I feel incredibly guilty when I eat unhealthy food OR I eat a lot of food, whether that food is healthy or not. Let me clarify what I mean by guilt....I have spent the past three months exercising at least three times each week, eating only 1500 calories per day, little to no alcohol, no bread, no pasta, no refined carbs, no refined sugars....so when I drank a can of coke yesterday, I felt HORRIBLY guilty to the point that I was obsessively counting up my calories.Today I ate McDonald's for lunch and I found myself counting each fry I ate as 10 calories, 20, 30. Beyond that, before my healthy lifestyle change, I would spend entire blocks of time sitting on my floor in front of my closet CRYING and worrying about my food intake and weight problems.
Now, it is NOT easy to write and admit that I am so concerned about my weight...even loud girls like me get shamed sometimes. But...I am trying to dig deeply into the psychology of weight loss so that I can hopefully keep off the weight I lose. Obviously I have some psycho issues when it comes to food, and if I do not address them, then it is foolish to expect better results if I don't fix the formula.
First of all: Guilt over what we eat is nothing new. Usually, we look at food in terms of "good" food and "bad" food; chomp on carrot sticks and you're a "saint," devour Death by Chocolate for dessert and you're a "sinner." Putting all this pressure on ourselves to eat perfectly starves the eating process of any pleasure. Gone is the ecstasy of relishing the tastes, the textures, the salty, the sweet. Whether it's a well-seasoned steak, a lobster dipped in butter, or a freshly cracked creme brulee, the appreciation of food is its own little heaven. The more judgmental we are about every bite, the less delicious it all tastes. And let's face it: Over thinking every single thing we put in our mouths can make us obsessive, leading to cravings and bingeing—the farthest thing from the "good" we set out for in the first place!
Many psychologists throw out reasons of guilt, low self-esteem, motivation, filling a void......gosh, I must be pretty messed up!! But I think the answer is a little more simple....we are conditioned to believe that food is more than fuel; it's a holiday, celebrate with food, it is a birthday, celebrate with food, special occasion- food....food has become part of the family, a best friend, something to lean on. Food never fails. And until I learn to put food back where it belongs, I will have many more episodes of crying in front of my closet.
So I am resolved to enjoy my food, but keep some guidelines. For starters, I am going to continue to avoid refined carbohydrates and refined sugars and get lots of veggies, fruits and water every day. Where I will keep things a little different this time around: I will stop beating myself up for eating "cheat" foods once in a while. And when Wal-mart starts selling a lipo suction machine for home, then I will start eating McDonald's every day....well...maybe not....
Signing off,
Miss Mad
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Running Makes you High...
Usually, I want to die when I run....my chest hurts, my head feels like it will explode, and I cannot breathe. However, today I ran/walked 2 miles...and....miraculously....I did not die and felt pretty good! Also, I have begun to notice the fabulous influx of endorphins when I work out, which, let's face it, feel heavenly when you have a big dose! So while I am NOT in love with running, like turnips, I find i can tolerate it much more now that I have tried it out. PLUS....I am carrying 19 pounds LESS than 3 months ago, which means I am hauling less butt!
So all my dwelling on running and good feelings made me think: what exactly about working out feels so good? Well, it has to do with endorphins, which are chemicals that are able to cross through the gaps between neurons in order to pass along a message from one to the next. There are many different kinds, and much remains to be learned about their different purposes and functions. The thing for you to know about endorphins: their ability to make you feel oh-so-good. When your body is subjected to certain stimuli like sex, food, or pain, your hypothalamus (part of your brain) calls for endorphins, and the cells throughout your body that contain them heed the call. When endorphins lock into special receptor cells (called opioid receptors, because opiates also fit them), they block the transmission of pain signals and also produce a euphoric feeling. So they are kinda like crack without the crack....and we ain't talking butt crack!
But here's the heartbreaking part: researchers have found that light-to-moderate weight training or cardiovascular exercise doesn't produce endorphins, only heavy weights or training that incorporates sprinting or other anaerobic exertion. When your body crosses over from an aerobic state to an anaerobic state, it's suddenly operating without enough oxygen to satisfy the muscles and cells screaming out for it. This is when the "runner's high" occurs. I have experienced this a few times now, but I felt GREAT afterwards, rather than like I would die.
So...now that I have discovered I won't die, maybe someone wants to join me on the track??
Soon to be changed into NOT Miss Mad?
So all my dwelling on running and good feelings made me think: what exactly about working out feels so good? Well, it has to do with endorphins, which are chemicals that are able to cross through the gaps between neurons in order to pass along a message from one to the next. There are many different kinds, and much remains to be learned about their different purposes and functions. The thing for you to know about endorphins: their ability to make you feel oh-so-good. When your body is subjected to certain stimuli like sex, food, or pain, your hypothalamus (part of your brain) calls for endorphins, and the cells throughout your body that contain them heed the call. When endorphins lock into special receptor cells (called opioid receptors, because opiates also fit them), they block the transmission of pain signals and also produce a euphoric feeling. So they are kinda like crack without the crack....and we ain't talking butt crack!
But here's the heartbreaking part: researchers have found that light-to-moderate weight training or cardiovascular exercise doesn't produce endorphins, only heavy weights or training that incorporates sprinting or other anaerobic exertion. When your body crosses over from an aerobic state to an anaerobic state, it's suddenly operating without enough oxygen to satisfy the muscles and cells screaming out for it. This is when the "runner's high" occurs. I have experienced this a few times now, but I felt GREAT afterwards, rather than like I would die.
So...now that I have discovered I won't die, maybe someone wants to join me on the track??
Soon to be changed into NOT Miss Mad?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Clothes Don't Lie...
If you are like me, you examine all clothing from every possible angle to test whether that clothing is flattering to you; I wear nothing that I feel even slightly shows my fat rolls. Seriously, my mama raised me right. Recently, however, I have been watching a lot of "What Not to Wear" which upholds the virtues of wearing clothing that fits. Well, no offense Stacey London and Clinton Kelly, but clothing that shows the rolls is OUT like white pants after labor day (yes, I still follow that rule). I have sworn for weeks now that I am going to get myself some Spanx- according to several fashion authorities, these are a must have. I came across several tips on dressing to look thinner, which is a major part of my getting dressed routine. I thought I would share my favs with you:
1. Do NOT wear a skinny belt, unless, well....you ARE skinny. Go with a wide (at least 3-4 inches) belt. It will give you a smoothing effect.
2. Empire waist and A-line dresses are flattering- they graze the waist and give you an hour glass appearance. For some of us (ME) I don't jut get an hour glass...I get a 24 hour glass....so I prefer darker colors to give a slimming effect.
3. I NEVER wear tank tops- I HATE the flab under my arms...I think most women hate this. So I usually invest in a cute bolero jacket to wear over my shoulders or a light, 3/4 sleeved cardigan. You can also go with a sheer top over a tank to hide that skin somewhat.
4. Let clothes fit your waist. Most women have a natural dip inwards on the waist, so if you fit clothing there, you will have a very feminine shape to work with.
5. More skin does NOT mean more sexy...check out People of Wal-mart.com and you will see why. I shudder when I think about it...
6. If you have big boobs, like me (I should say saggy boobs like me), don't wear spaghetti straps or tiny bras. You will look ridiculous and large. And come one, like that is comfortable!?
7. Clothing that is OVERLY baggy looks like an additional five pounds, so watch out! Big t-shirts are only good for sleeping. I try to balance a large shirt with skinny jeans, wide leg jeans with a more fitted shirt. And I like Loft's modern skinny jean which is not too tight...we aren't trying to make sausage here!
So those are my dress for looking thinner tips. I really must admit that even though I am overly conscious of how my clothing looks, I am really trying to keep up the exercise- because that makes me feel like I look great! And...I am down 17 pounds. I have to say that that is one of the best looks I have had in quite some time!!
Signing off,
Miss Mad
1. Do NOT wear a skinny belt, unless, well....you ARE skinny. Go with a wide (at least 3-4 inches) belt. It will give you a smoothing effect.
2. Empire waist and A-line dresses are flattering- they graze the waist and give you an hour glass appearance. For some of us (ME) I don't jut get an hour glass...I get a 24 hour glass....so I prefer darker colors to give a slimming effect.
3. I NEVER wear tank tops- I HATE the flab under my arms...I think most women hate this. So I usually invest in a cute bolero jacket to wear over my shoulders or a light, 3/4 sleeved cardigan. You can also go with a sheer top over a tank to hide that skin somewhat.
4. Let clothes fit your waist. Most women have a natural dip inwards on the waist, so if you fit clothing there, you will have a very feminine shape to work with.
5. More skin does NOT mean more sexy...check out People of Wal-mart.com and you will see why. I shudder when I think about it...
6. If you have big boobs, like me (I should say saggy boobs like me), don't wear spaghetti straps or tiny bras. You will look ridiculous and large. And come one, like that is comfortable!?
7. Clothing that is OVERLY baggy looks like an additional five pounds, so watch out! Big t-shirts are only good for sleeping. I try to balance a large shirt with skinny jeans, wide leg jeans with a more fitted shirt. And I like Loft's modern skinny jean which is not too tight...we aren't trying to make sausage here!
So those are my dress for looking thinner tips. I really must admit that even though I am overly conscious of how my clothing looks, I am really trying to keep up the exercise- because that makes me feel like I look great! And...I am down 17 pounds. I have to say that that is one of the best looks I have had in quite some time!!
Signing off,
Miss Mad
Monday, March 14, 2011
Survey of weight loss....
Over the weekend, I watched several shows about (morbidly) obese people who are trying to loose weight. Friday night I watched Heavy, which chronicles the weight loss journeys of people over a six month period. They are provided all the right tools, and it is amazing how much weight they loose and keep off. It truly is inspiring. Yet another show I watched, while at the gym, is Too Fat for Fifteen. This is a show about teens who are extremely overweight and attend a special school that helps them not only loose weight but learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. Again, truly inspiring....And my final show of the weekend is Ruby, a show about a woman in Savannah who weighted around 700 pounds and got all the way down to 300! Again, inspiring...
So here is my issue- all of these shows picture a percentage of the population...the morbidly obese. I am many things, not always positive things, but morbidly obese...or obese...is not one of them. After watching that show, I felt BETTER about eating....not inspired to work harder and eat healthier. I didn't feel MORE motivated to work out...I felt empathy for those on the show and impressed with their bravery. Overall....it made me question the psychological side to weight loss and how EACH and EVERY person has their own triggers and issues. That weight gain is MORE connected to our emotions than our stomachs.
So while I will continue to watch my shows (I DO love them!) I want to be more aware that I cannot relate my journey to theirs and need to concentrate on finding my own path, with all the bumps in the road belonging to ME! That's the only way to fix the psychological in my mind...
And speaking of my journey, I am holding strong at 17 pounds. I feel like I have definitely hit a plateau...so I am trying to crank up the cardio this week and keep the calorie intake down. I actually made it 50 minutes on the elliptical without passing out. And of course, blondie two rows over looks perfect and is barely sweating with her machine set to the highest resistance....I looked like a HOBO!
Why can't people who have NEVER been overweight have their OWN section of the gym?? Or at least periodically spray people with water so we all look alike! Seriously??
Signing off,
Miss Mad
So here is my issue- all of these shows picture a percentage of the population...the morbidly obese. I am many things, not always positive things, but morbidly obese...or obese...is not one of them. After watching that show, I felt BETTER about eating....not inspired to work harder and eat healthier. I didn't feel MORE motivated to work out...I felt empathy for those on the show and impressed with their bravery. Overall....it made me question the psychological side to weight loss and how EACH and EVERY person has their own triggers and issues. That weight gain is MORE connected to our emotions than our stomachs.
So while I will continue to watch my shows (I DO love them!) I want to be more aware that I cannot relate my journey to theirs and need to concentrate on finding my own path, with all the bumps in the road belonging to ME! That's the only way to fix the psychological in my mind...
And speaking of my journey, I am holding strong at 17 pounds. I feel like I have definitely hit a plateau...so I am trying to crank up the cardio this week and keep the calorie intake down. I actually made it 50 minutes on the elliptical without passing out. And of course, blondie two rows over looks perfect and is barely sweating with her machine set to the highest resistance....I looked like a HOBO!
Why can't people who have NEVER been overweight have their OWN section of the gym?? Or at least periodically spray people with water so we all look alike! Seriously??
Signing off,
Miss Mad
Monday, March 7, 2011
Zip Up your Abs!
Boredom occurs easily with cardio. I don't always enjoy running or walking, the treadmill and various machines get old (even though my gym's machines have TVs on them). So what I do to beat the boredom is mix it up with a variety of videos. Right now, I own about 6 different videos of length between 12 minutes to 60 minutes of work out. Today I experienced Denise Austin's Daily Dozen...she has seven different workouts, each being 12 minutes and targeting either upper or lower body, abs, and cardio. I tried the cardio blast and lower body workout...and I SUCKED WIND! And frankly, I do not understand how Denise can go through the whole video and hardly look sweaty or winded....why can't I look not sweaty and winded when I work out? I always feel I look like a hobo when I finish working out!
So I am sure you are wondering what other videos might be exciting for you....here's a run down of my favs:
1. Denise Austin's Daily Dozen: A dozen different exercises in 12 minutes. The idea behind this fabulousness is you go through each day of the week working on a different set of exercises.
2. Jillian Michaels: I use two different videos. One is a fat blaster that will WEAR YOU OUT....the other is a daily 20 minutes workout that progresses as you get stronger. The fat Blaster is set up as a 45 minute workout...you can use any of the levels and customize your workout...always a good option when you are already carrying 30 extra pounds- who needs weights?
3. The Biggest Loser collections: these hit all levels- upper and lower body, cardio, weights, you name it. Great workout and you can customize your time.
4. Giam Pilates- I seriously cannot breathe without my abs hurting after these workouts...great for working out your core muscles.
5. Walk Away the Pounds: This collection simulates walking from 1-5 miles and range from jogging to cross training and is easy and fun. I promise you will get your heart rate up.
The best part about most of these workouts is that they all mix weight training with cardio, which is essential for optimal weight loss. Of course, coming home to try and work out is not only tough, sometimes it feels downright impossible. However....with some of these videos being only 12 minutes, it is easier to feel a little motivated. I leave my workout DVD for the week in my player and all I need to do is press play and go.
So....all these choices make a nice selection to fight the boredom!
Signing off,
Miss Mad
So I am sure you are wondering what other videos might be exciting for you....here's a run down of my favs:
1. Denise Austin's Daily Dozen: A dozen different exercises in 12 minutes. The idea behind this fabulousness is you go through each day of the week working on a different set of exercises.
2. Jillian Michaels: I use two different videos. One is a fat blaster that will WEAR YOU OUT....the other is a daily 20 minutes workout that progresses as you get stronger. The fat Blaster is set up as a 45 minute workout...you can use any of the levels and customize your workout...always a good option when you are already carrying 30 extra pounds- who needs weights?
3. The Biggest Loser collections: these hit all levels- upper and lower body, cardio, weights, you name it. Great workout and you can customize your time.
4. Giam Pilates- I seriously cannot breathe without my abs hurting after these workouts...great for working out your core muscles.
5. Walk Away the Pounds: This collection simulates walking from 1-5 miles and range from jogging to cross training and is easy and fun. I promise you will get your heart rate up.
The best part about most of these workouts is that they all mix weight training with cardio, which is essential for optimal weight loss. Of course, coming home to try and work out is not only tough, sometimes it feels downright impossible. However....with some of these videos being only 12 minutes, it is easier to feel a little motivated. I leave my workout DVD for the week in my player and all I need to do is press play and go.
So....all these choices make a nice selection to fight the boredom!
Signing off,
Miss Mad
Saturday, March 5, 2011
So I have been on a quest to find tasty food low on calories. And while yes, lean protein and leafy greens are high on my "to eat" list during the week, I am trying to not only improve my healthy eating habits, but understand the psychology that makes me over eat and crave junk food. I must admit that after a few days off of the sugar and refined carbs, I find myself not as hungry and feeling full after eating less. So that is definitely one giant check mark under my Kick A** checklist. But...the point of this is to not just loose weight but change my eating habits.
First of all, before I continue, let me tell you the past week I have jumped back on the healthy train and lost the four pounds I gained through my weekend away and then my dad's birthday party. I have been counting my calories and putting in some exercise time. So I feel back on track!
But I am trying to examine this week some good food tips, especially for going out...here's what I discovered...
Fast food can make you fat, so dinner at a sit-down chain must be better, right? A menu analysis from Yahoo of 24 national chains revealed that the average entree at a sit-down restaurant contains 867 calories, compared with 522 calories in the average fast-food entree. And that's before appetizers, sides, or desserts—after all that, you better be pushing your car home!
That “medium” soda may actually be a large. Most people subconsciously pick the middle option without considering the actual amount, says study author Richard Staelin, Ph.D. Remember, 8 ounces is one serving. That means a “small” Coke at McDonald’s is already 2 servings of carbonated sugar—and a large is 4! Hope you rode your bike to McDonald's!
DRINK WATER BEFORE YOU EAT...Now German researchers have found another reason: Water fuels your body’s fat burners and the increase is partially attributed to the energy your body generates to warm the water during digestion.
Food isn't always a bargain, no matter the "value size". Here’s exactly how expensive it really is when you go for the “bargain”:
• 7-Eleven. Gulp to Double Gulp Coca-Cola Classic: 37 cents extra buys 450 more calories
• Cinnabon. Minibon to Classic Cinnabon: 48 more cents buys 370 more calories
• Movie theater. Small to medium unbuttered popcorn: 71 additional cents buys you 500 more calories
• Convenience store. Regular to “The Big One” Snickers: 33 more cents packs on 230 more calories
• McDonald’s. Quarter Pounder with Cheese to Medium Quarter Pounder with Cheese Extra Value Meal: An additional $1.41 gets you 660 more calories
• Subway. The 6- to 12-inch Tuna Sub: $1.53 more buys 420 more calories
• Wendy’s. Classic Double with Cheese to Classic Double with Cheese Old Fashioned Combo Meal: $1.57 extra buys you 600 more calories
• Baskin Robbins. Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Kids’ Scoop, to Double Scoop: For another $1.62, you’ve added 390 calories
The bottom line: For 8 bucks, you’ve bought yourself 3,620 calories. After all, you’d also save 188,240 calories a year, or 54 pounds of belly fat! DUDE...that is a small child....so start your weight loss small and go for the smaller size...then move towards the bigger staircase of stopping with not only fast food, but junk food in general....
Signing off,
Miss Mad
First of all, before I continue, let me tell you the past week I have jumped back on the healthy train and lost the four pounds I gained through my weekend away and then my dad's birthday party. I have been counting my calories and putting in some exercise time. So I feel back on track!
But I am trying to examine this week some good food tips, especially for going out...here's what I discovered...
Fast food can make you fat, so dinner at a sit-down chain must be better, right? A menu analysis from Yahoo of 24 national chains revealed that the average entree at a sit-down restaurant contains 867 calories, compared with 522 calories in the average fast-food entree. And that's before appetizers, sides, or desserts—after all that, you better be pushing your car home!
That “medium” soda may actually be a large. Most people subconsciously pick the middle option without considering the actual amount, says study author Richard Staelin, Ph.D. Remember, 8 ounces is one serving. That means a “small” Coke at McDonald’s is already 2 servings of carbonated sugar—and a large is 4! Hope you rode your bike to McDonald's!
DRINK WATER BEFORE YOU EAT...Now German researchers have found another reason: Water fuels your body’s fat burners and the increase is partially attributed to the energy your body generates to warm the water during digestion.
Food isn't always a bargain, no matter the "value size". Here’s exactly how expensive it really is when you go for the “bargain”:
• 7-Eleven. Gulp to Double Gulp Coca-Cola Classic: 37 cents extra buys 450 more calories
• Cinnabon. Minibon to Classic Cinnabon: 48 more cents buys 370 more calories
• Movie theater. Small to medium unbuttered popcorn: 71 additional cents buys you 500 more calories
• Convenience store. Regular to “The Big One” Snickers: 33 more cents packs on 230 more calories
• McDonald’s. Quarter Pounder with Cheese to Medium Quarter Pounder with Cheese Extra Value Meal: An additional $1.41 gets you 660 more calories
• Subway. The 6- to 12-inch Tuna Sub: $1.53 more buys 420 more calories
• Wendy’s. Classic Double with Cheese to Classic Double with Cheese Old Fashioned Combo Meal: $1.57 extra buys you 600 more calories
• Baskin Robbins. Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Kids’ Scoop, to Double Scoop: For another $1.62, you’ve added 390 calories
The bottom line: For 8 bucks, you’ve bought yourself 3,620 calories. After all, you’d also save 188,240 calories a year, or 54 pounds of belly fat! DUDE...that is a small child....so start your weight loss small and go for the smaller size...then move towards the bigger staircase of stopping with not only fast food, but junk food in general....
Signing off,
Miss Mad
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
It's a cruel, cruel world....
Why does ice cream taste so good? Why is 6 ounces so small...I mean, WHO is satisfied eating a 6-ounce portion and only vegetables? Why do the best tasting foods have to be full of sugar and why does sugar have to love my hips and thighs so much? And while we are on the subject of my hips and thighs....well...maybe I shouldn't go there....
To continue my b***hing, I am completely undone by the fact that so many foods I enjoy are full of preservatives and ingredients I cannot pronounce that apparently will either give my a tumor or cancer or make me constipated...the list is long. Why can't cheeto puffs be as good for you as they taste....why can't Kashi make McDonald's hamburgers?
Life is tough with work...I have two jobs....I am in school....not to mention my family...my home...so WHY can't all food be fat free and only 20 calories per 20 ounces?? I think the world would be a happier place if cream sauce and pasta came out of fountains and chocolate was the standard. I mean, I would probably listen to Jehovah's Witnesses if they gave me a Hershey Bar...wouldn't you?
So....I am going to make it my business to compile a list of foods I enjoy that still taste good...and don't cost my entire paycheck!!
Signing off,
Miss Mad
To continue my b***hing, I am completely undone by the fact that so many foods I enjoy are full of preservatives and ingredients I cannot pronounce that apparently will either give my a tumor or cancer or make me constipated...the list is long. Why can't cheeto puffs be as good for you as they taste....why can't Kashi make McDonald's hamburgers?
Life is tough with work...I have two jobs....I am in school....not to mention my family...my home...so WHY can't all food be fat free and only 20 calories per 20 ounces?? I think the world would be a happier place if cream sauce and pasta came out of fountains and chocolate was the standard. I mean, I would probably listen to Jehovah's Witnesses if they gave me a Hershey Bar...wouldn't you?
So....I am going to make it my business to compile a list of foods I enjoy that still taste good...and don't cost my entire paycheck!!
Signing off,
Miss Mad
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