your snack bowl to my list. on avoiding your after 10 eating. One way I avoid that is to de-clutter some of my dresser drawers at that time of night. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but he thinks that all day long, so......... I wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day. Report Inappropriate Comment

DIASTER 3/17/2011 1:08PM

Always with the helpful tips, you are just something else.Thanks for sharing. Great job, now that is two days in a row without night eating, way to go Eleni, See we are getting there one day at a time, one pound at a time. Just know we are going to continue this streak for the next 9 months and then re-evaluate. Love to Bill and Roxey. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 3/17/2011 9:46AM

Happy St. Pats. Hope today is a GREAT day for you too. Report Inappropriate Comment

TILLIEBEE 3/17/2011 8:32AM

My whole family is unable to watch the video's I took when the kids were young because of the same reason of sea sickness. It's too bad... but I'm so happy you found that tape. I hadn't realized it but when my girls recorded over the baby tapes to make their own stuff when they were in middle school. Great job with no night eating! Keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

LKWQUILTER 3/17/2011 7:04AM

You had a good day Eleni, finding the tape was a good surprise. It is nice to know that I am not the only one putting things up and not finding them for years. Have a great day. I do like your snack bowl. I must start one too. ((HUGS)) Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 3/17/2011 12:37AM

wow you did wonderful not eating after 10. it is hard you are doing great. i don,t know how to open a spark goodie on this lap top can you tell me how. i new how on my desk computer but i can,t open it when someone left me a goodie and a note under the goodie.i,m trying to get use to this lap top it,s hard.so you had some left over that you can eat free if you get hungry great.did you try drinking water or cranberry juice before 10.take care and have a good sleep. Report Inappropriate Comment

JILL313 3/16/2011 10:12PM

You are breaking a habit of eating after 10 pm at night--Way to Go! I am going to copy you and make sure I have a bowl just for my healthy snacks. I kinda cleaned out my fridge or I threw out old food--I even had some half and half that expired last Dec. so I guess it was overdue!! Keep up the great work. You and Bill make such a cute couple!! Report Inappropriate Comment

OURELEE1 3/16/2011 8:32PM

I overate today. Just been hungry all day. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 3/16/2011 8:24PM

i love grapefruits tooo .. love fresh tomatoes oh my yummy I didnt eat last night either 2 days in a row for me What about you ? Report Inappropriate Comment

Feel Much Better Today

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Today has been better. Didn't sleep great but got up late.
Good news. I do not know how I did it but I did not eat anything after 10 last night. It was so hard to do and I did not like going to bed feeling hungry. I will try to do it again tonight but I don't like it.
Brianna came over and did some stuff I wanted to get done.She took all the clothes out of my closet and we ended up with a big bag full to donate.Some every day shirts I put in a drawer. Then we put stuff back in closet.It looks neat now but won't last long. I may get rid of more later.
Then she straighten out my plastic container drawer.We thru away all the ones that have no lids. She even did some laundry.She has almost paid her bill off.
The we made goulash together. She made hers and grandpas and I made mine separately. I messed her up a little by using leftover pasta. But it still turned out ok. We also went over my recipes on computer and printed her some easy ones out and put them in a folder.
Roxy likes her to come.

My brother from Arizona came by for a few hours. Doesn't he look like an x sergeant major.
I have gotten so short I make him look real tall.
I have been drinking more cranberry juice and less soda.I usually drink caffeine free diet coke. I got my snow cone ice maker out and fill my glass with the ice first. I like the crushed ice. Bill hates the noise it makes.
Roxy started another fight tonight. Bill took her across the street to play with neighbors dog,A female grey hound. Bill said they were doing fine until they went to leave and Bill petted the other dog.We think Roxy was just jealous.The other dog is twice her size but that didn't bother Roxy.
Ok BL is on so I am going to go watch that. Hope you all had a good day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUNNY332 3/16/2011 6:58PM

What a wonderful day. Glad you were feeling better. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 3/16/2011 3:48PM

Hi Eleni.......... on NOT eating after 10PM. That is the most difficult time of the day for me too!!! What a handsome brother you have. I have only one sibling and he is 4 years younger than me and also very handsome. I am lucky in that he only lives about 30 miles from me. I hope that Elizabeth helps me as much as Brianna helps you. What a wonderful grand-daughter to have living nearby. I am sure that she appreciates having you so close too. You hit it right on the head re: Roxy's behavior. She DID NOT like the fact that "Her Bill" was paying attention to another dog. Our dogs are like that too. Take care......... Report Inappropriate Comment

CALVERTM 3/16/2011 11:51AM

Hi Ms. Eleni, I feel so bad I haven't blogged or answered many posts. I went to 2nd treatment yesterday and guess what? I reached out to my big family and one of my sister-in-laws went with me yesterday and wants to go next month too. We had a very nice time together catching up, I napped some too cuz they give you stuff to relax you with the medicine. She offered also to come back today and help wash the clothes cuz our washer had been broke for 2 weeks but my husband and a friend fixed it last night so we're back in biz. I didn't feel too good this morning with some nausea but took a pill for that and feel better. I'm feeling so much better since I reached out to my family and many friends, they do want to help, it was just hard for me to do. I wanted to show how strong I was to everyone but I was letting myself down so life is pretty good right through this bump in the road. I love you for always being here for me..thank you for my card if I didn't thank you already. Stay strong on your diet. You and your brother look so good, tell him he's handsome :). Take care, I'll write again soon, love, Margaret Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 3/16/2011 10:19AM

Briana is so pretty. Very handsome brother. Of course, you are beautiful also. How strange Roxy was good for playing then wanted to fight. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRIGFROST 3/16/2011 3:47AM

Switch to white soda...Zero Sprite...Zero Caloires... there is two kinds so get the Silver one...it is better for your teeth...and I also need to borrow your helper w/ all my Cleaning...in this house... Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 3/16/2011 12:01AM

Hi Eleni, i,m glad Roxy didn,t bite Bill for petting the other dog.Bill will have to watch that the next time, not to pet other dogs.i got a laugh you saying roxy was going to fight the other dog specially when it was bigger than her.you got a good looking brother.great picture of you too.it is nice to have a helper like the girls i,m glad they do help you.well i,m on my lap top for awhile my deck computer has lots of virus so my brother said it,s ok to use the lap top while he fixes the desk one.i get them alot on facebook i don,t know why.they like me.but i don,t like them.it,s nice having my lap top on the table in the kitchen instead in the hallway.oh yeah you did ok not eating after 10 it would be hard for me. wtg try some water or cranberry juice before bed.that is not eating.take care til i talk again tomorrow. bye big hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 3/15/2011 10:40PM

I am with Bill too hugs have a great night Report Inappropriate Comment

TILLIEBEE 3/15/2011 8:51PM

I wish Brianna would teach my girls a thing or two. What a dream to have a helper like her! You and your brother look great! He is soooooo tall! Very handsome. Ice crunching drives me crazy, too. I'm with Bill on that one! Report Inappropriate Comment

OURELEE1 3/15/2011 8:43PM

Enjoy your brother. My brother my only sibling has been gone almost 14 years. Miss him. Report Inappropriate Comment

JILL313 3/15/2011 8:31PM

Your family is sure good-looking and if they are like you full of personality!! Your dog acts like my small beagle as he's not intimitated by any dog or person--LOL. Way to Go!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Not One Of My Better Days

Monday, March 14, 2011

Not one of my better days but as most of you know I have theses days.I just get thru them and take it easy. Not sleeping well last night didn't help.My arms kept going numb and shoulders hurting.
Even Roxy was puny today. She upchucked a little twice.She just ate a few minutes ago.I gave her a little yogurt which is suppose to be good for tummy.She played catch with her toy for a few minutes.She is now waiting at door for Bill.She knows it is time for him to get home.
No cooking for me. Bill is bringing home subway.
I did not do good with no eating after 10 last night.Will try again tonight.Went over my calories too.And did no exercises today.Tomorrow will be better. I did see a butterfly for first time in weeks. Here are some pics. It has been another beautiful day.
Watched Chopped last night and it was good. Won't say who won as maybe everyone hasn't seen it yet. I love Robert,Anne,and Duff.I know the other girl but have never watched her much. I would like to see the judges do it. One of them is going to do it.
Ok I will say good night for now.
I will not eat after 10.
I will not eat after 10.
I will not eat after 10.
I will not eat after 10.
I will not eat after 10.
I will not eat after 10.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JILL313 3/15/2011 8:33PM

Not eating after 10 pm is a real challenge for me!! Even, if I'm not that hungry I want to have a snack to eat right before bed. . .When I was thin I wasn't like this at all . . .but that was many moons ago. Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIE233 3/15/2011 12:49PM

hi Eleni,i love your butterfly pics. i,m on my laptop my other picked up a lot of virus so it is waiting to get fix.it is hard to go to lap top after being on a deck one.sorry you not feeling to well. hope you feel better tomorrow.take care til i talk to you tomorrow hugs. Report Inappropriate Comment

MDMNINA 3/15/2011 12:22PM

That Butterfly is a sure sign of a better day to come! Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 3/15/2011 11:54AM

No eating after 10. Hope you did good. Butterflies are beautiful. Report Inappropriate Comment

RURAL3 3/14/2011 11:31PM

wonder what my friend Eleni is doing? It's after 10. Do you know where your Eleni is? Go ahead slap me around you can't find me under these foster grants. Report Inappropriate Comment

TILLIEBEE 3/14/2011 8:22PM

haaahahaha. don't eat after 10. Report Inappropriate Comment

26M8J7 3/14/2011 6:42PM

I hope you feel better. Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIAANN46 3/14/2011 6:32PM

Eleni........you missed your calling!!! You could have been a photographer for a nature magazine. Your pictures are beautiful!!! I am sorry that you aren't feeling well. Would it help to put a heating pad under your shoulders for a bit before you go to sleep? Or maybe a massage........is Bill a good masseur??? Take care of yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 3/14/2011 5:57PM

You can e-mail me and tell me as I couldn't find it on Hulu. So sad. On days like today, just be good to yourself and don't worry. So glad Bill is bring home Subway. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE107 3/14/2011 5:50PM

Me too no eating after 10pm like Duff but love robert but Anne is a winner for me woo hooo lovely flowers and butterflies Report Inappropriate Comment