Diet Drama

Diet Drama: Rock Bottom Moments

2011-02-28T20:08:00.000-05:00

I've slid. I've slid FAR.

So much so that I'm having rock-bottom moments slap me in the face repeatedly. They've been creeping up for some time, but somehow I've ignored them. I've been gleefully stuffing my face, despite horrible warning signs that I'm out of control. Here's a few from the last couple months.

1. No Leftovers.
After many a holiday/birthday/family gathering, no one is offering me food or sweets to take home with me. Hint taken (but mildly ignored)

2. New Fat Pants
What's worse than having to break out the fat pants? Having to buy new ones. It hurt my pride, it hurt my wallet, it hurt my wardrobe to have yet another pair of leggings folded among perfectly fine "normal pants"

3. Spotted: Someone Who Looks Like Me in Pictures
Just saw some pictures of a recent event I went to. There's a girl in a fat suit who looks an awful lot like me. Wait, is she wearing my new fat pants?

4. Not Enjoying Food
I caught myself chowing down on old Valentine candy last night. It was only still around because I didn't like it enough to eat it 2 weeks ago. Yet, there I was, taking the last bites of a tasteless marshmallow heart.

5. I Knock Things Down
I keep walking by things, and they fall. Why? Because I'm not used to having extra inches in the back, or in the front. I'm not totally sure how to wield this new shape.

I think all signs point to the pound party being over. I'll be back here much more often in an attempt to take responsibility for my eating. I'll still be posting reviews about food, workouts, and other nonsense, but starting now, I'm using this as my platform of personal accountability. Hopefully you'll take the ride with me. Lots of drama ahead.

How Embarrassing

2010-11-08T10:20:00.002-05:00

July 1st...my last post. Terrifyingly embarrassing if I do say so myself.

The sad part is that I spend the entire summer dedicated to getting my butt in shape for a bucket-list trip to Maui. I did OK, completed 90 Days of ChaLean Extreme (review to come), battled stalled scale numbers, gave in to Atkins to make power moves for 2 weeks before I left.

The most embarrassing part? Yep... those Atkins pounds are back...with a vengeance. I'm not kidding, they are literally punishing me. That's what you get for letting the pendulum swing all the way back - it hits you where it hurts. For me, it's right in the pants. And I'm not just saying that to be clever...my pants are actually taking the brunt of the punishment.

Regardless, I have lots of fun reviews coming up that have been patiently waiting for me to free their respective images from my digital camera. Food, workouts, clothes...it's all on the way.

Getting EXTREME with Chalean Extreme

2010-07-01T20:31:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned before, I'm on a diet deadline. Kind of.

I decided I have to just shape up and do whatever I can before my big trip in September. At first I had a number in mind - might have been do-able, but most likely not. So I'm taking a sane approach since my time is limited. I'm thinking long term, with a milestone to shoot for.

To refresh you on the saga so far, I started Nutrisystem again about 5 weeks ago. I'm just getting to the point where I can not take the taste of their food anymore. Which is good, because I need to reevaluate how I'm eating - thanks to Chalene Johnson & her ChaLEAN Extreme program.

ChaLEAN Extreme is a pretty intense exercise video series from the TurboJam creator (another old fave). It's a 90 day program, where you basically do a different workout every day of the week. It's broken up into 3 phases to further mix things up. Burn, Push, Lean. So you have 4 weeks of each workout circuit, then you move on to a new set of exercises.

For those of you familiar with the world of infomercial exercise programs, this is kind of like P90X light. Workouts happen 5 times a week, and are about 35 min long (so far). Don't worry though, your heart rate goes up, and you WILL sweat. There is cardio though. It shakes out as 3 days resistance and 2 days cardio each week.

I'm in Burn phase now, about to finish up my 2nd week. I feel great, I look better, but the scale has eeked up a bit. Not exactly the results I'm looking for.

This is what's spurred me to reevaluate my eating. I thought Nutrisystem would help control things, but I may not be getting enough food to make this extreme thing go according to plan. Some days I barely get 1,000 calories of NS food + grocery items. Not sure that's the best way to fuel my body for intense workouts. My body is loving the workouts, and it shows, so I think NS is getting the shaft.

More on ChaLEAN Extreme to come...stay tuned!

Salad Sabotage - 7 Ways to Avoid Lunchtime Diet Drama

2010-06-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

Salad was always the safe choice in a restaurant. A little lettuce, some dressing...maybe a little chicken - and you're golden. No longer true. Restaurants have whipped up some delish sounding salads - and while they sound amazing (and diet-friendly) they are the devil in disguise!

Thanks to books like Eat This, Not That - and regularly regurgitated Diet Shockers stories on every talk show & morning show - we can now arm ourselves with the right info in order to avoid salad sabotage. In fact, check out their website for 15 Atrocious Salads. You'll be flabbergasted.

So what can you do to save yourself from a monster salad?

1. Count the Words: The more words that appear before the word "Salad" - the worse off you are.
Asian Sensation Crispy Mandarin Chicken Salad - not good.
Garden Salad - better.

2. Eat Half: Or at least shoot for eating half. Many of these dangerous salads clock in at over 1,000 calories. If you can stop yourself at half, you'll be saving yourself from diet drama later on. If you want to get really crazy, dump a ton of pepper, salt, or a clashing condiment (ketchup?) on when you've reached the half way point.
Drastic? Yes.
Conversation piece? You bet.
Good to do at a business lunch? Not so much.

3. Go Veggie: The meat is half the battle. Some salads contain the equivalent of a whole platter of chicken strips. If you wouldn't order that meal, you shouldn't get duped by the salad. Stick to the vegetarian options, or just request no meat (or 1/2 meat) when ordering.

4. Fry & Die: Fried anything is not your friend when it comes to salad. That includes tortilla strips, crispy noodles, or tostada (sometimes code name for giant tortilla bowl). Fried chicken, shrimp, or chicken fried shrimp also should be avoided.

5. Order off the Menu: Modify whenever possible! Most restaurants will honor your special requests (believe me, they'll find a way to charge you for whatever you want to buy). I'm a fan of requesting grilled (or blackened) shrimp with no oil to replace chicken in salad.

6. Easy on the Cheese: This is advice I should take more often. Much of the time that delish cheese that makes your chicken salad a Taco Chicken Salad is weighing you down. Ask for no cheese, or get cheese on the side so you can control how much goes in.

7. Dressing on the Side: Tried and true! Only you can prevent dressing overload. Avoid pouring on too much by dipping your fork in before spearing at your veggies. It's a classic technique for a reason.

On a Diet Deadline

2010-06-15T19:02:00.002-04:00

Yep, we're supposed to be generally healthy. But guess what - we all have those deadlines we need to meet: weddings, vacations, holidays.

I'm now up against one of those deadlines. The ultimate bikini destination: Hawaii

You might be saying "Yeah....good luck with that. You've been MIA for months. Chances are you've been way off the wagon". If you are saying that - you'd be right. I've been chasing the wagon - huffing and puffing, dropping my hands to my knees as I gasp for breath. Life has been throwing some crazy stuff at me this year.

Two big things going on with me:
1. New Job! So excited about taking on a new challenge, new scenery, new everything. Not an easy decision...it required quite a bit of pizza and beer.

2. Tree VS My House. In the Northeast we got BLASTED with wind in March. It was beyond scary. I was one of the many people who sustained damage to my home. A big, fat, double-trunk tree walloped my roof - rendering my master bedroom a disaster zone. We're still working on repairs months later. The end is finally near though - we should be getting walls back this week! This "big thing" resulted in my seeking refuge in Thai takeout and fried potatoes in multiple forms.

I've earned my Hawaiian getaway, now I just have to earn my body back. Last week, I went back to my old friend Nutrisystem (desperate times...) and now I'm ready to get my body moving. I'm also ready to get back to accountability - which means blogging more often. I do have lots to talk about - I've been in disaster mode, but it doesn't mean I've removed diet drama from my life.

My second stop (after Nutrisystem.com) is Women's Health. I got an email today tailored to my situation: The Deadline Diet. It seems full of ambitious, yet sane advice. I'll see if I can make something work from the article.

Stay tuned...I'm back and ready to kick my own ass!

Shop Love: Comfy, Cozy, Stretchy Skirt from Athleta

2010-01-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

I want to proclaim this the only skirt you ever really need. It's that comfy, it's that versatile.

I've become a huge fan of Athleta over the past year. I purchased a bathing suit (this one) from them before my last vacation, and it was amazing: cute, but made for a woman (not a model). And I could actually move in it without fear of unintentional nudism. I was hooked!

As the weather cooled, I needed to update my wardrobe. I needed versatile pieces though. Something I could wear when I lost weight, as well as when I put a few on after the holidays (and boy did I). Enter Athleta's Roll Over Sweater Skirt.

This skirt has pretty much been my uniform this winter. It's crazy comfortable, and looks good with tights and tall boots. Plus it fits no matter what. It's made of stretchy sweater material that doesn't really cling (unless you're a static machine...which I sometimes am).

I started with the universal Black - and picked up another in Mallard Blue. They're currently on sale, but still an investment. But for a 3-season skirt, it's worth it. Highly recommended for ladies with weight in transition (up or down), expecting moms, and anyone looking for a cozy winter-friendly skirt.

Holy Holiday Damage!

2010-01-19T00:41:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I've been a little ashamed to post this, but OH MY GOD I did some big damage over the holidays. Yes, I include my birthday (first week of Jan) in the holidays. But before I got too comfy hiding in my giant winter sweaters, I figured I should do a sanity check on the scale.

Sanity check? Try INSANITY.

It was bad. Seven pounds bad. That's seven over the acceptable 2 - 4 pound cookie-related holiday weight (like my fuzzy math?). I'm surprised the floors don't buckle under my feet! I thought Doggie Drama was just into playing the "Chase Me" game lately...but she was probably running because she thought I was going to EAT her!

I did the scale freak out last week, and instead of weighing my options and buying 3 diet books like usual, I dove right into South Beach. For me, it's the only way to do some fast damage control. It kind of re-kajiggers my system back into relying on actual food - not just chocolate and mashed potatoes. I acted fast, and a week later I'm already down 4 watery pounds. Thank God for quick thinking!

So now I'm cooking up a low carb storm! Stay tuned for some comforting recipes that will warm up this cold and pudgy winter.

Yummie Yummie Yummie - I Got Lycra on my Tummie

2010-01-17T11:35:00.007-05:00

I was lucky enough to hit RueLaLa.com (my fave shopping site - 3 day sales - click here to sign up) at the right time on the right day for their Yummie Tummie sale!

These are shaping garments that pose as actual garments. Kind of like Spanx you could potentially wear on the outside. They have a line of tanks, t-shirts, etc. with a secret slimming panel only in the midsection - with normal cotton blend fabric on the upper and lower sections. I'd recommend them for layering - as 'secret' as that slimming panel is, it does show.

But for layering - fab. u. lous. I really love the look. (Apparently major celebs love them too)

I was instantly drawn to the idea when the line was introduced because it only provided slimming where I need it most. It doesn't flatten the girls like other slimming tanks (and believe me, I can't afford the flattening...just ask the 2 inch thick padding on my chest) and it totally doesn't look like shape wear.

But these things are NOT cheap! So when they popped up on RueLaLa for 1/2 price - I jumped on it! I picked up 2 classic tanks in black & white. I opted for the extra long. I wasn't sure how the length really changed the garment at the time (now I do, it's just 3 inches of extra 'non slimming' material at the bottom) but wanted to be sure the lower part of my midsection (my danger zone) was taken care of.

I wore mine under a long, form-fitting wrap sweater (it's about 4 inches too short to be promoted to "dress") of pretty thin knit. The YT totally slimmed out the lumpage and made me look a little slimmer - especially from the front. It was not too constraining, in fact, I'd say it was just right to know I had it on, but not be uncomfortable. Perfect for everyday wear. Since I went for the long version, I had to tuck it into my jeans, but it certainly isn't a deal-breaker.

My only issue was that after only an hour or so of sitting at my desk, it did ride up a little. Nothing a quick trip to the ladies couldn't fix though. A quick tug & adjust was worth the price of admission to the pretty party. Other than that - no one detected I was rocking a slimmer under my sweater.

You can purchase them in a lot of high-end stores (like I said, they're pricey - consider it an investment in confidence) or on the Yummie Tummie site online.

Wait, What?! Nutrition Labels are Dirty Liars?

2010-01-09T08:49:00.000-05:00

No one is safe. Even though you try and try to lose weight, sometimes the scale never budges. Well, there may be a reason for that.

A study from Tufts University found that the calorie counts on restaurant food, frozen food from well-known diet programs, and fast food restaurants. I mean, some of it can be expected - each restaurant is making food by hand at some level. But over time (if you're counting calories especially) a few extra calories here and there can sabotage a diet.

The study found that restaurants were claiming around 18% less calories than actual, and frozen foods 8%. I'm more concerned about the frozen foods - these are entrees from Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine! Reputable companies! Uncool (get it...frozen, uncool? eh?).

However, in some of the side dishes tested from restaurants, the discrepancy was 200% higher than claimed! And some meals didn't account for the free side dishes served with the main course. It's a restaurant-created slippery slope.

How can you combat this? A few tips:
1. Dressing on the side! This is were employee error falls into play. They probably don't have measuring utensils for dressings, sauces, and condiments. Always order on the side so you have full control.

2. Plan ahead. OK so this isn't entirely helpful at this point, but you can at least make educated guesses on whether or not the fries or mashed potatoes are factored into your calorie counts.

3. Customize. Restaurants have full kitchens - which means you can get anything exactly how you want it. Take a cue from Sally Albright (from When Harry Met Sally) and get finicky with your order. Do you really care if your waiter judges you? You shouldn't! It's your body, your dime!

Resolution Revolution: I Resolve Not to Resolve

2010-01-08T07:33:00.000-05:00

2009 was a rough year. You can tell by my declining blogging frequency that things went downhill for me at a point. So this year, I'm not making a resolution.

I make the same one every year: lose weight. Yeah...if I got that down I wouldn't need this blog. It always falls off the wagon at some point, and I'm not letting this happen again. I put so much pressure on myself to keep said resolution, that I end up binging on something or other just to spite myself!

I am, however, making a promise to myself. I promise I'll take better care of myself, pay attention to what goes in my mouth, move my body, and post more of everything on this blog.

Yes, it sounds like a resolution in disguise, but I'm ready to take care of myself. It's a milestone year for me - my 30th birthday was yesterday. So I can't just resolve this year. I have to do it right for the rest of my life.

Think Fast! Last Minute Gifts for the Diet-Minded

2009-12-21T12:20:00.005-05:00

It's crunch time! Are you done shopping yet? I bet you're not. Slacker.

The toughest people to buy for are us dieters, especially the hard core ones. What exactly can you get a diet-minded person to show your support? Clothes are nice, but what size? Too small? Insulting. Too big? Insulting. Exercise stuff is handy, but unromantic and can send the wrong message if you're not careful.

It's tough to find just the right gift that says "You can do it!" without saying "Merry Christmas, Fatty". Here's a quick list of things that you can get the dieter in your life.

Metal Water Bottle
These things are cool, and indispensable - AND indisposable! And us dieters are obsessed with water. No joke. Get a cool one to show that you get the giftee's style. (the one pictured here is a super cheapie Old Navy version)

Yoga Anything

Everyone does Yoga - it's not strictly for the weight-loss-obsessed. It says that you get their desire for fitness, without saying "you really should work out"

Cold-Weather Athletic Gear

Everyone needs a fleece jacket...or two. Warm clothes that are workout-worthy are encouraging, useful, and don't overtly point to working out. It comes in handy even for running out to get the mail.

Cookbooks

OK, this is a little tricky. If you bust out the South Beach Diet cookbook, you're in trouble. A Cooking Light book is great, their recipes are standbys even when not dieting. A great book of basics like something from America's Test Kitchen or the classic Julia Child cookbook (it's timely...and perfect for the Julie/Julia fans) are also welcome gifts for anyone.

Gift Cards

These handy little things can be far from impersonal, especially for someone who's clothes are getting bigger. Dieters are hoping for new, smaller clothing. So some cash for their favorite store is an exciting, hope-filled gift.

Hint Cucumber Water: No Deal!

2009-12-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

I was in a funk, and in Whole Foods - a dangerous combination. One that could lead to purchasing wildly overpriced chocolates and convincing myself organic calories don't really count.

I resisted though, because my head was already at the spa. I had an appointment booked for a massage, and was looking forward to the little spa perks like water spiked with cucumber and oranges and little bowls of raw trail mix. Just the taste of either puts me in an instant relaxation mode. So when I saw a cold case of Hint water, my hand went directly to the Cucumber variety.

I had hope for Hint. No sweeteners, no preservatives, no sugar...it pushed all my buttons. But my first giant swig pushed all the wrong buttons. I was assaulted by the strong scent of dirt, and the flavor tasted more like discarded cucumber skins than anything else. Maybe that's from their "natural flavors" but it was too much . Less a hint, more a smack in the mouth with a clump of grass clippings.

I do still have hope for the fruit flavors, but the Cucumber is just not working for me.

10 Tips for a Drama-Free Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:57:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving looks like one giant diet-busting hurdle. But if you look really close - it's more like a speed bump. You can sail through without doing any major damage if you keep a few things in mind and don't go overboard.

1. Embrace the Power of the Bite

One bite can easily reduce your cravings. Mashed potatoes call out to you in your dreams all year, but you know it's a huge sour-cream-and-butter-laden diet nightmare. Just remember that taste is super short-lived, but those hot jeans could potentially fit forever. See how fast your craving fades after taking your time to savor just a bite or two.

2. Water it Down

Keep reaching for that water pitcher during the T-Day festivities. You'll keep yourself hydrated, sure, but having water in hand will help on so many levels. It will make you feel full faster, so you'll be less tempted to go for seconds. Your hands will be occupied, so you're less likely to drink too many cocktails or bottles of wine. For that matter, you won't be tempted into it - if you've got a drink, fewer people will offer you one. And, when forced to happily ingest a questionable family favorite (I'm looking at you, pearl onions) you can swallow it like a gel cap with a big gulp of diet-friendly water.

3. Get Some Air

Before or after dinner, take the opportunity to go for a quick walk. Grab your favorite family members, they'll also be happy for the escape. You'll also torch a few calories while you're at it.

4. Eat Only What You REALLY Want

Sweet potatoes are all the rage, but do you really love them slathered with marshmallows? If you don't like it, skip it. Leave room/calories for the stuff you really want.

5. Indulge Yourself...or Else!

If you skip the stuffing...will you regret it? So much that you'll be eating it out of the fridge later? Let yourself have your holiday favorites, guilt free. If you try to resist altogether, you'll probably end up binging later.

6. Remember What Vegetables SHOULD Be

Veggies should be steamed, boiled, raw, with maybe a touch of olive oil, salt, or butter. They should not be injected with cheese, cream, or casseroled. Watch out for these guys - while often delish, these veggies are wearing a fat suit. You'll be tempted to eat a pile of it and chalk it up to diet-friendly fare. Something like a zucchini casserole clocks in at around 400 calories - so consider yourself warned.

7. Get an Extra Serving of Exercise

Try to get some extra workouts in to offset your indulgences. Use your morning off to do a 20 min work out tape or take a walk. Every little bit counts, so do that little extra before treating yourself to holiday goodies.

8. Make it Yourself

The only way to really know the diet damage a dish is going to cause is to make it yourself. Volunteer to bring safe side dishes and desserts. Chances are, no one will know its healthier, but you will, and that's what counts.

9. Smile and Nod

Don't get riled up by some relative who likes to play holiday mind games. They're a waste of time, energy, and stress hormones. Just don't engage! Keep your stress level down and you'll be less likely to eat (or in my case - drink) your feelings.

10. Wear Something Cute

Rock a nice outfit for the holiday. It will remind you to watch that waistline. If you wear stretchy clothes or anything with an elastic waist (yes, leggings, I know you're listening) you'll be tempted to eat until your stomach expands. If you start now, you'll be hiding under big sweaters all winter...and will probably need to all summer too.

Today's Obsession: Spray Olive Oil

2009-11-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm typically a deciple of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Spray (I have popcorn issues). That just made my discovery of Filippo Berio Olive Oil spray that much more exciting.

Although I am aware that any Bed Bath & Beyond sells olive oil misting devices, I am also an impulse shopper of sorts. Spray olive oil wasn't something I was looking for per se, so I didn't exactly weigh options. I found that the Berio version was affordable and a good idea. I was sold.

Olive Oil contains the much discussed "good fat" monounsaturated fat, which helps control LDL ("bad fat") choleseterol and increasing the good stuff. However, it still packs in some hefty calories. It clocks in at about 120 calories per tablespoon. I, like many others, blind myself to this fact, only hearing "it's good for you, add more" while cooking. Needless to say, I get carried away and often nullify the health benefits of both the olive oil and the food I'm cooking.

The olive oil spray makes me much more aware of my flawed cooking style. It makes it much easier to control my oil usage. This is especially handy when I'm cooking fish, which I tend to do much more often these days. I allows you to use olive oil both as a flavoring and and adhesive. So my food doesn't end up oily, but my seasonings have something to cling to. This way I can avoid that nasty dry spice crust that occurs (especially when broiling).

I find this little grocery gem indispensable when grilling (I'm an all-season griller). Sure, olive oil flares like crazy, but I have enough control with this baby that I can spray food while on the grill. Even though I've gotten the eyebrow-saving leap down to an art, I don't have to worry so much about burning my deck down (but really, don't attempt this unless you're uber familiar with your grill).

Costumes & You - What to wear?

2009-10-26T19:22:00.000-04:00

Oh, how lazy and out of the loop I've been! Yes I'm ashamed, but I've got some stuff cooking up - I promise! In the meantime, I'll keep this blog hoppin' with links to great posts that I run into on a daily basis.

First up, the fabulously entertaining "Does this Blog Make Us Look Fat" girls let us know how to do Halloween (and - more importantly - how NOT to do it). Get their advice on slimming costumes before dropping cash on a highly-flammable getup.

Oh - and don't forget - fun sized doesn't mean eating 10 is 10x more fun.

EA Sports Active Review (aka Wii Sweat...A LOT)

2009-08-28T18:00:00.001-04:00

The responsibilities of pet-ownership have surprised me a bit. Mostly the realization of how little extra time I actually have. My after-work time was typically dedicated to workouts at the gym or creating reasons to avoid workouts at the gym (also referred to as "errands"). Now my after work routine consists of rushing home to release the hound.

I was faced with reassessing my home exercising options. I'm a big fan of workout DVDs, but it's only a matter of time before I either find something better on TV to distract me or develop a reason why I hate the instructor ("she's skinnier than me" is my go-to). I needed something fun, different, and capable of holding my interest, not my wet towels and dirty clothes like most fitness machines.

Enter the Nintendo Wii. After years of pleading and begging, Mr. Drama finally allowed us to become a two-console family (I have my suspicions that he just wants quality time with his XBox). Add on the EA Sports Active "game" + Wii Fit and I've just built myself a pseudo gym! Sure, I'm a little late to the Wii exercise party in general, but it's never too late to try something that might result in smaller jeans.

This post will focus on the EA Sports Active program. I call it a program because really, there's nothing fun about it that would make it a game. It is a straight up workout program - more like a workout video that can catch you when you try to slack off. It definitely feels more like a personal trainer with the personality of a mannequin. No really, the people who demo the moves in the handy instructional videos look like they stepped out of an Old Navy commercial.

The workout was a doozy. I'm admittedly a little rusty, but the medium intensity workout left me dripping in sweat! I jumped right into the 30 Day Challenge. It sets you up with a schedule and routines to work different muscle groups. The workout is divided into about 20 mini-segments, so getting bored is out of the question. The trainer keeps tabs on you with motivating messages that range from good ("you'll make real progress with this pace") to cheesy ("you, my friend, are poetry in motion" really?!).

Strength segments include some basic exercises with the assistance of a resistance band. The band is pretty weak, it will need to be replaced with something more aggressive soon. However, the easy resistance lets you concentrate on form. This is a biggie, because you don't want to hurt yourself. But also, some of the moves require some funky hand position or movement to let the Wii know how you're moving. For example, shoulder presses. Each time you press up, you also need to point your controllers to the ceiling. If the Wii catches you avoiding this step, your rep won't count, and the trainer will tell you that you're a pansy (ok, not really). It took a few tries to hold the controllers and resistance band handles in the right way to make it all come together.

Cardio can get a little fun. But it can be boring too. In my 2nd workout, I was stuck running the track. UGH! It's my most hated of all activities in a normal setting. Worse when you're running in place! But I can stick it out for the few minutes. However, I'd rather be in the other cardio sections, like dancing or tennis or boxing. You hardly realize you're doing cardio because you have something to do, like hit a ball or target.

After a couple workouts, I'm hooked. And in pain. All the squatting and running has really done a job on my under-utilized leg muscles! But the scheduled workouts and journal (you can enter your general healthiness regarding food & other activities) keeps me wanting to come back for more pain.

Doggie Drama

2009-08-24T18:34:00.003-04:00

This summer has seen a lot of new developments in the Diet Drama house. One of which has been the addition to our family:

Super cute, no? This beagle/boxer/dunno mix was found on Petfinder.com and has pretty much changed our lives. She's my excuse for the lack of posting...also my lack of focus. Of course, she's not the only reason I've been dietetically unfocused. I have been going through physical therapy for a back injury from my semi-recent car accident. I FINALLY am out of PT, and have been given the all clear to exercise at full throttle and put my all into romping around with the new pup.

Although I'm frustrated with my lack of progress, I'm feeling good about myself. I've turned that self-esteem corner and am now just thankful that I got fixed up and am now healthy! Oh, and thankful for this sweet (and sometimes crazy) puppy who's settled so fast, it's like she's always been here.

Doggie Drama also brought in some much needed separation between the couch and my ass. Being up and strolling around the yard while she sniffs and explores is 100% more productive than watching another rerun of The Big Bang Theory (and sometimes, even more hilarious, if that's even possible).

Eating Like a Human

2009-08-10T16:46:00.000-04:00

Something occurred to me the other day: I hate eating out of strange plastic containers.

It's often my excuse to justify getting take out at lunch, rather than eating something I brought from home. My once-delicious-looking chicken just looks unappetizing rattling around in a plastic snapware container.

I noticed a coworker eating an amazing looking salad. It was nothing special. No taco shell, no fancy toppings, not even a crouton. But I coveted it from across the room. Finally I realized the reason: it was on a plate.

Simple right? I was loving that salad because it looked like actual people food. She looked like a normal person eating. There was no scraping the sides of a semi-disposable container.

Although I have yet to venture into the actual ceramic plate, I have started plating my food at lunch. Like the Top Chef judges always say "You eat with your eyes first." Boy are they right. Even though the food is the same, it looks like actual food. My brain says "ooh, lunch!" instead of "ugh, leftovers." Small fix, big difference. And yes - it works for frozen lunches too!

(sorry for the quality of the picture - I had to take it with my non-iphone cell phone)

When it Rains, It Pours

2009-06-23T22:59:00.002-04:00

Here in the Northeast, it's been raining like CRAZY! Every day in June so far has seen some amount of rain. The skies are gray, everything is damp, it's downright depressing. I am considering rocking a light visor just to get myself out of the rain-induced funk.

Ok, so my funk isn't necessarily completely rain-induced. Among other issues, the car accident I had in April has provided some unwelcome hurt in my life. I'm a regular now at my local Physical Therapy office instead of the gym. Obviously, the workouts are much less strenuous, but more painful. I've managed to keep the scale from moving up, but I'm turning into a ball of marshmallow. And the scale isn't exactly sliding down into new jeans land.

What's missing most of all? Accountability. Discovery. Focus. Inspiration.

Basically, everything this blog provides for me, and hopefully for you as well.

So now I'm over whining that the wagon I'm supposed to be back on isn't stopping for me. As one wise woman on Twitter reminded me that I'm actually supposed to be running after it (thanks @Hanlie).

I'm getting my jump start with my eating clean magazine cover diet. It's food I like, and removes the decision factor from my food choices - the wonder of deliciously fattening possibilities gets me every time (and by every time, I mean everyLUNCHtime - sorry local eateries, you might want to budget for my absence).

I'm going back to posting here on a regular basis, and even more often on Twitter. I declare myself back on track! Now if I could just get the rain to stop...

Eating Clean Thanks to the Cover of a Magazine

2009-05-10T16:41:00.000-04:00

I admit it. I got desperate. I followed a magazine cover diet promising me a 10 lb loss in 21 days. But guess what – it worked!

My plan to rock Jillian Micheals’ 30 day shred for the 6 weeks prior to my Caribean getaway was abruptly put to a stop. Thanks to a mini van driver oblivious to his/her surroundings, my road to a bikini-acceptable bod (hey, I’m a realist) I was couch bound for 3 days with back pain and an order to avoid any exercise more exerting than walking. I found comfort in Indian food and Haggan Daz. Two steps back.
After exhausting all my DVR and cable options rapidly, my sympathetic hubby ran out to get me an assortment of magazines. He came back with Oxygen, Robert Kennedy's Women's Fitness Magazine – the spring 2009 edition. Screaming at me from the cover: LOSE 10 LBS FAT ASS (ok, so maybe that’s not verbatim).

After losing a week of shredding with Jillian, and no chance to shred further before the trip, I knew I needed something. But did I have 21 days? No, but I had a couple weeks – 16 days or so. What could it hurt to try a little sensationalized diet plan? I went straight to the article, expecting to find a diet of watercress and otter livers or something. What I found was a really clean plan: 5 to 6 meals a day, good carbs, fruit, fish. I’m in.

The Premise
The plan had three weeks of specifically prescribed food. Very low cal (about 1,100 calories), but all good foods. Plus, there were snacks. Each week has a set menu – yup, the same food every day. I had a busy couple of weeks ahead of me, so I figured it I took food choice out of the equation, I had one less thing to deal with.

Week 1 Menu
Breakfast: Oatmeal & Banana or Orange
Mid-Morning Snack: Apple
Lunch: Chicken, rice, squash
Mid-Day Snack: Celery with Almond Butter
Dinner: Fish, squash, asparagus
Evening Snack: Mixed Berries
No added oils, fats, salt

So I cooked up enough squash, rice, and chicken for the week. With the help of some Penzy’s salt free spice mixes, I got some variety in there. I packed some lunches, stocked up on fish for dinner, and I was diet drama baby. Oh, and more organized about food than I’d been in a long long long time.

The Fantastic
The food was good! Stuff I like to eat, and it made life easy. Plus I wasn’t drained like I am when I cut carbs out. The food actually made sense, was enough, and kept me happy.

The Faults
Eating out isn’t exactly easy when you have a set meal plan. But I wasn’t about to hermitize myself entirely. Enjoy the spring weather with a friend or sit inside to eat my asparagus in the corner? I quickly figured out that I could probably stray from the plan if I just kept my food ‘clean’ – lean protein and veggies. Not too tough.

But, stocking up on foods like fish can be costly. Luckily, my grocery store had some affordable frozen options that were not loaded up with preservatives. Almond butter, however, set me back – wait for it - $11.00!!! That’s no typo: eleven dollars. Sure it’s good, but ELEVEN DOLLARS! I think it’s recommended because it’s slightly lower in saturated fat than natural peanut butter, but only by a gram. An $11 gram of saturated fat.

The Bottom Line
This plan is crazy rigid, but yeah, it works. I’ve lost about 5lbs in a week and a half (and still going). It’s crazy low cal/lowish carb. However, it completely taught me how to enjoy clean eating. I didn’t go with Week 2’s plan. I’m just continuing to keep my meals similar. Oatmeal for breakfast, lean protein/good carb/veggie for lunch, and fish and asparagus for dinner. Plus snacks…I love snacks.

Through this one week, I’ve been able to eliminate artificial sweeteners and caffeine. For real. Without killing anyone. It’s a miracle.

Sure I lost weight, but I wasn’t eating well before that. I went immediately from chowing down like a famine was coming, to eating around 1200 calories a day (I had an extra snack, ok?). I’ll probably keep with the clean eating, but up the calories a bit so when I workout I don’t pass out. All-in-all, I think it's reformed my approach to food. Not too shabby!

If you want the plan in it's entirety, you can order a back issue of Oxygen here. I couldn't find the article online. Drama as usual.

Shrimp-o de Mayo

2009-05-05T21:23:00.003-04:00

So I'm on my wacky diet plan, and I promise details soon. I am realizing it's not so much a wacky plan, but eating super clean. No processed foods, no sauces, salts, "bad" (aka delicious) carbs.

Even though I'm supposed to be sauce free, it is Cinco de Mayo! I must celebrate! I resisted Margaritas, I resisted Mexican beer, hell, I even resisted taquitos! I thought I might reward myself for demonstrating such strong willpower by indulging in something. Ok, I get it. It doesn't totally make sense. However, I figured if it wasn't a completely extravagant indulgence, then I’d be ok. And I officially don’t consider salsa on Cinco de Mayo a diet evil.

But I needed to enjoy my salsa while still eating a low calorie protein. So I busted out my stash of pre-peeled & deveined frozen shrimp. I try to always have a 2 lb bag of these handy little guys in my freezer. They thaw quick, cook quick, and are damn tasty. Plus at only 80 calories for 4 oz of shrimp – they’re a perfect solution to my daily diet drama.

So I spices things up, sautéed me some shrimp, topped it with warm salsa, and dumped it over rice. Bueno!

Shrimp-o De Mayo

1 lb Shrimp – peeled & deveined Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Smoked Paprika

Cumin

Chipotle Chile Powder

Kosher Salt

Pepper

Olive Oil

½ c Salsa

To thaw your shrimp, drop them in a colander and run cold water over them for 5 – 10 minutes. They’ll be ready by the time you get the rest of your mise en place, en place.

I used about ½ tsp of each spice, but went heavy on the Smoked Paprika and Chipotle Powder (I like it hot baby). Go according to your tastes. Just sprinkle it on to dust the shrimp on both sides.

Get a nonstick pan nice and hot, add about a teaspoon or 2 of olive oil. Dump your spiced shrimp in the pan and cook them on both sides until they’re firm and pink. Don’t leave these babies alone or you’ll turn them into little pieces of shrimp-flavored gum.

Right when they’re done, turn off the burner, and add your salsa. I used Salpica Tomato Jalepeno salsa from Frontera kitchens (it’s what I had on hand) but any old kind will do.

When the salsa gets warm, serve it over brown rice, or pasta if that’s what gets spices up your day.

Drama on the Road

2009-04-26T20:33:00.005-04:00

My pre-vacation progress has been halted! Now I need to reevaluate my current semi-plan (which has boiled down from South Beach to SB by day, chow down by night - not good).

What put a stop to my weight loss? A minivan and a ditch.

Yep, on the same day this fabulous blog was featured on AOL Health (btw - welcome new readers!), I was run off the highway by an absent-minded minivan driver. I'm ok, but my plan to complete Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred is on hold. My back is in painful knots and I'm still dealing with whiplash. My injuries, while dwindling, are still limiting my mobility from "workout diva" to "couch-chica."

So now, with my vacation a mere 2 1/2 weeks away, I've hit a roadblock...quite literally. I'm considering my options, and will keep you posted on my pre-beach preparation plans.

Don't cry for me though, I'm feeling like a very lucky girl. I walked away from the crash with nary a scratch. I should have bought lotto tickets. Then I could just hire Jillian Michaels to yell at me in person.

Today's Obsession: Recipe Review of Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

2009-04-22T18:52:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know. Roasting vegetables is an Autumn activity. But it's spring here in the Northeast, and that means we're still chowing on veggies shipped in from warmer climates. So until the summer brings me super fresh local produce, you'll have to endure my latest roasting obsession: Broccoli

You can blame the Barefoot Contessa for this latest iteration of roasted veggies. I saw her recipe for Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli and I was firing up the oven within minutes. Of course, I had to make a few adjustments to ease the fat, but I think this dish turned out amazing.

Making It

Another super easy recipe. Chop up the broccoli into reasonable pieces (a tad bigger than bite-sized).

Spread it out on a pan, sprinkle it with sliced garlic, olive oil, and salt & pepper. I had to watch the olive oil, it's easy to go overboard and un-healthy your veggies. Pop it in a 400 degree oven, give it a stir after 7 minutes or so. Let it cook until the ends get a little crispy like so:

While the broccoli is still warm, toss it with some toasted pine nuts (optional...best to limit since they run about 100 calories & 10 grams of fat for 2 tablespoons), chopped fresh basil, fresh grated Parmesan cheese (the fresher it is, the stronger the taste, the less you need to use), lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Sounds a little fussy, but it's not. A few little additions takes this from your typical "meh broccoli" to something company-worth (if you're willing to share...I'm not). Plus broccoli is notoriously high in fiber. If you can't stand the though of eating these mini Godzilla trees (think about it), this recipe will really help make the veggie much more palatable with minimal effort.

And if you can start eating the broccoli covered in all these delicious accoutrement, you'll be eating it with just a few sprays of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! in no time. Think of it like training wheels for vegetable haters.

5 Fit Tips for the Unfit - Starting Smart

2009-04-22T08:17:00.001-04:00

Starting a fitness plan can be scary. Especially if you're not in shape. I've been there, more than once in fact. Not only do I fall into the yo-yo dieting category, but I also yo-yo workout. Oh, yes, it is possible. As a rule, I stay active. But there are circumstances when I'm not. I've had to start over thanks to a variety of circumstances. From as simple as "I left college and now sit at a desk 10 hours a day" (aka the Office Spread) to "I need to recover from abdominal surgery."

It doesn't matter how or why, but starting smart is key.

I've found that jumping in full speed and/or overdoing it (in intensity or in minutes) too soon will lead to either injury or burnout. Neither is going to get you into smaller jeans. Here are some tips that I follow to get (and stay) started on the road from unfit to fit.

Tip 1: Accept It, You're a Wuss

Sorry, but it's true. If you've been out of the gym for an extended period of time (or if you've never even been in one), you should ease in to your routine. Make sure you are performing the moves the right way, and that you're at a comfortable intensity level. Gradually pump up the weight/incline/jam as you gain strength and confidence. This counts for workout videos too. Swallow your pride and follow the "Modified Moves Girl" in the group. Especially if you were in shape in the past - you'll be mentally ready to follow the "Advanced Super Woman" moves.

Keep in mind that more weight on your body is more stress on your joints. You might need to go low-impact until you lighten up a little (trust me, I'm there now). But it's OK, you're doing it for YOU, right? The "Advanced Super Woman" will never know.

Tip 2: Set Small Goals - Really Really Small Goals

Yes, losing 20 pounds is a great goal. But you won't get there if you're sitting at home watching The Simpsons. After a tough day, it's so tempting to just hit the couch or succumb to distractions like getting a free gift at the cosmetics counter. When you're having a hard time staying on track, set mini-goals. When I absolutely do not want to go to the gym, I challenge myself to do 1 thing: Get to the Gym Parking Lot.

Yes, for real. I know if I drive all the way to the parking lot, I'll go inside. But driving somewhere is a much smaller mental hurdle than Do 50 Minutes of Cardio. If I'm still being stubborn, I promise myself I'll only workout for 15 minutes. 9 out of 10 times, I'll feel great after 5 minutes and be ready to conquer a tough workout. If I still feel tired after 15 minutes, then I let myself off the hook (it usually means I need the rest/am getting sick).

It works for home workouts too. Put Sneakers On works for me pretty often (you can't lay on the couch with your kicks on), as does Hit The Play Button on DVD Player. Once it starts, I start.

Tip 3: Find Something You Can Look Forward To

Just like with diet plans, if you can't stick with it, it won't work. If you hate doing a certain workout, and can't find a way to make it fun (good music/workout buddy/etc) you'll never stick with it. You wouldn't marry a doctor because your friend married one and it worked for her, right? And you wouldn't be best friends with someone because she seems like a good fit. You actually have to find the thing that clicks for you!

Just keep trying things and find what clicks. Like dancing? Try Zumba or Hip Hop Abs. Are you stressed out & angry? Sweat it out with Barry's Bootcamp or TurboJam. Give routines a shot despite your predisposed ideas. Sure, Spinning sounds like torture, but in reality it's a workout that lets you go at your own pace. But you wouldn't really know that until you try it for yourself.

Tip 4: Find a Place that You're Comfortable Sweating

Comfort is key for your workout clothes, shoes, and most of all, location. You need to be comfortable enough to make a complete jackass out of yourself. Not that you will, but you want to feel un-judged when you sweat, groan, and whine like a little girl (if you're me). If you're joining a gym, check out the facilities (is the locker room a nudist colony or can you grab a curtain?), the equipment (does it look new or like it belongs in an outdated dentist's office?), and the staff (are they approachable or mainly meat?). Also take time into consideration - the gym at noon can be a whole different scene than the gym at 5 pm.

You might find the gym is not your bag. That's ok! Find a place you like walking, like your neighborhood or a nearby park (safety first, of course), or someone you like walking with. Or, like me, you can pull all the blinds and get crazy in the comfort of your own home, where no one will hear you whine.

Tip 5: You Are Allowed to Look Cute When You Work Out!

Wear comfy workout clothes that make you feel fit, cute, confident. Forget your hubby's old tie-dyed t-shirts and those lacrosse shorts that were cool in high school. Score yourself some fly tanks and cute capris to get your sweat on. If you're embarrassed in your clothes, you won't want to keep working out. Check out the sale section of Sports Authority for some good deals, or go all out with coordinated duds from high-end athletic outfitters like Athleta or Lucy. It sounds simple and vain, but you'll be amazed at the confidence-building power of a new sporty hoodie.

Bonus Tip: Get Advice

Research your routine. Check out some of the people I follow on Twitter. There are some amazing pros willing to help you on your way with some educated advice.

The Bottom Line

Whether you're starting out for the first time, or starting again for the tenth, just go about it in a smart way. If you're injured, you'll never get off the couch. If you're not feelin' your workout spot, you'll never get off the couch. If you're not loving what you're doing, you'll never get off the couch. And if you never get off the couch, your ass will become as big as one. So get to the gym parking lot and get going!

Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred: Level 2

2009-04-21T20:09:00.000-04:00

Tonight I tackled Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred level 2 workout. I started the workout feeling good, feeling strong. I finally conquered Level 1, and was ready for a new challenge.

Well, a new challenge I was handed, along with my ass.

The level 2 workout starts manageable. It's a mix of old school Jane Fonda-esque moves (easy) combined with some crazy-ass, fall-on-your-face difficult exercises. Not "crazy choreography" difficult, more like, "I'm pretty sure that gravity won't let me get away with that" difficult. Even though I'm confident that I'll be strong enough to handle them in 3 - 5 workouts, the phrase Plank Jack will haunt my dreams for a little while (it's a combo of holding your body in plank position while doing jumping jacks with your legs...apparently it is physically possible).

Needless to say, my body is hurtin'. I really have to stick to the low-impact (read: pansy-style) moves until I get some strength with these move. My knees and ankles were not thrilled with me after the performance. Yes, that is a Boo Boo Buddy, and no, I don't have kids. I just find they're handy to keep around for aching joints...and they're super cute. I'm not made of stone ya know!

Recipe Review: Falling for Falafel!

2009-04-19T17:33:00.004-04:00

I heart falafel - little deep fried balls of aromatically spiced chickpeas. However, anything with the words "deep" and/or "fried" in its description are an automatic no-no in diet land. But all is not lost, I found a way to get a fix without any fryalator madness.

I received a handy little email newsletter from one of my fav cooking mags, Cooking Light. Typically, I find their recipes to be both smart and a little gourmet. In fact, I've been known to use their recipes for company, and no one has suspected they were eating something relatively healthy. So when I saw they were pushing a 20 minute falafel recipe that clocked in at just under 300 calories, I just couldn't resist. So I printed me out a copy of Falafel Pitas with Cucumber Dressing and got things cookin'.

Making It

The recipe prep is super easy. However, you will need a food processor, blender, or other super chopping device. If not, you'll be mashing this stuff together for a little more than the 20 minutes Cooking Light promised.

The ingredients are really normal stuff for an international food. Cumin is the wildest thing you'll be adding here. I liked that aspect, since most Greek or middle eastern recipes call for tahini or some other exotic spices that I'd have to hunt down. Already having all the ingredients on hand was a major plus.

So all you do is dump some canned chickpeas, spices, an egg (plus egg white), and a few other goodies into your chopping device and give it a whirl until it's a patty-forming consistency. Then cook them in some olive oil. Now this is where I got a little concerned about keeping the calories down. I use olive oil all the time, but these falafel patties sucked up the oil like an American car.

So I had to add a little on the second batch. Sure, it meant they tasted great, but I'm sure it hurt the calorie benefit a little. Oh, and these really do take a little time to cook through, about 4 minutes a side. But that gives you time to make up the light yogurt tzatziki-esque sauce that goes on top. (But, I recommend making this first, since the longer it sits the better it tastes).

Eating It

Once the falafels are cooked, they're good to go. Load one into a whole wheat pita with some lettuce, tomato, and cucumber sauce. Try to have at it while they're still warm. The cool sauce and crunchy lettuce with the hot falafel is really delish.

The reheat factor is really great with this one too. In the microwave or in the toaster oven - these heat up really well. If you make smaller patties, these would be a great make-ahead appetizer (serve a pile of 'em with the sauce on the side).

All in all, this is an easy, fast, and tasty recipe. It's def on the make again list in my house.

Love/Hate Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

2009-04-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

I finally have a nice tropical vacation planned for May! That's the good news. The bad news? Right about now, I'd look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man rockin' a bikini.

Clearly, I must act fast.

After debating and researching what videos work, I ended up getting my hands on Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video. I've read rave reviews: people have lost weight, inches, and are all around more buff after the experience. Sold.

The Basics

Jillian Michaels is the hard ass behind the hard bodies sculpted out of jiggly fat on The Biggest Loser. Let me tell you, she does not mess around. The workout is a mere 20 minutes. The moves are basic (remember gym class? you will now) and easy to follow. It's broken up into short bursts: 3 minutes of strength (weights), 2 minutes cardio (jumping jacks), 1 minute abs (sit ups, or if you're me, whimpering on the floor about the last 5 minutes). There are 3 levels, so as you get stronger, the workout will get harder. Which means you will make progress.

The Experience

Jillian is really a hard ass. In a good way. She really gives it to you straight. There is no perky cheering in this workout, but there is tough encouragement. While many moves have the beginners variation (a standard in all workout videos - it took me years not to feel like a wimp for following the modification girl in the back) some are just basic. At one point Jillian says "if you're looking for the modified version of the jumping jack, you're not going to find it here" and goes on to wimpify you with the fact that her 400 lb Biggest Losers can do a jumping jack. It's a refreshing, realistic point of view. But, if you're not into tough love, this might not be for you.

The only big con I see with this video is the music. It's boring, it's not familiar, not motivating. The last time I did the workout, I played some of my own tunes over it, and that helped a lot! I recommend Great DJ by the Ting Tings, Womanizer by Brit Brit (Britney Spears), and Just Dance by Lady Gaga. (I swear these recommendations are not necessarily reflective of my daily music habits.)

The Results

Still not sure. I feel better, stronger. But I'm only on day 5. My hubby did the workout with me a few times, and he agreed it's a super tough workout. After my first couple sessions, I felt as if I had spent an hour at the gym working out nonstop. Jelly legs and all. Pretty impressive for a short workout.

Aw Nuts! Tainted Love

2009-04-01T07:33:00.000-04:00

A mere day after I purchased an obnoxious sized bag of my favorite pistachios from Costco, this happens! Setton Pistachio in California, the second largest pistachio processor in the US, is voluntarily recalling giant bags (1,000 - 2,000 pound bags) of nuts due to salmonella contamination.

Apparently the roasted nuts were mingling with the raw nuts - which is a bad thing. Roasting is supposed to kill all the bacteria that hangs out with the raw pistachios. Think about it - would you store your nicely cooked chicken paillard in the same Snapware as your raw chicken thighs? Ew.

Luckily, my pistachio love will go on. Everybody's Nuts - maker of the surprisingly amazing Salt & Pepper pistachios, has assured by way of a very large interruption on their website, that my nuts are OK.

My Sordid Dieting Past: Weight Watchers Review

2009-03-30T23:40:00.000-04:00

This is a series in which I regale you with stories and reviews of diets I've tried first hand.

Part 3: Weight Watchers

Now, I'm not here to blast the Oprah of all dieting plans. Merely to give a recount of my personal experiences. Sometime in the future - I'll give you some anecdotes of my friends that have their own diet dramas, but this one, is mine.

The Premise

Weight Watchers is not a diet, it's a lifestyle. You eat what you like, all the while learning an overall healthier approach to food in regards to portion sizes, choices, and not hinging your entire life on obtaining vast amounts of it in order to ease stress from the horrible day you just had. It's incredibly flexible, making it adaptable for any schedule or circumstances. Calories, fiber, and fat are converted into handy "points" and you're given a set amount of points daily, as well

as a handful of extras for treats, dinners out, holidays etc.

Plus, it's a team sport! Support is key in Weight Watchers - and you get it either from meetings or on-line (or both).

The Fantastic

The best part about Weight Watchers: it's doable! It's a lifestyle change that actually fits into your life. You like pizza? Have some! Chocolate? Well, they make our own, so you know it's diet-legal! Of course, you're encouraged to eat a healthy balance of foods - including loads of veggies ('free' foods - sounds good, no?).

On top of that, it's pretty easy. Ok, it's really easy. You stay within your allotted points, you do lose weight. It's based on the most simple, tried & true formula: Eat Less. And, you can earn more points by exercising. It's a pretty good deal all around. Also, I think the support, whether it's online or in person can be extraordinarily helpful. Hell, if I didn't think community dieting was smart, this article would've started as "Dear Diary..."

On top of it all, it's been around for awhile. That means it's established and constantly refining the program. Plus you can come in contact with real live success stories. In fact, I know quite a few. My sister in law, Ms. M, recently dropped 10+ pounds on it. That said, a WW guru is never too far. My friend/coworker S can rattle off the plan, plus 14 tips and tricks that give you no excuse to be puttin' on any poundage.

The online resources for Weight Watchers are pretty amazing. Message boards make it easy to get advice and make connections. eTools help you track your progress, tally your points, and look up foods. Plus all sorts of ways to push you toward eating the right foods. And if that's not enough, there's a HUGE recipe database containing a Weight Watchers recipe for whatever you're craving. And if that doesn't work for you, there are loads of fan sites & other resources, like the all-knowing, all-tasting Hungry Girl

The Faults

Ok, so I have to say WW is a great plan, and the faults are pretty much on me. That said, there is such thing as too much freedom. After being on plan for a couple weeks, I will slowly start abusing the privileges of the point system. The picture below is a prime example of that. I, like many Women of Weight Watchers (WoWW), stock my house with handy little snacks from the grocery store. At first, it's exciting. "I can have ice cream - and it's only 2 points? For reals?!" and the one serving is perfect and you feel satisfied and smug. Me? It goes down hill fast. I quickly calculate how many healthful foods I can sacrifice in order to devour maximum snackage. The picture you see here is a sane & delicious WW ice cream bar, on top of a

perfectly portion controlled WW brownie.

I don't think the fine folks at Weight Watchers intended for these convenience foods to substitute for dinner.

Speaking of convenience foods, this plan has A LOT of them. You could totally get by on frozen dinners and pre-packaged snacks. While this is, well, convenient, it's also very high in sodium. For example, ubiquitous comfort food Macaroni & Cheese has 790 mg of sodium. That's a third of what you should have in a day.

Other than convenience foods, there are a lot of things that WW offers to assist you in dropping weight - and dropping cash. Books, cookbooks, magazines, website memberships, weekly dues, water bottles, scales, smoothie mixes, special mixers for your smoothie mixes, points counters, point calculators, little sugar free candies, and body fat meters...to name a few. You have the choice NOT to purchase the extraneous merchandise. While some are helpful tools, others will just lighten your wallet. Try to remember that buying a book won't help you lose weight, it's acting on the information inside the book that does the trick.

The Bottom Line

Weight Watchers is a solid plan. Flexible, easy to follow. However, like any other diet plan, if you don't follow the rules, you keep your extra pounds. The community aspect, combined with the wild popularity of the company, makes it easy to make changes to your lifestyle. If you're new to weight loss in general, I'd recommend starting here. If you're a chronic rule-breaker like myself, you might want something slightly more strict.

More Drama?

2009-03-30T23:33:00.002-04:00

Just a note to acknowledge the recent addition of ads on this site.

Sorry, I had to. You've seen the news! The economy blows and those 100-calorie packs don't come cheap!

In all seriousness, it's to improve this site and offer better info for all the diet dramatics

Fabulous Food: Spicy & Sweet Potato Fries

2009-03-29T19:44:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I'm admittedly a little fry-happy today. After posting about one of my favorite crave killers, garlic fries, the sweet potatoes in my kitchen started calling to me. The result? Spicy & Sweet Potato Fries. In the oven, of course. Although - I wouldn't totally categorize these as diet food per se, they are pretty damn delish. In general, sweet potatoes are on my fav diet food list, since they're low on the glycemic index and a good sized spud is only about 150 calories.

I was close to keeping these in the diet-friendly zone, but things kind of got out of control. Let's just say there was a dipping sauce involved. As you know, dipping sauces are delicious little bowls of calories & fat...diet killers. But I made one anyway. It made the husband happy, and he mercifully ate most of the pile.

Spicy & Sweet Potato Fries

3 Sweet Potatoes

2 -3 Tbs olive oil (not extra virgin)

1 Tbs chili powder

1/4 tsp Cayenne

pinch ground ginger

1 Tbs Kosher Salt

2 tsp black pepper

1 Tbs honey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

- Cut sweet potatoes into fries, about 1/4 inch thick (no thicker than 1/2 inch)

- In a bowl, combine all ingredients (adjusting for taste)

- spread out on cookie sheet in one layer

- bake at 400 for about 30 - 40 minutes, turning once or twice

Once they're tender and getting crispy, take them out of the oven and hit them with a light drizzle of honey, kosher salt, and chili powder. I served mine with an evil full fat chipotle mayo, but these would be killer with some honey mustard too.

Crave Killer: Garlic Fries

2009-03-29T16:53:00.004-04:00

Some days, it's easy to be on a diet. You get that sense of pride, strength, and sexiness. You're looking better, feeling better, and secretly delighted that some d-bag in a pickup truck just honked at you on your lunchtime walk.

Other days, not so much. You're a basket case, teetering on the edge of sanity, sitting in a McDonald's parking lot trying justify an order of large fries dunked in sweet & sauce with a cheeseburger on the side (and a diet coke, of course).

I found an amazing french fry craving killer: Garlic Fries (from Cooking Light). So far, it's kept me out of the Mickey D's parking lot. It's baked, of course, but you get the feeling of a huge splurge from these taters. After you bake these beauties, you toss them in a mixture of garlic, thyme, and butter. I know! It's only 2 tablespoons for the 6 servings this recipe produces. So, as long as you can restrain from devouring the whole batch you're in good shape. These fries will still cost you 256 calories per serving, but it's still less than a medium order of fries will set you back, plus loads less fat. Plus, it will keep you from idling in a fast food restaurant's parking lot, and hearing "Crazy Fry Lady is back" emanating from the drive thru window.

The Evolution of the Poncho

2009-03-12T16:45:00.000-04:00

Remember when we all wore ponchos? Yeah you do, don't deny it. None of us were proud of it, but ponchos rocked for about 10 minutes back around 2005-ish. It pains me to think of it, but it was stylish (for a time) AND had the added bonus of hiding mid-section lumpage. Oh yeah - the poncho was the off-the-wagon dieter's BFF.

Times change though, and we realized that the look was over (it was a poncho, and we're office dwellers/teachers/moms, not Baja-based surfers).

What is a girl with a pooch supposed to do without her slimming poncho?!!

Well, the poncho has evolved, to the Cascading Sweater. Yup, I bought it too. After a disastrous winter, I needed a few wardrobe pieces that would, um, give a little.

After seeing these sweaters everywhere, I finally bought one at The Limited. I figured I'd give in and cover up. It's just billowy enough to hid my apparent lack of situps, but still nice enough to wear to work. Plus, I can wrap it around and slap a belt on it when I loose some inches.

Sure, it's comfortable, it makes me look slightly less like a tent (like the poncho tended to do). What will the next best thing in camoflab be? Cashmere anorak? Merino parka?

Forget Brown Bagging! Tiffin Box it!

2009-03-11T07:30:00.002-04:00

I was so excited to see this cool Tiffin Box made out of funky yellow melamine at one of my favorite home stores, Crate & Barrel. It's a cool little series of containers that stack neatly on top of each other, creating a nifty lunch box.

Ok, maybe I'm sheltered, but I haven't seen these things outside of movies or documentaries about India. I've heard them referred to as dabbawallah; and they are used to transport hot lunch from home to work by a delivery service too! so you don't have to haul your odorous Indian food (well, they just call it 'food') on your commute. Usually they're made of tin, but this one here is Americanized a bit I suppose. And, you'll have to take it to work yourself (unless you know something I don't...then spill!).

I always thought they were ingenious - maybe because I have a thing about my food mixing. Or because I have a thing about eating my food in order. Yeah...I might want to talk to someone about that...

Pizza: You Are Evil

2009-03-10T18:27:00.000-04:00

So over the weekend, I promised myself a bit of a splurge. My friends just got engaged, so a little bubbly was in order. I am convinced that champagne is not necessarily a splurge, more of a God given right.

Alas, a little booze does, in fact, lead to harder stuff. Having no carbs in my belly for the better part of two weeks can be fun - then suddenly not fun at all. I know from experience (I was an Atkins gal in college, so my rhyme was: all booze, no bread, it will go straight to your head). Once that oh-so woozy feeling came over me, I knew I had to hit the crackers. A few Triscuits with some cheese isn't so bad, right? Well, that also lead to harder things - like donuts. A policeman friend of ours brought donuts to the party - it was hilarious, until one landed in my mouth.

So what does this have to do with pizza? I'm getting there.

After my night of Homer Simpson cocktails (donuts & any booze) I was back on track! And so proud of myself. Unfortunately Monday brought on a very busy day - which meant no time for food. I went home and hit up the Triscuits & cheese again (it's a weakness, what can I say). But I made up some good healthy eats for lunch today...go me!

Which brings me to lunch today. Again, a crazy busy day. No time for my usual desk-based breakfast. It's so key for me to keep up my willpower into lunch. When lunchtime arrived, I was locked in a conference room...with TWO PIZZAS. The obligatory salad for 5 people to share was there too - so I dove in to that thinking I could resist that oregano-laced love potion wafting up from the table.

Nope. Pizza is some sort of super villain with mind control powers. I saw myself reach for a slice anyway - even though the real me (encased in a force field apparently) was panicking at the sight. I still managed to eat only the cheese mostly, and even blotted the lovely grease. I figure that was the pizza's way of subduing me further, so the junk-foodie in me would be justifying the actions as "not so bad" to the dieter locked in the force field. Clever pie, that pizza.

Off to start anew tomorrow - as long as I don't get attacked by a chimichanga or something.

Drama on the beach...South Beach

2009-03-06T08:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've put off my diet review series long enough. It will continue, but I can't halt the posts for it any longer!

After gaining 10 pounds after the holidays (I maintained from Thanksgiving through New Year's...then celebrated it by chowing down for almost a month straight) I decided I need a plan. The gym alone - or rather, the sporadic visits to the gym alone - is not enough for me. That, and I was entirely off the diet & exercise wagon. I was so off the wagon, that it waited for me, left, came back, and finally left me for dead since I was not ready to get back on.

With all the diet drama out there, I had to figure out what plan was best for me. I thought I'd do so by compiling my dieting past to figure out what worked and what didn't. I have the notes prepared, but posts are still in progress.

However, I was able to pick a plan. I decided on South Beach - since it's really how I like to eat. I actually love whole grains, veggies, and fruit - it's just that fast food is SO GOOD! And so much easier than the whole grocery store/cook/eat/clean up routine - which I apparently lost patience for at some point. Weight Watchers is great - I know some people who have great success - but it's not for me. I fall into the "I can have 10 cookies for dinner with these points" category, I completely abuse my freedom. But South Beach has that firm, yet gentle hand that keeps me in line.

Admittedly, I'm a week and a half in. I feel much better, my pants fit again, and I'm down a few pounds. I'm sure that since I'm posting on this, I'm destined to wake up with those pounds padding my ass tomorrow morning, but why have this blog if I'm not going to spill?

Whatsupwitdat, Mrs. Freshley's?

2009-02-24T22:30:00.009-05:00

mmm...100 calorie snacks

A blessing AND a curse. I love me some portion control. However, my self control is lacking. It is far, far too easy to justify a second 100 calorie snack. Especially when said snacks are just big enough to remind you of what you're missing, instead of quenching a craving.

Which brings me to Mrs. Freshley's 100 calorie Yogurt Creme Oatmeal Cookies. This box was positioned right next to the express lane at my neighborhood grocery store - ya know, the small one you go to in between power shops at the mega mart. Apparently I'm in there far too often and they have my number as an impulse shopper.

My thought process upon seeing these:

100 Calories eh?

Ooh...looks like Little Debbie, yum.

Fiber?

Yogurt?

Oatmeal?

Aww baby, you're coming home with me. What's that? You're pricier than my typical 100-calorie pack? It's ok...I think we were meant to be.

(There may or may not have been a Barry White song in there somewhere)

However, once you get the wrapper off, disappointment sets in. I was hoping I had just gotten a factory second or something. It was SO SMALL!

Not one to discriminate snack food based on size, I gave it a try anyway (I mean, it was already in my hand). Well, yeah - this thing is freaking delicious. It is like a really little Little Debbie. If you're a will-power wonder woman, this is the snack for you. The cookie is super moist, the creamy middle is, well, creamy and sweet. It's really good.

So good, in fact, that if I were left unsupervised, the box of 8 tiny cookies would be gone in a flurry of cardboard and cellophane.

My Sordid Dieting Past: Extreme Fat Smash Review

2009-02-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

This is a series in which I regale you with stories and reviews of diets I've tried first hand.

Part 2: Extreme Fat Smash

Right off the bat I'll admit - I did not spend much time on this diet - a couple weeks at best. It's really rigid, really low cal, and really not my style. I was looking to drop some poundage fast and am a little susceptible to outrageous claims. The outrageous claim right on the cover of the book - 12 pounds in 3 weeks...Sold! Oh, and the dude (aka Dr. Ian Smith) is on Vh1? I'll take 2!

The Premise

In a nutshell - you chow lots of protein, fiber, and veggies. Not a whole lot else. It doesn't matter, since if you're a busy and important gal like myself, you won't have a whole lot of time after you squeeze in the scheduled exercise. The plan calls for - 60 minutes of cardio pretty much daily, sometimes more. And this is right from the start. No easing in, no sissies. This is serious.

The diet is broken up into Cycles - known to the rest of us as Weeks. There are 3 cycles, and you can go through them multiple times, if you're tough enough. Your plan differs a bit based on your habits and previous dieting success - so you might have more or less exercise, more or less cardio.

The Fantastic

Each day on XFS (as it's known in dieting circles) is super low cal - like 800 calories. You're eating really high volume, low calorie foods though. Menus consist of beans, lean proteins, brown rice, barley, veggies. You won't go entirely hungry, but if you're not a huge fan of throwing your typical eating habits and relatively normal food out the window, this diet might not be for you. But the foods themselves are great, and should be a part of any diet.

Exercise is key. If you don't move, you're not doing yourself justice. Even if you're doing well on a diet - you'd be doing SO much better if you added in just a little exercise. Exercise is a main component to this program. Like I said before, you're thrown into the fire with a glut of body movin'. Don't forget to stretch out.

The Faults

The biggest fault is the low calorie count. I was working with a personal trainer when I tried XFS - I figured it was perfect since the plan was to work out like a maniac. However, the exercise is mostly cardio based. My trainer preferred to kick my ass all over the weight room, and couldn't figure out why I looked so pale and complaining way more than usual. More oddly, I wasn't just whining and doing the moves. I was whining and having trouble putting up the big weight (hey, the girly dumbbells can be very unwieldy). The next workout, when I was still a super wimp, Ms. trainer started grilling me on my food as she tortured me.

Well, my trainer was none too happy with my late lunch of rice and broccoli. She was less happy with the previous day's menu as well. Needless to say, I got a stern lecture in proper eating for the amount of ass-kicking she was doling out.

All that, and it's a complete departure from the standard American diet. And I'm not talking the Dunkin' Donuts/McDonald's/KFC standard American diet. I'm talking the 3 meals a day, dinner with the family diet, Lean Cuisine at the desk for lunch kind of diet. It's not exactly an adaptable plan for the everyday gal.

The Bottom Line

If you need to suck weight (semi-planned eloping, last minute high school reunion, wresting tournament, etc), this will work. It's simple science. Eat very few calories, and work them off. Mix up your routine to keep your body burning the fuel.

There are a lot of success stories out there (check out this one). I lost weight. However, I also lost the ability to concentrate and lift heavy weight.

This is NOT meant to be a long-term fix though - Dr. Ian Smith has a whole 'nother book you can buy for that. I can't recommend this for a lifestyle (especially for me, I'm far to rebellious), but if you're careful with it, you can slim down for that beauty pageant/red carpet event/UFC showdown in the course of a few weeks.

My Sordid Dieting Past: Nutrisystem

2009-02-03T18:57:00.005-05:00

This is a series in which I regale you with stories and reviews of diets I've tried first hand.

Part 1: Nutrisystem

I have a soft spot in my heart for the soft-canned cuisine of Nutrisystem. Why? Because it actually worked for me. I lost 15 pounds in 3 months - at a critical moment in my life: before my wedding (it took awhile to gain it back too).

The Premise

You order food online (or via various home shopping channels/infomercials), and it's delivered to your door. It's easily stored because, strangely, you don't have to refrigerate. You heard me. Everything is either dry (like soup in a cup, but better) or preserved using soft canning, kind of like stewed tomatoes. I actually liked the food better than frozen meal alternatives (like Lean Cuisine) because you didn't get the frozen sogginess in the veggies. You pick the food, and eat 3 meals and 1 dessert (yay sweets!). Meals are supplemented with salads, fresh fruits, veggies, protein and dairy - good because that means you're not strictly chowing on pre-packaged foods. This creates some opportunity for culinary creativity, but it's limited.

The Fantastic

No muss, no fuss. It's a great diet for the super-busy since there's no cooking. The food is good, and you get to make the picks (so when you encounter something you deem unacceptable, you never have to see it again). There's an auto-delivery service that increases your discount with every order; but it's flexible enough that you can delay the order easily. If you stay on the plan, weight loss is steady, but slow. I had a consistent 5 pound per month loss (and that was with 1 dinner out a week). Since it was slow and steady, it stayed off longer (despite my unconscious attempts to the contrary).

I was forced to feel the portions too. So when I went out or when off plan, my stomach was already accustomed to eating less, and in turn my food intake was reduced.

Don't forget dessert. Nutrisystem has some really satisfying little sweets that are not only good, but required. If you're not into sweets, there are some pretty good savory snacks too. I like snacks, so this was the clincher for me.

The Faults

After awhile, I got tired of the food. I got in a groove with it, but eventually I missed cooking. I tried to doctor up some of the dishes with spices, cooking in a stir-fry style, adding cheeses, but it wasn't the same as actually creating something. The good part is that Nutrisystem updates their meal choices on a regular basis, so there's something new to try. But the soft textures and certain odd flavors from the preservation process become hard prices to pay for sweet, succulent convenience. Also, it's expensive, and difficult to maintain when your family - or even significant other - is eating normal food. Jealousy sets in, small forkfuls of food start sneaking into your mouth, and eventually you find yourself forgoing the micro-meal in favor of "real" food.

The Bottom Line

Nutrisystem is good for busy people with small families. It's easy to stick to...but only if you dig the food. You still get fresh fruits and vegetables, in fact including them is pretty critical to continuing weight-loss. In addition, you've got to be in the right state of mind and have a superhuman sense of willpower - temptation is all or nothing. Sure you can hop back on plan, but there is no leeway. You're either cheating, or you're on plan. It makes eating at restaurants into guilt-ridden splurges, since the workaround isn't really there.

Like I love to say: The best diet is something YOU can stick with. I'm just here to help you weigh the options.

Do You Smell That? It's Sensa

2009-01-26T00:12:00.001-05:00

On January 26th, svelte TV host Dayna Devon is bringing a new diet product the pantheon of impulse shopping: HSN. In case you've never dealt with insomnia, that's the Home Shopping Network's hip moniker.

The new diet product? Sensa - aka the Sprinkle Diet

Don't get too excited, it's not the little candy dealies that decorate your ice cream binge (if only those could make me thin). It's a chemical that convinces your brain that you're full. According to the Sensa website, the "Tastants" enhances the smell of food in order to trigger the "satiety center" of the brain (which, coincidentally, is close to the chocolate covered cortex) to make you stop eating. Just sprinkle on some of this magic dust - available in Salty or Sweet varieties - on at every meal.

It's supposed to help you train your brain to recognize portions. But, I liken it more to Flavor Tripping, where you pop an African berry (or gum or pill containing the active enzyme) in your mouth and suddenly everything is sweet and delicious. Your sense of taste, sweet taste specifically, become heightened. You could, without exaggeration, eat a lemon straight up and enjoy every second. However, the opposite tends to happen - you eat everything.

But Sensa, honestly, kinda freaks me out. I mean, it seems like a good idea, but it's a little Jetson-esque. The idea of sprinkling a compound on my foods kind of rubs me the wrong way (especially if said food is natural/organic/expensive). But more worrisome, is the lack of long term testing. Sure, there's a good amount of success stories, and studies to back it up. I'm a big believer of finding a diet that works for you. But, in the long run, what are the effects?

Sensa is pretty pricey - or I would've tried it before doing a write up (I still might try...ya know, for research). It's been available prior to the HSN launch tonight. It's about $60 for a month's supply, and $235 for 6 months worth. The Sensa website claims that the "average" test subject lost 30.5 pounds.

It's worth a look - again, if it works for you and you can stick to it, that's the diet you should go with. Success will not happen if you're feeling a struggle. Some dieters have really liked the product, and have found success.

For more info, check out trysensa.com or check out their own diet blog.

Oh, Willpower! Where Art Thou?

2009-01-22T20:30:00.002-05:00

Confession: I have completely lost control. I've been on a month-long bender. Not alcohol (that would've been fun). Not drugs (I'd probably lose weight). Not shopping (haven't you seen the news? we're broke!).

This picture is representative of my extended holiday eating spree. I have been shoveling foods into my mouth that should be illegal in 7 states, including Puerto Rico. Case in point, the pretzel pictured here, drowning in Nutella (possibly the most fattening food ever created).

A little background: My holidays, run slightly longer than normal. My birthday is a week after New Year's, my hubby's is a short 20 days later, and before you know it, Valentine's Day is upon us. In my world, this is a whole lot of eating. I had no less than 3 birthday dinners, preceded by 2 Christmas celebrations away. And, 2 New Year's dinner parties hosted by yours truly, which means I've gorged on a ton of leftovers. That Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with the decadent rum sauce was a good idea at the time, having it at every meal for a week...not so much. I almost linked to the recipe, but if you even go within 10 miles of that rum sauce, your pants button will pop.

Last year, I had a good amount of control. I kept a fairly even keel weight-wise. This year? I'm totally lost. The other day I found a jalapeno popper in my mouth, and I'm not even sure how it got there!

It's a shame, because right after the (regularly scheduled) holidays, I stepped on the scale to assess the damage. It wasn't bad! I was pleasantly surprised. However, something went awry and the signal of "oh sweet relief" was somehow translated by my brain as "please go eat an entire pizza."

With this post, I resolve to do better. But to go forward, I must relive my past. Over the next week or so, I'll be recounting all my dieting successes and failures. That way, I can figure out my next step.

Sisterhood of the Accumulating Gray Pants

2009-01-15T18:28:00.001-05:00

We're in a deep freeze here in the Northeast. It's bad, and I was NOT prepared. The morning of the cold snap had me running around like a maniac, tearing open storage boxes in search of a not-too-dated-or-ill-fitting cozy sweater. I managed to find a college-era sweater jacket, and it was probably the first time I ever hoped no one would notice it was from Abercrombie & Fitch (hey, I went to college in CT, what do you want from me?).

While tearing apart my sweater stash, I found something embarrassing: Gray Wool Pants.

This is embarrassing for a few reasons. One, the pants still had the tags on. Normally I'd be thrilled that I just found "free" pants. But, they're a size smaller than I normally wear (embarrassment #2). Now, this would typically be an inspiration moment for me...if I didn't just unpack 3 additional pairs of never-worn gray wool plants - all a size too small.

I think that every year, I score myself some sale pants. I stash them away, thinking "next year, I'll be smaller." Unfortunately, when it's wool pants weather, I'm usually bulked up for winter. Not only that, but they are light gray pants. Ya know, those ones that look tailored and sophisticated on tall, fit women world wide? But on lumpy ladies like myself, they leave nothing to the imagination. I can't even Spanx it till I make it with those things when they're the correct size!

So, gray pants part 4 is on my stack of 'wish list' pants. Maybe next year they'll fit. Maybe this year I won't succumb to Banana Republic's seasonal clearance sale...

Today's Obsession: The Biggest Loser

2009-01-06T21:41:00.003-05:00

I'm ashamed to say that I write a diet blog, yet, I've never sat down to watch an episode of The Biggest Loser.

There, I said it. I feel better.

But as research for Diet Drama, I figured I would give it a shot. I kind of committed to it. I wanted to like it, I really did. But I guess I just can't relate. I wish they had the Biggest Fat Girl instead...just a series of women (like myself) who want to drop 30 or so pounds. I could cry on a treadmill, I used to torture my trainer with incessant whining. You need me to pass out during a work out? I can pass out! I'm full of drama, and I'm softer than I should be. Why can't one of these uber-trainers kick my ass on TV?

Anyway, I thought some of the challenges looked kind of fun. The contestants had to race over a huge mound of dirt - and it totally looked like it was happening in slow motion. I guess what the contestants really need to be taught is how to fight for it. That's half the battle of losing weight. You have to want it. Bad. If you don't, you'll just look at the mound of dirt (or fat flopped over your waistband) as an obstacle. It should be viewed as a challenge that can easily be overcome.

What did occur to me, is I need to be more patient. I was dying for the contestants to get their butts over that dirt hill. They were all moving at a pretty slow pace. Me? I want things fastfastfast gogogo! This includes my weight loss efforts. I need to learn to accept that it takes time. The Biggest Loser, however, will not help me overcome that mentality. The contestants lose weight in an impossibly fast rate of time. I've heard rumors that there are laxatives and other shady dealing going on to help that happen (hey, it's good TV). But while it inspires people to get off the couch (after watching the show and buying all the advertisers' products, of course) and lose weight, it does instill some pretty unrealistic expectations.

Just remember, the slower you take it off, the longer it stays off.

Gym-any Gillickers!

2009-01-06T08:18:00.000-05:00

So everyone is bummed....

The Economy Blows

The Job Market Sucks

The Holidays Were Hell

The least anyone can do to make themselves happy is get svelte. This is my scientific theory after seeing the parking lot at my gym last night. I showed up for my usual Pilates torture session (yes, I'm still getting the fat chick treatment) and it was like the mall at holiday time! Cars were even doing the slow creep behind the tired, sweaty post-workout people.

Now I don't claim that I'm anywhere near in shape after the holidays. In fact, I was sick (hence the semi-blackout on this site) and couch-bound for days. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a post-holiday crowd this big before. Last year I was working with a trainer for about 4 months before the New Year's resolution-ers showed up. Even though I was able to smugly complain about the lack of elliptical machines, the crowd was minimal compared to this year. Yesterday, the gym locker room was like the bathroom in Grand Central (complete with people walking straight into me while desperately trying to avoid eye contact).

Is it because everyone is so strapped for money that they're tired of paying their self-imposed monthly Fat Tax (aka Gym Membership)? Or did we all comfort ourselves with food this December? I know I did. I'm rocking my January fat pants, but hopefully not for much longer.

My resolution always starts around January 10th. My birthday is tomorrow (January 7...you can send me a card next year) and we'll go out the weekend after. I'll be at the gym next Monday anyway, but I'll still be mentally shaking my fist at the January gym-folk. Do I sound bitter? I'm not...I actually hope that if you started this month, you're still hogging the treadmills next month. Stick with it!!

The Cookie Diet?? Don't toy with me...

2009-01-05T15:19:00.003-05:00

One of the first diet news items that came across my desk was some fanfare about the Cookie Diet.

Really? Could such a thing really exist? Can I live out my lifelong dream of stuffing an obnoxious number of Oreos in my mouth - so many that I need to soften them by pouring milk into my mouth in order to move my jaw....and still lose weight?

Yeah - I didn't think so. But this diet does claim you can, nay, should, eat SIX cookies a day, plus a healthy meal. Ah, but not just any cookie. It has to be Dr. Siegal's specially formulated, amino-acid-fortified, $60-for-a-weekly-supply cookie (and at CookieDiet.com, they implore you Beware of Imitators on every page).

Why is this on my desk? Because it's craziness? Yeah, a little. But this little piece of insanity has been kicking around for nearly 35 years! The secret, however is the calorie count: 1,000 per day, to be exact. Pretty much any gimick providing a super low calorie count will have you losing weight. One of the Half Their Size success stories on the cover of People magazine claims this plan as the secret to her success. It goes back to the old adage that if you find something that you can stick to, it will be successful.

CookieDiet.com recently underwent and overhaul, boasting all sorts of new features. One includes a Weight Loss Goal calculator. According to Dr. Siegal, it's designed to help one set realistic goals. He goes on to claim that this super-genius, one-of-a-kind tool (um, I've seen a BMI chart before) removes the uncertainty of dieting. So I had to check it out, of course.

I signed up for the site, assuming I needed a free membership (I didn't, but now I'm nervous that they have my billing address). Once I finally found the tool, I discovered I couldn't use it! Wha?!

It's a three-step process. But, it turns out, you have to buy a month's worth of Cookie Diet cookies (just shy of $1 each btw) to be able to calculate anything! Nothing removes uncertainty for me like not knowing what my weight loss goal is for an entire month!! I could just hear the ad executives slapping each other on the back for being so very clever. The only thing worse than a gimmick, is a thinly veiled gimmick.

If you've had success on this diet, drop me an email. I don't want to totally pan the plan as a scam, but it sounds about on par with most schemes I've had experience with (ahem...LA Weight Loss...ahem) that are all about moving product and collecting cash.

Really, It's Not My Fault

2008-12-31T15:54:00.002-05:00

A great article in Psychology Today (reprinted in Newsday) magazine brings up a good point: we're hard wired to eat too much.

This is something I've thought about more than once. When Atkins was all the rage, it made sense to me from an evolutionary perspective. Many of us - as cavemen/women - would eat off the land. Which meant meat and vegetables. Our bodies weren't really formulated to eat bleached white bread and whatnot.

And in times of stress, some of us (me included) chow like crazy. I find myself either absent mindedly eating, or seeking out the fattiest, fillingest food. I always thought it was a reaction to the chemicals and hormones stress releases. In its basest form, these chemicals were for survival. If you're stressed, nature just assumes there might be a survival situation in the near future - nature doesn't really understand the "my boss just gave me crap" thing.

Well, that article has some great tips to consider when dieting. More from a "you HAVE to fool your body's natural instincts" perspective. That means taking a hard line and using your brain (the part that knows about the societal issues you're facing) to make food decisions. Yup, it's will power.

I thought it was a great article, considering you will see somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 million diet-related articles in the next few weeks. While all those tips (journaling, not eating after 8 etc) are all well and good - keep in mind that you're still fighting against your basic instincts when you diet.

If you weren't, it would be a hell of a lot easier, no?

Happy New Year!!

Fun with Food

2008-12-28T19:05:00.005-05:00

As I prepare the post on my holiday willpower meltdown...ok, make that continuing willpower meltdown...I didn't want to leave you all hanging on with nothing to chew on. Me? I'll be chewing on my 4,000th piece of biscotti. You? Check out a couple amazing food blogs I've been exploring:

Cake Wrecks - who knew bakery blunders could be so hi-larious? There's some drool-worthy cakes in the beginning, but once you get past that you'll find some pants-splitting mistakes (yeah...I'd totally argue for a discount at checkout and eat these atrocities anyway. I wouldn't want to slow my holiday binge just because Santa looks psychotic).

No Fear Entertaining - this blog takes the terror out of having the in-laws over for the holidays - well the food-based terror anyway. If you love to cook as much as I do (you don't get a bod like this by being a picky eater/chef), you'll totally devour No Fear's amazing recipes.

Whatsupwitdat, Lean Cuisine?

2008-12-21T15:01:00.004-05:00

Did Lean Cuisine come to market with a new formulation of their classic French Bread pizza, or did I get a dud box? It's hard to tell in the pics, but my cheese was not of the shredded variety, but instead it was more like cheese dust. It resembled Parmesan cheese more than anything. The taste was a little more bland as well. I didn't think it was too long since my last one, but maybe? It was kind of a bummer to say the least. Anyone else have a similar experience?

My research (cough - Google - cough) has uncovered nothing! Nothing! WHYYY!?

OK Sushi Restaurants - Hint Taken!

2008-12-21T00:09:00.005-05:00

I'm a diet dramatic, and I think sushi is a magic diet treat. Not only is it delish, but it's gorgeous to look at, exotic, and hard to eat. It encourages conversation ("I dare you to eat that") and appreciation for other cultures.

When we order sushi at my house, we get a handful of rolls to split between 2 of us. Inevitably we'll get 3-4 sets of chopsticks. Now, we're not getting enough variety to require a chopstick-swap out, and we're not so great of customers to one restaurant that we get extra goodies. Nope, they just assume that there must be a swarm of people waiting for all this food. In actuality, it's my husband, me, and maybe the Guitar Hero band or the cast of How I Met Your Mother. So, yes Japanese restaurant, it's only two fat Americans having a mini feast.

And, yes, we finish it all. I always feel awful when we venture out to a sushi bar or restaurant and I don't finish my food. I know they consider leaving even a smidge of rice behind is insulting (I'm sure they're used to us by now, but still

, I feel the scowl). Some buffets even charge you if you take more than you can choke down. Punishment for daredevils or incentive not to waste food?

It makes sense, you pay for your whole entree even if you don't clean your plate - and sushi is expensive! If it weren't I'd eat it all the time, and probably not have anything to write about here as a result.

(and in case you were wondering - no, I'm not offended enough to stop ordering sushi, I just have a healthy supply of spare chopsticks)

White Christmas (the other) White Meat

2008-12-20T23:32:00.003-05:00

Pork has been seeing a lot of fanfare lately. The barbecue renaissance of 2008 had us all clamoring to test our slow roasting skills - and earning us our own "Boston butt"s in the process. All those cuts of meat that are the most suitable to slow roasting, are also often the most fatty. That's why they taste SO good!

Alas, the seasons change and here we are in the dead of winter. We've left the fatty post-diet apocalyptic fad in the most hot-off-the-presses pages of food fad history (file with: turkey fryers, hickory smokers, and campfire foil packs). While, yes, we are in the season of the sweater, it doesn't mean we can't get a jump on the January pound drop with some lean, white meat...and for the love of Pete, it cannot be turkey again!

For the holidays, consider oft looked over the pork tenderloin. What's that you say? You filed them under fad long ago? Well, yeah, those marinated logs were at every dinner party for awhile. But they're back. But this time, skip the honey mustard goo bag, and go au naturale. Think of the plain pork tenderloins as a blank canvas, kind of like chicken. It can be molded to fit any time. I recently made a french-inspired version, with an easy herbs de Provence mixture. Ok - I admit it. I totally got the recipe from the dreaded Sandra Lee (I'm not a huge fan, but the woman makes a killer cocktail every show) and it was super easy.

The key here is cooking by temperature, not by time. I got myself one of those electric probes that sits outside the oven and rings when the temperature hits. (see any episode of Good Eats, you'll know). Mine came out amazingly moist and delish!

It's a simple and wonderful main course for your main holiday dinner. And, you'll be tricking all your guests into following your diet plan. Think of Pork Tenderloin as pork fillet Mignon. It's lean, but tender. The low fat content results in fewer calories too - 3 oz will only cost you 122 calories with 1g of saturated fat. (this is for pork tenderloin in general, not necessarily the recipe I mention above, which is probably slightly more thanks to some olive oil involvement).

I'll be making it at my holiday dinner...I love making everyone follow my diet unknowingly. I'll show them!

Best Diet Ever or Worst Timing?

2008-12-18T12:56:00.002-05:00

I've been pushed out of the land of the living for the next few days. My whole "I don't need a flu shot" philosophy has been debunked - and hard. I'm pretty much down for the count. All my wonderful food pictures that have been awaiting posting are now just irritatingly delicious-looking. I have no desire to eat or do much more than avoid bed sores.

The good news? Food (usually my BFF) isn't even interesting from an eating perspective. I am, however, devouring the food porn on the Food Network like crazy! It's amazing (Tyler Florence rocks my world) yet depressing (I should be in holiday baking mode, cooking up my annual batch of gift biscotti, but I'd be dispensing little flu bombs to my friends and family).

The bad news? I'm already tired of drinking water, so I'm chugging apple juice like, well, like it's cool (I'm sick, and I had a whole witty reference about Pabst Blue Ribbon in Brooklyn that was just not gelling - give me a break). At somewhere around 140 calories per small glass, I'm still racking up calories. Granted, not as many calories as taste-testing biscotti would have yielded, but still. I really hate drinking my calories - I save that for a nice glass of wine. For day to day, I'd typically take a million unflavored seltzers and my left hand rather than down, say, a real Coke.

Hopefully I'll be able to catch up on some posts. I have a rockin' ode to a pork roast on deck, so look for that soon. Until then - I'm hitting the apple juice and settling down for some holiday cooking with Giada, Tyler, Paula, Ina, and Guy. I'll be catching up on my Food Network Addict too (a complete must for any FN fan).

Today's Obsession: Fresh Tuna

2008-12-11T20:38:00.006-05:00

It's getting cold here in the Northeast. Cold, wet, miserable - it's gross all over. There's no escape. Mmm....escape = vacation = summer. What reminds me of the warm summer? Seafood! Fresh, light, guilt-free and delish.

Yup, I'm a huge brat and love me some ex swimmers. This week, it's Tuna (don't worry, salmon will have a post all it's own...but I have to wait for Costco holiday shoppers to clear out). I found a beautiful hunka hunka fresh tuna at my local grocery store. It was love at first sight. Deep red, more than an inch thick - it just looked like a perfect health-food specimen. I mean, it was Top Chef material. There was no denying it, this fish was coming home with me. That, and I was fresh from my pilates class, and ready to eat something delish & nutrish.

My beautiful tuna steak was almost 3/4 of a lb. It was plenty to feed me

and my hubby. How'd I cook it you ask? Well, how nice of you! I seared it...I seared it gooood.

I started by heating up a cast iron griddle pan (any cast iron pan will do - I went with flat rather than breaking out the grill pan). I put the flame on high and let it blast away until the pan was hotter than the sun itself. As my pan neared spontaneous combustion, I prepared my tuna steak with a sprinkle of kosher salt (yes, Alton Brown got to me too), pepper, and a dusting of Sunny Spain seasoning from Penzey's. It's my default fish seasoning, so guard this secret with your life! A very light drizzle of olive oil (not too much, I didn't want it to burst into flames when brought near the heat) and off to the griddle.

I seared it relatively quickly (it was a thick sucker) so it was nicely medium rare inside. OK, it was slightly closer to rare, but amazingly warm & delish. I topped it with a quick mix of soy sauce, a touch of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a dash of Sunny Spain, and served it on a bed of cous cous (I'm VERY into Top Chef right now...I'm even plating). I found a similar recipe on a Tuna Steak recipes blog if you need a proper step by step.

It was almost as good as what you'd get in a good restaurant. And it's super good for me! A 3oz portion only runs about 160 calories, and a shocking 25g protein! Plus it has mega omega 3's - which is the 'good' fat.

I might have to hit the tuna stand again next week - it was that good. Plus, it brings me back to the days on the beach where you can't turn around without being slapped with a tuna steak. Next time I might try to take it to the tropics with some Caribbean inspiration (mmm...coconut milk & cilantro maybe?)...I'll keep you posted.

Would You Like Room In Your Cup for Snobbery?

2008-12-10T19:01:00.001-05:00

First it was wine. We swirled, we sniffed, we refused to spit out or samples (it's wine, duh).

Then olive oil. We diped, we slurped, we pretended it wasn't gross to sip straight up oil.

Now, it's time to snobbifiy your coffee. What's that you say? You think your triple half-caf, half-soy latte is plenty snobby? Well, put your $4 dollars away, you'll need it to save up for a pound of uber-spresso.

According to this very informative and caffeinated (8 pages of 8.5 x 11 - really?) article in Seattle Weekly "Seattle's New Way to Fetishize Coffee" - cupping, the act of loudly slurpping coffee for taste, quality, and snob appeal, is catching on like crazy in the hipster capital of the Northwest. I'm sure this practice isn't coming soon to a Starbucks near you - the symbol of American capitalism is way too low brow for these guys. They're savoring the aromas of the world's most rare and schmancy coffee. How schmancy? A pound can cost up to $16!

Check with your local indie coffee shop (if you still have one) to see if they hold any 'cupping' sessions in the area. I'm going to try to find one myself just to see what it's all about.

How does this tie back to diet drama? If loudly huffing a $12 cup of espresso isn't over the top, then I don't know what to think anymore. Not to mention, coffee is calorie-free (black coffee, so don't race out to get a pumpkin spice latte just yet), and just smelling it...well, that may be the best diet trick ever invented! But the question remains much the same as with wine...is everyone taking in air, or do they just suck?

Oranges Oranges Oranges!!

2008-12-04T21:52:00.003-05:00

Through a strange twist of fate, I am the proud owner of 60 oranges. 60!!! My household is all of 2 people (my hubby and I) both adults. The package was intended for the previous owners (a large family + others), but they apparently didn't think it was important to give their new address to Grandma.

Now, I know what you're thinking, but I assure you I'm not evil and did not steal Grandma's special orange shipment. Kids are not catching colds, Grandma's hear is not broken. We went away for Thanksgiving weekend and were greeted by a giant box on our doorstep upon our return. We knew it was for the previous owner, who we will go to great lengths to avoid dealing with her at all costs (she's what we drama queens call "bat shit crazy"). So we call the company - Cushman's - and they were nice enough to let us keep the crop while they fix the issue on their end. Yay! Free Oranges! Sweet, tree-ripened, amazing, best I ever tasted Navel Oranges!

However, it's a daunting amount of oranges. In our excitement of scoring the bushel of citrus, we gorged ourselves the first night. We destroyed about 5 oranges, but barely made a dent in the stash. We've been averaging 2 a day (at least) but we're still making very little progress.

The result so far is that I feel amazing! The vitamin C boost, fiber, and low calories are jolting my system in a great way. Not only am I the only one in my office to NOT be snorking and coughing, but Vitamin C also helps wounds heal faster (take that, paper cut!) and is great for my gum health.

But, what do I make with 60-freaking-oranges?? I mean, besides check scurvy off my list of things to worry about. I checked out Epicurious.com and was disappointed in the selection (poached oranges? eh...pass). I found one tart that looked interesting, but I was really hoping for some sort of Chinese food. Any ideas? Post in the comments...I beg you! I can't have the guilt of letting all these beautiful babies go bad!

The Faux Fiber Feeling of Whole Wheat Pasta

2008-12-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

In the past few years, I've become a big fan of whole wheat pasta, the Barilla Plus stuff in particular. This is primarily because I've harbored an anti-carb fear of pasta since the late 90's thanks to the Atkins craze. I figure, whole grains are slightly less evil than refined white anything - this includes pasta, bread, and crackers.

Tonight I set out to list whole wheat pasta as my daily obsession. But when I compared the nutrition info, I was fairly disappointed. Sure, my whole wheat pasta (I was having Barilla Rotini) packed in an extra 4g grams of dietary fiber (which is always good) I was expecting at least a slightly lower calorie count to go with it - or maybe even a tad extra protein? Nope. Nada. (however, Barilla Plus is rockin' some extra protein thanks to its added Omega-3 etc.).

In short, yes, you can cram some extra fiber into your daily diet with some whole wheat pasta. And really, it's not a bad thing - it's super fabulous for your overall health and disease prevention (and that's why I sneak it in whenever I can). But if you're looking for lower carbs or calories, don't use whole wheat pastas as a crutch. You'll just be fooling yourself, and in turn, cheating yourself. If you're on a lower carb plan and need a pasta fix, I say just go all the way. Why? Because then you'll be fully aware of the damage you've done, instead of hiding behind the safety of the label on the front of the box! And, if you're looking for a nice pasta, the texture really is a little different (the 'Plus' stuff is borderline gummy) and I wouldn't recommend it with a light sauce. The pasta will just overpower it.

For tips on increasing your fiber, check out this post for ideas.

Today's Obsession: Artichokes

2008-12-02T20:26:00.000-05:00

I recently took on a culinary challenge: artichokes

I've only eaten one or two *actual* artichokes in my life, and only in restaurants. By *actual* I mean the prickly, alien-looking vegetable thing pictured here. Artichoke Hearts on the other hand, are a staple of my pantry (and a whole 'nother post, really).

Why was I so intimidated by these things? First off, I didn't know how to cook them. I live in the Northeastern US, so the green alien-veggie isn't exactly a super market staple. Second, and more horrifying, is the dreaded choke (cue monster music, please). Every cooking show host who handles an artichoke gives a severe warning: Don't eat the choke, don't go near the choke, don't look directly at the choke. I felt that if I got too close to the dreaded epi-center that I'd accidentally take a bite and permanently damage my intestines, or be stuck with a constant hair ball for life. Neither were attractive options.

Nevertheless, I found myself purchasing three artichokes. The checkout boy even pricked his finger on one of the spiky leaves - I ignored the obvious sign from the big guy upstairs and took my freaky fruits home anyway.

After a ridiculous amount of research to prepare for the task at hand, I dove in. I was surprised at how easy it was. It was merely a little cutting, a little washing, and about 1/2 hour of steaming. I set myself up with some green goddess dressing and garlic butter for dipping (yeah yeah, it wasn't that much butter).

So why the obsession? Besides being obscenely delish, they're crazy low in calories. A large one of these crazy critters will only run you about 75 calories! You'll get around 9g of dietary fiber, and 5g of protein to boot! Woo...wait. This doesn't count dippers. But even counting worst case scenario, you probably won't dip more than a tablespoon of anything. Plus, artichokes are labor-intensive, which means it will take you some time to savor it all. I completely heart labor-intensive foods. Some people find them daunting, I find them dramatically diet-friendly.

I have to give huge credit to the folks at the Simply Recipes blog for the amazing step-by-step instructions for cooking and eating artichokes.

What I'm NOT Thankful For

2008-12-01T19:47:00.003-05:00

Ugh.

Thanksgiving has left me full. Full like I wasn't hungry until 2pm...today (Monday). I didn't even eat all that much at ye ole Thanksgiving Dinner. I believe it was the constant grazing, dessert-shoveling, and wine-guzzling that did me in. I am too terrified to step on a scale, so I haven't assessed the damage yet.

According to multiple sources, Thanksgiving dinner can run you 2,000 - 4,000 calories. This handy/evil calculator told me I'll have to march a marathon in order to burn my splurge off. I don't think this is accurate though - mostly because it only gave me the option of 1 glass of wine and a mere 1/2 cup of stuffing (my kryptonite).

My only saving grace for Thanksgiving was my insane love of jellied cranberry sauce. No really. I can't even list it as an obsession because it's more like true love. It's my comfort food, one of my favorite foods - even though it's technically a condiment. It gets almost as much real estate on my plate as stuffing. I take solace in its 0g fat content. So there.

I hope you all enjoyed a great Thanksgiving, and aren't wracked with guilt as I am...oh the humanity!

Update: Mush Diet

2008-11-23T16:17:00.002-05:00

Here's an update on the No Eating Solids Before 6pm insanity diet I've been following this week. Now, before you write me off as a crazy cabbage soup eater, this was partway out of necessity. I had my wisdom teeth out, and me & food weren't totally getting along.

Did it work? Sure. I'm 1.5 pounds lighter. Is it sustainable? Not so much. As of this weekend, I've already graduated to toast and slices of pizza before it got dark outside. Why did it work? I was only eating approximately 1,00 - 1,200 calories a day!

Even though my jeans are a little looser, I don't recommend the mush diet. Obviously, lifestyle change is the only thing that's going to get weight off your bones. And I'm not sure eating gelatinous foods all day is any kind of lifestyle I'd want.

However, I'll keep it up until we head out of state for Thanksgiving. Mostly because I bought a ton of yogurt and soup though.

Today's Obsession: Grilled Bananas

2008-11-22T00:12:00.010-05:00

No matter what diet plan you're on, you can bet cramming more fruits and vegetables in your mouth will be part of it. But even if you're typically a fruit-a-phile, this practice can get tedious. Plus, you can't get too exotic with your choices or you'll go completely broke (which means no new clothes for your new skinny body). Eventually you'll turn to the old standby fruits: apples, oranges, peaches (if in season), bananas.

Today, we're talking bananas. I know, I know - they're a little boring. Besides being a favorite portable breakfast (nothing is more classy than a chick eating a banana in her car) and cereal topper, bananas rarely make it to my plate. Admittedly, I'm a little freaked out about the carb content from the Atkins days. But I don't eat them daily, and they're only about 100 calories and packed with good vitamins, fiber and a nice dose of potassium.

When you grill a banana, it's a whole new world. Soft, sweet...I want one right now!! If you've ever had cooked bananas on a tropical getaway, you'll totally relive it when you make this easy recipe.

1. Heat up grill to medium/high

2. Put as many bananas you want on the grill, skin on (take them off the bunch of course)

3. Turn them over after about 3-4 minutes, let them cook for another 3-4 minutes until they look brown/black/nasty like this

4. Carefully slit the peel down the middle and open 'er up!

You can peel it completely, or serve it with the peel (as pictured). Top it with some cinnamon, fat free whipped cream, and a drizzle of honey.

It's totally decadent! It's creamy, sweet, tropical and will make you think you're indulging in something horrible. In fact I had to check the calorie count like 5 times! It will only run you around 130 calories! Totally delish!

I got the idea from Food TV chef Danny Boome. For an alternative to the whole-banana method, check out The Grill Recipe Blog.

Tasty Tip: Minty Gloss

2008-11-21T18:59:00.000-05:00

I picked up a tube of lip balm from good ole Bath & Body Works on a tip from a coworker. I work in an office, which automatically means it's dry, which means my lips are forever chapped. I typically rely on Rosebud Salve (it's retro, ok?) as my balm of choice. But, it doesn't do much more than smooth out the kisser. So (during a day of trying to eat as little as possible) my lips need a little oomph.

So I try C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint. Love love love it! It smooths, it shines, it adds a tint of color to my otherwise pale lips. Plus, I can totally put it on without a mirror! I never was able to master the art of blind farding, so it's a near miracle product in that respect.

Why, oh why does this belong in a diet blog? Because, in addition to it's image-enhancing properties, it has a minty taste. More menthol-ish really. It leaves your lips with an icy cool tingle, similar to what you might experience when brushing your teeth.

This satisfyingly minty tingle is akin to popping a mint or gum - without all the bovine chilling. It all but halts the urge to eat! Especially in this season of being constantly surrounded by tub-building holiday treats, any defense is a good defense. Mentha Lip Tint enhances will-power with it's minty powers! Plus you'll look tasty wearing it.

Today's Obsession: Shrimp Shu Mai

2008-11-20T23:00:00.003-05:00

Ok, this week finds me in the midst of a severe asian persuasion. I admit it. I think it all started when I was researching the morning banana diet. Or, it's because I'm looking for a little diet zen in the insanity of the daily drama. Or, it's because I've been trying to stay on the healthy side of takeout.

Today, I'm obsessing over Shrimp Shu Mai. In plain english, it's shrimp dumplings. They're right next to the more popular tempura and crab rangoons in the appetizer section of Chinese and Japanese restaurants. It's basically pulverized shrimp wrapped up in a won ton and steamed. It's a light, low-calorie appetizer to share. But it's even better to get an order with a small salad for a satisfying meal.

Why? 9 of these little guys will only cost you 210 calories, 19g carbs, and 10g fat. Ok, the fat is a little high for the serving, it's nothing compared to the 48g of fat in 4 measly pieces of the ever-popular shrimp tempura. Seeing that number nearly knocked the wind out of me!

So next time you're out for some far east eats, just try the shu mai.

Stay Cute While You Chow on Thanksgiving

2008-11-20T18:02:00.000-05:00

The idea of breaking out your stretchy fat-pants on Thanksgiving is fairly tempting. But, you exercise a bit of self control and dress relatively nicely. That is where self control ends on Thanksgiving day. Don't lie to yourself sister; no matter how much you want to resist, there's always something you'll give into on our national day of eating. All those once-a-year treats like pumpkin pie, stuffing, mashed potatoes with actual butter (not the spray stuff I'm so fond of).... I could go on for 4 more courses. And if those don't get you, the wine will.

So how do you avoid the drama of having to unbuttoning your pants after dinner? The folks at Lemondrop have some ideas. They've found some stretchy duds that are actually cute...stylish even. I will totally be taking advantage of this season's billow styles and elastic waistlines. That way I won't get caught with my pants down...er unbuttoned.

Today's Obsession: Edamame

2008-11-19T21:18:00.004-05:00

A good diet snack has a little drama to it. What could be more dramatic than a food that first gained popularity halfway around the world?

For the uninitiated, edamame is simply baby soybeans. If you've ever been to a Japanese restaurant, it's those little green pods you're served before dinner. To get them at home, seek them out in the frozen food aisle (usually on the bottom shelves) both in the pod and out. Boil them up in salty water for a mere 5 minutes and you have a crazy healthy snack.

I personally prefer my 'mame in the pod. You have to squeeze the been out of the pod in order to eat it. I can't help it, I need to be slowed down when I snack! Since edamame is labor-intensive, I am forced to be aware of what I eat - and how much.

But that's the beauty part about this sweet bean. You can eat 1/3 of the bag and it will only cost you 100 calories. Plus you'll get a massive 8g of protein and 4g of fiber! The fiber has the added bonus of putting these tasty little pods into the lower/good carb category with only 5g net effective carbs (9g carbs - 4g dietary fiber). And, you'll be getting Essential Fatty Acids (good fats) and amino acids. All this and it can power your car! Well...kinda.

But don't discount the un-shelled edamame. Those little buggers are amazing little protein bombs that you can add to salad, stir fry, pretty much anything.

International Drama: Japan is Going Bananas

2008-11-19T18:17:00.005-05:00

I feel a little better that the U.S. is not the only diet-obsessed nation around. Notoriously slim Japanese women are also fad diet freaks! The latest trend? The Morning Banana Diet.

Um, yeah. The plan is basically free-for-all bananas for breakfast, accompanied by room temperature water. Follow it up with normal lunch & dinner (but no desserts), with a snack at 3pm. Drink only water all day. Then hit the sack before midnight and you'll wake up with a smaller waist.

The Japanese diet dramatics are going, well, bananas over this fad. Major supermarkets run out of bananas daily. We're talking national shortage of bananas here!

I can't find any information on WHY it works. A Japanese opera star, Kumiko Mori, announced on a morning news program that she lost 15 pounds in a short amount of time, and the crowds went wild (I'll stop with the "going bananas" thing). Quite literally.

As with any good diet fad, there is a book involved. As far as my research goes, an English version hasn't been published yet, but the Japanese version sold over 700,000 copies.

Will we see a banana craze state-side? Meh. Us yanks only like our fad diets if they include mass amounts of meat.

Crazy Plan: No solids before 6pm

2008-11-19T13:06:00.004-05:00

In an effort to drop a few pounds before the holidays, I am trying a wacky scheme. Liquids & Soft Foods by day, Solids by night.

I had my wisdom teeth out only about 5 days ago, and I've been eating pretty much mush. I thought I'd lose some weight, and I did. Surprising given that I survived on calorie-laden Country Crock mashed potatoes, pudding, and ice cream.

I'm still a little sore, so solid foods are hit and miss. I still can't eat anything crunchy or hard. But I was able to down a quesadilla and some homemade pizza so far this week for dinner. So, I'm going to keep up this pattern and see what happens. My day should go:

Breakfast: Yogurt
Lunch: Massive Bowl of Low-Cal Soup + Sugar free pudding
Snack: Yogurt
Dinner: Normal
Dessert: Soft fruit

Thank Jeebus for Yoplait and their massive amount of light flavors. At least it will keep things interesting.

Why do I think this will work? It's pretty much the same premise as the Special K Challenge, Slim-Fast, and all the rest of those kooky corporate plans. Low-Calorie meals by day, followed with a sanity-saving normal dinner.

I don't plan on doing this forever. In fact, I'm pretty sure Thanksgiving will negate any progress or habit I could possibly develop. I know this is not the making of a life-long lifestyle change, but, then it wouldn't be very dramatic, would it?

Today's Obsession: Jell-O Pudding 100 Calorie Packs

2008-11-18T21:19:00.005-05:00

Today's diet food to obsess over is the (relatively) new 100-calorie packs of Jell-O Pudding. Are you scoffing? Are you saying "Girl, you know the sugar free cups only have 60 calories!" I hear you, my inner drama queen was saying the same thing, and it's also why I never purchased it before.

I bought it kind of on a fluke. I was gearing up for some oral surgery, and new I needed some soft, gooey comfort food on hand. I inadvertently grabbed the 100 calorie packs instead of sugar free.

Woah! What a difference in taste! The 100-calorie packs taste like *real* pudding. Like buffet dessert pudding - yeah, that good. The big selling point (besides super rich taste) is that texture of pudding you didn't know you forgot about. Super thick, creamy, sticks to the top of your mouth. Yum! If you can spare the extra 40 calories and 10 g of sugar - you should just go for these. But if you're looking to cut fat - the 100 Calorie version has 0 g fat, compared to the Sugar-Free version's 1.5g.

For the amount of times I like to sit myself down with a bowl of puddin' - I'll be picking these.

Recall Drama: Lean Cuisine

2008-11-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

Does dieting get any more dramatic than finding plastic in your socially acceptable frozen diet lunch?!

Lean Cuisine is recalling around 900,000 lbs of frozen meals. Coincidentally, that's the exact same amount of weight lost & gained by women eating Lean Cuisine (myself included).

Here's the list of effected meals:

Cafe Classics Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta

Spa Cuisine Chicken Mediterranean

Dinnertime Selects Chicken Tuscan

Check the batch numbers and whatnot

The bright side is that the fine folks who make Lean Cuisine (that would be Nestle) have traced the issue back to a set of ingredients, so problem solved. But, if you find yourself opening one of the meals listed above, check for sharp little blue pieces first. They could scratch your throat and create many problems you'd otherwise want to avoid.

Pwnd at Pilates

2008-11-18T17:31:00.004-05:00

Well, I was kind of Pwnd ("owned" or "killed" if you don't speak geek) at Pilates recently. It was a new class, the first class of a "Beginner/Level 1" Pilates reformer technique (the medieval looking device in the pic). I went in pretty excited, ready for a challenge. My petite instructor, was not too thrilled and asked if I'd ever done Pilates before. I informed her I had done some mat work (me & Mari Winsor were pretty tight for awhile) at home. There were 3 other newbies, and 2 that had taken the class before.

The compact little instructor told us again and again how surprised she was that we were there, and that the class wasn't really for beginners "It's a little tougher" she said. I would've been fine with it if her eyes hadn't grazed my less-than-toned midsection as she spoke. I brushed it off, thinking that she was just one of those people who don't realize their bad habit.

As the class began she repeatedly made a point to single me out to ask if it was too hard. She asked a thinner newbie the same, and followed with "I know you're strong, I can see it." I get it, I'm on the softer side of things, so she assumed my prior form of exercise was walking back and forth to the buffet? I wonder if she was worried that I'd break out a sandwich in the middle of class or something. If that were true, she could judge, but I haul my cushy buns to the gym 2-3 times a week!

Eventually, the tiny little instructor saw I wasn't wheezing or throwing up from the exertion and helped me with positioning instead. She didn't want to spend too much time with us because she didn't want to hold up her other tiny students.

I felt emotionally pwnd, and if I hadn't paid for the class, I'd probably have decided against it. I'm sure in the long run I'll learn to appreciate her, but I was feeling rather jilted over this. It's not like I have to buy 2 seats on an airplane, I'm relatively normal! I guess if I don't look like a former gymnast, I am not worth of the precious practice of pilates.

Hopefully next week will go better...all I have to do is drop 15 lbs before then.

Facebook, Please Don't Remind Me

2008-11-17T16:00:00.002-05:00

Ok, I get it. I don't look like a supermodel. In fact, I might be above normal. My Facebook pictures show that, yes, I'd rather I could edit & stretch every image of myself. Alas, I can't stop friends from uploading & tagging me in the land of Facebook.

But really, I don't need to have a diet-centric advertisement next to every picture. Acai diet? Kim Kardashian diet? Are these even for real, or are they just tools to remind me that I look more flab than fab?

Please Facebook, just let me look at my pictures (and pictures of people I haven't seen in 10 years) in peace!

Welcome to the Drama

2008-11-17T15:11:00.000-05:00

I promise this is not a "watch me fail/succeed/fail at loosing weight blog". OK, there will be some of that here, but overall it will be a look at the drama that surrounds you when trying to drop some pounds.

It's never easy. There are enablers, saboteurs, instigators, good cooks and free happy hour snacks all working against the innocent dieter. I'll be covering the diet drama that's in my life, that I witness, and maybe even some that I hear about in the news (read: trashy celebrity sites).

So enjoy, email me with your experiences if you want commentary.