She Who Diets

I finished reading Half Assed at 5:23 am

2011-06-02T05:31:00.001-04:00

My review will be an audio one, because it just has to be. It will also be at a new blog with a new name. No more dieting folks, I'm going for a lifestyle change.

And I am going to post progress photos too.

Thanks Jennette!

no up no down

2011-05-26T12:48:00.000-04:00

I went to Modells and bought an interesting piece of exercise equipment.

Actually I am getting a lot of exercise just clearing space to set up my mystery machine.

Okay, I need some inspiration time to blog hop.

Til later.

All joking aside...

2011-05-22T10:21:00.001-04:00

yesterday's non-event - Rapture 11 - did give me great pause for thought. At first like most of the world, and all of my friends, I was laughing and making what I thought were most excellent jokes about it.

While I was joking, that 'little light inside my head' went on. My sometimes way too vivid imagination thinks of it as a cranial office where a tiny version of myself watches the big version of myself. Occasionally tiny me begins to write things on her blackboard that might motivate me. It's hard for tiny me, because I always have a lot going on.

Last night tiny me wrote 'Less TV' on her board. Not just chalk either, she used glow in the dark paint.

She's right. I spend a lot of time just watching random 'stuff.'

I got do a lot if I turned the set off most nights. The DVR could tape my absolute favorites, and I could plan and look forward to a once a week marathon.

Yesterday while I was making with the witty remarks, I realized that there are too many unfinished projects in my life.

My lose weight gain health project is sitting in the 'not taken seriously' basket.

And with that I bid you farewell.

I'll be back soon.

Memories of Dieting from Long Ago

2011-05-18T21:45:00.001-04:00

In my mid-late teens I lost just over a hundred pounds in a fairly short amount of time. The memory of sliding into a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt size 12 jeans is a sweet one my dears. Just a month before I had been a 16, two months before that a 22. That day I bought an entire new wardrobe.

My success was due to a combination of double doses of Dexatrim (the late 70's variety) and days of zero carbs at a time. Effective but not healthy.

I never achieved my secret goal, which was to lose enough weight to wear shorts and a tank top. And yes I know women much larger than a 12 wear them, but I wanted to really 'rock' them. This morning while waiting to order an OJ, a young woman sashayed into the place 'rockin' a pair of white shorts. Perfectly toned legs. Shapely ankles.

At moments from fifty I have let the shorts dream go. My current dream goal? To be under 200 pounds even if by just a single pound.

Back on Track Monday 05.16.11

2011-05-16T21:50:00.001-04:00

Even though it was a b@!ch of a Monday I managed to eat all the right stuff.

Okay, everybody repeat after me: "Every day I make better and better food choices. As I lose weight I gain health & self-confidence. I always was and always will be beautiful."

Some people laugh at affirmations,but I know they work.

I always begin a compliment to a person who has lost weight "You know you always looked good..."

Back in my teens I lost a tad over a hundred pounds, and was the recipient of more backhanded compliments than I care to mention.

Till next time.
Be well.

Back on Track Tuesday

2011-05-10T23:36:00.001-04:00

I know that should be Monday, but you know how it goes sometimes...

Food Emporium has a super sale on Lean Cuisine this week, so I stocked up. Those tasty little less than 300 calorie treats often stop me from ordering thousands of calories in take out.

It was a perfect night for a walk, and I guesstimate mine was 2 miles in total. The legs are slimming more quickly than my stubborn waist.

And how are all of you?

Just Chillin' with a Diet Coke

2011-05-07T17:09:00.001-04:00

There's nothing like a rush of cold caffeine.

My new tan pants fit perfectly. I'm a better size 24 now. A few weeks back I was moments away from a 26. Just need a little more work to be the best size 24. Best by the way is defined as most 24 pants would fit perfectly, and some would even be loose.

Tomorrow is the last day of 40% off at Lane Bryant, so I'm hauling a$$ there to be pick a couple more pair of these pants. One pair will be a 22 for inspiration.

I was delighted to find a couple of comments in my inbox. When I get home to my laptop tonight I'm going blogroll hopping. There are some amazin' shes who are dieting out there. Speaking of blogrolls I need to start one for this site. I also need a sort of my story page.

You may notice that I am not rushing to lose a lot of weight very quickly. Why? One because at my age I am concerned about that deflated balloon look that a lot of older crashers end up with. Secondly and most importantly I want to permanantly change my eating habits.

Okay, time to choose something for late lunch.

Have a fab Saturday night.

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Back on Track Monday....

2011-05-03T18:33:00.001-04:00

Definitely ate more than I should have last week. No noticeable weight gain, but no loss either.

Today I had a shake for breakfast, and a bunless turkey burger with mashed on the side. The waitress put some thin slices of purple onion and ripe tomato on top of the burger, so every bite I cut myself had some on top.

Have to find some tummy exercises that won't stress my lower back. Lower part of abdomen is a real problem area. Just a few inches off my waist would mean a huge difference in jean size.

Yesterday I got two pair of pants at Lane Bryant. Neat green canvas capris with deep pockets, and a pair of dressy slacks in tan. They looked pretty okay, but a week of lower carbs might make them look even better.

If luck is with me I will be able to wear one of my inspiration outfits on Mothers Day. It's capris with a long top and cute little jacket. When purchased it was about a half size too small for me. Actually a lot of women consider that a fit! I got it on Valentines Day, so maybe this Sunday I'll be able to wear it - comfortably.

I'm going to do some extra walking between now and Saturday.

And how are all of you doing?

Company helps on this journey

2011-04-30T16:23:00.001-04:00

It helps so much when I find comments cheering my little victories. Thank you Hale, Carrie and the lovely blonde woman whose name is escaping my grey cells. She's right there in followers, which I can not see because this is being posted from a mobile phone.

The other night I got on Google and began looking for fellow travelers. My searches turned up a few really awesome women who want less weight more health. I haven't commented/emailed yet. I'm going to pop the top on a cold Diet Coke and do that late tonight. I lost weight alone when I was a teenager, but then I was young and it simply melted off in no time, at 50 it don't melt. No I take that back, you can force it to melt off, but you end up looking like a deflated balloon. Wish me luck.

Regarding Being a Chick With Game

2011-04-27T13:42:00.001-04:00

But I didn't even though I really really really wanted to - loudly.

When I got to Starbucks I managed to get table and chair to myself. Next to me were two young women in their early twenties. One was a drop dead gorgeous brunette, and the other a nice looking size sixteen. I know her clothing size because every other sentence out of her mouth was about being size sixteen.

Oh and could we establish right now that I would LOVE to be a size sixteen again.

Size 16 had a very business-like voice that carried no matter how softly she tried to speak. I have a similar voice actually, and it can be problematic.

Drop Dead Gorgeous was obviously some sort of life coach who was helping her set goals. And one the goals was weight loss. As she carried on and on about the horrors of size sixteendom I noticed she kept casting guilty glances my way. I'm a very obvious 24, so she should have felt guilty about whining. According to her the extra weight was responsible for her no husband no boyfriend no confidence drinking wine alone life.

Drop dead Gorgeous recommended all the usual: keep a journal, go to gym and lots of support phone calls.

It took me back to another conversation years before. I had a friend who kept telling me her whole life would be changed if she could only lose 15 pounds.

I remember looking across at her, and asked her what she thought of my 250plus pound life.

And she said: "You've got game Frances, and that makes any woman sexy as hell. I have no game so I have to lose the weight."

Wild, huh?

Miss 16 I hope you lose some weight, but most importantly I hope you gain some game."

Be well.

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Regarding Check Ins

2011-04-22T16:38:00.001-04:00

At first I thought I wouldn't 'check in' because I felt every post should be filled with amazing insights etc. etc..
But then I decided it's okay just pop in with a line or two.
I also thought readers might think me a big dweeb for considering being able to zip up some jeans a triumph.
But that's what it's all about isn't it?
Every pound off.
Every inch less round the waist and thighs.
Those are natural highs baby.

I am going to work on some posts about the bigotry that the overweight face daily.
And I need to write more about crash dieing as a teen.

There I go rambling on and on.

Blog Long & Prosper

Just Checking In 04.17.11

2011-04-22T16:26:00.000-04:00

Dinner was three fresh uncooked cobs of corn with a side of sweet & sour red cabbage and huge navel oranges for dessert.

Those vitamins are galloping through my system already healing as they go.

I also walked across the park twice this afternoon.

Now I just have to keep it up.

I have a one size smaller spring/summer outfit hanging where I can see it every time I open the closet door.

Hey, I just might tap dance across the park when I can get into it.

Til next time.

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Just Checking In...April 22nd 2011

2011-04-22T16:25:00.001-04:00

Spent most of yesterday afternoon walking all over Central Park.

Yesterday's triumph: Getting into and being able to comfortably wear a pair of slacks that haven't fit in over a year.

Hey, I have at least 20 pair of new and practically new jeans packed away - if I keep losing I won't have to buy anything for years!

The process is slow but encouraging.

For every inch lost I gain a bit more confidence.

Yay can do attitude.

Food is mostly veggies, rice, taters and some lean meat.

Hope you day has at least one amazingly positive experience.

Just Checking In...04.19.11

2011-04-19T17:17:00.001-04:00

Managed to get myself into the size 1X sweats without the elastic waist cutting off my blood supply. And if you thought elastic waists could never not fit, please think again.

But just because I'm in them doesn't mean I like how they look. There is much work to be done. I walked a mile after lunch, and intend to walk a couple more after hanging out for a while here at this cafe.

It's good to be walking again I tell you. If I hadn't spent the last few years mostly sitting all day I would be at least 40 pounds lighter. A friend told me recently that they know I could walk 40 off in a month. Hmmmmm...I know I could do 20 easy if I push.

The reason for getting the sweats out is to inspire me to walk twice round the reservoir every morning. You know like slipping on your dancing shoes.

Golly that's something I always wanted to do - take a few ballroom dancing lessons.

Actually the thing I want to do more is learn to ride a bike. Anyone whose read my various blogs will tell you I bring this one up about once a year.

Those same people also know I am a big fan of Dr. Wayne Dyer. And Wayne says you have to talk about things before doing them.

So here I am blogging - a form of talking for me - about losing more weight, riding a bike and maybe taking a spin around the dance floor.

Blog Long & Prosper My Friends

After the Fast...

2011-04-12T20:43:00.001-04:00

The Navaratri fast ended Monday morning. Nine days of aloo jeera (spicy potato dish), fruit and nuts. You are allowed milk and cheese, but with my dairy issues I only had a bit of cheese here and there for protein. I drank water, fruit juice and chai. No Diet Coke for nine days.

I know I lost a couple pounds because my clothes are a bit looser. Still haven't picked up a scale. Note to myself: Go to Bed Bath & Beyond Saturday night.

Last night I watched Mike & Molly. Mike was speaking to his OA group - something he does quite well.

I tried a couple OA meetings years back, but unfortunately Mike and Molly were not in attendance. I went with a bulemic acquaintance who thought I was far too happy for an overweight person. She thought I should be much more upset about my situation.

Okaaaaaaay...

She was upset because she weighed 174 pounds. Oh babeee I would rule the Universe at that weight. Bulemics as we know eat mass quantities and then lose (vomit) it. When they don't lose they gain.

Two friends from my teen years died from the after affects of anorexia.

One went from 270 or so down to about 70, the other was only about 135, when she decided as she needed to diet for summer. By June she was so thin she had to wear a winter coat and boots because she was freezing cold all the time.

Could I ever see myself doing this?

No I simply enjoy food too much.

These days I won't even consider Herbal Dexatrim to help. Lesson learned is that the only way to lise weight is to eat less and exercise more. Of course there are some physical problems that can slow or halt weight loss, but in general eat less exercise more is the way to go.

So I'm eating 'regular' foods with what I hope is better judgement.

Thanks for listening.
Ciao for now.

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Just checking in...

2011-04-06T22:27:00.001-04:00

Third day of the Navaratri fast.
All is well.
Just reading about an actress who lost 50 pounds. She went from a 14 to a 4-6. Fifty pounds off me would only take me down one size in jeans. Grrrr...
It 's so strange how that works isn't it?

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Checking In...

2011-04-01T23:33:00.001-04:00

It's been a crazy busy week, but I managed to keep to three fairly well thought out meals a day.

I did have one absolutely scrumptious treat today: a fairly good-sized portion of cinnamon sugar drizzled kettle corn. Ohmigosh it was so good. What amazed me was that I did not want to finish the whole bag.

This coming Monday the Navaratri fast begins, and that means 9 days of mostly fruit for meals. It's going to be quite the spiritual and physical cleansing.

Okay, time to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be busy, but Sunday is all mine,

Be back soon.
Peace.

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another small but very sweet victory

2011-03-29T22:50:00.001-04:00

Remember those too tight capris I got out for inspiration?
Drumroll please.
Last night I tried them on, and was able to button them up.
There's no way I could sit in them - not enough waist give yet.
But did I mention I can button them up?
My ultimate goal is still in the distance, but I am actually starting to see it.
Yay.
Sending good vibes to all.

more than a bit of a treat

2011-03-27T04:00:00.001-04:00

After fasting 48 hours on fruits, nuts and veggies I went out and had a bit of a feast. Oh well, a few forbidden foods once in a while won't hurt. I already have packs of vegan meal replacement powder handy, spring water chilling & the shaker ready to go. A couple of healthy shakes and a salad or something will be fine for tomorrow.

In addition to going lean on tomorrow's cuisine, I will be doing a mega photostroll to feed my photo addiction and burn off some calories.

Jeepers it's 4am - need to get some sleep.

Cheers Chums!

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Food Diary - Yay or Nay?

2011-03-25T23:13:00.001-04:00

I'm thinking of keeping a food diary on my mobile. It might make me think twice before every bite. The ones in the app store are too complicated, so I am going to use the very simple notes feature on my IPhone.

It's Friday so I fasted for Mata. Yesterday I treated myself to chicken curry with coconut rice and peas. It was so delicious. Today I had fresh fruit, salt-free pistachios and raw corn. Yes, you read right - raw corn - I love the stuff. And the way I figure it, the Vitamin A could only help these aging eyeballs.

Just might do fresh fruit and veg for breakfast and lunch tomorrow.

Okay, time to get some rest. It's yay on the food diary.

Live Long & Prosper

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It was a stinker of a day but I didn't....

2011-03-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

use it as an excuse to eat a bunch of 'feeling sorry for myself snacks.'

I actually enjoyed three extremely well-planned healthy meals, with no snacks in between.

It's empowering people - very very empowering.

Live Long & Prosper.

Working the Bod...

2011-03-21T21:18:00.001-04:00

I have absolutely no time to go to a gym these days, so recently I came up with my abdominal strengthening exercises. During the day I take several short breaks to work out with my trusted purple dumbbells. The movements/reps I came up with are for my wavy upper arms and for the abs I know are under there somewhere.

Guess what?!

I an actually feeling a difference. It's all so inspiring. Believe me I was just about ready to say to hell with it all, and just live fattily ever after.

It would be so amazing if I could get into the jeans that I used to wear five years ago. They are all neatly packed in a storage box.

Maybe I'll put on some music tonight, and work on some head to toe movements. Stretching wouldn't hurt either.

Look out you just might see a video or two of me up here.

Shout out to my wonderfully Wicked diet buddy. Thanks for always cheering me on.

May you all Live Long & Prosper

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Triumph on a Saturday Morning

2011-03-19T09:47:00.001-04:00

I got into the faded blue Lee jeans that I haven't been able to wear in a year. It took me a good 45 minutes to work up the nerve to try them on. Actually it took me 2 days to open the closet door. Fear of disappointment perhaps? Definitely.

What's next? The capris. I have several pair that I ordered last summer in what I thought was my size. And I could have worn them if I didn't need to breathe and sit once in a while.

Try on day - April 30th - this year of course ;)

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Mike, Molly & me

2011-03-15T00:38:00.001-04:00

Have you watched an episode of 'Mike & Molly?'. It's a charming little show. As with many of my favorite shows the supporting characters that keep me coming back for more.

Tonight's episode found the dynamic duo at their regular OA meeting. A new group member, a dirty blonde from Texas, flirts with Mike in front of Molly, and he does nothing to stop it. Molly was not happy folks. Of course, it ended happily with a few laughs along the way.

I'm hoping to see more zagtig ladies (and big guys) on the telly. My small screen dream is to see a plus sized gal with a trim man or vice-versa - but without the one liners or laughs. I better get my crayon out and write the networks.

Okay, time to stretch out on the futon. I did a 2+ mile walk tonight.

Eat healthy.

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Saturday morning at the Diner 03.12.11

2011-03-12T13:16:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting at the counter of the local diner waiting for my breakfast. Saturday mornings I indulge myself with a bit of dairy. Oatmeal with a spoonful of brown sugar & a couple of ounces of skimmed milk on the side, two scrambled egg whites and a grilled turkey sausage. Yum. Was I ever looking forward to these egg whites. Funny, a few weeks a go I would have looked at the this meal before me, and feel so deprived. This morning it's a feast. Note to myself: research good non-milk calcium sources.

Two ladies to my right are discussing a new trainer at the gym over a fruit and cereal breakfast. They are both size 6. Typical American girls next doot with freckles and their hair pulled back in pony tails. Their well-scrubbed faces are make-up free.

About a week ago I seriously considered make-up on a daily basis. Right now I wear it just for occasions. In the last seven years there have two: my daughter's wedding & a dinner given by business associates. Guess it's those commercials about covering 'deep set wrinkles' and other ravages of aging. I got over it.

Okay, time to roll.

Ciao for now.

fasting Fridays

2011-03-11T22:02:00.001-05:00

Recently for reasons spiritual I have begun fasting on Fridays for the goddess. The fast allows you to eat sweet fruits like blueberries, watermelon and bananas. No citrus or sour fruits are allowed. You may not add salt to food. You can have milk and yogurt, but I'm not eating dairy. You can have potato, so I had plain baked potatoes for lunch, it's the easiest way to go when you're on the go. You are only allowed one meal, but you can nibble allowable fruits and nuts during the day. The fast can be broken after midnight in the early morning hours.

I work out my upper body with my little 3lb dumbbells, whenever I have a few minutes downtime during the day. At night I do a few leg toning exercises.

I'm taking things slow, and will add to my exercise regime over time.

Now that's a switch: to not be in a 'hurry' to lose weight.

Feels good.

May the Universe bless you all abundantly.

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somebody noticed...

2011-03-10T00:07:00.001-05:00

that I have lost few pounds. They mentioned it in front of several people. I know I was glowing.

This morning the blouse that fit just right last month is now loose around the waist.

Just fired up the DVR to watch 'Hot in Cleveland.'. Valerie Bertinelli is still as cute as when she played Barbara Cooper in her teens. Remember when she was doing Jenny Craig' and the world tracked her progress via that series of commercials? It was like watching a childhood friend 'make good.'.

Speaking of Jenny Craig, here comes one of her commercials. No famous spokesperson, just a promotional price.

My friend from DC is having real success with clean eating. As a matter of fact, I have been trying to find that IPhone app for an hour now - eventually have an app right? I must write her for the proper name. Know what? I bet I find it in comments by tomorrow. She's very good about keeping up with my posts. Love you sweetie!

Okay, time for bed. Not getting enough sleep makes you eat more. Your body will look for energy via food, if it doesn't get enough from sleep.

Zzzzzzzxz....

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Holding my own in a dairy/wheat free existence...

2011-03-06T20:31:00.001-05:00

Okay, we are getting to the point where dairy/wheat free is becoming my 'norm.'

Today I took inventory while standing in front of the mirror. The weight loss is slow but steady. Today's blouse fits better than it did a few weeks back. It's all good.

My problem is I spend too much of my day sitting. What I would really love to do is to get up at 6 am, and go to the gym for an hour and a half in the pool and steam room before starting my day. It would mean being in bed no later than 11 every night. It could only do it in the warmer weather because of my bronchial troubles. I love water aerobics because it is very effective and you don't get sweaty and dirty. Getting sweaty in the steam room though is wonderful; it does wonders for the skin, and totally relaxes the body.

Okay, time for me to get on the subway and head home.

May your Monday be magnificent.

It's just Me and my Lean Cuisine

2011-03-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a good day. My black stretch pants felt loose all over. It had been nearly two weeks since I had last worn them. It was a natural high.

It's around 12:30 am now, and I'm a little hungry. Lean Cuisines, and low-calorie frozen meals, keep me from calling for take out.

When you live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan food can be delivered to your door 24-7. The days of shrimp with black bean sauce at 2am, and a burger deluxe with a chocolate egg cream at 5am are so over.

Today someone I who I did a tiny favor for handed me a beautifully wrapped gift box. "Something sweet," she said. It was a one and half pound box of assorted chocolates. I kid you not my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Chocolate is totally forbidden in my world now, but mostly because it's an asthma trigger. Everyone should be able to have a bit of a treat once in a while. My treats are Blockbuster's microwave kettle corn that comes in a bucket, and those Sour Patch watermelon candies.

Okay, I heard the microwave ping. Time to chow down.
Wishing you all good health.

once again please allow me to introduce myself

2011-02-26T17:13:00.001-05:00

My name is Frances D and I have had a weight problem for all my life. There was a time in my late teens when I got myself down to 141 pounds, and stayed there till I got married at twenty. You know the rest. It's nearly 30 years later, and my weight has more than doubled.

A few weeks back I was at a friend's home, and for reasons I'll never figure out these folks keep a scale by the front door. On my way back from a bathroom run I decided to hop on. Now mind you I hadn't been on a scale in at least 18 months. The little arrow spun towards 300 and then past it just a little bit. There I was in the land of no numbers. No wonder my favorite jackets and sweaters all seemed 'shorter.' I had put on at least 20 more pounds.

Today I know I am under the 300 mark, but I refuse to get on a scale. I gave up wheat and dairy to help ease my bronchial troubles, and my clothes have been getting looser ever since. Losing weight is just about unavoidable when you give up wheat and dairy. You can buy gluten - dairy free foods at the health food stores, but it's all such a production. I eat out every day, so that means no regular pastas, breads, cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, pizza...The list of don'ts is quite long. I also gave up chocolate because it triggers all sorts of allergic reactions, including throat swelling. Yes, you read that right - no chocolate.

This web address has had several incarnations. It was a standard blog, group blog, and a gateway to a ning network.
This time around I would like it to have lots of guest posts, and a very long blogroll.

But like that journey that begins with just one step, this blog will begin with this first post.

Be well.