As most you, my followers, may know, one of the items on my "To-Do" List for 2012 was to RUN a 5K. Nothing
too daunting, but something I would have to put a little effort in for
and do some training. Apparently fate thought this was a good idea as
well, for the very next day after I made the decision, I was leafing through a
magazine and came across an article highlighting several 5Ks in the
United States. Low and behold, the one featured for New York City was
this EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers! How perfect, I thought!!! I
quickly told my sister about it, and asked if she wanted to run it with
me. Of course she did. Then I told my brother, and he wanted in as
well. :)
This is a very personal cause
for the three of us, as our mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
last Fall. Awareness for Ovarian Cancer is starting to increase,
thankfully, but it is still very hard to detect until it has already
reached a late stage. More research and early prevention needs to
happen! We will also be running this race for our Great-Aunt who is a
Breast Cancer survivor!, and Great-Grandmother, who is in Heaven now,
after her battle with Breast Cancer. And even though this run/walk is
one promoting Women's Cancers, we are running for ALL cancer patients!
In a world where cancers seem to lurk around every corner, it's
easy to feel helpless. That's why this Run/Walk is so important to me...
And on May 5th, my siblings and I will be actively doing something to
help fight the cause. You can help be a part of that too! If
you're able to donate even just $1 or $2, it will make a difference. Or,
you can also come cheer us on, the day of the event!
Check out our team (Eggs Ovaries-E) page by clicking on the link below:
Thank you in advance for your support!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Yearly Test Results
As you know, I recently had my year anniversary with the Band. (ha ha Still makes me chuckle whenever I say I'm "with the Band") Standard practice, after a year, and I think yearly after that, is to have an Upper GI exam to make sure the Band is still in place and doing what it's supposed to be doing, as well as have a complete workup on your blood, including vitamin levels.
Now, I know I had some blood-work done back in October for my yearly physical, so I will give you the number updates from then. They're so good too!
Cholesterol (overall): Oct 2011 = 172 / Feb 2012 = 130 (42pt diff) (which means a total difference of 99pts since my highest level end of 2010)
Triglycerides: Oct 2011 = 178/ Feb 2012 = 116 (62pt diff!)(which means a total difference of 153pts since my highest level end of 2010) Phenomenal!
Also, my B12 vitamin level is no longer low like it used to be.
I'm attributing this to my eating as "clean" as possible and taking care of myself.
So, that's my happy news for the day. I'm a very healthy girl, and THAT means more to me than any number on the scale. :)
Now, I know I had some blood-work done back in October for my yearly physical, so I will give you the number updates from then. They're so good too!
Cholesterol (overall): Oct 2011 = 172 / Feb 2012 = 130 (42pt diff) (which means a total difference of 99pts since my highest level end of 2010)
Triglycerides: Oct 2011 = 178/ Feb 2012 = 116 (62pt diff!)(which means a total difference of 153pts since my highest level end of 2010) Phenomenal!
Also, my B12 vitamin level is no longer low like it used to be.
I'm attributing this to my eating as "clean" as possible and taking care of myself.
So, that's my happy news for the day. I'm a very healthy girl, and THAT means more to me than any number on the scale. :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
TDL - First Update
Figured I'd give everyone a little update on the progress of my To-Do List (TDL). I'll be doing this periodically throughout the year, as I cross items off, to not only keep you all informed, but to acknowledge and visually see my progress! :)
5. Severely limit processed foods/white sugars.
Well, granted I have been following the 4HB diet, this is a given. CHECK.
7. Read 4 books that I have never read before.
I started reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, so soon I will only have 3 books to read before completing this task.
8. Read 2 non-fiction books.
Finished reading The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss. Only one non-fiction book to go! Any suggestions?
9. Blog weekly!
Even though I haven't been doing this so well, I wanted to acknowledge the fact that I have started up and have blogged for 2 weeks in a row. Planning to continue. :)
13. Learn Twitter.
CHECK. While I'm not a fanatic, and still consider myself a novice in the tweeting world, I have my own account and know how to use it (and do).
16. Run a 5K (that's right, I said RUN).
No, I haven't ran a 5K just yet, but have decided on one and will register within the next week. I also got my siblings to join me on this one. Yay! We will be running in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for women's cancers.
26. Well "balanced" meals.
1. Protein, Fiber, Dairy, Veggies
Prior to starting the 4HB, I was doing this. A little difficult now that dairy is so limited during the week.
32. Lose 30lbs.
I've already lost 8lbs since the beginning of the year... 22lbs to go! :)
33. Drink one cup of green tea, daily.
Minus a day here or there, I am doing this! CHECK.
42. Take supplements daily.
CHECK.
Well, that's all the updates for now. I am very close to crossing another one or two off the list completely, so stay tuned.
5. Severely limit processed foods/white sugars.
Well, granted I have been following the 4HB diet, this is a given. CHECK.
7. Read 4 books that I have never read before.
I started reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, so soon I will only have 3 books to read before completing this task.
8. Read 2 non-fiction books.
Finished reading The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss. Only one non-fiction book to go! Any suggestions?
9. Blog weekly!
Even though I haven't been doing this so well, I wanted to acknowledge the fact that I have started up and have blogged for 2 weeks in a row. Planning to continue. :)
13. Learn Twitter.
CHECK. While I'm not a fanatic, and still consider myself a novice in the tweeting world, I have my own account and know how to use it (and do).
16. Run a 5K (that's right, I said RUN).
No, I haven't ran a 5K just yet, but have decided on one and will register within the next week. I also got my siblings to join me on this one. Yay! We will be running in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for women's cancers.
26. Well "balanced" meals.
1. Protein, Fiber, Dairy, Veggies
Prior to starting the 4HB, I was doing this. A little difficult now that dairy is so limited during the week.
32. Lose 30lbs.
I've already lost 8lbs since the beginning of the year... 22lbs to go! :)
33. Drink one cup of green tea, daily.
Minus a day here or there, I am doing this! CHECK.
42. Take supplements daily.
CHECK.
Well, that's all the updates for now. I am very close to crossing another one or two off the list completely, so stay tuned.
1st BANDiversary
Almost went the whole day without realizing this (thank you Angelae for mentioning it!), but today marks my one year anniversary with the Band! At this time, one year ago today, I was just coming out of anesthesia from surgery. I can't even believe the difference one year has made!
First the data... After one year, I have lost 64lbs. My BMI has gone down 11.6 points. I've lost at least 18-inches overall. Even my shoe size has gone down! Ha ha And of course my blood work numbers have decreased and I'm all within normal healthy ranges.
Today I am stronger, inside and out, healthier and feel like I have an infinite amount of energy. Mentally, I have grown stronger too. I still have the same mind, and it is constantly a work in progress. I have struggled emotionally, so many ups and downs, over the past year, learning to embrace a healthier/loving relationship with food. Being an empathetic person, who feels everything, it was easy to feed every emotion, without even thinking about what that meant and the repercussions that followed. And, while I am still working on this, re-training my brain, I have come a long way. I seek out healthier outlets for the floods of emotions I feel... whether it's reading, writing, having coffee with a friend, blogging or going for a drive. Now, most of the time I don't even think about food at those times, whereas before I would be shoving down half a bag of chips or eating a second meal before I even realized what I was feeling. Cravings are rare too. It's amazing. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE food and thoroughly enjoy it. I just don't over-indulge, and actually enjoy it much more these days.
For me, cooking is an art... a meditation. Something that indulges all my senses. There is nothing more comforting than the feel of a great blade chopping through an onion, or the sound of meat searing; the smell of onions sauteing in butter; the vibrant contrast of a ripe tomato chopped with a bunch of scallions, or the way the many flavor layers of a hearty stew meld together in your mouth. Missing out on all of these things was one of my biggest concerns about getting the Band... I didn't want to give that up. And, one year later, like I said, I am enjoying all those things on an even more heightened level. Now that I've got your mouths watering... Bon Apetit! :)
So now, I'm reaching out to you all for ideas on how to celebrate this momentous occasion! And, no, I'm not looking for a dinner out kind of celebration. Ha ha Just some little token to commemorate how far I've come, how much I've accomplished and the life-altering decision I made a little over a year ago to LIVE a healthier, longer life. :) Whaddya think?
But of course, I could not have made this journey alone. I am forever grateful for my unconditional loving family and amazing friends for all their support and love; As well as to all the other great, inspiring people, and new friends, I have met, along this journey, who are also traveling their own WLS journeys parallel to mine. A million times over... THANK YOU!
Before/Afters:
First the data... After one year, I have lost 64lbs. My BMI has gone down 11.6 points. I've lost at least 18-inches overall. Even my shoe size has gone down! Ha ha And of course my blood work numbers have decreased and I'm all within normal healthy ranges.
Today I am stronger, inside and out, healthier and feel like I have an infinite amount of energy. Mentally, I have grown stronger too. I still have the same mind, and it is constantly a work in progress. I have struggled emotionally, so many ups and downs, over the past year, learning to embrace a healthier/loving relationship with food. Being an empathetic person, who feels everything, it was easy to feed every emotion, without even thinking about what that meant and the repercussions that followed. And, while I am still working on this, re-training my brain, I have come a long way. I seek out healthier outlets for the floods of emotions I feel... whether it's reading, writing, having coffee with a friend, blogging or going for a drive. Now, most of the time I don't even think about food at those times, whereas before I would be shoving down half a bag of chips or eating a second meal before I even realized what I was feeling. Cravings are rare too. It's amazing. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE food and thoroughly enjoy it. I just don't over-indulge, and actually enjoy it much more these days.
For me, cooking is an art... a meditation. Something that indulges all my senses. There is nothing more comforting than the feel of a great blade chopping through an onion, or the sound of meat searing; the smell of onions sauteing in butter; the vibrant contrast of a ripe tomato chopped with a bunch of scallions, or the way the many flavor layers of a hearty stew meld together in your mouth. Missing out on all of these things was one of my biggest concerns about getting the Band... I didn't want to give that up. And, one year later, like I said, I am enjoying all those things on an even more heightened level. Now that I've got your mouths watering... Bon Apetit! :)
So now, I'm reaching out to you all for ideas on how to celebrate this momentous occasion! And, no, I'm not looking for a dinner out kind of celebration. Ha ha Just some little token to commemorate how far I've come, how much I've accomplished and the life-altering decision I made a little over a year ago to LIVE a healthier, longer life. :) Whaddya think?
But of course, I could not have made this journey alone. I am forever grateful for my unconditional loving family and amazing friends for all their support and love; As well as to all the other great, inspiring people, and new friends, I have met, along this journey, who are also traveling their own WLS journeys parallel to mine. A million times over... THANK YOU!
Before/Afters:
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Blog Slacker & 4HB
Okay, so here we go... operation blog weekly, take two!
February 1st, one month into the "new" year, and almost everything that was at the end of last year, has completely changed. Can't even believe it. LOL It's like that old adage, "Be careful what you wish for... it just might come true." Well, I guess it's not completely like that, but I'm all over the place these days. I'm sure some of you are dying for details, while others are like, "Who are you again?" I apologize in advance for not getting into the nitty-gritty at the moment, but promise to fill you in when I am able to. How does that sound?
Have to say, my current backdrop, as I write this entry, is one of my favorites... If you guessed Starbucks, with my sister working (just love being able to look up and see her), you'd be correct. It's uncharacteristically busy, for the time of day, so I can't really hear the music playing, but I am still in a zone of peace and contentment. Which is something I embrace wholeheartedly, as it rarely comes around these days.
I may have mentioned The 4-Hour Body (4HB) to some of you, or in previous posts. It's something my mother read and started practicing this past summer, before she found out she was sick. She actually attributes finding her tumor when she did because of the incredible health she was in and being so attuned to her body... thanks to Tim Ferriss' "Uncommon guide to rapid fat-loss, incredible sex, and becoming super-human" (tagline for book). When mom first talked to me about this unconventional approach to becoming healthier, I was intrigued. The VERY short of it is follow these 5 rules for a Slow-Carb Diet
Reason I'm mentioning this??? Well, like I said earlier, I was intrigued when I first got a taste. Then, after my mom's surgery and diagnosis, I got scared. Cancer is all over my family... is this my fate? So, I decided I wanted to make my body as cancer-hostile as possible. Enter, seriously reducing my consumption of processed foods and cutting way back on the "white" stuff. Have been working on this for past couple of months, with Tim's book basically playing it's roll of paper-weight (and boy is it hefty!) on my coffee table. I'd glance here and there, but guess I just wasn't "there" yet. Around Christmastime, I had my Harajuko moment (as Tim calls it). I was ready! And so, I finally opened it up, started reading, and kept reading. Cool thing about this bible of a book is, you don't read it from cover-to-cover... there are a few mandatory sections, but then you read it like a buffet, taking in only what is of interest/important to you!
And so, today is "officially" Day Three on the 4HB for me. I have to say, I feel great, energized and not the least bit deprived. My tactic for cravings? Stole from a fellow 4HB follower... When I have a craving, write it down. This way I acknowledge the craving, and it won't eat at me (no pun intended). Then, come Saturday (my appointed Binge Day), I'll take a look at the list... if I'm still craving any of those items, I'll have them. Simple. :)
If anyone is interested, or wants to know more about 4HB, please feel free to ask! Also, I strongly suggest before deciding to begin this on your own, to READ THE BOOK! A lot of this is all about timing, eating the right things at the right times, etc. You'll need the details.
Well, I think I've written enough for this entry! Be back very soon with some other blather to share.
February 1st, one month into the "new" year, and almost everything that was at the end of last year, has completely changed. Can't even believe it. LOL It's like that old adage, "Be careful what you wish for... it just might come true." Well, I guess it's not completely like that, but I'm all over the place these days. I'm sure some of you are dying for details, while others are like, "Who are you again?" I apologize in advance for not getting into the nitty-gritty at the moment, but promise to fill you in when I am able to. How does that sound?
Have to say, my current backdrop, as I write this entry, is one of my favorites... If you guessed Starbucks, with my sister working (just love being able to look up and see her), you'd be correct. It's uncharacteristically busy, for the time of day, so I can't really hear the music playing, but I am still in a zone of peace and contentment. Which is something I embrace wholeheartedly, as it rarely comes around these days.
I may have mentioned The 4-Hour Body (4HB) to some of you, or in previous posts. It's something my mother read and started practicing this past summer, before she found out she was sick. She actually attributes finding her tumor when she did because of the incredible health she was in and being so attuned to her body... thanks to Tim Ferriss' "Uncommon guide to rapid fat-loss, incredible sex, and becoming super-human" (tagline for book). When mom first talked to me about this unconventional approach to becoming healthier, I was intrigued. The VERY short of it is follow these 5 rules for a Slow-Carb Diet
- Rule #1: Avoid "White" Carbohydrates (pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, tortillas, etc.)
- Rule #2: Eat the Same Few Meals Over and Over Again (mix and match from lean proteins, legumes and veggies)
- Rule #3: Don't Drink Calories (Lots of water a must, unsweetened tea, coffee and other no/low-cal bevs OK. NOT OK to drink milk (including soy), alcohol, beer, soft drinks or fruit juice.)
- Rule #4: Don't Eat Fruit (pretty much self-explanatory)
- Rule #5: Take One Day Off Per Week (Um, can we say, dream come true? Go nuts on this day, binge and eat crap, BUT there is a method to follow, so make sure you read the book.)
Reason I'm mentioning this??? Well, like I said earlier, I was intrigued when I first got a taste. Then, after my mom's surgery and diagnosis, I got scared. Cancer is all over my family... is this my fate? So, I decided I wanted to make my body as cancer-hostile as possible. Enter, seriously reducing my consumption of processed foods and cutting way back on the "white" stuff. Have been working on this for past couple of months, with Tim's book basically playing it's roll of paper-weight (and boy is it hefty!) on my coffee table. I'd glance here and there, but guess I just wasn't "there" yet. Around Christmastime, I had my Harajuko moment (as Tim calls it). I was ready! And so, I finally opened it up, started reading, and kept reading. Cool thing about this bible of a book is, you don't read it from cover-to-cover... there are a few mandatory sections, but then you read it like a buffet, taking in only what is of interest/important to you!
And so, today is "officially" Day Three on the 4HB for me. I have to say, I feel great, energized and not the least bit deprived. My tactic for cravings? Stole from a fellow 4HB follower... When I have a craving, write it down. This way I acknowledge the craving, and it won't eat at me (no pun intended). Then, come Saturday (my appointed Binge Day), I'll take a look at the list... if I'm still craving any of those items, I'll have them. Simple. :)
If anyone is interested, or wants to know more about 4HB, please feel free to ask! Also, I strongly suggest before deciding to begin this on your own, to READ THE BOOK! A lot of this is all about timing, eating the right things at the right times, etc. You'll need the details.
Well, I think I've written enough for this entry! Be back very soon with some other blather to share.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Resolution Smahlution
So, I've been thinking a lot about new year resolutions lately; As I'm sure you all have been as well. Resolutions are these daunting, lofty goals we seem to set for ourselves, which almost inevitably result in failure. So I did a little research, and learned that within the first month, about 20% of people have already faltered on their New Year's resolutions, and by the middle of the year, over 50% of those resolutions will be long forgotten.
That's why, this year, I've decided to not make any New Year's "resolutions", but rather a "To-Do" list for the forthcoming 366 days (that's right... don't forget this year is a leap year)! My reasoning is this... there is no pressure when it comes to "To-Do" lists, and let's face it, they're kinda fun to cross off! :) And so, without further ado, in no particular order, I present MY list...
43 Things To Do in 2012
- Cook one recipe from each cookbook I own.
- Visit one place I've never been before.
- Move to a bigger apartment.
- Save $5-10 per week.
- Severely limit processed foods/white sugars.
- Get a better job.
- Read 4 books that I have never read before.
- Read 2 non-fiction books.
- Blog weekly!!!
- Advance wedding plans!
- Quit smoking.
- Take lots of pictures.
- Make sure camera is with me always.
- Learn Twitter (already set up an account and am Tweeting!).
- Go down the shore at least 4 times this summer.
- Try an Aqua Zumba class.
- Run a 5K (that's right, I said RUN).
- Finish French Rosetta Stone discs.
- Get rid of storage unit
- Find "homes" for everything currently in storage.
- Start playing my violin again.
- Apply to Grad school.
- Take a business course.
- Work on my book.
- Family recipe collection project.
- Photo collage.
- Go to San Francisco.
- Well "balanced" meals.
- Protein, fiber, dairy, veggies...
- Eat at one different cuisine restaurant each month (this is one of my favorites on the list! hee hee):
- Indian
- Jamaican
Ukranian(check!)- Thai
- Korean
- Moroccan
- Ethiopian
- Russian
- Turkish
- German
- Phillipine
- Creole
- Go to Colombia.
- Go hiking.
- Go to at least 3 concerts.
- Do kettle ball workout 3 times per week.
- Lose 30lbs.
- Drink 1 cup of green tea, daily.
- Learn to love my body more.
- Buy new tires for my car.
- Enjoy a "staycation" at local hotel.
- Get a library card.
- Take at least 1 yoga class.
- At least half of money to VM.
- Read magazines I get within one week of receiving them, or get rid of them.
- One night each week... NO electronics! Including cell phones off.
- Take supplements daily.
- Go skiing at least once.
What do you think? Not too lofty, right? Kind of like a fun challenge/game!
Now I challenge YOU to make your own list. What are some of things you would put on your To-Do list this year?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Happy New Year!
2012 is upon us. I feel like 2011 flew by in a flash! Before I knew it the holidays were here, and now they're gone. So much to be grateful for, and so much to hope for in the year ahead.
Had my first visit of the year for my Band yesterday. And, while I had a gain of a few pounds, I am not upset, nor am I discouraged. Haven't had an adjustment since the summer, and it was just time. Also, I am quite certain, a 2-week diet consisting largely of homemade cookies was a contributing factor. LOL It's okay though. I've been doing this long enough to know that one week or month even, in comparison with all the weeks and months in my life, is miniscule. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the holiday and have no regrets. As of yesterday afternoon, I am back on track, and in liquid/soft food diet glory! Ha Ha
My mom has 2 more chemo treatments to go, and then we'll find out how she is doing. I lit a candle for her in St. Patrick's cathedral the other day... still keeping faith every day. Unfortunately, right before Christmas, my Uncle Pat had brain tumors removed, and apparently has an aggressive form of cancer, for which he will need chemo and radiation. More prayers. AND, this past week, my Uncle Jimmy (Uncle Pat's brother) had surgery for bladder cancer. Yet more prayers. Am really hoping everyone will heal and continue on for many years! Cancer is a nasty thing. :(
How was everyone's holiday? Were you good boys and girls? Apparently I was, because I got an iPhone, Big Buddha bag, switch for my broken car window, Henkels Knife block, and lots of other great things for Christmas! :) That's enough to make a girl happy. But, what really made me happy, was being off of work the whole week after Christmas, and spending lots of time with my family each of those days. Priceless.
I'm upstate now, this weekend, with my mom. We went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with my brother today. It was pretty good.
Keep checking in, because I plan to write a lot more often, and I will definitely be posting a new post within the next day or two... maybe even later tonight! (although, I wouldn't hold your breath) lol
Hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. May 2012 bring you health, happiness and prosperity!
Happy New Year!
Had my first visit of the year for my Band yesterday. And, while I had a gain of a few pounds, I am not upset, nor am I discouraged. Haven't had an adjustment since the summer, and it was just time. Also, I am quite certain, a 2-week diet consisting largely of homemade cookies was a contributing factor. LOL It's okay though. I've been doing this long enough to know that one week or month even, in comparison with all the weeks and months in my life, is miniscule. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the holiday and have no regrets. As of yesterday afternoon, I am back on track, and in liquid/soft food diet glory! Ha Ha
My mom has 2 more chemo treatments to go, and then we'll find out how she is doing. I lit a candle for her in St. Patrick's cathedral the other day... still keeping faith every day. Unfortunately, right before Christmas, my Uncle Pat had brain tumors removed, and apparently has an aggressive form of cancer, for which he will need chemo and radiation. More prayers. AND, this past week, my Uncle Jimmy (Uncle Pat's brother) had surgery for bladder cancer. Yet more prayers. Am really hoping everyone will heal and continue on for many years! Cancer is a nasty thing. :(
How was everyone's holiday? Were you good boys and girls? Apparently I was, because I got an iPhone, Big Buddha bag, switch for my broken car window, Henkels Knife block, and lots of other great things for Christmas! :) That's enough to make a girl happy. But, what really made me happy, was being off of work the whole week after Christmas, and spending lots of time with my family each of those days. Priceless.
I'm upstate now, this weekend, with my mom. We went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with my brother today. It was pretty good.
Keep checking in, because I plan to write a lot more often, and I will definitely be posting a new post within the next day or two... maybe even later tonight! (although, I wouldn't hold your breath) lol
Hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. May 2012 bring you health, happiness and prosperity!
Happy New Year!
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