More Beautiful You

I really like this video/song, which just reinforces what I was trying to say in my blog earlier today. Good stuff! Thank you, Jonny Diaz!

Diet Girl Starts a New Chapter

I’m trying to eat healthier options as a way of life. I’ve become a lover of salads and fruit. Whole grains are yummy, and lite versions of just about everything line my fridge shelves and kitchen cupboards. I’ve been able to revise some of my habits, but I’m still probably never gonna be an I’m-sorry-I-just-can’t-finish-my-burger-girl. I just don’t think I’ll get there. I’m quite capable of optimism, but I don’t believe in painting a rosy picture that doesn’t match my reality. I’m learning to embrace the real me – the girl who still has an enduring relationship with food.

Yes, food and I are still arduously bonded. Whether I’m craving a Boca burger or a plate of nachos, I’m still fixated on satisfying that urge, that desire to feed. Gum helps. Chewing a piece of gum often halts a craving, but it’s just covering up my symptoms. The hunger is still there, under the surface. A baked potato or a plate of cooked broccoli fills me up for a time. The hunger is displaced, but it always returns, sooner than you would think.

Food and I have a love-hate relationship. I love how it tastes going down, but I hate how tightly I am hinged to it. I love how it fills me, but I hate how I allow it to control how I feel. I want to be that person who merely eats because it’s necessary to refuel the body, and not because food feels good, but I’m not there yet, and sometimes I wonder if that is really possible for me. I don’t want to make excuses for the path I’ve taken, but I also know we are all wired differently.

So what has really changed after nearly 29 months off and on Weight Watchers? I’ve lost weight, gained some back, lost some more, gained some back, etc. I still weigh quite a bit less than when I started on this journey, but I haven’t reached my goal, and I’ve spent a great deal of time plateauing. I feel better than when I began this adventure, but I think a more fit me is attainable. I’ve changed some bad eating habits, but I still love food, and it still has a tight grip on me.

Today I’m starting back on Weight Watchers again with energy and determination mixed with a dose of reality. I’m gonna count my points and stick to them. I’m gonna step on the scale less than before and stop obsessing about some magic number that might not be possible for me. I’m gonna try to throw more exercise into my routine and keep my pace up. But I’m also gonna face facts: while a slimmer me is quite possible, a paper-thin me might not genetically be in my cards. Oh I can do better than where I am. I know that, but I still might not be able to alter my body shape into someone else’s ideal. We are certainly NOT all molded the same way, and that's a good thing.

Current Weight: None of your business
Goal: To work hard at it and yet NOT beat myself up
Attitude: Sassy

Yes, I'm a Foodie.

My friend Barb and I chat often. We used to work in the same department at work, but now we are not even in the same building, and soon she will be moving to another building on campus that is even farther away from me. SIGH! It is quite a struggle. We really have to work hard to maintain our long-distance friendship. HA!

Barb and I usually go to lunch together a couple of times a month, and the joke is that we start IM-ing each other early in the morning to debate where we are going for lunch. So at 7 AM this morning, I got an IM from Barb asking about lunch today. She joked about how she had made herself wait until 7 to pose the question, and I laughed. I had just finished my breakfast and already we were talking lunch. HA! Works for me!

Yep, I’m a foodie. Food is a big part of my life. As soon as I finish one meal, I’m thinking about what the next will be. I confess it. It’s my reality.

I am continuing on Weight Watchers, and little by little by little by little, the pounds are coming off. My cupboards are full of healthy food options to keep my temptations to a minimum, and I’m back to walking 2-3 times a week. I’m starting to do the walk/jog thing again where I go back and forth from walking to jogging, etc. I love that. It feels good to be active again out in the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of our CREATOR’s handiwork while Chris Rice, Brandon Heath or Sara Groves sing in my ears. It's great!

OK, so it's not all roses. It’s not easy working on weight loss and changing old habits, but I know this is the right thing to do. Everyone keeps telling me to take it (the weight) off before I reach 40. I don’t know what happens at 40, but apparently once women reach that pinnacle, losing weight becomes much harder. I’m rather glad I have 4 years before that happens. Wait a minute! GASP! ONLY FOUR YEARS!?! I just felt a chill run up my spine. I better go. I think I need to control my hyper-ventilating with a paper bag now...Hee hee!

Recent Semi-Healthy Food Discoveries

Flatout Flatbread: These handy wraps are only 1 Weight Watcher point each, and I love them with just about any kind of sandwich concoction. I experimented a wee bit and made my own pizza on one this past weekend as well, and it was rather amazing to this diet girl who has really missed her pizza. OK, so it’s not Papa John’s or Pizza Hut, but it was made fresh in Mel’s diner, and I enjoyed every morsel. And hey, when your whole crust is only one point, you can really add on those toppings without breaking your WW point budget. Bring on the cheese!

Skinny Cow Sandwiches: Somehow I didn’t know about the new flavors until recently (cookies and cream and peanut butter and chocolate - only 3 points each). Someone was holding out on me, I guess. HA! I loved cookies and cream at the first bite. Now, I haven’t tried the peanut butter and chocolate yet, but I’m sure it will make it on my next grocery list since I am an avid peanut butter girl. Truth is that I haven’t tried ANY Skinny Cow variety that I haven’t loved. It’s been a match made in Heaven for almost a year and a half now. WOOHOO!!

Healthy food options are not always easy, but things are going well on my getting-more-healthy plan for 2010. I broke down and ate some amazing birthday cake the other day along with some other not-so-healthy snacks, BUT it’s all good. It was just one day in the life of yours truly, and "tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it..."

Wishing you health, hope and plenty of humor!

I’m Buzzing…

No, I’m not on drugs or alcohol.

I am experiencing a new phenomenon in my life: an exercise high!

Eighteen moths ago, I would get winded going up a flight of stairs, let alone a walk around the block. I’d get heated just walking over to another building here at work.

Twelve months ago, I was able to walk a 2.5 mile loop path about once a week without too much grumbling. My feet would be numb half way through, and at times I thought I was going to keel over dead , but I could do the whole loop if I pushed myself. Of course, it usually took me a day or two to recover.

Six months ago, I was able to briskly walk that same 2.5 mile path without too much exertion a couple of times a week. In fact, sometimes I would walk a bit more along the path because I felt pretty good and didn’t want to stop. I was starting to test my limits.

About a month ago, I randomly started jogging a bit along the way. I’d start out walking along the path and get my pace going, and then I would move into a slow jog for a couple of minutes before resuming my brisk walk.

Recently, I have started to jog for longer distances on the same path. OK, I’m no marathon runner yet. HA! But I am jogging more and more each time. I start out walking, and then I can feel my body wanting more. So I turn my walk into a jog for a few minutes until I can tell it is time to back off a bit again, and I move back and forth from walking to jogging the whole way now. This is quite a big deal for me. I’m relearning how to pace myself and discovering how to breathe again and take it one stride at a time. And it feels so good.

I’ve always secretly hated those people that seem to love or crave a good workout. I just didn’t get it. They would talk about exercise like it was a drug or a need to them. Without it, their life was off some how. I would smile and nod, but inside, I thought they were crazy.

Well, I’m starting to understand their drive and motivation. No, I don’t get exercise in every day yet, and half of the time I still have to push myself to do it. BUT, I am starting to understand the exercise high—the physical buzz your body has when you regularly exert energy like that. It feels great to press my limits and push myself farther and farther. And when I am done with my walk/jog, I feel wonderful. I feel ALIVE. I’m pumped, ready to do a somersault and prepared to take on the world. It's an indescribable rush.

Indulgences

I've been indulging lately...

1. On Sunday, August 16th, I had a donut hole. I said "a donut hole", and it really was only one (1) tiny little morsel, but it brought along a wave of desire and need. HA! I broke down and bought a couple of whole donuts on my last trek through Marsh on Friday, August 21st, and quickly inhaled them in the car. My donut-free vows have now been broken. [BIG SIGH!] Yes, I went for over 16 months donut-free and then I caved. Now, I don't quite think that rehab will be required, but I've got this issue to work through privately for the time being.

2. I went to the Indiana State Fair a second time yesterday, and while I opted not to return to my new favorite (the deep-fried, fat-laden chicken-on-a-stick), I did enjoy a corndog, chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick and a Red Barn elephant ear. [GULP!] It was so worth it, but I'm still detoxing today.

3. I decided to buy myself flowers this weekend. No special occasion really. I saw some beautiful yellow and bright pink gerbera daisies on display, and then I spotted some orange gladiolas, and I just knew those cheery souls all belonged with me. I even brought in some of the blooming gladiolas to work with me today so that I could enjoy them in both locations. I mean, how can you not be happy around glads? The name alone makes you smile.

It's been good to relax on the diet for a bit, but I'm back on Weight Watchers today and refocusing my efforts on what works. And as for the flowers, I think this is one indulgence this girl needs more of... :)

Enjoying the Calm While I Can

My department had a pitch-in lunch today. So we had a nice long lunch break with good food and excellent conversation, but then afterwards, it was back to business as usual. It was a bit hard to get motivated again, but we all slugged through. It was extra hard for Diet Girl since the party tables got moved down by my desk for a change, and all the leftovers were left staring at me, beckoning me over. I was pretty good though. [sigh!]

Actually, my life at the office is back to normal again. Lots to do and more projects coming in every day, but my personal and work life are starting to get back into their proper priority placement. No more overtime. WOOHOO!! Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been able to meet up with friends for dinner, catch up over coffee (No, I didn't drink it), get out on walks again, etc. It’s been pretty nice. I’ve also started planning a couple of trips with friends and family members, too. I like this pace, but I know it won’t last for long...have to enjoy each moment of calm while I can.

Thank you, LORD, for a bit of quiet. I confess it makes me nervous though...

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Yesterday was my first year anniversary for Weight Watchers. WOW! That is hard to believe, but it is a fact, a true and honest reality. Diet Girl has been on the WW flex point plan now for a full 12 months, leaving 78 pounds behind her. Truly exciting!

Let me sum it up in Weight Watcher terms for you: that is over 9 gallons of milk OR nearly 64 medium cantaloupes OR 15 sacks of potatoes OR 312 sticks of butter. YIKES! I don't miss that extra baggage on my frame, and before too long, I hope to send more pounds away in the same fashion, but I certainly couldn't have done this on my own.

GOD has been so gracious, and I am thankful for the stamina and endurance HE has sent my way. Thank you, LORD, for helping me work through this addiction to food!

I am grateful that my sister Barbara talked me into giving Weight Watchers a try. We started this journey together, and we've lost a lot of weight along the way. Together we've struggled, celebrated and encouraged one another on this momentous journey, and together, we plan to continue along this path. Thank you, Sis!

To celebrate my big or should I say getting-littler-by-the-week day (hee hee!), I thought about buying just 1 long john donut. I don't know if they call them long johns here in Indiana, but that's what we called them in Michigan where I grew up. They are wonderful long rectangular donuts with a smooth white cream or yellow custard filling and a delectable chocolate icing on top. Now I only said that I THOUGHT about purchasing the said deep-fried concoction, and honestly, that was all I did. It was just a thought, and so I kept my record going: 377 days donut-free and counting. And instead of gulping down a fresh donut, I had a 1-point chocolate treat courtesy of my co-worker and fellow WW member. To help me celebrate, she left the tasty snack on my desk complete with 1 pink birthday candle stuck in the center. It totally made me chuckle! I'm blessed with such supportive friends. Thanks, all!

Who Am I?

I have a new obsession, and it’s a healthy one to boot. I’m just crazy about fruits and vegetables. I can’t get enough of them. I have grown particularly fond of green beans lately. The fresh or frozen variety are best. I use the microwave or stovetop to heat them up, remove the dish or pan from the heat while the beans are still crunchy, melt some no-fat butter substitute on top, sprinkle in a little salt, and I am good to go. I’m still in a deep and meaningful relationship with the Yukon Gold potato, too. Who can resist? [sigh!] And as for the other veggies like corn, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, snap peas, cucumbers, peppers, etc.--we’re bonding as well. It’s a beautiful thing--a girl’s love affair with produce.

When it comes to fruit, I don’t think there is a fruit I don’t enjoy these days. Grapes are still a strong favorite of mine, but the citrusy-goodness of the orange is making it’s way up the charts as well. I adore grape tomatoes for a snack just about every day. Tomatoes are part of the fruit family, right? And in a startling twist, I’m even starting to like cantaloupe and honeydew. I’ve never been a fan of these mild melon varieties, but I’m starting to appreciate them now, especially in combination with other fruits. Kinda shocking, isn’t it?

Today for the second time this week, I ordered the vegetable platter while eating out. Yep, you heard me right. I chose to order vegetables ONLY. WOW! OK, I know how this sounds. Who am I and what did I do with the breaded and deep-fried version of myself? I get it. It’s hard to swallow (no pun intended). This is a pretty big change. Truly, I know that this doesn’t sound like the Mel or Melanie you all know, but it really is. Honest. I’m just a girl continuing to transition into a healthier version of her self. See, it’s a good thing.

Caffeine Infusion

I will officially be 35 years old in less than a week now. Yes, it's true. I might look like I'm in my twenties, but next Monday, I will officially be half-way to 70, and worse yet, I'll be less than 5 years to 40. [GASP!]

OK, seeing that in black and white, just scares me. I'm shivering now just thinking about it. I know a lot of people have survived to 40 and beyond. I'm glad for them, and I understand that there can be life after 40, but the concept frightens me deeply. [Take a deep breath, Mel. There you go...] NAH! I'm really just fine. I might have a slight panic attack at 39 and 3/4. I'll keep you posted on any developments should they occur, but I think it's a bit too soon to start on medication for those episodes now, don't you? HA!

Well in anticipation of my 35th birthday, my co-worker Michele brought me a special treat yesterday at lunchtime. She ordered some chocolate ice cream cupcakes from Maggie Moo's and brought them to me early since she will be out on vacation during my birthday. I thanked her, admired the decadent treats for a moment or two and then stuck them in the freezer. I'll save them for later, I told myself.

Unfortunately, yesterday was a headache day. So I was popping migraine pills and drinking Diet Mountain Dew (for the first time in a long while) as I attempted to fight off the pulsating twinge. [And when I say popping, I only took 2 pills here, you all. Don't panic and dial 911 to get my stomach pumped. I used the term "popping" loosely for it's dramatic effect only. AHEM!] Well, by 4 PM, I was feeling a lot better, and I kept picturing those poor little chocolate cupcakes sitting alone in the freezer abandoned to the cold. So, I thought I'd go ahead and indulge in one of the chocolate treats just to spread out the calories, you know. WOW! It was delicious. There was a thin layer of chocolate cake, followed by 3 inches of rich chocolate ice cream all drizzled in a fudgy chocolate frosting. Amazing! I tried to determine the amount of Weight Watcher points I had gulped down as I savored each mouth-watering morsel. Ahhh...now that was good! Yes, I went about the rest of my day with a smile on my face. [sigh!]

I worked until 6 PM last night, headed home for dinner, watched a DVR program, blogged a wee bit, facebooked, talked to my oldest niece on the phone (she turned 19 yesterday) and then headed to bed. Well, 30 minutes later I was still wide awake. So I got up and did some reading? But after 30 more minutes, I still wasn't feeling sleepy at all. What was the matter with me? Why couldn't I sleep? What was going on? And then my blonde moment came to a screeching halt, and suddenly I could see everything pretty clearly.

1. I had a Diet Mountain Dew yesterday afternoon. I love Diet Dew, but I tend to restrict my access to it for this very reason. I'm a former caffeine-junkie, but I just don't live in that world any more, and I certainly don't enjoy copious amounts of caffeinated drinks after 2 PM usually.

2. That cupcake was wonderful with all it's rich, velvety chocolate cake along with the creamy, chocolate ice cream topped with that fudgy, devils food icing...Hmmmm? Do you supposed there might have been a wee bit of caffeine in there, too? Maybe just maybe? HELLO!

3. I had totally done this to myself. I could blame it on my attempts to self-medicate using my herbal methods of Diet Dew and cacao, but come on, I should have known better. Ever since I took myself off regular doses of caffeine several years ago, I just can't have large amounts of it without it affecting me. I'm not a kid anymore. I'm old, and I had wired myself. HA!

So I did some more reading into the wee hours of the morning and worked on my Bible study workbook. Finally around 2 AM, I headed back to bed for a few hours of sleep before returning to work again this morning. WHEW! I don't think we'll be doing that again any time soon; although, that ice cream cupcake was pretty incredible. Hmmmm...maybe I should consider having one for breakfast tomorrow? That could work in my favor. YUM!

One more thing I feel the need to point out. I still lost 1.6 pounds this morning when I weighed in. I love that. This brings Diet Girl's total weight loss to...WAIT FOR IT...(Can I get a drumroll please? Thanks!)...75.8 pounds. YES! I broke 75 pounds today. WOOHOO!! I'm a bit giddy about that, can you tell? Or maybe it's just the residual effects from my caffeine infusion of yesterday's mishap? Hee hee!

Visiting the BMV

This week I headed to the local BMV to renew my driver’s license. Yes, it’s that time again--time for another totally unflattering photo to keep in my wallet for years to come. I can't wait!

The clerk started off my visit with the basic questions: was my address still the same? could I confirm my date of birth? etc. But then the questions got a bit more personal.

Her: Is your height still 5 foot 1 inch?

Me: No, I’m actually just a hair over 5 foot now. I lost almost an inch.

Her: (She smiled and waved it off.) That’s close enough. We’ll leave it. (I was elated. Think tall! Think tall!)

Her: And is your weight current here? (She asked handing me my old license to review.)

Me: Yes, it really is, and it should be less next week.

Inside I was laughing at the irony. Why?--you may ask. Well, because my driver’s license listed weight is correct for the first time in 6 years or so. Come on. BE HAPPY FOR ME! I’m no longer living a lie. And no, I’m not going to tell you what my driver’s license says or show you my license either. Please! Some things a woman ALWAYS likes to keep private.

As for the photo, it's not great, but it's far better than the old one. Hee hee!

**********

Oh, and I just have to say this...my visit to the BMV this year was the best I've had in Indiana. The clerks were friendly, their service was quick, and my visit was relatively painless. Kudos to the hard-working employees at the BMV off of Michigan and 86th Streets! You're awesome!

Diet Girl Continues Making Changes

Diet Girl keeps plugging along on this non-diet called Weight Watchers. I’ve been told to stop calling this a diet since Weight Watchers doesn’t refer to their plan as a diet but rather a lifestyle change. It is that, BUT for all practical purposes this plan is helping me adjust my diet. Thus, it’s a diet. Plus, I just like the idea of being Diet Girl. So I’m keeping the title and wearing my cape with pride. So there. Hmmmm…I wonder what color cape I should invest in—orange, green or purple? Or maybe I should just stick with the classic red or blue? Such dilemmas…[sigh!]

Well, let me update you on my lifestyle changes, and just to clarify here, I’m referring to my changes in dietary habits not something more significant here.

1. I’m down a total of 72.6 pounds as of this week. WOOHOO!!

2. I had my measurements taken for the 2nd time in 5 months a couple of weeks back, and I had lost a total of 18 inches in those 5 months. I was very excited. The scale doesn’t always tell the full story. Sometimes, I can tell I have lost inches even when my weight hasn’t changed much, just by the way clothes are fitting, etc. It was extra nice to hear about those inches disappearing to give me a boost.

3. I’m finding that I’m getting full faster especially during meals. For example, I had a delicious Lean Cuisine frozen entrée for lunch today along with a Dole fruit cup, and afterwards, I was feeling a bit too full. See, I shouldn’t have added that fruit cup. Now three months ago, a frozen entrée wouldn’t have filled me up at all. But I’m discovering with most things that the recommended serving size is adequate for my needs. Who knew that you didn’t need to eat half of a big bag of chips to get enough? Hee hee!

4. Fruit and vegetables are delicious. I’ve always like fruit, but lately, I can’t seem to get enough. I think fresh grapes are still my favorite, but I enjoy a good orange, a handful of cherries or blueberries, a not-too-ripe banana, a crunchy Fuji apple, or a juicy peach or nectarine most days as well. As for the veggies, I’m still eating a lot of them. I love corn, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes (regular and sweet)--just to name a few. Some days, I eat very little meat at all. No, I’m not a vegetarian. I still eat chicken, pork and beef, but I just don't eat it quite as much as I used to. However, acouple of times a month, I'll just get a serious craving for a steak, and since I eat out less and less, when I do get out, I love splurging on a medium-well done steak. YUM!

5. I’m still doing Tae-Bo throughout the week. I’m not quite ready to be on Billy Blank’s next DVD series, but my workout is coming along just fine.

Yes, these last 10 months have brought about a lot of changes in my life, and I’m thankful for the progress made thus far. My friends and family have been so invigorating to me, and I’m grateful for their continued patience. My sister has been my stalwart companion, my inspiration and avid encourager. Thanks again, Sis, for giving me the needed nudge to start down this path. Our one-year anniversary will soon be here. We'll have to celebrate!

Thank you, LORD, for the continued strength, motivation and endurance you have provided. YOU have blessed my efforts, and I am grateful. Thank YOU!

Diet Girl Is Still a Kid

Diet Girl did something this week that she hasn't done in a very long time ago. I ordered off the kid's menu, and it felt good. And no, I wasn't at McDonald's eating a happy meal. I was at Ted's Montana Grill for lunch with my co-worker Dena, and I opted to order from the kid's menu. No chicken tenders or macaroni and cheese for me, although that was tempting. I ordered the kid's pot roast with mashed potatoes and green beans, and it was pretty healthy actually.

Here's the scoop. I've been noticing that when I eat out, I'm over-eating. Not intentionally and definitely not planned that way, but it still happens. Maybe part of it is that they always seem to bring out too much food, and I've still got that "gotta clean my plate" thing going on in my head. But I don't need all that food. It's too much of a good thing.

The kid's pot roast meal the other day was just a smaller portion of the adult plate, and to quote Goldilocks here, "it was just right." It was perfect. I felt good after eating my meal, and I knew I hadn't overdone it.

It's funny how things have changed over the last 8 months. Gone is the girl that thought she could eat whatever she wanted without a care in the world. My stomach is smaller, and I just can't put away the food like I used to be able to. So much has changed. I've lost 67 pounds since April 1st, and I'm just not the same person I was. Well, yes, I'm still Mel, and my personality is quite the same (whether you think that is a good or bad thing I leave up to you). I'm still rather wacky from time to time, a bit OCD, warped and sarcastic. But health-wise I'm moving in a different direction, and it is definitely all for the best.

I'm A Potato Girl...

I've known this about myself for a while now, but it does feel good to get it off my chest and out in the open. Yes, I confess it with all my heart--I love potatoes. Potato salad, french fries, potato cakes, mashed or smashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato wedges, cheesy potato casserole, augratin potatoes -- yeah, it's all good. I would be happy with potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well, I could manage it, but it probably wouldn't be a good idea. [Disclaimer: the writer of said blog is not advocating a diet composed of potato products only. She is merely trying to illustrate her enjoyment of this marvelous vegetable. AHEM!]

Now I've always loved potatoes, but since going on Weight Watchers in April, I've become even more of a potato girl (if that is possible). A little bit (and I really do mean just a dollop) of low or fat-free sour cream, and I'm happy. YUM! They are so filling, and they just--well...they complete me. There I said it. WOW! It's a beautiful relationship between this girl and the potato. [sigh!]

While we're on the subject of potatoes, there was a bit of a debate at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day regarding the sweet potato vs. the yam controversy. I know, it sounds like a rough conflict, right. Who knew? I certainly didn't, but my eyes have been opened, and I can't go back to the way things were before. Well, let me just share with you what I learned...

1. Yams and sweet potatoes are not even remotely the same thing. They aren't even related by marriage.

2. The Yam is a tuber of a tropical vine (Dioscorea batatas) and is generally sweeter than the sweet potato. This tuber can grow over seven feet in length, and is more popular in Latin America and Caribbean markets. WAIT! Did I just type that? SEVEN FEET? OK, it's official, I've never met a yam. I think I'd recall meeting a 7 foot potato, don't you?

3. Sweet Potatoes also hail from a tropical vine (Ipomoea batatas), but there the similarity ends, the experts tell us. (I'm trying not to take this too seriously, but doesn't it appear that the yam and the sweet potato have the same last name? Hmmmm...anyway, let me get back to my report on what I have learned.). Sweet potatoes are yellow or orange tubers that are elongated with ends that taper to a point. The most common variety has a thick, dark orange to reddish skin with a vivid orange sweet flesh and a moist texture. This is the vegetable that is often mistakenly called "yam" in error, and probably what most American households used in their marshmallow-laden concoction or nut-encrusted casserole on Thanksgiving Day.

So that was probably far more than you wanted to know, but there it is. And now for my final thoughts on the subject: Be careful with whom you debate this topic. You don't want to be drawn into this centuries long argument with those who have done some serious research on the matter. It's a slippery slope. DANGER! DANGER! You don't really care that a yam is not a sweet potato or vice versa. What you really want is to just get back to enjoying more of the orangish goop on your fork no matter what tuber it is derived from, but to those skilled in the art of the differences between yams and sweet potatoes, this is a serious consideration and needs to be discussed at length. To them, you are in need of some education on the subject whether you want it or not. Just trust me on this one, for your own sanity's sake, you want to steer clear of this argument!

This all begs the question: Would a yam by any other name taste as sweet? Hmmmm...hard to say. I can't speak for the yam since we've yet to meet, but I sure am a fan of the delicious and nutritious sweet potato. I love 'em, and I've been calling them yams for years, and they still taste the same now that I know their true identity.

This has been a vegetable moment with Mel. Tomorrow we will discuss the tomato. Is it a fruit, a vegetable or neither? Stay tuned.

Cookie-Free Zone

Every year the legal department throws a BIG holiday luncheon pitch-in. We all sign up to bring in something to share, and we spend the afternoon eating goodies, nibbling on this and that and socializing with our co-workers and the visiting retirees. It is usually pretty fun, and the food is awesome.

However, while Diet Girl has managed to build up her resistance to donuts and her will power against pints of ice cream, she isn't a saint. If you put me in a room filled with delicate pastries, a Dairy Queen cake, cheesy potatoes, sourdough bread, a Hardee's Frisco Thickburger, and a nice garden salad...I'm not going to be craving the salad, believe me! Yes, I like salads, and I no longer drown them in dressing, but given the choice between healthy and calorie-laden, I'm gonna be bad. So to resist temptation, I just run the other way most of the time. I don't give myself the option to cheat.

So a fellow legal assistant and I have already worked out our plan for that day. We are going to sneak out on our lunch hour, enjoy a healthy meal at a local restaurant and then come back after our lunch break and join in the festivities and socialize with the rest of the gang. The party goes on until mid-afternoon anyway, and so we wouldn't be missing out on much at all. For us, it is our attempt to have the best of both worlds. Sounds like a great plan, right?

Well, then today we got an email from the planning committee about a holiday cookie exchange during the luncheon as well. Each person is being asked to bring a couple dozen homemade cookies to share, etc. I read that email and just starting laughing. I couldn't hold myself back. I said out loud: "Asking me to bring cookies is like asking a recovering alcoholic to bring the wine! NO WAY!" So I went and talked to my friend on the committee, and told her just that, and she laughed and totally understood. I'm all for sharing, but I don't have any business making cookies or having cookies in my house at all!

Other co-workers have different opinions...Just take a day off from your diet. Live a little and don't be so hard on yourself.

But I can't do that. I've lived for 34+ years -- all the while giving myself allowances, indulging bad eating habits, overeating, emotional eating, etc. And THAT is all part of how I got to a seriously unhealthy place. I have to be strong. I have to be disciplined. I have to live in a cookie-free zone. It's all for the best right now.

Please Don't Call Me Slim

I’ve always had plenty of nicknames.

Mel or Mels – to my Dad for as long as I can remember
Melnee – to my childhood friend Matt
Melbee, Melbeesue or Princess Melanie – to my cousin Susan
Melanator or Melvinator – to my friends in jr. high and high school
Mel-belle – to my former boss, Donald

Then there have been the nicknames I have sometimes called myself, but I won’t go into that list now. A bit too personal. AHEM!

Now at work lately, I seem to be getting a couple of new nicknames that I am really trying to overlook and ignore. I’m being called “Slim” or “Skinny.” Now, I know that my co-workers are trying to encourage me. At least, I don’t think they are insulting me. The weight is coming off, and the last 7 months have really brought about some great transforming results, but come on, I am not slim or skinny by any means, and these people know it. I’m getting less “fluffy” every week, as I call it, but I have a long ways to go before I can be termed “Slim.”

1. I still think about food a lot more than I should. From one moment to the next, I’m planning out my next meal or snack. I’m not cheating on my diet, but I’m doing the math in my head and calculating the points ahead. OK, if I have this piece of fruit for a snack now instead of these pretzels, than I can have some ice cream tonight. Every morsel is rationalized and thought out. I’d like to think less about food.

2. I don’t enjoy working out, but I know it is time well spent. A daily walk, a bike ride or getting my kicks in with some Tae-Bo is good for me, and when I get done with my workout, I feel great. I’m ready to take on the world. Well, I will be once my heart stops beating like it is about to leap out of my chest, and once I’m no longer breathing as an asthmatic. All in all, getting daily exercise is still quite a chore for me. It’s not my favorite part of the day by any means, and so I don’t think you’ll catch my Mel-icious Workout DVD in stores any time soon. However, I would like to get to the point where exercise is something I just do every day like taking a shower, etc. I want exercise to become a ritual or habit in my life, just part of my daily routine.

I think there is still a lot of work to be done! Yes, I have more will power than before, and I’ve been quite disciplined on this plan. However, let’s face the facts. Diet Girl is a box of Krispy Kremes from a relapse or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard from a meltdown. [HA! No pun intended.] This is hard work, and I’m going to have to keep it up every day, probably for the rest of my life. Does that mean that I am going to forever avoid Dairy Queen or The Cheesecake Factory? I hope not. Eventually, I’d like to be able to splurge and have a meal without worrying about the calories, fat and fiber counts--even if it is just one meal a week. BUT I have to earn that right, and I’m not there yet.

Miles to go before I sleep,
Miles to go before I sleep...

Rekindling An Old Relationship

This week, I met up with an old friend on Monday, and then we got together again last night, too. It's been really good. This reconnection was rather unexpected since it had been a few years since our last encounter. I wasn't sure how things would go the second time around. I had my doubts, but life is full of surprises, isn't it?

I quickly discovered that Billy hasn't changed much at all. He is much as he always was, and I appreciate that about him. He has so much more energy than I do. I struggle to keep up sometimes, but he is a great encouragement and definitely a motivator. I have made quite a few changes since we last met, and maybe that has made all the difference. Getting together has been much better than before, and I've really been enjoying our time.

WAIT A MINUTE!! HOLD ON!! You're not thinking that this is a romantic relationship, are you? Silly you! This is me and Billy Blanks I'm talking about, and he is happily married to his teenage sweetheart. Yes, Billy is the fitness guy that had those popular Tae-Bo workout videos a few years back. Sound familiar? Sorry if I mislead you there...hee hee!

Well, I dusted off my VHS tapes this week and have been using them again as part of my cold-weather-workout-routine in the evenings. I love the upper cuts and jabs, the back kicks and roundoff kicks. All in all, it's a really great workout for just 25 minutes a day, and this time, I'm nearly keeping up with my friend Billy there on the screen. WOOHOO!! I love it.

DISCLAIMER: So, if you happen to catch me going around punching the air or practicing my kicks, I'm not really losing my mind or fighting off imaginary creatures or something. I'm just practicing my Tae-Bo again. But I should caution you to make sure to keep a safe distance from me if I am in the zone. I'm quite the lethal weapon these days! HA!

Diet Girl Hits Another Milestone

Today I weighed in, and I had lost just a bit more weight, but it was enough to give me the grand total of 60 pounds lost since April 1st. WOOHOO!! Now, the weight loss has definitely been slowing down since September, but there is usually one good week per month which gives me a 2 or 3 pound weight loss. The rest of the weeks, I am scrambling to lose a pound or less, but there are a couple of good things about gradually taking the weight off.

1. THEY all say that slow and steady is the way to go when it comes to weight loss. I don’t know exactly who “THEY” is. No one will tell me. But I am hopeful that if my doctor believes them, then maybe THEY are correct.

2. Buying a new wardrobe every other month has been getting expensive, and so maybe a slow weight loss will help my budget and allow me to get more wear out of the clothes I have already purchased. I have been hitting up the local consignment and Goodwill stores as much as possible, but due to my vertically challenged frame, it is a bit harder to find clothes the right size for me in secondhand shops, and so I'm still having to spend more money than I would like on clothing. One side effect of all of this excess shopping is that I am starting to like it, and that is a first for me. DANGER! DANGER!

3. It gives me motivation to get more active. With the cooler temps and fall couch-potato-syndrome in full swing, I’ve been slacking off on my regular walking and biking. I know the season for bike riding is coming to an end, but I’ve still got more weeks for walking ahead, I think. I’m also trying to determine whether or not to join a fitness center. I dread it, but it might be a good course of action for me. I’m still pondering the idea.

But regardless of what is ahead and however long this process is going to take me, 60 pounds is a lot of weight to lose. I’m already feeling healthier and better able to keep up with my fit friends.

If you’ve never struggled with your weight, count your blessings and be thankful for a working metabolism and good genetics. I’m trying not to hate you. Just kidding! Seriously, you are blessed. Enjoy it!

To all of the rest of us, who struggle to stay active and wish for skinny genes, hang in there. Call me, and we can go walking together or do a food intervention on the phone. Don’t be discouraged. Regardless of our size, our skin color, our frame, or any other element of our appearance – we were made in the image of GOD. We are HIS creation and the work of HIS hands, and HE loves us unconditionally.

Psalm 139:14 [KJV] I will praise THEE; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are THY works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Diet Girl Celebrates 6 Months

Today is my 6-month anniversary on Weight Watchers, and I'm pleased to report that I am down 54.6 pounds. WOOHOO!! I celebrated last night by making Devil’s Food Cupcakes. How ironic is that! I’m celebrating a diet by making cupcakes. Sounds crazy, right?

Well, these are special cupcakes, and actually I was making them for a dinner party tonight. No, I’m not telling you the secret ingredient, so don’t try to weasel it out of me or beg or try to bribe me with donuts or ice cream. I’m taking this one to the grave with me. [HA! Just ask, and I’ll share.] Anyway, these cupcakes are 3 Weight Watchers points apiece and that includes the icing. And I must say, they are pretty tasty in all their chocolaty decadence, if I don’t say so myself. I naturally had to sample one last night along with a 1-point Dove miniature ice cream bar, which is another favorite thing. So I had cake and ice cream at my private celebration. It was a beautiful thing!

Together, my sister and I have lost 96 pounds since April 1st. Now, that’s exciting! That’s more than an Olympic gymnast. She and I are going consignment and secondhand store shopping again next weekend with my friend Lisa. I can’t wait. Diet Girl really needs to buy clothes for colder weather. Yes, fall is definitely coming. I’ve enjoyed the delicious chill in the air the last couple of days, although not perhaps as much as my sister. She swears she can smell apple cider when she steps outside this week! Hmmmmm??

Stay tuned for further Diet Girl updates. Thank you to one and all for your encouragement, for your questions and concerns, for your diet tips and tricks and for your ongoing inspiration. The work is not done, but I’m on my way and thankful for the results thus far. Thank you, LORD!

Diet Girl Celebrates 50 Pound Loss and Vows to Press On!

Last week, I lost almost 3 pounds and was just shy of my first big goal of 50 pounds lost. So this week, I was a bit excited and anxious to step on the scales. I only needed .4 pounds lost to make it to 50. Here goes...

Well, I lost 1.6 pounds, and so I broke right through 50 and am now down 51.2 pounds since April 1st. WOOHOO!! I'm very excited. I took a moment to let it all sink in. I can now reward myself with a new bicycle, which I am thrilled about. And yes, Becky, I will be looking at new bike helmets, too.

I'm going to savor this moment and enjoy it...[sigh!]

OK, enough of that, there is more work to be done. Lots of walking and biking to do while the weather holds, and I still need to come up with my exercise plan for the winter months. Hmmmmm...I'm still pondering all my options.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have been so encouraging over the last 5+ months. Thank you to my sister for coming along on this WW journey with me. Thank you, LORD, for life and for giving me the strength and stamina to let go of donuts!