Slouching towards Bethlehem

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Christmas is coming . There is lots and lots and LOTS of snow here -- and although the work is piled as high on my windowsills as that snow, still I see Christmas in the not-so-distant future, and a bit of a breather at the end of the month.

So: I'm not really slouching towards Bethlehem to be born. More like staggering towards Christmas when I plan to spend several days curled up in my armchair in front of the fireplace, toasting my toes and reading something that is not remotely related to any case or file or work-related topic.

Yessssss. Skiing downhill towards Bethlehem!! Whoooosh!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEENY_BIKINI 12/11/2010 8:28AM

Wow. You are too cool for school. I actually read that twice :) It is short but so well - expressed. Sitting in front of a fireplace sounds great right now. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 12/10/2010 4:14AM

Smiling broadly, what a way you have with words Ellen, love it. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRACTALMYTH 12/10/2010 2:36AM

Yay for snow! I wish we could swap for a few hours every now and then lol... why has no one invented a teleport machine yet??? I could visit and build a snowman... and you could come here for... well... we did have a lovely sunny afternoon! I'm also slightly jealous of your workload LOL... but I have an appointment with a careers assessment officer on Monday where I get to put my case for working part time and then I get referred to a specialist employment agency, so things may start happening soon :D Report Inappropriate Comment

Multivitamin and Weight Loss

Monday, November 29, 2010

An article in today's Toronto Star says that taking a multivitamin helps with weight loss. Here's the link if you want to read the whole article:

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeat
ures/article/898085--youdocs

In a nutshell, women who took a standard multi for 6 months lost 8 pounds more than women who took placebos. The theory is that taking the multi fills in nutritional "gaps" and revs the metabolism by some 6% while increasing satiety and reducing binge eating. The multi also reduces risk of heart attack some 41% by discouraging plaque buildup in the blood vessels, reducing inflammation and increasing arterial flexibility.

The key is to choose a multi which provides 100% of recommended daily nutrients, and then to supplement that with some additional Vitamin D3 because most multis don't provide the recently adjusted recommended amounts.

With my depodge programme, I have been eating at the low end of my calorie range. I do eat very carefully: lots of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, low or no fat dairy, whole grains: but 1200 calories makes it difficult to get the optimal nutrition in all categories every day. (In addition to calories/fat/protein/carbs I also track sodium, calcium, Vitamins A, C, D, E, folate, magnesium, etc.). So because I was noticing deficits, I had recently started taking a multi, additional calcium plus additional D3. (Recent research indicates D3 may help prevent cancer recurrence, particularly for persons living in northern climates where we tend to be sunshine deprived in winter).

The depodge is going well - I'm eying that black leather pencil skirt size 6 and thinking that any day now . . . . -- so maybe it's been the attention to micronutrients represented by the multi ++ which has been assisting as much as the low range calorie intake.

And that PGX supplement for fibre/satiety/blood sugar constancy continues to be of great assistance: this is product I really swear by when things feel like they're getting a little out of hand. It's a mulberry-derived University of Toronto "invention", so maybe not widely available outside Canada? I've mentioned it here a couple of times and would be interested to hear about others' experience with it if there's anyone else out there who has also tried it.

With my two rounds of flu, I haven't been getting in regular gym workouts -- but much as I love the gym for toning/mood control/strengthening, I know that the key to weight loss for me is nutrition tracking. And I also know that I always get right back to the gym when I'm well, so I don't worry too much about temporary interruptions.

A daily multivitamin: this is a pretty easy and low cost thing to do, especially if it helps with weight loss and weight loss maintenance. The Star article says it will: and from my own recent experience, I think maybe for me it does.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FRACTALMYTH 12/3/2010 1:01PM

I couldn't do without my vitamins - they are a vital part of my day lol! Report Inappropriate Comment

PENNYAN45 12/2/2010 8:37PM

I always feel better when I take my vitamins too. Thanks for the info. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 12/1/2010 3:24PM

Thanks for the link - interesting. Glad the depodge is going well and look forward to a photo of the leather skirt in action - or a report about it at the very least. Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 12/1/2010 10:41AM

I'm a big fan of vitamins - not massive doses, just the basics. Makes a big difference, especially given the quality of produce at this time of year! Report Inappropriate Comment

BILBY4 11/30/2010 9:04PM

I'm suspicious of writers who refer to 'research' and then don't state explicitly, even with a footnote, what the research was. Sorry, that's sloppy and unconvincing. Even if we don't think they made the whole thing up, why confidence should we have that they have drawn accurate conclusions from the studies? "That’s one reason we still recommend a multi." And the other might be the income from GoogleAds in the side panel? Just wondering. Vitamins can only be of benefit if the diet is deficient. To my mind it's a more positive approach to consider improving the fundamentals of the diet rather than chucking a multi on top. Hope the flu is behind you soon! Wishing you well with your program, A Report Inappropriate Comment

STLRZGRRL 11/30/2010 7:52PM

Oh, I take HANDFULS of vitamins and stuff... but I have no PGX... now I must find some... You know I am a great believer in better living through chemistry, El!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 11/30/2010 5:51PM

that's really interesting. I do take a variety of vitamins and minerals but had not heard of the D3 - must look into it. Thanks Ellen for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

TBANMAN 11/29/2010 10:58PM

Now I have reason to be more vigilant about taking my multi/omega 3/vit D combo. Thanks. :) I have tried PGX without much success. Glad it works for you tho. Report Inappropriate Comment

DBCLARINET 11/29/2010 9:25PM

Oooh, black leather pencil skirt... you're my hero! Interesting article you mention. I just read something that seems to say the same thing, but from a different angle. Essentially, your body is hungry for nutrients, and if you consume a meal that doesn't provide your body the nutrients it needs, you will get "hungry" as your body attempts to make you consume the nutrients it needs. I have to imagine vitamin and mineral supplements would then also make it easier to avoid overeating. I've been tracking a whole host of vitamins and minerals, too, and finding that I don't get the full amount in my diet, either. But I don't take a multi, I just supplement some vitamins and take a multi-mineral. Not sure if that's better, though. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/29/2010 9:16PM

I don't know about helping with weight loss, but I feel much better when I take my vitamins. Extra D is a must! Report Inappropriate Comment

IPA-RAY 11/29/2010 9:14PM

I never take vitamins but I can now see a New year's resolution in my future to start taking a multivitamin. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOPAPGH 11/29/2010 9:08PM

Sounds like you are back making good progress. I have been traveling too much on business and the nutrition tracking has suffered. I need to get things back in line... Report Inappropriate Comment

Flu Two: Achoooo!!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

OK, don't wanna be whiny here but: Thursday just as I was starting to feel human again a client came in and sneezed all over me for about two and a half hours.

I did NOT shake hands: short of cowering under my desk, I did my best to avoid the fallout: I offered him Kleenex (as a pointed hint that he should cover his nose and mouth, please); I washed my own hands as soon as he left: and, today I'm sneezing. Runny-eyed. Achey. Beginning to wheeze. Sore throat. Coughing. Pretty much right back where I was last weekend.

Presumably I'm already innoculated so this will be a lighter round.

But: please explain to me why people appear in public when they are so germy as to be contagious to everyone around them? Without their own Kleenex? Without a clue that they should at least attempt to contain the spray? And not even ringing a little bell to give fair warning??

Grump grump grump grump grump. Really, I'm not usually like this. But still. Grump grump grump grump grump.

Next time (if there is a next time) I'm simply going to call a halt to the proceedings. Say buh-bye. Request that the client rebook an appointment when feeling better.

There: thanks for letting me rant a bit! And yes, it does make me feel better!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STLRZGRRL 11/30/2010 7:54PM

Ok, ok, ok... but how much WEIGHT did you lose!?! You KNOW there's ALWAYS an upside!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 11/29/2010 7:35PM

The man needs a mom. To tell him to stay home and have a phone appointment when he's contagious. What a dunderhead! And yes, you have earned the right to grump!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 11/29/2010 3:48PM

Sorry to hear about this Ellen and hope you are recovering now. I don't know why some people are so reckless about spreading their germs. Take care of yourself and get well soon. (germ free) Report Inappropriate Comment

FRACTALMYTH 11/28/2010 4:22PM

:( hope you feel better real quick! I am loving taking the boys around to swimming lessons and playgroup but I must say, there are times when I wonder if socialisation is worth it... they seem to get sicker so much more often... I had a terribly unhealthy childhood (my family nickname was 'Typhoid Michelle' lol) and it was only when I moved to the countryside and started doing uni over the internet that I FINALLY got healthy! Guess colds and flus are another thing to look forward to when I do get a job. Thanks for yout note - I would LOVE an administrative law / govt job. Really - that's what I've been applying for mainly... just finding one that will take me and doesn't require moving the family to our political capital is the problem. Still looking though :D Report Inappropriate Comment

TKADEEPBREATH 11/28/2010 8:50AM

Oh . . . poor Ms. Ellen . . . wish I could bring you over some peppermint tea and brothy chicken soup. That always makes me feel better when I'm achy. Dang, second time around. That just doesn't seem fair. I got a flu shot a couple weeks ago to avoid catching a "bug". A couple days later, it seemed like I started to feel achy and began to cough a little ( and I hardly ever cough), but it didn't hold on thank goodness. Hope you get over this quickly. Get some good rest today . . . thinking of you. Jan Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/28/2010 8:02AM

I can totally relate - only wish they'd stay off the airlines... Hope you feel better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

DBCLARINET 11/27/2010 10:12PM

Boo, I hate it when people blow their sickness all over the place. I hope you get over this new round sooner! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 11/27/2010 9:22PM

You are having a bad trot. Hope you feel better soon and yes, tell them to come back when they are better. Don't they know they are just spreading their germs? Some people!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Week Flu By

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Despite having faithfully bared my arm for a flu shot at the very first opportunity, last Saturday's long-awaited visit with my sister was accompanied by sniffles and sneezes for both of us. Which developed over the past week into aches, sore throats, barking coughs, nausea, chills -- the full panoply of flu symptoms. I made it into work every day (but not for full days): and kept my self as isolated as possible from staff/clients while stamping out urgent fires only.

Sleep, fluids, more sleep, more fluids. I'm seeing some light at the end of the tunnel -- my sister reports the same by email this morning.

Hmmm. Sometimes the only way we permit ourselves to slow down a little is to get a little sick. Although we're successful in concealing it from the world in general, my sister and I do share the same triple type A personality.

I'm impatient with all the time that has fluwn by. There's so much stuff I need to get at. My mission is to be back in full fighting form by Monday!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEENY_BIKINI 11/24/2010 9:55PM

Feel better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 11/21/2010 11:17AM

I hope you're feeling better by now - and remember that REST is an important component of fighting off illness and healing. It really is okay to take a day of sick leave! Report Inappropriate Comment

PUDLECRAZY 11/21/2010 10:22AM

Darn! I think that is what happened to me a few weeks ago. Perhaps this particular bug wasn't covered in this year's shot. I hope you feel better soon! Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

DBCLARINET 11/21/2010 12:41AM

Wow, sounds like your body really wanted a vacation, if you could call it that! I hope you feel 100% soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 11/20/2010 5:38PM

Take care my friend and love yourself. Hugs. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSSNOWY 11/20/2010 5:13PM

Take care of yourself. Obviously your body knows how to slow down, even if you don't. Though I think I would prefer a less drastic means of doing so. Hope you get much better quickly. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/20/2010 5:09PM

Sorry you and your sis were down with the grunge. Glad you are feeling better and hope you'll be 100% by Monday! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 11/20/2010 4:50PM

So sorry to hear you've been ill. Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery and hope you're soon fully fit. Take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYNSMILING 11/20/2010 4:28PM

Sorry to hear you are sick!!! Hope you get to feeling better very soon!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 11/20/2010 2:19PM

Geez, a whole week of that, so sorry :(( Feel better soon! Hope you have a good weekend and can enjoy it at least! I got the flu shot too. Report Inappropriate Comment

VENISEW1 11/20/2010 2:06PM

Hope you & your sister feel better soon. I hate getting sick too. No one has time for it Report Inappropriate Comment

FLOWINGWATER 11/20/2010 1:08PM

Ugg! Sorry to hear that you've not been well! Take Care, get plenty of rest, and get well soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

REILLYGIRL64 11/20/2010 11:19AM

Hope you feel better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

Depodging Progress:PGX

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Clothes are feeling a little more easy through the waist band: I had on my size eight pure wool (no stretch) black and white check pants this week with comfort all day long. There are still a couple items in the wardrobe that I know won't work for me right now, however . . . including the fave black leather pencil skirt which is my standard "test" item!! I just eye it and leave it hanging there . . .

So: what am I doing? In addition to the "broth" trick on returning home from work, I've been enjoying hot V8 juice. And experimenting with fat free Greek yogourt which is providing great creamy texture and more protein then my usual brand (although a few more calories as well . . . ). I have been able to stick with the lower end of my SP calorie range . . . no slip ups, daily tracking.

I'm quite a big fan of PGX supplement to help sustain a feeling of satiety. By acting as a carb blocker PGX assists with evening out blood sugar levels. It's a mulberry-derived fibre product developed through research at University of Toronto and the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine. PGX comes in capsules, must be taken with liquid (which helps me with my water intake, always a problem) and also takes the edge of hunger before meals. Webber Naturals and WellBetX both offer the product. Not a miracle cure by any means, it requires diligence with diet and exercise (nothing new about that). But I've used PGX before and always find it assists with "weight creep" and easing back down into maintenance range . . . before things get out of hand.

In addition, because it's hard to get complete nutrition at the lower calorie range, I have been taking 1000 UI Vitamin D (days are shorter, not out on the sunny golf course, Vitamin D deficiency associated with cancer recurrence) plus 1000 mg calcium and for added insurance, an all round multi-vitamin. And I've been monitoring my caffeine intake and my sleep.

Another week or so and I'll hop back on the scales, but I'm feeling optimistic. This maintenance gig is always so much tougher for me than weight loss -- really it is -- and I have to learn over and over again that eternal vigilance is the name of the game. Way too easy to delude myself that I'm being careful enough -- until the pants get too snug. Always has been, always will be.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TKADEEPBREATH 11/10/2010 8:47PM

I'm with you on this matter. I really don't care if it takes me the rest of my life to loose the last 6/7 lbs. Getting of the 20 was really the great part. But you're right, it's sooo easy to slip back into the "bad habits" or too much of a good thing (like almonds, I love them . . . ). Hot V8, I'll have to try that. It's a staple around my house. I'm going to fix some rigt now .. . . have a good night!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 11/7/2010 5:48AM

I so know where you are at Ellen, it is a case of consistant vigilance, if not minute to minute, at least week to week. You ARE doing it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/6/2010 5:45PM

Glad to hear about the vitamin D especially with winter setting in. V8 juice used to be my go-to 'healthy' food until I found out how much sodium it contains. I've substituted raw veggies and hot tea as my after work treat. Can't wait to hear about that fabulous leather fitting! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 11/6/2010 5:09PM

You're so right Ellen - keeping podge at bay will be a lifelong mission and we have to be vigilant. You are doing a great job and the leather skirt is a good guide and motivator. Thanks for sharing the hints and tips. This challenge is easier when we know that others are on the same mission. We can do it. We ARE doing it! Report Inappropriate Comment

VALERIEMAHA 11/6/2010 1:05PM

Your diligence, vigilence, and discipline are impressive...as well as your creativity in searching out resources to assist you in the ever-challenging maintenance quest. Maha Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 11/6/2010 11:00AM

That is for sure about the weight creeping back on. Tracking has been working for me -and never missing my exercise. I always do something every day and I get to eat normal calories (1560-1960) as a result. I do take 1000 mg calcium to as required by my Dr. because I don't drink milk, just soy beverage. As I eat lots of fruits and veggies (low calorie), as many as 11 a day I have no problem with nutrients, but take a mulitvitamin anyway as I am vegetarian. I make sure I get enough protein with every meal so I don't feel hungry later on. Cottage cheese being the big go to protein for a low calorie choice. Its better then most things out there -1/2 cup 15 g!! Every now and then I do use a protein supplement, but prefer natural foods. Size 8 is great! I am only in a 10! Keep up the great work!! Have a special Saturday! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 11/6/2010 10:43AM

Ah yes, weight creeps up so easily. Sounds as if you are doing well, depodging! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLOWINGWATER 11/6/2010 10:29AM

Boy, do I hear you about maintenance being tougher than weight loss. I agree!!! It sounds like you've got it down, though - keeping an eye on things and stopping any weight creep before it gets out of hand. Well done! Keep up the good work, and I'm glad to hear that you're making progress. As you say, constant vigilance is really the name of the game in maintenance. At least, I find that to be true for me, as well. (I eat nonfat greek yogurt daily. I LOVE it!! And, as you say, it's a great source of protein.) Report Inappropriate Comment