Dim the Lights, Honey...

Making Peace With Imperfections

Hurrah, we've lost weight! We're on our way to getting slim but if you are anything like me, your body is just a smaller version of the old one. Same imperfections only to a lesser degree. With me it's the arms. After all the exercise, one would think they'd be well-toned and yet the flab still hangs. Darn! On the other hand, my biceps are looking great, I just love feeling my muscles and I am sure, hidden under that flab there are some great triceps too.

Dressed, I look damn good. People wonder why I'm still on a diet. But they don't see what I see before I put my clothes on in the morning. I guess it is time to accept that fact that I will never look good buck naked. Dim the lights, honey...

Slave to Food

There's no denying it, I'm a slave to food. In my weaker moments thoughts often turn to cravings, a morsel of cake can lead to several pieces or, if no one's watching, even more.

It's a fight to maintain self-control and I'm, afraid there will be no end to this battle. I've lost weight, yes, but it would be so easy to slide back into old habits. It would be easy to allow food to take control, after all, I am it's slave. I eat for pleasure, not simply to fuel my body.

100% Guilt Free Ice Cream!

 I don't usually post about food or nutritional products although I love finding new tasty treats which are low in calories and fat and still fit into my healthy eating lifestyle. There are a number of great blogs out there that have convinced me to try some new product or another and sometimes they are keepers. This one is definitely a keeper so I thought I'd share with you!

Self Sabotage

I am so close to goal I can almost touch it! It should be a breeze to take off the last three pounds but, to the contrary, it's shaping up to be the most difficult three pounds of all. I am not sure if it is my body fighting to hold onto those last ounces of fat or my unconscious self refusing to accept the fact that I deserve to be thin. In any event, I am finding it more and more difficult to fight those urges to eat. Oh, I am not into the cookie jar or stopping at the donut shop on the way to work like I used to, but it has become a struggle not to munch on an energy bar when I really don't need it (they sure are packed with calories) or slip in an extra carb-filled snack at night.

Divas & Champions Top Blog Award

A number of people have asked me what my favorite blogs are. A difficult task since there are so many wonderful ones out there and so many talented people sharing their thoughts, dreams and trepidations when it comes to the goal of being the best we can be, healthy and fit. I want to present my four top blogs with the Divas & Champions Award.

Four blogs immediately come to mind as being unique and uplifting so, in no particular order, here they are:

A Can of Worms

I opened a can of worms two weeks ago when I posted about Victor, the Russian who gained weight during his 5 month stay in the U.S., and mentioned genetically altered foods. Since then I have been doing a lot of reading, became a member of Greenpeace and have dramatically altered my food choices. I guess you could call me a tree hugger now, if you like. I don't want to be an alarmist but what I learned is frightening.

In Loving Memory

As we enjoy the weekend and pay our respects to all the brave heroes who served in the military and fought for our country, let's also give a little respect to the courageous dieters out there. Here's my Memorial Day tribute to all of you, in remembrance of the things we've put behind us and the behaviors we have changed.

In memory of:

• all the pounds we have lost throughout the years.
• the poor eating habits we have managed to change.
• having to hold our breath to zip up those favorite jeans.

Me No Smile :(

I had a conversation the other day with one of my Russian students. After five months he remains at the elementary level and his is English is still rudimentary. In spite of that, he expressed dismay about gaining 17 pounds during his stay in the United States. He claims to be eating the same kinds of food - fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. and stays away from processed foods and fast food restaurants. He goes to the gym every day for two to three hours. In other words he has not changed his habits at all since leaving Russian last January and yet he has gained weight. He blames it on the food he buys in the local supermarket.