Let the Games Begin

  Recently, a friend brought over some homemade Chicken Noodle Soup  because of my recent foot surgery.  During our visit, we started talking about my desire to blog about health issues.  It was interesting to hear myself talk as I shared my thinking with her.  I realized that when I am able to share with someone about what I am learning, it keeps me motivated to stay on the course and to research new information on health issues.  By writing my blog, I continue my motivation.  Thank you!    The doctor did remove my cast a couple of days ago.   I am finally out of that wheel chair and looking forward to getting into an exercise routine after a couple more weeks of healing.  The good news is that during the period which I refer to as the "Wheel Chair Blues" I  gained only one pound.  This is great news to me since I was unable to even walk.  Better health is right around the corner. I cannot wait to use my exercise room.

     The Super Bowl has come and gone. Sorry Steelers! Even though my husband's team lost, the night of partying was a success.  Everyone enjoyed the Texas Chili.  I am not sure how healthy it was, but it was a nice change of pace.  It was a opportunity to put into practice  portion control.

TEXAS CHILI

(recipe on recipe page)

     It was nice to spend the evening with close friends.  One of these couples happens to be part of our biking group.  It is a fun to ride around the lake with them. They announced that they would be leaving soon for a two month vacation. Their upcoming departure got me thinking.  If they are going to be gone for a couple of months this would be a perfect time to accomplish weight loss by using their vacation as a set period of time to meet my goal.   I have decided to make  a goal to lose 32 more pounds before they return.  Of course with any goal you must make a plan. 

     Recently, I saw a show promoting a book called Game On Diet by Krista Vernoff and  Az Fergson..  The book is a list of games to be used in a  competition for achieving weight loss and better health.  The ideas are all set up around a point system.  The person with the most points wins - not necessarily the person who loses the most weight but the person who gains better health - which in returns leads to weight loss.  With the book in hand and my paper clips hanging on the refrigerator, let the game begin.

Loved the front page on the page which reads "Kick Your Friends Butt While Shrinking Your Own".

The paper clips come into play for my benefit.  With each pound lost, one paperclip is removed until the goal has been met.

     My husband and I have each chosen one  item that we would like to purchase and the winner will be able to take the money and buy their item.  What fun! I should win no matter what by losing weight, but the money sure would be fun also.  I will post the winner in 8 weeks. I will try not to make the same mistake I did two weeks ago. 

     Two weeks ago, I really wanted M&M's pretzel candies.  Instead of buying a small bag at the check out counter with 170 calories, I purchased a large bag and ate the whole thing in a 24 hour period. So this brings a question to my mind.

     Are those 100 Calorie Snack- Packs worth it?   There are those times that we really just want a taste of salt or sweet which was the  situation in my case.  It turns out that if you opt for a snack pack instead of a regular bag of the same item, that you are actually  cutting your calorie intake by 120 calories a day, even if you are good at portion control.  This information has come just two weeks too late  for me.  I am better if I just concentrate on my juicer to provide the sugar my sweet tooth desires.

Because the "Game Is On" I will need to think twice on everything.  So, I did a little investigating. The best way to use my juicer to help me lose weight is as follows:  Add these fruits and vegetables to my varieties of juices. Apricots, pears, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, kale, mushrooms, celery, apples, all berries, and peaches.   If you are looking to make a vegetable juice there is a simple rule to help you remember what to buy at the store.  Shop for vegetables in these colors: blue, green, orange, red and white. I thought this was an interesting way to remember my shopping list.  My research did not stop there. To help people with Arthritis a natural cure would include any of the following: Broccoli, celery (which also helps to keep your pH levels normal, reducing acid in the body) parsley, carrots, apples, spinach, ginger, pineapple (remembering it is high in natural sugar) lemons, berries, aloe vera, cucumber, grapes, and pears.  If you do not juice, of course these items can still be added to your daily diet for better health.  Always remembering to exchange calories out, replacing one item for another and doing your best to stay in your calorie count.  I found this interesting since I myself deal with a  arthritis.