I'm a Sucker for FREE FOOD

Today, McDonald's ran a promotion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald House. They gave away Hotcakes and Sausage! FREE! The only catch was you had to go into the restaurant, no drive-thru. That definitely did not stop me!

Well, before I headed to McDonald's I had a whole other FREE treat to cash in. Last week, I mentioned that I received a check-out coupon for free Oreos. I went grocery shopping yesterday for the week, but had forgotten the coupon. So, this morning, I ran to the store for some bread and of course to use the coupon. I wanted to pick up some Egg Beaters as well, but it seems that our grocery store always remodeling and right now there is very little diary. I picked up the Oreos and grabbed them out of my bag before leaving the store and dropped them into the Feed the Hungry tub.

Then, it was off to McDonald's. Benjamin and I headed to the parking lot and it was packed. They obviously were prepared because there was plenty of help at the counter. I could have easily just ordered the free food and been done, but who does that? So I got a coffee and headed back home to feed Benjamin our new found food. Unfortunately, I downed a hotcake along with the syrup before checking out the points. Who knew syrup could be 4 points!!

Speaking of coffee...my stash of coffee keeps growing thanks to my good friends Nancy & Miloudi. They one a case of JavaFit over the summer and have graciously dropped a few single serving bags in my work mailbox. I had mixed reactions at first. The first day I tried it was the dreaded Peanut M&M day, so it really didn't work. The second day I tried it, I think I was feeling a bit under the weather. That evening I felt sick to my stomach and didn't eat anything. I think my problem was more that I wasn't eating at all! That coffee sure turns a food switch off! I laid off of the coffee for the next two days and felt much better. The last two days have been great food days and the coffee hasn't affected me besides keeping me away from food.

Now, if there were only a way to turn on the exercise switch!

A Struggle Stretch

At a WW meeting on Saturday, one of the few male members approached me for advice. He's been coming to meetings for over 2 years and has had awesome success. Lately, he has been struggling at the scale. Why? That's the question. What's the answer? Excuses! He told me of how his elliptical stopped working, how he doesn't write everything down anymore like he used to, how he has had to dig in the pile of "big" clothes, etc. I did tell him that I have struggled at times. I'm doing fine right now, even though I'm a tad bit over my goal. He has struggled since June and has gained several pounds. Each time he gains, he tells himself that tomorrow is another day and keeps waiting for tomorrow.

We've all been there. We're only human! Struggles come out of no where to grab us by the neck and keep us in check. A time of struggle is a great time to reanalyze your goals. Do a 1-minute motivation to yourself. What would you like to happen? What needs to happen for this to occur? Will you make this happen?

I started thinking about the reasons why I started losing weight in the first place. What were the biggest reasons? I wanted to be able to keep up with the kiddos. I wanted to be able to make it as long as I could without needing any medications. I wanted to be able to walk up the steps without wheezing when I got to the top. I wanted to be able to fit into a pair of pants that had the same waist size and inseam size. This is just a quick off the top of my head list and I'm sure I could think of at least 10 more things very quickly.

It's all about motivation. Motivation definitely has an ebb and flow process. Sometimes there is nothing that could get in our way, and sometimes there is nothing that we can do that seems to go our way.

I listened to the Mizfit and Dietgirl podcast today and they brought up an important subject: Thankfulness. There are so many things we should be thankful for and so many things we take for granted, a great way to start back on the right track may be to remember this list of "thankfulness."

Dear Neighbor

Dear Friendly, Grandma who lives across the street~
I love it when you come outside to compliment me on my interactions with my children. I appreciate the friendly waves and glances you send my way when we are coming and going. You make our neighborhood a safe, inviting place to live.
BUT...
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BE SO NICE FOR HALLOWEEN!!
Sincerely,
TB

Our lovely neighbor across the street has watched our family grow since day 1. She has made homemade blankets for the babies and has always kept an eye out for us. For some reason, she remembers the kids birthdays and usually greets me with friendly gestures whenever I'm outside. She has often brought over treats for the kids at holiday times including Easter, Christmas and of course, HALLOWEEN!!

Usually it is a small token, which is much appreciated. This time, it was a LARGE big of peanut M&M's. Unfortunately, my kids are not huge nut fans and really not big on chocolate. These M&M's have haunted me (pun intended), since Halloween. They have sat on the counter by the coffee maker starting me in the face and tempting me saying, "EAT ME, EAT ME! I'm only 90 calories a pack!" Darn marketing!

I managed to stay away from them on Monday, I put them in a cabinet out of sight on Tuesday after eating two packs or a few more. Yesterday, I really wasn't feeling well and today as well. Seems the only thing that tastes good to me are these stupid M&M's.

I know the tricks and should be doing them, but I really am struggling with these silly little demons. Just wait friendly neighbor. I'll be bringing the Thanksgiving pies over to your house! ;)

The Best Day of My Life

It was 9 years ago today that I was at my heaviest weight. I was nervous, self conscious, and full of so many emotions that I couldn't hide it though I tried to be strong. My friends were surrounding me. Roommates from college, family, colleagues were all gathered to help me celebrate. It should have been the best day of my life. I had everything to live for and yet I was not living just existing.

Today, I am alone with my baby realizing how lucky I am. I have a wonderful family, wonderful wife, kids that love me unconditionally and friends that continue to support me. Today, is the best day of my life. I have realized that I was not living and decided to do something about it. It was 9 years ago today that I married my best friend. It was 9 years ago today that I woke up for the last time to an empty duplex wondering what the future held.

I remember that day. Woke up, went to the donut shop and inhaled a few raspberry filled before buying a paper so I would have something to do with my time. Had my groomsmen come over and we played cards and watched a football game while they tried to take my mind off the big day. We made a McDonald's run and of course I ordered 2 Big Macs since they were 2 for $3. I inhaled those too like I had never seen food before thinking that I probably wouldn't feel like eating our dinner.

Who was I kidding? I felt like eating!!

Today, is the best day of my life. I have stopped existing and started living and boy, do I have a lot to live for!

Happy Anniversary to the reason I am living!

FREE OREOS!!

I went shopping yesterday and when I checked out, I was given my receipt along with a checkout coupon. We receive lots of these coupons for baby items, but never have I received one for FREE OREOS!! How can I pass that coupon up? I may just take the coupon to the store next time I pick up milk and drop it on to of the Oreos for someone else to use. Seems like a lot of folks around here do that, since I have often found coupons on certain things I use. I could just use the coupon and drop the Oreos in the "Feed the Hungry" bin that has appeared for the Holiday season. I could also use the coupon and bring them home. What a dilemma! What will probably happen is that I will forget the coupon until its expired and then just toss it.

When I got to work yesterday, one of my BFF's had left some JavaFit for me to try. I couldn't wait to wake up this morning to try some. Unfortunately, I was not planning on waking up at 3:50, but that's the time the little guy decided was a good time to start the day. We played for a while, watched the news and joined in on "Twitter Tuesday" with the news anchors, and then went to make the coffee. I didn't get around to drinking it till a little later since I had lunches to make and a class snack to get ready. Once I tried it, I loved it! It's not too strong, not too weak, just right! It's the "Diet JavaFit" with the appetite suppressant so we'll see how it works today and I'll be sure to report back.

Now, it's off to ride the elliptical since it's a VERY early nap time. I'll keep thinking about the Oreos dilemma, any ideas??

Not My Idea of a Good Workout, but Cute

We fell back an hour on Saturday night and anyone who encounters this change and has children, knows that it is a difficult time. I tried to keep the boys up a little later than normal on Saturday night, but alas they woke up at the "new" 5:00. Last night, they were zonked and I was not worried about them sleeping the night. Alex, 3, ended up falling asleep by 6:00. Ben, 1, was fast asleep at 7:30. I knew Alex was tired and was hoping that Ben would sleep till at least 6:00. Unfortunately, I was woken up at 3:00 by Alex was kicking his knee in my back and at 4:00 by Benjamin who was singing his rendition of the Black Eyed Peas, "I Got a Feeling!" Not a great way to start a Monday morning.

I left the boys in bed and headed downstairs to start my 9th week of P90X. 4:30 has been my start time, but I knew my time was limited so once I heard the little guy I jumped out of bed. 4:10! By 4:45 he was at a loud crescendo and I had to pick him up. I was over half way through my workout and continued on with Ben and before long his older brother was following right behind.

We finished! Not liking the time change right now!! Yesterday, I woke up early with the boys too and once my wife woke up round about 8:00 after I had been up for 3 hours, I darted upstairs to use my "extra" hour to ride the elliptical. I was glad to be able to exercise early in the day since I was exhausted and tried to take a good nap before being told I couldn't till after Ben went down for a nap. Got him down and was almost asleep and my Mom called. A quick weekly conversation as I was mostly asleep. I slammed my door in hopes the "other people" in the house would realize my displeasure in the loud vacuuming, crying, yelling and overall Halloween hangover that was occurring downstairs. I covered my head and woke up just in time for the kick off of the Packers game.

I've done well staying away from the candy. Here's what I'm trying to avoid.

Breaking a Summer Habit

I've been working a part-time job at a Nursing Home since the first of June. Starting the 2nd of June, I have had a horrible summertime habit. McDonald's has had their large sodas for $1.00 all summer and their ice cream cones for only 49 cents. This has been my dinner every Monday and Wednesday since June. I know, you think I can't be serious...well I am! Twice a week I have eaten ice cream for dinner. How healthy can that be?

I've decided that I could really be have a much healthier dinner at home before leaving for work. Wednesday, I made myself a yogurt parfait with plain ff yogurt mix with a Tbsp of instant pudding mix, frozen strawberries and a 1/4 of quick oats. I know this is a much better option that will fill me up for the evening without looking back at the stupid habit I had partaken in all summer.

Fortunately (really unfortunately), McDonald's was extra slow this past Monday and as I stood in line for 10 minutes waiting for an ice cream cone that only takes 10 seconds to devour, that's when I decided I needed to make a change.

I had been rationalizing my habit thinking that McDonald's gives a set amount back to our kids school every time we hand in a receipt whether for $1.58 or $20.00. Probably not a good way to rationalize such a bad habit.

We've got a packed Halloween schedule this weekend starting with a school dance tonight. Two rounds of Trick or Treat tomorrow and the game of the year (Packers/Vikings) Sunday. I'll be passing on the ice cream.

Generic Foods

The other day, I was listening to a local radio morning show and they were discussing buying generic vs. name brand items. Seems the two of them have preferred the Target brand of bath tissue for some time. I started thinking of different products that I buy which are generic. I came up with plenty of items that I use including baggies, paper towels, soap, cleaning supplies, etc. Lots of household necessities. My wife doesn't seem to mind, however, I did ask her opinion about the cheap baby wipes I bought last week and they were a no go. Where's the food on my list? I could only think of a few food items which I will even think of buying generic.

I often buy generic old-fashioned oats, but prefer the Quaker and its usually on sale every 5-6 weeks so I stock up then. I usually buy generic shredded and block cheese. I usually buy the store brand milk, eggs, butter/margarine, and yogurt on occasion. Ice cream is usually what ever is on sale, but I have bought the store brand without any complaints except for the cheap container it comes in.

That's about it! Never skimp on the canned veggies, frozen veggies/fruits, never try off-brand cereals of breakfast type bars. Don't think my kids would touch an off-brand Pop Tart either!

Seems to me that my list of generics includes a lot of dairy since we live in the Dairy State and its all good here ;) Am I missing something? Should I be less "picky" and settle for the generics?

The grocery stores around these parts are really hyping up the generic/store brands. Just yesterday, the store flier included 3 full pages of store brand ads. In the mail, I received coupons for the store brand products at Target. I like the name brands foods, does that make me a "food snob?"

It's Not Failure, it's a Learning Experience

That's what I got from the Biggest Loser last night. One of those gushy gushy segments that I usually speed right through, Amanda was complaining about not being able to get back on the treadmill and ride for 15 seconds. Jillian demanded that she do it. Amanda walked out of the gym and later apologized, Jillian said she didn't let her down only HERSELF.

I wouldn't say that I'm afraid of failure, but it seems I have a hard time dealing with success. I do avoid certain things, like yoga, and it's probably because I am afraid to fail. I can't do it! Actually, I just don't like doing it. I know it's a great way to add variety to my workout regimen, but I still usually skip the yoga and ride the elliptical instead when it's yoga day in my P90X cycle. Today, a good example.

Dealing with success. It's difficult to stay on top of your game all the time, but it shouldn't be so difficult to just keep on making the best choices possible. I have a hard time doing this. I reach for the cookies, or grab for a bar, or just eat a little too big of portion.

I'm not afraid of failure, I know how to do that...it's the success that I'm afraid of.

Coffee Drinkers "Lazy Man's Diet"

Meet JavaFit! I saw this at the Wisconsin State Fair this summer and today they ran a segment on a local TV talk show. Coffee that contains an appetite suppressant, coffee that maximizes your energy, coffee that contains essential vitamins to help boost your immune system.

I thought the concept was rather ingenious. Many people drink coffee, why not add the appetite suppressant? The gentleman that appeared on the show today had lost over 40 pounds in 2 months claiming that his coffee habit was all that he had changed.

There are so many different options for energy drinks, but this seems to be one that doesn't have such a huge amount of calories/sugar.

I know I am one that has every intention to take a multi vitamin daily, but usually forget. But...I never forget my coffee.

Not sure if I'll ever get around to ordering/buying any of this, but it is "coffee" for thought.

Halloween Tricks or Treats

How do you deal with Halloween? My kids seem to go trick-or-treating for 3 days straight! Starting Friday at school, Friday night dance, Saturday morning visiting all the local businesses and ending in the afternoon when we'll trick-or-treat door to door in the neighborhood. Our kids are all very different. My 8 yr. old, would love to hold onto her candy as long as she could saving all of her favorites (and usually mine too). My 5 yr. old would eat it all in one seating if we would let her. She's not picky as long as its sweet. My 3 yr. old really hasn't experienced it yet, he enjoyed all the lollipops he could manage to sneak from his sisters last year, but this year will be different. I have a feeling, he will not be phased by the on slot of sweetness. He'll eat one or two pieces and wait for us to offer him more. Our 1 yr. old will be a scavenger and take any candy unguarded.

Last year, I allowed myself to eat one type of candy: tootsie rolls. My kids were offering them to me by the handfuls. Unfortunately, when food is offered to me, I have difficulty saying no. This year, I shall TRY to limit the tootsie rolls to a few a day rather than all on Halloween. My wife, has no difficulty at all staying away from the candy. She'll eat a few of the choice candy bars, but the rest doesn't bother her.

We'll be hiding the baskets once the initial feasting is finished and limiting the kids to a few a day. The girls really looked forward to being able to pick a few pieces daily to put in their lunch boxes too.

What are some tricks to keep yourself from eating the entire bag of tootsie rolls? I've heard some good suggestions at WW meetings, nothing too outrageous. Spray it with Raid and throw it away. Take it to work and let your co-workers gain the weight. Donate it to a Children's Hospital since they don't get to go and trick-or-treat on their own. Flush it down the toilet? I suppose tootsie rolls would flush alright ;)

What would be some creative tricks to keep you away from eating the entire bag? Freeze it and use it as a ice pack, play "Ding-dong-ditch" and leave it on your skinny neighbors door step, take to Lake Michigan and try to use the candy as "stones" and try "Skipping Stones." Make a creative sculpture of Halloween candy and donate it to the local museum, who knows you may become famous.

Not sure what I'll try yet, but I'll keep thinking.

What's Your Favorite App?

This week I got a new toy...an iPod. I've had fun playing around on it and am amazed at all the different things you can do with it. I've downloade several free apps and am loving being able to listen to my favorite podcasts while not needing to be bythe computer. I've also found the WW app awesome. Just touch the icon and tracking has never been more simple. It's a breeze to browse through all the Twitter and facebook updates, which usually take longer on the computer. I can see how people get hooked on the waste of time that consumes all the social networks.

Eating continues to go smoothly and 1 more day of P90X killer workouts before a restful week of cardio. Have a great weekend. I'm working a few minutes and off to a family Halloween party.

Just Checking In

Part of the P90X program includes writing all reps and how many, how much weight was lifted, etc. To tell you the truth, I have not written anything down. Today, I realized that I couldn't even remember what week on was on. Luckily, I had rambled here a while back about being on a rest week. So, by deduction, I realized I was on week 7. That is amazing to me that I have kept up with waking up at 4:30 most mornings. I have done the program 5 out of 7 days most weeks, skipping the yoga and usually resting instead of doing the stretch DVD on the weekend.

I've had a great week so far. I have managed to track all my food for the last week and a half. This came about after I got weighed by the WW Territory Manager. Unfortunately, I am a few pounds more than a few over my goal. Today, I got back below 200 for the first time in months. I'll be OK and I know the power of writing it down since I never missed a day during my losing stage.

Now, time to bunker down and get back to the goal of 190.

Looking forward to another rest week next week before I start another phase in the P90X program. Weeks 9-12 introduce a few new DVD's and will bring on a few new challenges I'm sure.

Reading Blogs

I really enjoy reading blogs, but lately have just not had anything noteworthy to write about on my own. Could be that I've started working on my Facebook addiction...level 111 of Mafia Wars is probably not the best use of my time. Could be that I've been exercising more...I ride the elliptical a few times a week, but have been doing the P90X DVD's at 4:30am daily, which has worn me out by naptime and I've kinda dosed off as well. Could be that I've focusing more on my eating, which I definitely have since I was seeing poundage slowly creep by on. Could be that I just don't have anything meaningful to say...probably the most true.

Checking on blogs, I'll visit again when the spirit moves me.

National Grouch Day

I'VE DECIDED TO YELL ALL DAY.

NO EXERCISE.

WHO CARES WHAT I EAT!

NOT ANSWERING THE PHONE!

TODAY IS NATIONAL GROUCH DAY AND I'M GONNA COMPLAIN ALL DAY!

Really, I've been having a great week foodwise and exercisewise. Today, I was going to put in a turkey breast that I got at a new grocery store's grand opening, but then I got a frantic call asking me to sub a few WW meetings tonight. I suppose I could still make the turkey, but I do like it fresh too.