I"M BACKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Ok this is it I'm back and know that I need to do this.
I gained most of my weight back over the winter and need to get back on track.
juat found out Im going a a great vacation in JUNE!!!! YIKES, I need help to lost at least 8-10 pounds by then, so I can fit into some summer clothes.

Exercise is hard for me so I need to be extra careful with my food choices.
spark people helped me last summer so I know that i can do this again>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!

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Just trying to figure out how and why I fell off the pages

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Don't know exactly when it started or how or why, but I fell off the pages and am trying to figure it all out now.
I haven't had the official weigh in yet, maybe tomorrow i will get the courage to write down the numbers.
I know it has to be at or over a 10 pound gain.
I hope I can get the spark back, I feel like just coming in for a peek already is making me feel positive and excited that I can get back on tracker and start losing again.
Also, hoping I can figure out why I stopped......................
Wish me luck!!

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September goals and new rules

Sunday, September 06, 2009

My September goals :
!. to lose 5 pounds
by the 20th (my daughters baby shower that will give me a 25 pound loss)
2. to drink 8 glasses of water everyday
3. to exercise or walk at least 3 times per week.
4. to only eat foods that I know the exact calories of.
5. to balance my plate.

How I will reach my goals:
1. to weigh and measure my food, and make good choices
2. to pour out my water for the day and make sure the pitcher is empty by 6:00pm
3. to get my fat butt out the door and stop making excuses
4. to prepare my own meals and take them with me when i go out and order only foods that i know the counts of before I eat them.
5. to figure out the right portions of protein, fat, carbs. that should be on my plate at each meal. and have 2-3 snacks

I saw something like this on someone's biog and thought what a great idea.
I don't usually set goals for my self and just play out the days as they come.
i think it will be nice to have actual goals and a plan on how to get them done.
I will blog at the end of the month and tell you how it went.

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tell me what you think of this article

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Quick-Cleanse guidelines



The basic idea of the Quick-Cleanse plan is to progressively remove certain foods and food categories from your diet for two weeks, then phase them back in and monitor how you feel. The goal for these two weeks is to bring your biochemistry closer to baseline. As you reintroduce certain foods, you will have an undiluted reaction and be better able to judge their overall effect on you.

While on the Quick-Cleanse plan, I recommend you eat three balanced meals and two snacks every day. We suggest eating your snacks at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. To simplify life while you’re on the plan, shop ahead to the degree you are able using our Quick-Cleanse shopping guide, and clear a special place in your refrigerator and kitchen shelves for your foods. These are the general guidelines:

Eat at least 3–4 ounces of lean protein with every meal and 1–2 ounces with each snack (3–4 ounces is about the size of a deck of cards).

Plan for meals and snacks with a low glycemic load, and favor the complex carbohydrates found in fresh fruits and vegetables over those in grains, unless you are working out regularly (more than 4 days a week). As explained above, if you are one of the many women who have symptoms of insulin resistance or hypoglycemia, aim for a carbohydrate intake of approximately 60 grams per day (about 15 grams per meal and 7 grams per snack). Otherwise, there are no set restrictions in numbers — focus instead on the principles!

Use oils with a high smoke point for cooking. Grape seed oil is our favorite, but there are many other good choices. Extra-virgin olive oil and flax seed oil are good choices for dressings. Store all oils in a cool, dark location.

Do not skip meals. Your body burns fuel during the day when you are busy and stressed, so that’s the best time to give it the nutrients it needs.

Do not eat after 7:00 PM. This will allow your digestive system to rest while you sleep.

Drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses (at least 2 quarts) of pure, filtered water each day.

Take a rich multivitamin with calcium and magnesium such as the one in our Personal Program. We also recommend omega-3 fatty acids and 500 mg of vitamin C daily. Eat or drink something nutritious when taking your supplements to aid absorption, and be sure to drink at least one big glass of water with them. This approach will help prevent the stomach upset some women experience with nutritional supplements.

Take a fiber supplement each morning and evening. I recommend buying whole organic flax seeds and a small coffee grinder to grind them up fresh. Sprinkle ground flax seeds on breakfast porridge, soups, salads, or steamed veggies — they are a delicious source of fiber and alpha-linolenic acid.

You will also need to take a good probiotic twice a day, 30 minutes before eating or according to directions.

Do some form of gentle exercise each day. We suggest 30–45 minutes of walking (15 minutes after each meal, if you like). If you already work out, don’t stop now. Continue your regular routine as per usual, or tone it down if you feel fatigued. If you find you are hungry, eat a piece of fruit (or any of the other recommended foods) before or after your work-out.

If you can, try to go to bed by 10:00 pm. This is not imperative, but it will help your body detox by reestablishing a natural circadian rhythm, which will in turn help smooth out your hormonal cycles. After two weeks you’ll notice that you sleep better at night and have more energy through the day, when you need it.
Foods to exclude

A set of three tables listing foods to exclude, ranging from less strict to very strict, follows. We encourage you to customize what you eliminate according to your own emotional and physical comfort level.

Depending on your preferences, you can approach an elimination diet from one of two ways: either beginning at Level III (most restrictive) and becoming less strict over two weeks, or vice versa, beginning at the Level I and eliminating more foods (becoming more strict) as you progress. Trust your intuition on this, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. The important thing is not to give up if you don’t get overnight results.

In general terms, we have found that the stricter you are, the more quickly you will see results — but you may also feel worse before you feel better, and we realize this approach isn’t right for every body. Some of the symptoms that can arise in the first week as your body rids itself of stored-up toxins and fat include headaches, increased fatigue, depressed mood, nausea, lightheadedness, joint or muscle stiffness, and changes in GI function. This is normal, so do your best to stick with it. If you don’t make it the full 14 days the first time, don’t beat yourself up; just resolve to go a little longer the next time. Good health is an evolving process!

If you prefer to take a moderate approach, you can start at the first level and see how you feel. If you do not experience a change, or as you are energized to go further, proceed to the next level. Eliminate the foods on each successive list, again checking in with how you feel at each stage along the way.

Alternatively, you can start your cleansing plan by eliminating all of the foods listed at once. (Do be cautious about discontinuing caffeine cold-turkey. For hints on how to wean yourself, see our article). If you begin with level III and work backwards, once again gauge the rate at which you add foods back in according to how you feel.

Level I — Least strict. Eliminate the following...
• Alcohol
• Packaged and processed foods (good rule of thumb: if it has more than three ingredients on the label, don’t buy it!)
• Caffeine
• Chocolate and cocoa
• Condiments: ketchup, relish, chutney, barbecue sauce, teriyaki and soy sauce
• Fats: shortening, margarine, processed oils
• Grains: wheat, spelt, barley, kamut, rye, triticale, corn
• Juices that are not fresh or raw
• Peanuts
• Processed meats: canned meats, cold cuts, bacon, sausage
• Pork
• Salt, in excess
• Shellfish
• Soy and soybean products: tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, etc.
• Soft drinks
• Sweeteners: refined sugar/white sugar (sucrose), brown sugar, raw sugar, evaporated cane juice, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, barley malt
Level II
• Beef and veal
• Dairy, including butter
• Mayonnaise and mayonnaise-like spreads
• Nightshade vegetables: tomatoes, eggplant, peppers
• Nuts and seeds
• Salad dressings

Level III
• Citrus fruits (except lemon, if it agrees with you)
• Egg yolks
• High glycemic-index fruits: bananas, dates, figs, grapes, pineapple, raisins, watermelon
• Vinegars
• Mustards

Foods to enjoy

For a complete list of the many foods you can enjoy on the Quick-Cleanse plan, see our shopping guide. One recommendation we make to all women and their families, but especially to anyone on an elimination diet, is to buy organic and locally-grown food whenever possible, and to always wash produce thoroughly. Do not eat fruit (or anything else) with mold on it.

The best lean protein is boneless, skinless chicken and turkey breast and egg whites (preferably free-range, organic, and antibiotic-free). Certain fish are okay, such as smaller ocean species like sardines and mackerel, white fish such as flounder or cod, or farm-raised tilapia or rainbow trout (again, organically farmed, if possible). Grass-fed organic beef is acceptable in limited amounts (no more than 12 oz per week). We also recommend buying brown rice protein powder to blend into filling smoothies.

Beans and legumes are a great choice to add bulk and lean protein, whether you are vegetarian or not. You may also eat steamed brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, teff, wild rice and millet (again, see our shopping list for a complete guide). These grains are whole, complex carbohydrates that can provide a steady supply of energy throughout the day — especially when combined with legumes or other protein complements. But again, we see every woman as a unique individual, and just as some find that animal protein does not agree with them, other women cannot tolerate a diet high in vegetable protein sources.

As for vegetables, these are fairly limitless in possibilities. Green leafy vegetables are particularly known for their cleansing, alkalizing properties and have been prized for centuries for flushing toxins in plant-based healing cultures such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Along with their detoxing qualities, richly colored veggies are loaded with phytonutrients that can help reset healthy cell-signaling for insulin regulation, creating a more responsive endocrine system and overall hormonal balance.

Seasoning is another way to add infinite variety and antioxidants to the foods you choose for your detox diet. There are hundreds of botanical nutrients in spices and seasonings such as garlic, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric whose antioxidant and toxin-gobbling action in the body we’re only just beginning to understand. So buy and use fresh spices whenever you can, or grow and grind your own! See our shopping list for the full complement of spices you can include.

Snacking is heartily encouraged on the elimination diet — but you may have to rethink your idea of what makes a good snack! Half a steamed chicken breast with snap-peas? Almond butter and rice cakes? Or half an acorn squash stuffed with quinoa, lima beans and scallions, anyone? You may need to add an extra snack, especially if you work out, or if you are just simply famished. Listen to your body. There is no rule that says you can have only two.

This may seem like a trivial thing, but we have also found that something as simple as varying the texture and color of your foods can play a huge role in how satisfied you feel. For an example of what one day on our Quick-Cleanse diet might look like for you, click here.

Hints for success

The Quick-Cleanse plan is not without its challenges, and many a woman has burst into tears in my office at the very thought of changing her diet so radically — even for two weeks! If you are have similar feelings or your emotions flare up once you’re following the plan, don’t worry. It’s okay — food is an emotional thing. Do your best and don’t get down on yourself. If you manage to cut out even two potential offenders in two weeks, you’ve done yourself some good! Next time you may succeed in cutting out a couple more.

To assist you with the process, we’ve come up with a few hints and watch-out-for’s. We’ve found these tips to be tried and true after years of working with women of all walks. See how they work for you:

Schedule wisely. Look ahead in your calendar and choose two weeks that are relatively stress-free. Holidays, family gatherings, and major deadlines are in direct opposition to your efforts.

Pre-shop. Shop ahead for all of your detox/elimination diet foods and supplements. We’ve provided a quick-and-easy comprehensive shopping list for you to print out and take to the store. Establish a special shelf in the fridge, cupboards, or countertop for your cleansing program foods.

Limit entertaining, going out to eat and partying. It can be hard to stay focused on your Quick-Cleanse plan during social gatherings, so try to keep them to a minimum for just two weeks.

Be honest. Tell your friends and family about what you are trying to do. Ask them for their active support — you may be surprised how inspiring you can be!

Journaling. Use our Wellness Diary or make one up of your own. Schedule a time each evening to write and chart your progress, including any difficulties and symptoms. This will help you notice improvements.

Enlist a friend. Have a friend join you in the cleansing program and pre-arrange special treats to enjoy together — a daily walk, yoga class, or weekend shopping expedition.

Reward yourself. Think of your absolutely favorite (non-food!) things to do. Enjoy at least one every day. Take a long hot bubble bath. Get a massage or a manicure and pedicure. Borrow or buy yourself a new CD or take a leisurely bike ride. Allow yourself time each day in the natural world. Think of this short time as “me” time and revel in it. Don’t feel guilty; your in-built neurochemical reward response can help you hard-wire positive behavior!

Get adequate rest. This is especially important when your system is ridding itself of toxins. If you’re inclined and have the time, go ahead and luxuriate in the occasional nap. This and other practices that quiet the nervous system such as yoga and meditation can be very cleansing and restorative! Again, if you can, try to turn in by 10:00 to give all your organs time to rest and replenish through the night.

Breathe!

Phasing food back in

Once you hit the two-week mark, pat yourself on the back and give yourself a hearty congratulations. Hopefully you will be feeling significantly better. If you want to continue the plan, go ahead! If you have had enough, it’s time to reintroduce foods back into your diet.

Depending on what you’ve given up, reverse the process, eating a lot of a particular food category (like dairy) for two days and see how you feel. Try to introduce last the foods you crave the most. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes our minds and bodies get addicted to abnormal states (see our food sensitivities article) and undermine our efforts to implement healthy changes.

Most common food sensitivities (wheat, dairy, corn, soy, yeast, sugar) become blatantly obvious after two weeks on the Quick Cleanse. You may find you suffer from a vicious “food hangover” upon reintroducing certain foods that never seemed to bother you before. Take this as a sign of your success! You now have some valuable information with which to go forward. Keep track of any changes in your food journal and remember your food triggers — that way you can choose wisely during times of stress.

Moving toward wellness

The Quick-Cleanse plan is not intended to solve chronic health or weight issues. It is meant to be a first step in acquiring new understanding of your unique physiology. It should allow you to see your body’s ability to detox as a limited resource, one that you can foster with a bit of extra attention and self-care. Once you know what kinds of food make you feel well and which make you feel sick, you put yourself in the driver’s seat of your own long-term health and weight loss.

So, stay focused and give it a try. You have nothing to lose (except symptoms and excess weight) and everything to gain! I recommend that every woman do the Quick-Cleanse plan once or twice a year, as a preventative and a therapeutic. If you are also suffering symptoms of hormonal imbalance, I suggest you combine the elimination diet with our Personal Program.

Good luck… and give us a call if you would like to explore caring for yourself further. Know that when you are ready, we will be here. And regardless of your success, honor your intentions — the journey to natural wellness proceeds slowly, one step at a time.

Our Personal Program is a great place to start

The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.

To learn more about the Program, go to How the Personal Program works.
To select the Program that's right for your symptoms, go to Choose the plan that works for you.
To assess your symptoms, take our on-line Hormonal Health Profile.
If you're ready to get started, learn about our risk-free trial.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.

We’re always happy to welcome new patients to our medical clinic in Yarmouth, Maine, for those who can make the trip. Click here for information about making an appointment.



Related to this article:

References & further reading on two-week Quick Cleanse


Original Publication Date: 08/31/2006
Last Modified: 08/17/2009
Principal Author: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP


Detoxification - clear and cleanse your body
Purging the poisons: how to support natural detoxification
The lymph system and your health
Endocrine disruptors – tipping the hormonal scales
Women to Women's Quick-Cleanse
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"For once I felt like someone was really listening!"
Jade is 60 years old and suffers from fibromyalgia. With this diagnosis comes a lot of stress, worrying and health complications. She found she had no one to talk with about her health, no one willing to sit down and help her come up with a plan until she spoke with one of our Nurse–Educators. Now, no matter how far she travels, she never feels disconnected from Women to Women.

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Interesting article to share

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

I have been tring to figure out the reasons that I eat things that I don't want to, but almost have to.
Even if I'm not hungrey I will have something that I know I shouldn't eat, so I have been trying to figure it out this week and I just came across this article.
Thought I d share with all of you.
I also am trying to figure out the emotional eating. i want to label the emotions that I feel when Im eating off plan.
interesting stuff.
wnjoy



RealAge Article
Print
Don’t Blame Yourself

Failed diets are not your fault. And here’s why . . .
Most diets aren’t about action; they’re about thoughts. You spend so much time thinking about not having food, that you develop only two sets of standards when it comes to eating. Either you follow your diet or you don’t. It’s all or nothing.
And once you’ve blown it and deviated even an inch from the plan, that’s it. You head back to the locker room, game over. Diet’s dead. Pass the fondue pot.
What’s worse, you point the finger squarely at yourself. Deep down in your gut, you blame you. Not the fast-food industry, not the unrealistic body images of magazine covers, not the 60-hour workweeks at a desk or the cloud-soft recliner and reality TV programs that keep you glued to the set -- and sitting down -- all night. You blame you. And you start to play the “if only” game.
If only you had the willpower to step away from the mayonnaise. If only you could stop after four Pringles. If only you had the power, the strength, the discipline, the chutzpah, the energy, the drive, the motivation to control your waist, then you’d finally have the body you want.
Ultimately, you blame your mind for not being strong enough to win over your waist. You’ve placed all the responsibility for dietary success or failure on your little 3-pound brain, and you’re ashamed that it wasn’t strong enough to go head-to-head with such formidable foes as deep-fried taco shells and fettuccine Alfredo.
But you can’t outwit nature. The truth is, your body is built for eating. It’s full of hormones and neurotransmitters whose jobs roughly translate into “pass the pound cake.” Here are just a few examples:
Overeating works a bit like drug addiction. Studies show that obese people have reward centers in their brain similar to the reward centers of drug addicts.
Stress eating is cyclical. When you eat to reduce stress, you activate the reward centers of your brain. When the feel-good effects wear off, you reach again for the thing that made you feel relaxed: food.
Heavy people respond differently to certain foods. For example, in heavy people, the parietal region of the brain -- the control center for the tongue, lips, and mouth -- is activated by sugar. In skinny people, it isn’t.
Some cravings are hardwired. When people on a rigid diet crave certain foods, the hippocampus lights up -- triggering a willpower-busting memory of the food.
To expect that your will or your fortitude can override chemical messages like these is the equivalent of trying to stop a train with your pinkie.
To get on the road to waist management and stay there, you have to first strip away the guilt that comes with eating, the guilt that comes with diets, and the guilt that comes with occasionally enjoying foods that aren’t at the platinum level on healthy-eating charts.
And you have to start listening to your body and responding intelligently to your cravings and your emotions. You have to train your brain to stop obsessing about eating right -- and stop punishing yourself for slipups.
Over time, you’ll learn what your body is saying and why, and you’ll learn how to eat right to manage those cravings. Because the unrecognized truth about dieting is that when you stop overthinking, you’ll stop overeating.
Get started on the path to controlling cravings with this online menu planner. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it helps take the overthinking out of waist management.

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