Fatty food as addictive as cocaine or heroine?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Food for thought. I've often said that when I got serious about weight loss, I cut out all fatty food completely and suffered through the withdrawals like a heroine addict. There may be something to it. While moderation is key to lifelong success, I know for me I had to go cold turkey at the beginning. I was not able to do moderation because I was addicted.

www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/28/fatty.
foods.brain/

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VHALKYRIE 3/30/2010 12:58AM

I was able to relearn my behavior. It was not easy. In fact, I would say it is among the most difficult things I've ever done. But now I eat healthy, avoid fatty foods, and have maintained my weight loss. Mostly because I realized I WAS addicted to bad food! I didn't want to live that way anymore. I suffered through the 'withdrawals', got through it, and haven't looked back. I figure if someone can do something as difficult as losing weight and maintain it, they can do anything! Comment edited on: 3/30/2010 12:58:18 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

EATNBOOGERS 3/29/2010 9:26PM

One of my "addictions" is chocolate. The only way I can practice moderation for any length of time is to not buy any of it myself. My husband has it hidden somewhere and gives me a bit every night. Cold turkey is best for me for other things which require moderation. Report Inappropriate Comment

SNOWHIT 3/29/2010 6:46PM

This is an incredibly interesting article. Thanks for sharing. I was some what taken aback by the conclusion of the article where they state that we should look into drug therapies. Not that drug interventions may not be useful, but there are other types of therapies that have been shown to work with addiction, why not start there? Report Inappropriate Comment

JILLWILSON2102 3/29/2010 12:02PM

It is true. We have bad habits that have to be broken and it is the rare person indeed that can be successful with moderately reducing rather than cold turkey and then a slow re-introduction later. I would agree with you that the cold turkey method is the most successful for me as well, so that I concentrate on the good habits I am trying to incorporate. Report Inappropriate Comment

Jillian Doesn't Kid Around!

Friday, February 05, 2010

I've seen lots of comments about it on the blogs and message boards, and my curiosity couldn't take it anymore (I am half cat, I think.) I just got Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred this morning.

I paid attention to the warnings, and was fully prepared to get my butt kicked. At this stage in my fitness, I *want* to get my butt kicked. Bring it, Jillian.

I was not disappointed. My butt has Jillian's boot prints all over it. I admit, there were a couple of times when I was tempted to take a little break. Just a little. But there was Jillian - she KNEW. "Don't quit!" Drat, how did she know?

I followed along as best I could. When she says "No rest", she isn't kidding! When my muscles screamed and I wanted to stop, I imagined Jillian screaming at me like I was on the Biggest Loser, "Don't give up! Don't you dare give up! You can do one more! Don't ever say you can't!" I did one more jumping jack; one more butt kick; one more squat. All the while thinking it was the longest 20 minutes of my life!

And I loved every minute of it (once it was over). Phew. I'm a glutton for punishment. Excited for another kicking from JM tomorrow.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GLAMOURGIRL-9 2/5/2010 8:21PM

I just did one of her dvd's wed. and i am STILL sore! Yikes she is evil but in a good way! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYROSE 2/5/2010 8:02PM

Take care of you first... Jillian will be there waiting to dish out more butt kicking when you're ready. ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

VHALKYRIE 2/5/2010 7:37PM

It's the most awesome workout DVD I've ever had. Jillian is definitely no perky aerobics instructor - she is a drill sergeant! And I love it! From my experience with martial arts, I can definitely see the influence in her style. It's also a pretty intense circuit workout, which is exactly what I'm looking for. Most workout DVDs I've had in the past have been more of a low intensity aerobics. Jillian is definitely going for big bang personal training in a workout video. I give it an A++! Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to work out with her tonight. Got a sore throat and feeling under the weather. Planning on taking a nap after I log out. Report Inappropriate Comment

EATNBOOGERS 2/5/2010 7:29PM

Wow, I'll have to check it out! Report Inappropriate Comment

DARCEYOH 2/5/2010 4:06PM

Same here... I knew she was difficult but I had to try it. I fell in love with it. And seeing pictures of others doing this workout, how good they looked, really helped me in deciding to do it. Speaking of which, I need to get that back from my sister. Report Inappropriate Comment

JELLAJIGGLES 2/5/2010 12:09PM

Yeah I got that one. It's nice when you think you are in tip top shape to have a new challenge. Way to step up and work it super hard all the way through! Report Inappropriate Comment

SNOWHIT 2/5/2010 12:00PM

Where is that darn tiny, buff, mean woman emoticon? I like the 30 Day Shred too. I don't follow the plan, just throw it in when I want to get some quick cardio. It feels very intense. Have fun with Jillian. Report Inappropriate Comment

MYTURN11 2/5/2010 11:08AM

Good for you! I love it when she says "If you are looking for a modified version of this move, look elsewhere" Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCYNA 2/5/2010 9:57AM

Wow , great!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

AEDWARDS22 2/5/2010 8:09AM

I almost got that one! I did the the BL sculpt one yesterday. I thought I would like it because it goes up in levels. 1,2,3. I have been exercising for a while now but don't really do many weights. I thought this would be a good starting point. Funny thing is at the time I felt the burn but did not think it was to bad. Until I woke up this am! My butt is killing me! They say to do it 6 days a week but I don't know if I will do that. Maybe every other day for me. At least at first. Have fun with Jillian! Angel Report Inappropriate Comment

Ski Lessons, Lesson 4

Monday, February 01, 2010

In a word: Great!

The snow was a little wet, but still pretty good. Better than in past weeks. We started off the session by reviewing the video made of us last week. My form was pretty good, I was standing up straight and tall. My instructor said I was making stem-christie turns, which we hadn't formally learned yet, but said is the natural next step. The most important thing I learned from the tape was to keep looking downhill while twisting my lower body.

Not bad, but I think I'll wait to submit my tape to the Olympic committee.

Armed with knowledge of what we look like skiing, we hit the slopes. I practiced facing downhill. It was a little awkward at first, but then I started to get a natural rhythm. It was MUCH easier getting down the steeper parts of the hill. I practiced keeping my skis parallel, rather than a wedge. I picked up more speed, and felt more confident doing it. The snow was very thick, though, and a few times my skis got stuck when trying to turn. At one point, my ski got stuck right as I was facing directly downhill - I went REALLY fast! Fortunately, I was able to recover, phew! The only time I fell was when I turned on the hill to face my instructor, and started sliding backwards! I don't recommend doing that, FYI.

I had no prior commitments, so I stayed 2 more hours after class to practice. It was fantastic. I even went on the blue runs a couple of times on my own, and felt great about it! I would have stayed forever, but my thighs were burning from the exertion. I didn't eat enough carbs during my breakfast, and I ran out of fuel. I ate an overpriced burger at lunch and rested, but it wasn't enough to recharge me for more than a couple of runs. So I headed home, exhausted, but in the best way. I slept soooo good that night.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KAYOTIC 2/1/2010 10:47PM

Great Job! How nice that they video taped you, so you could see what you looked like! I'm not sure I'd want to see it though....(of myself, that is!) Report Inappropriate Comment

EATNBOOGERS 2/1/2010 5:20PM

Great job! Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

MYTURN11 2/1/2010 4:17PM

So jealous but great job with your boards! Report Inappropriate Comment

CTENBRINK 2/1/2010 3:27PM

Sounds way cool! Report Inappropriate Comment

DARCEYOH 2/1/2010 1:17PM

Sounds like so much fun. I'm so glad you were able to sign up! Report Inappropriate Comment

Ski Lessons, Lesson 3

Thursday, January 28, 2010

I didn't get a chance to write about my ski lessons on Saturday because of my move. I just got my desk cleared off enough so I can work and write.

I went to my ski lesson in the morning, even though we were moving that day. That's the thing about events that I pre-pay for - I tend to go to them no matter what.

Snow conditions were a little wet, but I'll take that any day over the ice from a few weeks ago. There was light snow. Overall, it was a good day for skiing.

We got a new person in our group. He was previously in the intermediate group, but his instructor thought he should step down a level because he was struggling. However, he was still at a disadvantage because we already reviewed the basics a couple of weeks ago. On week 3, we tackled edging and parallel turns on the blue runs. He struggled on the steep slope.

Near the end of our session, we were video taped so we could review our form for the following week. The last time I took lessons, I found the video to be very helpful. I could see that I had 'chair' form where it looked like I was sitting going down the hill. My weight was too far behind me. After seeing the video, I made sure to stand up straight. I watched videos of professional skiers, and noticed my video looked nothing like them. I practiced trying to have form like a pro. I can't wait to see what the video tells me this time.

Unfortunately, our lesson had a few mishaps. We got an unexpected lesson in why you should keep your ski tips up before getting off the lift. The other girl in my class got her ski stuck in a hole in the platform as we were approaching. Fortunately, the lift operator was very fast and stopped the lift immediately. It could have broken her leg otherwise.

The second mishap occurred when the new guy had a hard fall during the video session and had to be taken down by ski patrol. I was at the bottom and watched him fall. He had a familiar looking 'chair form', and his balance was too far back. Fortunately, the injury was not serious. Ski patrol said it looked like he just sprained his knee, but he would need rest.

After ski patrol took the guy safely down, we took our final blue run before calling it a day. I was running late for my move. I picked up a couple of Chipotle burritos for my boyfriend and I on the way home. I'm certain we burned every calorie. Especially carrying the TV.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EATNBOOGERS 1/28/2010 3:19PM

I love ski lessons... I've been skiing a long time, but everyone can use help in their form. I like the idea of videotaping one's form--smart move by the instructors. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 1/28/2010 2:36PM

I took ski lessons right after I lost my husband 5 years ago! Getting away up to the beautiful mountains surrounded by picturesque snow and peaceful nature did me a lot of good. Even the trip up dreaming of excitement and trip down exhausted was therapeutic for me. Hope you have a lot of fun and stay healthy! Report Inappropriate Comment

SNOWHIT 1/28/2010 2:13PM

Sounds like you're progressing so quickly. What a great opportunity. I experienced the tips up lesson personally. I had been a chair that didn't give me enough time to get off, to avoid traveling back down the mountainso I had to jump after my skis were past the unloading area. So about a week later on a new lift, overcompensating, I put down my skis a bit early, on the back side of the mound of snow. Which caused them to drill into the snow, pull me forward and off and under the lift into a faceplant. Luckily I had the reaction to stay in a faceplant until the lifty stopped the lift. I wasn't hurt and it was by far the most comical fall I'm ever had. I'd hate to think how that would have gone if it had been a wood platform instead of snow that my tips had plowed into. The lifty was in no hurry to help and just said "Tips up!" Comment edited on: 1/28/2010 2:20:40 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

2010 Goals: Week 3 Review

Monday, January 25, 2010

I'm a little late with my weekly review because I've moved across town. Because of that, my normal schedule has been off as I've scrambled to clear my old apartment, get settled into the new apartment, and clean up. I'm glad that I've been working out - I've been able to keep up with the move in record time, and not too much soreness. I helped carry my 110lb TV up 10 stairs - I'm amazed!



Exercise:
Successes
- Cardio workout 3 times during the week, even with the packing disrupting normal patterns.
- Finished week 3 ski lessons. Conquering the blues! I was video taped during the class. We will watch and review next week for my upcoming bid to the Winter Olympics. (I wish!)
- Stretching every couple of hours after sitting at my desk.

Areas for Improvement
- Strength training. Unfortunately, due to the move, I have not had regular strength training sessions. Fortunately, moving 2 or 3 dozen boxes weighing 24-40lbs across town and up stairs probably counts for something. I can't quantify it, but I'll say it counts!
- Once settled in, resume gym schedule for cardio 3-4 times per week.
- More ski practice outside of class!

Diet:
Successes:
- Did well keeping an eye on my carb and sugar intake.
- Eating lots of fruits and veg. Enjoying my bowl of cherries snack right now at work.
- Ate pizza during one moving day, but opted for the Papa Murphy's deLite Pepperoni. Only about 202 calories per slice (1 large cut into 8 pieces).

Areas for Improvement:
- Again, the move has really disrupted my schedule. We had a few nights of margaritas, nachos and pizza after moving our stuff. A welcome treat, but will have to make sure it doesn't become a habit.
- Not making my goal of limiting alcohol consumption down to the weekends at all. If I was single, I'm sure I could do it, but my boyfriend is not on board with this idea. I'll just have to step up the resolve, go my own way, and say, "no thanks".

My schedule will probably be disrupted for the remainder of the week as we still need to clean the old apartment, and unpack the new apartment. The new apartment kitchen is not in functional order as boxes are all over it, so making home cooked meals regularly is probably not going to happen for at least another week. We have a marinated pork roast that we're going to grill on the balcony tonight, so we'll have something that isn't a nacho, pizza, or margarita.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SNOWHIT 1/26/2010 4:13AM

Well done with keeping up with exercise during a chaotic time. I hope you enjoy your new place. Report Inappropriate Comment

VHALKYRIE 1/25/2010 8:05PM

Unfortunately, I couldn't find my GWF to find out what my calorie burn was! I was so bummed! I must have accidentally packed it away. ;( Report Inappropriate Comment

ROLLER-GIRL 1/25/2010 8:02PM

My bodybugg showed a huge calorie burn while I was moving, probably the highest calorie burn I've had in the 4 months with my bodybugg. That counts for a lot, even if it's hard to quantify. I wish there was such a thing as a calorie free alcohol. I love my beer once in a while, but it sure packs the calories. Congrats on your achievements! Report Inappropriate Comment

AMYSCURTIS 1/25/2010 5:23PM

I just found out that moving is listed in the fitness tracker if you browse what is pre-listed. You will get a huge amount of calorie burned! I looked it up just awhile ago and based on my weight and 15 minutes of moving boxes was close to 300 cals! Report Inappropriate Comment