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.

Kiwi Berries

Ever have one?

These little Kiwi/berry type things just happened to be at Sam's Club when I was shopping yesterday. I thought, "what the heck, $3.88 for a pound. I'll give them a shot!"

They're easy to eat for sure. Just wash and pop in your mouth. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I don't think they'll quickly become one of my favorites. They have the taste and texture of Kiwi and the skin is tougher than a grape, but easy enough to chew. I at about a cup and it seemed that each one tasted different than the last. The really ripe ones were great, but the not so ripe ones were not so great. Only problem...couldn't tell which ones were ripe and which ones were not.

Glad I tried a new fruit, but probably will stick with the real things. Kiwi and berries.

I Don't Want To!!

My 8 yr. old has begun to show an attitude lately. Yesterday, we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa #2 for the weekend. We went out to pick out pumpkins and then decided to check out a "new to us" trail around the Horicon Marsh. Elizabeth was sent on not getting out of the car. A kicking and screaming match occurred before Daddy challenged her to a race. She is competitive and likes to play games. We raced to be the first one to reach the entrance. We then played a game to see who could find 10 different animals first. After the walk around the "short" path, she played a matching game with Mommy matching several animal prints scattered about.

After the walk, no mention of complaining. All it took was the "first step." Just goes to show what a little pushing and encouragement can do. Think we'll take the long path next time ;)

The Big Backyard

Today, the kids have off school once again. Yesterday we spent the morning at one of our favorite hangouts, the Betty Brinn. Then we headed out to buy some Halloween costumes. We tend to dress up all year round so I'm not too worry about buying costumes since I know we'll use them. Today, another rainy day around here and I thought that it could be a long day inside. Turns out it will be a long day inside, but we had fun inside this morning at the Big Backyard. We are all worn out from running, biking, sliding, kicking, throwing, huffing, puffing and resting. What a great way to spend a rainy Friday morning! The only thing I was wondering about was why so many of the parents were just sitting in the Bistro chatting while the kids were having all the fun? I had a great time chasing all the kids and trying to slide down the huge slides before I realized that I am just not as young as I used to be.

Weekend plans here include a few WW meetings and a play date with the cousins. No Packer game this weekend makes for a wide open Sunday. We may have to go searching for some pumpkins.

30 Seconds

One of my favorite quotes from Tony Horton is, "you can do anything for 30 seconds!"

He is absolutely right. No matter how difficult something seems, it is so worth trying to do it for 30 seconds. I hate "high knee kicks", but I can do them for 30 seconds. I thought I could never do a "hot foot" for 30 seconds, but I can. It seems 30 seconds can be an eternity at times, but there is a finish. And usually it feels so gratifying at the end.

30 seconds is usually all it takes to down 5 cookies! I haven't done it lately, but I know it can be done. 30 seconds was all it took me to pack two leftover Packer cupcakes in my daughter's lunches instead of feasting on the sorrow of a loss myself. 30 seconds is all it took for Benjamin to empty the entire pot & pan drawer in the kitchen while still having enough time to grab his milk cup and take a sip.

30 seconds is not a long time, but it sure can make a difference when we make the better choice of what to do with our 30 seconds.

Don't Tell Me...

that I just ate meat that came out of a tube!! --TB's Wife

Last week, I made lasagna for the gang. I usually do this on days that I know I'll be working so I won't be feasting on it. This time I made it differently. I used a tube of frozen ground turkey that had been in the freezer for sometime now. I always try to use half regular, and half whole wheat noodles, but have never used turkey. It did taste quite different, but I enjoyed the piece that was left over the next day.

I have no problem eating most anything and don't need to worry about where it came from either. Why is frozen meat from a tube any different than regular fresh ground meat?

I shall keep my mouth shut next time, at least I had the courtesy not to tell her until after she ate it, right?

Happy October!!

It's been a chilly week in Wisconsin. I've felt the need to stay in bed a bit longer in the morning. Broke down and turned on the heat earlier in the week, but I don't think it has kicked in quite yet and that may be because at night, we have it set on 58 and it hasn't gotten cold enough to get the temp down that low.

This week is a "rest" week in my P90X cycle. It has been a welcome and needed rest. A few days of yoga, a few days of stretching along with a core workout has made for a good exercise week with my muscles able to recuperate from some tough strength training workouts in the previous 3 weeks.

This weekend we will be walking once again in the Memory Walk. We love the walk as it is a great family activity and we have done it since my oldest was actually not even part of the family yet, so it's been a good long tradition.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the fall weather.