Weather That Affects Us

Do you ever notice how the weather outside can totally affect not only your daily activities, but your over all health?  Well, I have really noticed how it affects me.

• If the weather is warm and sunny - I feel energized and ready to go.
• If the weather is cloudy and gloomy - I feel very tired - not in the mood for much.
• If the weather is cold and sunny - I still feel like getting out and on the go
• If the weather is cold and rainy - Forget it -  I would rather stay in my bed where it is warm and dry - unfortunately this can lead to useless eating to help fill the void of not getting out and doing something.
• And Stormy Rainy Days - These should be declared stay at home days too!  They are only good for the foliage and other outdoor creatures in need of watering and cleansing.

I guess we are no different than plants - To feel healthy, we need sunshine and exercise to feel energized.  Rest is important, but to much can leave you feeling gloomy - Cold, dark and damp weather keeps us confined and restless - it can also lead to depression because of the lack of sun and fresh air. I guess you could say the same happens to the plants when they go dormant in the winter - but come spring when the sun is shining and the skies are blue, they rise & shine and burst into color.

But what do the experts have to say about it?

Here are some links to view to find out the answers:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/11/09/weather-can-change-your-mood/

http://psychcentral.com/library/seasonal_affective.htm

http://www.fitsugar.com/Signs-Symptoms-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-SAD-12332814

http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20081016/how-the-weather-affects-our-moods

Simple Test - Take a look at each of the photos below.

What is your first initial mood/feeling when you look at them as though you were looking outside your window?

  

    

  

 

I would be willing to say, no matter what the weather temperature

If there were sunshine present with a little breeze

We would all be out there doing something and feeling good!

Weird Things That Happen While Walking

My husband and I have noticed when we are walking our fingers start to swell. They swell so much; our wedding rings get really tight on our fingers, making them very uncomfortable. We were puzzled so, I decided to do a little research on it, and here is what I found. The cause is related to vasodilatation. It is when the blood vessels open up which leads to increased blood flow near the surface of our skin.  This is what also causes your face to turn red and puffiness in our hands.

Once you cool down and the circulation and blood vessels return to normal, your hands and the color of your face should return to normal. If your rings are tight after exercise, it’s probably a good idea to take them off before you start working out.

Your hand swelling and facial redness may be annoying but they are unlikely to be due to anything serious. Think of them as small prices to pay to stay in shape and avoid overheating. Always keep water handy to keep hydrated.

You can check out these links for more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasodilation

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/heart-and-cardiovascular/why-do-my-hands-swell-up-when-i-walk

http://www.livestrong.com/article/211317-why-do-my-fingers-swell-when-i-run/

While Out - Watch Your Step

I promised you an update on the walk and jog.......unfortunately this is not an update, but more of an alert!

Here goes:

Well, the last few days we have been doing our normal 3 mile walk late in the evening; It is a lot cooler and not as humid. However, the air quality has been so thick, we have not started our walk for 1 min., then jog for 1 min.  -  We are strictly doing a fast pace walk.  Don't want to collapse on the sidewalk (just kidding).  

Anyway, there is a section of the sidewalk we have no choice but to jog through because the grass is so high and hangs over the sidewalk with other weeds and vines that it makes your legs itchy.  And, since I found a copperhead snake in our backyard about a week ago - well, my fear of stepping on a snake in tall grass has peaked.

Actual Copperhead Snake Found In Our Backyard

I must admit, I never truly had a fear of snakes - because we were taught if you see one and you are able to slowly turn and walk away......do it!   "Many have said, the best snake is a dead snake!"  I say, "Any snake is a mistake, so steer clear of them all!"


Well, back to the copperhead Snake - just a little information to share after doing a little research on them.

Because they are common in forested habitats and are well-camouflaged, copperheads are responsible for the majority of the snakebites in the Southeast each year. Luckily, copperhead venom is not very potent and deaths from copperhead bites are exceedingly rare....but do occur. Most snake bites occur when someone tries to kill or harass a snake, so the best way to avoid a bite is to leave any snake you find alone.

FYI - Copperheads can be found during the day or night, but forage out primarily after dark during the hotter parts of the season. Also, since they mate in the spring, this is the time males move long distances in search of females. So,  if you do go walking or hiking in tall grassy areas or off trail, it may be wise to bring a walking stick as your guide.  If something is lurking in the bush, your walking stick may take the strike before you do.

Strangely enough as I am in the works of writing this article - my neighbor explains to me how a friend of hers - knows a woman whose daughter was bit by a copperhead about 2 weeks ago while getting into her car.  It seems she was visiting a friend and when she decided to leave, she was getting her keys to unlock the door and the snake was under her car.  Unknown to her, when her foot was in range the copperhead lashed out and bit her on the foot.  She was taken to the hospital, and has survived.  Unfortunately, she did have a toe removed and is going through therapy.

Working in my garden will never be the same now!  But, I won't let this stop me - I will just be more aware of my surroundings and when the garden is overgrown - I will take my rake and move it around to see if it is safe to step into.

Dr. Kirk Kimmberling

If you live in Georgia and are in the Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Dallas, etc area - May I suggest a dentistry practice for you and your family.

His name is: Dr. Kirk Kimmberling and he truly is a dentist who enjoys his job.  His optimal goal is to make sure you have a clean, healthy mouth and smile.  His staff is unlike any staff I have had the pleasure to come across.  Everyone is personal, yet professional and at the same time caring. Dr. Kimmberling understands that a clean healthy mouth, also contributes to a healthy heart.

If you are looking for a good family dentist, please check out: Verde Pointe Dental Associates

Did you know oral bacteria can enter the blood stream and attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries contributing to clot formation - interested in learning more - check out this link: A HEALTHY MOUTH - COULD LEAD TO A HEALTHY HEART.

Stepping Up To Your Elliptical

Good Morning!

So, now that we are back in the swing of things, it is time to get back on the workout trail. Prior to vacation I had decided to try something new on my elliptical and found it works well for me.......and hopefully, it will also work for you.

•  Start morning 1 hour and 45 mins earlier than normal to fit in some workout time to get the juices flowing
•  Get on elliptical and gradually start with a slow pace for about 3 mins. for warm up
• After 3 mins, I put my arms up in the air like I am rock climbing and alternate them up and down to the count of 60
• Then place arms down at side and swing them side to the count of 60 
• Then run to the count of 60 
• Then do a slow pace walk to the count of 60  to check pulse & heart rate
• Start over again until you have reached at least 10 mins.
• Always ending with a slow pace to the count of 60 for your cool down

Afterwards I will either do one of the following workouts -

•  Mondays I will follow up with P90X's Arms & Shoulder workout, but  in order to get through my workout on time, I skip through all the talking, so I will still have time to shower and relax before leaving for work.  
• Tuesdays, I do the P90X leg workout after elliptical workout 
• Wednesdays after elliptical I just do Hip-Hop Abs by ShawnT - 
• Start all over again on Thursday (Monday's routine), Friday (Tuesday's routine) and Saturday (Wednesday's routine).
• On Sunday's, my neighbor Jo and I go early in the morning and do a 5 mile walk in the most beautiful area. Filled with sunny and shady patches, going up and down hills and most of all some really pretty scenery.  It truly makes a difference in your walk when you have nice scenery to enjoy.   

My husband and I try to go walking in the evenings for at least 1 hour - Our subdivision is extremely hilly, so we walk the perimeter of the entire subdivision, down past the YMCA until the sidewalk ends and then back track - total walk is 3 miles and takes up to 1 hour. We have found going after 7:30pm usually works best because it is not so hot and humid out.

"An Experiment In The Works"

So, this week we are going to try something new on our evening walks
While on vacation we went to visit my talented niece Holly, please check out her website Deals and Dishes - It's WOW - Worth Reading Anyway, she was sharing something about walking and working your way up to jogging.

What your supposed to do on your walk, is do a 1 minute warm up slow pace walk, and then jog for 1 minute. You keep alternating walk 1 min.,  jog in 1 min. - Keep switching up intervals during your entire walk.  Once you've been doing this for a month straight, you should be able to jog your entire walking route.  Sounds like a plan, so my husband and I are going to try it and see how it goes.  

My husband used to be a jogger, but then had to have knee surgery a few years back.  He is willing to give this a try so he can get back into his old jogging routine.

Fairy Homes

FAIRY HOMES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES

Beginning spring, I decided to start making little Fairy Houses for relatives, friends and others who liked my work & inspiration  

Here are a few photographs of the houses.

(I am still learning to focus better on my camera - lol)

Brooklyn's Fairy Home made with her favorite colors and flowers

Katie's Fairy House - Made with her favorite colors

Sue's Louisiana Magnolia Plantation Fairy Home

Mr Toads Quarters - 

My Garden Fairies Get Away Home

My goal is to make them according to the child or adults personality, favorite color(s) and incorporate their favorite flower.  These are the 1st of a few I have made, and will be continuing to do so as long as the orders come in.  

If you are interested in placing an order for a gift for a special someone, please contact me via email:

 laurieuzee.realestate@gmail.com  or  thewomanyou@gmail.com

Pricing is according to structure of house and accessories requested.

Have 2 more in the works right now and will post photos once complete.

One is going to be a Bayou Fairy Home - Since we are from Louisiana

and the next one is for my Sophia for her bedroom.

IGoing to try something different this time, by adding a special touch, so when the lights go out

the glow of the fairy lights come on.

Want to try my hand at actually making little fairy people......but this is another project underway.

"Closing Thoughts"

I hope everyone out there has been well and taking every opportunity they have to take sometime for self.

Remember, there is nothing more relaxing like taking a walk at the end of the day, or spending at least 30 mins. in total quiet.

May you all have a blessed day!

As the sunset presents itself to you and yours today

May you put to rest any stress that may have come your way

May you remember you have more than most out there

And may you remember them and offer up a prayer

That one day, we will all be one 

No matter of status or what we own

Just love for each other 

Photo & Poem 

by

Lou

LONG Hiatus

So, it's been quite a while since posting anything to my blog. 

Well, after loosing our co-worker back in February, and just a mess of other things going on in general, we decided to take a mental hiatus and then a nice long relaxing vacation.

What can I say,  nothing more relaxing than being one with nature 

and the outdoors!  

Truly believe it is a must for each and everyone of us 

to spend more time out in nature. 

To experience the best gifts the Creator has given us.

When my family and I are out taking a walk in nature, we like collecting the little treasures that lay before us.

 And, I enjoy making something with them.

Necklace made by Lou 

Earrings made by Lou

My next shell project will be a wind-chime with all the mix match pieces of shell & other beach findings.

Technology

I know this is out of my realm, but way to interesting not to share.

Hope you enjoy this video. EAA - Flying Car

The prototype has been taken on its test run. And the Maverick is now in production at EAA Oshkosh and is expected to be out on the commercial market in 2011. As more and more are made, the production costs will diminish. The Maverick will be inexpensive and utilitarian. Hopefully it will soon be available for the humanitarian missions for which it was conceived.

Abs & Calves

First you must select a chair you can sit in comfortably, and where your feet touch the ground.

(Abs Workout)

1. Sit up straight in chair with your feet firmly on the ground.
2. Roll your shoulders forward and tuck your hips under.
3. Tighten your core muscles while exhaling.

• From this point forward you will do a rocking formation.
• I do this while driving.....to my favorite tune or while sitting in my chair at work.
• Roll your shoulders forward, while tucking hips under
• Continue to do so in a rocking motion while tightening your core muscles and exhaling

Do this for several minutes or whenever you find yourself sitting in traffic, at a traffic light or while sitting in a chair and waiting.

I took this method from my workout with Hip Hop Abs.  ShaunT tells us to Tilt - Tuck - Tighten.  So, this is the basic formation to follow but doing so while sitting in your chair or automobile......you can even do it while sitting on the sofa.

Not only will it help to tighten and tone your abs, but it will also help to improve your posture because you are strengthening your core.


(Calves Workout)

1. Sit up straight in chair with your feet firmly on the ground.
2. Place your toes firmly on the ground with heels up (see image below)
3. 

• Slowly raise to your tip-toes, hold to the count of 10, then lower your feet flat on the ground.
• Do this at least ten times
• Now, using the same method above, slightly turn your feet inward 
• Repeat the same motions above
• Slowly raise to your tip-toes, hold to the count of 10, then lower your feet flat on the ground.
• Do this at least ten times
• Now, turn your feet outward 
• Slowly raise to your tip-toes, hold to the count of 10, then lower your feet flat on the ground.
• Do this at least ten times

This can be done while sitting in your chair at work, in the lunch room or even while your in the restroom.

Black Dog

Sitting in Chair

Well, it is a fact that most of us spend an enormous amount of time sitting in front of the computer.


Through out your day when you find yourself sitting for long periods of time, take the time to stretch.  You'll be glad you did.

1. Let us start with our feet flat on the floor
2. Sit up perfectly straight with your head facing forward
3. Take 3 deep breaths - Breath in through your nostrils, hold and then release through your mouth - remembering to hold in your abdominal muscles.
4. Now, lift both arms overhead placing the palms of your hands together in prayer position - stretching from your lower back all the way through your finger tips.
5. Once you feel the stretch is complete, slowly lower arms keeping hands in prayer position.
6. Now, from the waist, turn to the right grasping back of chair with hands. Feel the stretch, you might ever hear your spine adjust when doing so.  Remember to move slowly, so you do not injure yourself. Hold for at least 10 secs. Return to center, slowly turn to left grasping back of chair with hands to stretch your left side. Remember to move slowly, so you do not injure yourself. Hold for at least 10 secs. Return to center.
7. Repeat step 3 - Take 3 deep breaths - Breath in through your nostrils, hold and then release through your mouth - remembering to hold in your abdominal muscles.
8. Now, look forward and bend your neck backwards to stretch out your throat muscles.  Hold for 10 secs returning slowing to forward position.
9. Slowly turn your head to the right, hold and then return to center
10. Slowly turn your head to the left, hold and then return to center
11. Look forward once again stretching neck backwards to stretch out your throat muscles, return to center
12. Now, lower chin to chest and hold for another 10 secs.
13. Return to center
14. Repeat step 3 - Take 3 deep breaths - Breath in through your nostrils, hold and then release through your mouth - remembering to hold in your abdominal muscles.
15. Finally, reach your arms all the way back to feel the stretch (if you are able to clasp hands together, this will provide more of a stretch), slowly bringing them forward, clasping fingers together, to feel the stretch all throughout your back.
16. Return to straight sitting position.

Repeat this exercise throughout the day - It will help release tension and stress. 

You can also do a quick abdominal workout and calf workout while sitting in your chair - We will discuss in future post. Have a blessed and relaxed day!

Celtic Woman - Walking In The Air

The Naked Diet Plan

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Dynamic Food Duos

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It is with great sadness I post this news feed - I just received a call the our dear sweet friend Debbie is no longer with us - Please pray for her family

Update Of Debbie

New update on Debbie.  

At some point yesterday evening, they moved her to ICU - seems she was having trouble breathing.  


A scan was done last night revealing a mass pressing on her bronchial airway.  The doctor has confirmed this is the tumor in her lung.  Seems the surgery she had last week rearranged the lung tissue in a way to cause this.  The doctors have placed a tube down her throat to help her breathe.  She remains in ICU and she is heavily sedated, we were advised she will be unaware of any visitors at this time. So, it is best to wait until further notice.


Please continue to pray for her and her family at this time.  


She is also waiting to go to chemo - they hope it will shrink the tumor.  That should happen this afternoon or evening.  I will keep all posted and ask in return your prayers for strength and healing. Not only for Debbie, but for her husband and children......they are having a hard time which is expected.

Prayer Request

Back in June I wrote an article on : "New Drugs for Hard-to-Treat Breast Cancer" One of our co-workers has been fighting against Breast Cancer since 2006.  Even though the doctors did not give her long, she has defied the odds and is still with us today.  Originally diagnosed with Breast Cancer alone, it eventually spread to her lung and brain.  They were able to remove the spot from her lung and with radiation and chemo treatments, cleared all signs of cancer from the brain as well.  As time passed and she went for future checkups, all was well.  Unfortunately one visit, the outcome was not so good, it appeared to be in her brain once again and she was put on a list for a new drug, and was fortunate enough to be selected back in June of 2010.  She was doing well, had some good and bad days, but through it all she has been a pillar of strength an positive attitude for everyone who came to know her.  A true inspiration! May I also add, that from the beginning of her fight she has continued to work and has only been concerned about everyone but  herself.  I miss hearing two of her favorite sayings, "Hello, this is Peggy!" and "I'm not smarter than the average bear!"  And Fridays are and will always be her favorite day!  

Well, about 2 1/2  weeks ago she was admitted to the hospital for complications. It appeared she was collecting a lot of fluid on her lungs. The hospital inserted a tube to drain the fluid, and were able to drain 4 1/2 liters of fluid off of her lungs.

I was able to visit with her, and sat with her for a few hours.....just to watch her and make sure she was well. It amazes me how a hospital can actually hold a person responsible for responses and, expect them to remember things when they are hooked up to morphine to help with pain.

She has had many of her co-workers, family, bosses and even the Tax Commissioner went to visit with her.  She is truly loved by all who know and respect her courage.

Today we received word she was in good spirits and looking much better.  We were told the doctors were trying to wean her from oxygen so she could go home. Their hopes were either yesterday afternoon or today.  Unfortunately, during the night her bronchial tube closed and she could not breathe so she has been transferred to ICU and placed on a ventilator to assist her breathing.

Whether you know her or not, please show your compassion of prayer for her and her family. She is a true pillow of strength for many and I ask that we all join in prayer for Debbie Billings and ask that our strength and courage to be delivered to her and her family at this time. 


With prayer, all things are possible.................Please donate a moment of prayer today!

Your Morning Meal - Healthy Habit

Should You Eat Breakfast, Even When You're Not Hungry?

By EatingWell on Jan 13, 2011 07:00 PM in Healthy Eating

By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., EatingWell.com

Eating a morning meal is a healthy habit. Research shows that regular breakfast eaters tend to be leaner and dieters are more successful at losing weight—and keeping it off—when they eat breakfast. What’s more, people who typically eat breakfast also get more fiber, calcium, vitamins A and C, riboflavin, zinc and iron—and less fat and dietary cholesterol. Perhaps it’s because they often eat cereal, which is fortified with vitamins and minerals, and fruit, which is naturally nutrient-rich.
Breakfast is good for your heart, too, according to new research in the October 2010 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study found that people who skipped breakfast throughout childhood and as adults had higher "bad" LDL and total cholesterol than lifelong breakfast eaters. (They also carried more weight in their midsection.) Why skipping breakfast is linked with higher cholesterol isn’t clear, but the findings support previous research, says study author Kylie Smith, M.S., of the University of Tasmania, Australia. Plus, she notes, eating breakfast has also been shown to improve concentration and mood.
Not hungry when you first get up? Don’t worry. Eating breakfast doesn’t have to be the first thing you do each day. Just make sure that when you do eat, your meal is something that will sustain you for a few hours—it should include some fiber and protein.

Your thoughts....
What time do you first eat in the morning?

More from EatingWell.com:

• Chicken Dinners for 350 Calories or Less
• 28-Day Diet and Weight Loss Meal Plans
• Breakfasts that Fight Fat

Tags: breakfast, weight loss, cholesterol, heart health

Worth Reading = Worth Trying

Celebrate Healthy Weight Week 

By Mary_RD on Jan 13, 2011 10:00 AM in Dieting & You       

The Challenge

To celebrate Healthy Weight Week, Frances Berg has issued a personal challenge that includes ten healthy living habits.  The challenge calls participants to choose two or three activities from the list to carry through the week, at a comfortable level.  The aim is to continue the initial activities and gradually adding others as the year goes on.  The list in its entirety is below:

1. Stop dieting. Stop making weight loss goals and “waiting to be thin.” Stop weight-obsessive thoughts. Instead, be your own best self, starting right now. Decide it’s time to get on with living your life to the fullest.
      
2. Be active in your own way every day. Focus on the pleasure of movement and its health and energy benefits, not only on calories burned. Don’t overdo it, or it won’t become a habit. (If you’re not regularly active now, start with 5 minutes a day for the first month, then gradually increase time.) For most adults, an appropriate level is about 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week. Avoid long periods of inactivity.
      
3. Identify and build on your own special talents, traits and interests. Use self-talk and affirmations to enhance personal acceptance, respect, self-esteem and positive body image. Feel good about yourself.
      
4. Feel good about others. Expect and extend respect, tolerance and acceptance.
      
5. Promote good relationships and communication with family, friends and acquaintances. Spend time enjoying social activities.
      
6. Rediscover normal eating – eat at regular times, typically three meals and snacks to satisfy hunger. Tune in to your body’s internal signals of hunger and fullness – eat when you’re hungry and stop when full and satisfied. Enjoy your food. Notice how much better you feel!
      
7. Eat well. Include all five food groups every day: bread and grains, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy, meat and alternates. Choose balance, variety and moderation. All foods can fit.
      
8. Relax and relieve stress in your life. Take time for a daily 10-15 minute relaxation session. Or just empty your mind and let your body go limp for 30-second relaxation breaks occasionally throughout the day. Stress can lead to high blood pressure, chest pain, back pain, indigestion, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, confusion, mood swings, irritability and anger. Listen to your body. Be flexible, relax and go with the flow.
      
9. Respect and appreciate size diversity. Reassure yourself and others that beauty, health, and strength come in all sizes. Promote healthy living at every size. Recognize that size prejudice hurts us all.
      
10. You may choose to make a personal contract and give yourself a reward at the end of each week. If you’ve set your challenges too high, you’ll know it: cut back before they become burdensome. Make healthy living changes gradually, one baby step at a time, small changes you can live with for the long term.

Calorie Count’s Challenge   

For one day, try to eat intuitively, guided by your feelings of hunger and fullness.  Write down what you eat but log it at the end of the day to see how close or far away you are from your calorie and nutrient requirements.  BTW, this is the best way to transition into maintenance.  Happy Healthy Weight Week!

Hip Hop?

No, I do not receive a commission for posting this, I post this because it works and it is FUN!!

No matter what your fitness level, I believe you can do this.  I know it is possible to even do the moves sitting in a chair or while driving your car - TILT - TUCK - TIGHTEN - while breathing in and out.

Seriously, if you make yourself aware of your posture throughout the day and remember those three (3) words, TILT - TUCK - TIGHTEN - you can sit in your office chair at work....take a moment when you go to the restroom, even on your break or where have you  have the free time to do them,  even when I am driving my car, I find myself doing the - TILT - TUCK - TIGHTEN .

If you know someone who has the video, or wish to rent it before buying you will see what I mean.  Because of the method he uses, your not on the ground, so while your sitting in your office chair or driving your car, TILT - TUCK - TIGHTEN - just a few moderate moves, but of course you cannot do the cardio part of the video while driving or sitting...but, most of the exercise moves really can be done from a chair if you are not in a position to stand or move around.

Here is another tip, when you are in a room and have a moment, do push ups off the wall. Your not getting down on the ground and placing your hands on the floor, but you are getting the same benefits doing them off the wall.  Try walking on your tip toes during the day for a mini calf workout.  And a few lunges or squats while your standing in your kitchen won't hurt either.  If need be, hold on to the counter and squat or lunge for support.

Simple workout moves to do on the move when taking the time to take care of job and family. And, if the weather is nice outside - Go get some fresh air....take a walk and you may even ask a friend to join you.

Body Type

Knowing Your Body Type

When trying to achieve your perfect frame, it is important to know yourself inside & out.

Before starting a exercise or diet, you also need to know your body’s structure….its type.

There are three (3) body types: Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph. Though no one is truly a pure type, we are more of one than another.  You always want to look at what type you are predominantly.  In doing so, it will help with setting workout goals and how to design a personal program for your body type.

Body Type One ~ Ectomorph:

    

She is naturally low in body fat, thin and lean with a fast metabolism – Perfect Run Way Model Frame.  Her body is shaped by vertical lines Ecto’s have problems gaining weight and putting on muscle.

Strength - Ecto’s should make weight training part of their program.  It will help them to focus on the weak areas.  Using a eight (8) to twelve (12) rep range – working three (3) sets per exercise while resting 1 -2 mins between sets.

Cardio - is perfect for this body type

Stretching - Yoga is perfect – I like AM Yoga with Rodney Yea by GAIAM

Eating - your lucky enough to have a high metabolism however, it is important to consume enough healthy calories (using Calorie Counter will help) or, eating small healthy snacks between meals is also good.

Diet Club - Update

Well, to date we have 22 members and out of these 22 members we have 16 that are truly participating.  My guess is anytime your weight and measurements are requested, some people are not willing to share.  Please realize it is not easy for anyone to truly admit their true weight, or exact measurements.  But, how can we help celebrate your achievements without knowing where you truly started?


Our goal in putting this club together, is to help each other celebrate who we are, and who we want to become. Being the shoulder you need to lean on for that extra boost.


No one is perfect and we will all have set backs.  The point to remember is we must dust ourselves off and get back on track.  True failure is giving up on yourself - because no matter what, your friends will always be there to help you through your darkest hours, while explaining to you ways to overcome temptations.  We will even poke fun at you to make you realize.....if you cannot laugh at yourself....then let us do it for you.


All kidding aside, Women are a unique breed - we are nurturing by nature.  It is a part of who we are - to help - to console - to encourage - to just be there!  This club is here for all the women who want to take back their life by losing the weight and gaining the energy and confidence they once had or always wanted.  Let's face it, it is not until you have little ones ...... yes, and big ones, that we truly realize why our parents never seemed to have much energy.  We drained it out of them!


My philosophy is if we live like we did when we were children well then we can become the person we once were physically....but, better looking.  Let me explain - If we allow our childlike spirits to come out to some extent, ie, laughing, dancing, running, playing, just getting OUTSIDE - even bike riding.  Just being more active physically like we were when we were children, then our energy levels would sky rocket.  We might even regain our imaginations once more.


Sure, some of us may have health issues, but if we sit back and allow our aliments to become who we are, then we will never know what we could achieve.


I work with a woman who has Breast Cancer - She has gone through radiation - Chemo and presently is taking a experimental drug to help her beat this life changing illness.  However, she has not stopped working through any of this and she is always an inspiration to others.  She is very up beat!


I guess what I am trying to say is, if you allow something to beat you and take control of you, IT WILL - But if you put on the gloves and decide your going to fight and see it through, ultimately we become the WINNER.  Did Stevie Wonder give up because he could not see? What about the athletes who may be missing a limb, but go on to break world records?  What about Helen Keller?  They conquered and achieved!


Ultimately, it is up to us, no one but you & me.  Sure, there are many wonder drugs out there promising quick weight loss.  Hell, there is even surgery for the quick fix shape shifters out there.  But, to truly put on the gloves, work at it and decide, I am going to do this and it may be one step at at time, but I AM, GOING TO DO THIS - You will feel not only more confident in yourself,  but others will feel and see that confidence. You will be able to inspire others to do what they secretly want to.  There is no greater feeling then working hard to achieve something..... succeeding, and then sharing it with others.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!!  If you cannot support yourself - How can you support others?


Try these other sites to help get you motivated.
Calorie Counter
Walking Challenge
Special K Challenge
Family Circle Walk

Count Them - It Makes a Difference

Hello friends, here is a site worth logging on to and signing up for - it's the perfect way to stay on top of your caloric intake as well as other nutrients. I must admit, I really was not sure of this, but ...... WOW - it tells you lots of things. CALORIE COUNTER


You sign up and start logging your Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack & Other (example: wine)
You have a Food Log - Activity Log - Weight Log & Analysis


The Analysis gives you Net Calories - Calorie Output & Calorie Intake
On the Analysis you get Calories - Energy Nutrients - Other Nutrients - Vitamins/Minerals & Summary

Taking Baby Steps to Improve Your Diet

Baby Steps to a Healthy Diet

Taking Baby Steps to Improve Your Diet

It is true, stopping a high calorie diet and jumping right into a healthy diet isn’t easy.  If you are not ready to make a drastic change over night, it is acceptable. Just take Baby Steps in changing your diet, and over time your baby steps will become big steps and remain a part of your new healthier lifestyle.

Suggestions you may consider:

On the weekend, make a healthy batch of cup cake bran muffins and boil a carton of eggs.  Before leaving for work in the morning, grab an egg and muffin.

Breakfast is ready and you are on the go.

If you work out of your home and find yourself going out for lunch everyday, try  making a healthy lunch and bringing it to work.  This may even allow you time for a 20 minute walk before you eat, adding an extra bonus to saving you time and money J

Suggestions:

Choose a Low Sodium Soup and a Healthy Sandwich – More Veggies than Meats.

Did you know, avocado can be used as a meat replacement on your sandwich? 

Fact:

Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

And, if you use your mash your Avocado into guacamole, you can use this as a sandwich spread instead of mayo. Mustard is also the better choice over mayo any day.

Do not forget to add a piece of fruit. 

If you have vending machine in your office, choose the mixed nuts over the other unhealthy snacks, or make suggestions to your HR representative to see if they can get the vendor to provide healthier snacks.

Eat low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream.  Here’s a tip, upon arriving to work place your yogurt in the freezer…viola a healthier alternative to ice cream J

Snack on raw veggies or nuts during the day if you feel hungry or end up working past your normal lunch hour.  (Raw carrots, celery, cut up bell-peppers assorted in color)

If you choose nuts, no more than what will fit in the palm of your hand….not the whole hand.

Opt to drink healthier beverages – Water – 100% fruit or veggie juice, perhaps even low-fat milk if desired.

Never grocery shop on an empty stomach…..ever heard the expression “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach!” Well, an empty stomach will make things you normally wouldn’t reach for look more desirable to your tummy.

Adding fish (The oilier the fish, the higher in omega 3) at least twice a week to your diet. However, flax seed oil is another alternative.  You can also take supplements if you are not a fish lover.  If you choose to take the supplements, put them in the frig and they will not make you repeat them throughout the day.  I got this tip from Dr. Oz

When your only option is to eat at a fast food restaurant choose the grilled chicken and side salad or fruit if offered.

And, did you know baked chips are better than fried chips – ever try baking thinly sliced sweet potatoes and baking them in the oven…yummy – If it’s the crunch you are seeking, eat some fresh veggies instead.

R ealistic

E fforts           

S tarting

O ne day at a time

L iving right

U niting with others

T eaming up

I  nspiration

O bserving

N utrition & Healthy Living