Joy's Life Diet - You can see it in my face.

Well its been 3 months since I started JOY's LIFE DIET. It is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Joy Bauer, celebrated nutritionist from the Today Show, is a winner! This book is my new weight loss bible! And I can't tell enough people about it.



I'm down to 208lbs from 225lbs. That's 17 lbs and counting. Everyone says they can see it in my face. I see it in my clothes (falling off me).

Some people say that it is too expensive to go on a diet. I don't think that is really true. Yes, my grocery bills for the first 2 weeks were about $150 (which was about 3x as much as what I normally spent). But now they are down to $50 or less. I have a list that I go to the grocery store with, and I try not to deviate. If it is not on my list, I don't need it. Plus, I save a ton of money eating out.

The key to my progress has been planning ahead for meals. Every night before I go to bed, I know what I will be eating the next day, from breakfast to dinner. I bring my lunch, snacks and sometimes dinner to work with me. Now, I even have a special bowl and spoon in the office with my name on it to prepare my meals in the office microwave. I save myself from having to run out and get something (most likely unhealthy) to eat, and give myself more time to focus on other things, like getting out of work early and going to the gym.

That leads me to the topic of exercise. It wasn't until I made exercise part of my routine that that the weight loss really started kicking up for me. I added classes to NYSC to help me to get my 30 minutes of exercise into my day. I enjoy the Spin classes (which I couldn't get past the warm-up when I first started) and Zumba Dance. I've cut my training sessions down to once a week with Catalino which is another big financial savings. We are down to our last 5 sessions. Catalino and I will be breaking up after a 2 year relationship. In the past this would of scared me to death. He was a HUGE part of my success to date. Sometimes Catalino was the only reason why I was going to the gym. But now that exercise is officially part of my Joy's Life Diet routine, I know I can do it.

One more thing that really helped was an office weight loss challenge. It was probably the accountability I needed to stay on track. I could earn points to help the team by eating healthy and getting in daily exercises and sleep. Days when I wanted to skip my 30 minutes of exercise, I would force myself to get it in for the team. Joy has similar challenges on the Today show. I really think this competitive environment and personal challenges help me keep on track. This year I'm planning on my 75 Mile bike ride to be a piece of cake.

For the first time in a LONG time I feel like the 175 is in my reach. That's a wonderful feeling.

One little side note on Joy Bauer: I have had the pleasure to meet Joy in person, and she is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and the most genuine person you ever want to know. She is a go-getter and you can't help but be inspired by her energy. See Joy in action:

Elvis and Layoffs

What a difference a few weeks make! When we got back from Tennessee, all I was worried about was finishing my Elvis book, Careless Love by Peter Guralnick.




Then I got laid off.
Now, I was worried about finding a new job, money and all the things I had planned for the near future...Getting laid off wasn't what I had in mind for 2009. I just got myself in a good place. I'm losing weight, on dating sites, and just feeling good about life. WTF?????? Not this again.

Hope and inspiration from a small book...
So...I get this email from NYU for the launch event for the book called the World Wide Rave. My boss told me to do what I need to do to find another job, so I signed up figuring it was a networking opportunity. I was inspired by the various speakers, including author David Meerman Scott. While not really a networking event, it gave me hope for my future. The Internet is changing again...and after 10 years I'm still moving forward with it. Things started looking brighter.




Big lift from a small package
Then I get home to a shipment from my Book Angel. To my surprise...it was LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS...another Elvis Book from the author of Careless Love. This was a follow up to another shipment of assorted reading from Book Angel... NICE...good day.




Another possible bright side...
Then I was visiting with my Aunt and Uncle, talking about my Cousin's wedding in California in June. My cousin Kim is driving back to New York, right after the wedding. Maybe I could drive back with her? Maybe... I like the sound of something to do...A few more spots to check off my list from 1001 places to visit before you die. Sounds okay to me.



Good News still shines through
Then I had a revelation. What if I could take some time and travel and maybe learn Spanish? An email and phone call later, I was speaking to the former principal of my high school, Sr. Lois and I was planning my trip to Chile. A few days later I got the good news. The nuns think this is a GREAT idea and they are happy to have me. Dreams coming true.

Then I called my cable company...Told them I got laid off. My bill was reduced to $99. A call to my credit card company had more good news. They told me that if I needed it, I just had to tell them that I need hardship support and I get 3 months with no interest. Plus I found out I had enough miles to go to Chile...Free.

Then my friend Tricia told me that the federal government will pay 65% of COBRA premiums for employees who are laid off from Sept. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2009. The subsidy will extend for nine months. A big relief.


I think I found a Bright Side
So...No, not what I had in mind for 2009...but I am starting to think that the universe and God still has a plan for me. Just in case...I'll also pick up a copy of highly recommended book, Rebound by by Martha I. Finney. I'm not going to let this shitty economy bring me down!





It now time to start brushing up on Spanish with the Rosetta Stone, learning more about Chile and digging up my copy of The Secret.







More to come...

New Year, New Diet

That's right. Last year I was on the Duke Diet. The turning point was my friend Kim's wedding. I felt fat and gross and was in a size 18 dress that I hated but it was the only thing that fit me. I was single and didn't care about meeting someone, and I was literally miserable.

Well, the Duke Diet worked for me. I got some new recipes, and payed attention to what I was eating. I started feeling like a million dollars. Then I got a trainer, and he helped push me to a better body. I definitely could not have done it by myself.

My trainer Catalino definitely helped me change my body...and I went from a size 18 to a 14. My clothes fit better, and people started to notice. Not everything showed on the scale...but I was happy with the results.

I started dating (not too much success, but I got out there). But what I am most happy about is that I rode 100 miles better than ever before (over 2 days). Then I did a 75 mile one day ride. They were my best rides ever, and I am so proud of my succcess.


BEFORE:















AFTER






















For the most part, I was good...but after my friend Jen's wedding in June, I kind of gave it all up.
Recently , I fell off the wagon when it came to drinking and ordering out (same old story). Fried Chicken, Onion Rings and French Fries snuck back into my cravings (been avoiding for years). I topped off the new year with a trip to Philly for 2 Philly Cheesesteaks.

So now I am on to JOY'S LIFE DIET, crafted by celebrated nutritionist, Joy Bauer. I'm doing a secret video blog. If I get past 3 weeks, I'll start sharing. I really want to get down to 170 lbs. I think (no I KNOW) I can do it with Joy.

So far the recipes are reasonable, not too many ingredients, and the ones you buy, you totally use. (There is nothing worse than buying ingredients that are only good for one recipe). Its only been a few days, but I am actually full after each meal and that is a very good feeling.

I have to plan each day in advance, because I really can't throw things together at the last minute.

I haven't been tested by eating out...but hopefully I can stay on track...(STAY AWAY, FRIED CHICKEN...you are NOT my friend! ...I'm sorry...I will always LOVE YOU and your crispy breading!)

The only thing I am having trouble with is the 30 mins of exercises every day. Today Catalino kicked my butt...I just have to get more exercise in for the rest of the week.

Anyway, I plan to follow Joy's plan religiously. I want to (no, I WILL) look and feel even better than ever.

Inspiration from the strangest of sources

I don't remember when I fell in love with the Brooklyn Bridge, but its been a while. I've been on walking tours, watched documentaries and read the most fantastic book...The Great Bridge by David McCullough.

THE GREAT BRIDGE beautifully tells the amazing story of how the bridge was built and is one of the few books that I refer to and re-read every once in a while.


Through the years, the bridge has become a great inspiration to me. I used it for my HP2 program as my focus for centering when faced with a tough challenge.

Now that I work in DUMBO, I walk over the bridge every day...and it is part of my exercises routine and my inspiration for losing weight and meeting the man of my dreams!



My reading of WATER LIKE A STONE has been a very slow read...but it is more a result of forgetting it in the office than it being a bad book (so far).

DUKE DIET and the MS BIKE RIDE

So...its been a few weeks on the Duke Diet. I'm using the website, but I keep referring to the book to stay on track, so I feel it is important to mention it. Besides, how many times can I say that Harry Potter is pissing me off???

As you can see the weight lost is slow...but it is trending down. I've found some great recipes in the book, including a Blackberry Mustard Chicken and this week, I plan on trying the Maryland Crab Cakes.


WORKING TOWARDS THE BIG EVENT

In addition to my regular exercises routine, which includes weight and cardio as recommended by Duke, I have added my preparation for a 100 MS Mile Bike Ride for September 15 -16. I've done it before, but I haven't been this heavy. Shedding the extra lbs will definiately help. I know I have to work extra hard this year to finish the ride successfully. Hopefully, I'll be in a much healthier place next year.

Click here to view my page AND sponsor me!

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION - No reading involved...unless you count the instructions!

I'm reading through LOST & FOUND by Jacqueline Sheehan...but I won't have a review until next week. In the meantime, I thought I would build on the story of my diet and excercise. In addition to walking and going to the gym, I have found a great way to keep the heart rate going....Dance Dance Revolution.

I have the cheap plug and play version. It is not as exciting graphically or soundwise as the Play Station version. But I am of the generation that grew up on Atari...It works. It cost me $20 on Ebay. I like it. I do a dance or two every night before I go to bed.



I bought the game to my friend Jen and Chris's house. We played for about a half an hour and then the couple decided to invest in the game for the playstation. $75 later we were dancing up a storm. Then Chris decided that we need to challenge eachother and we went out to buy a second pad. That's how good it is.

We are a far cry from this little kid... or the guy with one leg, but we are just starting out.

Duke Diet - The Eggplant Parm is the BOMB (That's a good thing).

Week 2 of my Duke Diet adventure. Slow going, but I am not quitting. I've lost 5 lbs but I think it must be water weight. I won't be happy until I am out of the 200 range.

ANYWAY, tired of the frozen dinners, I started trying some of the recipes in the book and they are pretty good. I had Almond Crusted Salmon which I enjoyed.



Of course, I was excited to try the Eggplant Parm recipe, because Eggplant is by far my favorite vegetable. Last time I was on Weight Watchers, I think I had Eggplant every day. The Duke Diet recipe featured baked breaded eggplant, and 4oz of Mozzarella cheese. It was DELICIOUS. That's a good thing, because I have 3 more servings in the freezer.

FINDING INSPIRATION
I've been looking for inspiration wherever I can get it these days. My friend Cathi got me going to the gym 30 mins a day because Oprah said so. Duke also says so...so I think I am on the right track. So I am doing it. I haven't missed a day yet.


My friend Josie swears by THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne. Another "Oprah says" recommendation. Its on my list to get it from the bookstore (unless my Book Angel can get it for me...Hint Hint...I know you are reading this ET!). Oprah is usually right.

A break from the everyday

My reading has been slow since I joined NYSC last week. I'm still working through RUNAWAY ADAM by Peter Prince. Slow going...but I am enjoying it.

I am determined to shed the extra weight I put on in the last few years. I am taking advantage of the resources available to me at work and I am doing the Duke Diet, instead of Weight Watchers this time. For the most part they are both very similar, but I do the weighing in at home. The website, which is referred to many times in the book, features online food log, weight tracker, exercise routines and all sort of good stuff to help me stay on track. I was looking at the recipes in the book last night...there are a few I would like to try. I like having the book and website combo. I have references whether I am at the computer, or sitting watching TV. Overall, the change of pace is good for me. I don't seem to be falling into the old habits. Well, its only been a week.

I have 50 pounds to shed. We'll see how it goes.



On a side note:
I got the email the other day from a friend that wanted me to answer her questions and pass it on...for fun. I love my friend, but I hate these emails. I look to the question #38 that says who is the least likely to fill do this...I haven't been named, so I guess she hasn't noticed that I never filled it in all the times that she emailed me.

I am just going to come to this page going forward and just cut and paste it back to her next time:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I can't remember (thankfully)
3. Do you like your handwriting? No, much better typing
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Bologna
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Nope
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? yes
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Me....no!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not anymore
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Mocha Chip or Chocolate with Peanut butter
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT A PERSON? Eyes
15. RED OR PINK? Pink
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Tummy
17. WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST? College
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? N/A
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black/Black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Dumplings
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Air Conditioner
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? RED
23. FAVORITE SMELLS. Bacon
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Dolly
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Karen
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Baseball, Hot Dog eating contests
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. Do you wear contacts? No
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Crab Cakes
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Both have their merits
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Can't remember
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Italian Ices and Cannolis
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? N/A
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? N/A
39. What book are you reading now? Read my blog
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Dell
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T. V. LAST NIGHT? MTV reality shows
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Beach / Birds
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Australia
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Quilting
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? New York
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Not sending to anyone.
48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW? 10:15am. read the blog


I think I am getting grumpy in my old age...maybe I'm just hungry!