I gained half a pound.. Might have been the scales, as it was showing I had stayed the same.. the skipped up. Interesting, how I blame the scales & not myself.
Am not fussed though, I know where I went wrong, so am fully aware. it's just one of those things I guess, & I am happy that it was half a pound, could have been far worse.
So have been good today, had a good 6 mile walk & a nice stir fry.. treated myself to some guiness & am now happy.
Also, whilst at the the meeting, my leader asked me to do 'crowd control', basically one of the regular staff had to go home so I filled in & controlled the members, I felt like security.. Though with about 40 hungry women I don't think I could have controlled them.
The best part is she wants me to do it for her every wednesday afternoon, so i get free weigh ins, which is nice.
So am happy that I have some incentive & also, I get free meetings.. Also, I do not mind that I put on.
What a fab day x
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
The Coca-Cola Hypothesis
I was chatting away to my fellow homeys on the Weightwatchers forum when a conversation arose about Coke Zero & it escalated, much so that it divided people into categories that went beyond normal chat..
One such discussion arose was that someone could not believe people preferred the taste of Diet Coke to that of 'normal' Coke, & then onto Coke Zero.
My mind doth wandered into the realm of thought I call 'Brain Fart Territory' & once again, this got me thinking.. So let me ramble through this territory.
I prefer the taste of Diet Coke, I don't know why, you could tie me to a chair & rub my nipples with lemon juice & I would not be able to tell you; the only thing I could say is I don't like the taste of Coke, it is too 'sticky' (Interestingly enough, most Coke drinkers say the same thing, that it makes their teeth go 'fuzzy').
Now, if you ask a Diet Coke drinker why they drink it, they say Coke is too sticky; & here is the fun part, the same is said by Coke drinkers about Diet Coke (Whoops! I think I have just created a black hole).
Why is that? Why are people divided about the 2 drinks? I may come back to that one..
Now another interesting discussion arose about 'Zero' drinks.
First & foremost, Coke Zero. People are divided on this also, so a further split.. Even Coke drinkers are divided on whether or not this is nice as Coke. I can say that I don't mind Coke Zero for 2 reasons:
1. It is £1 a bottle at my Tesco, which means I can buy 3 bottles, whereas Diet Coke is 2 for £2.70p, so in the interest of economy, I will buy Coke Zero.
& 2. It doesn't taste as sticky as Coke. Don't know why, genuinely don't care. I can take it or leave it.
Now, onto another interesting part about Zero; It was mentioned that the reason they brought out Zero is Diet Coke was shown to be 'girly' & were finding that not many blokes bought it. So they brought out Coke Zero and because of the taste difference, have kept both.
Now the issue with this is it doesn't account for all the other brands bringing out Zero.
So this is what I think..
I believe that Zero was brought out as there was a gap in the market. Diet Coke was selling well, & it was shown to be linked with many diets, therefore they needed something that could appeal to men & women & be shown to be 'healthier', hence Zero. So the people who diet like us can be said to have helped corporations bring out better drinks for us.
& I don't mind this happening, because it means I get to drink the soft drink I like, without having to worry about what is in it & how many points etc
But I like my Diet Coke, it's refreshing.
One such discussion arose was that someone could not believe people preferred the taste of Diet Coke to that of 'normal' Coke, & then onto Coke Zero.
My mind doth wandered into the realm of thought I call 'Brain Fart Territory' & once again, this got me thinking.. So let me ramble through this territory.
I prefer the taste of Diet Coke, I don't know why, you could tie me to a chair & rub my nipples with lemon juice & I would not be able to tell you; the only thing I could say is I don't like the taste of Coke, it is too 'sticky' (Interestingly enough, most Coke drinkers say the same thing, that it makes their teeth go 'fuzzy').
Now, if you ask a Diet Coke drinker why they drink it, they say Coke is too sticky; & here is the fun part, the same is said by Coke drinkers about Diet Coke (Whoops! I think I have just created a black hole).
Why is that? Why are people divided about the 2 drinks? I may come back to that one..
Now another interesting discussion arose about 'Zero' drinks.
First & foremost, Coke Zero. People are divided on this also, so a further split.. Even Coke drinkers are divided on whether or not this is nice as Coke. I can say that I don't mind Coke Zero for 2 reasons:
1. It is £1 a bottle at my Tesco, which means I can buy 3 bottles, whereas Diet Coke is 2 for £2.70p, so in the interest of economy, I will buy Coke Zero.
& 2. It doesn't taste as sticky as Coke. Don't know why, genuinely don't care. I can take it or leave it.
Now, onto another interesting part about Zero; It was mentioned that the reason they brought out Zero is Diet Coke was shown to be 'girly' & were finding that not many blokes bought it. So they brought out Coke Zero and because of the taste difference, have kept both.
Now the issue with this is it doesn't account for all the other brands bringing out Zero.
So this is what I think..
I believe that Zero was brought out as there was a gap in the market. Diet Coke was selling well, & it was shown to be linked with many diets, therefore they needed something that could appeal to men & women & be shown to be 'healthier', hence Zero. So the people who diet like us can be said to have helped corporations bring out better drinks for us.
& I don't mind this happening, because it means I get to drink the soft drink I like, without having to worry about what is in it & how many points etc
But I like my Diet Coke, it's refreshing.
Monday, 26 January 2009
The Diet Coke Conjecture
I have been doing an experiment this week, one that has been fraught with dangers & deep intrigue.. I have given up diet coke for a week.
I am keen to see what effects it has on weight loss & myself in general. Now before I have people saying stuff about the issues with Aspartame, allow me to enlighten you..
Aspartame is in tens of thousands of products, it has been deemed safe by the American FDA & also, the British Food Standards Agency.
Aspartame was designed to be safer than sugar, as we know sugar isn't exactly conducive to our health & teeth in the mountains we shovel onto stuff.. So the boffins that be chemically designed a sweetener to be 600 times sweeter than sugar but with a fraction of the calories.
The studies that stated aspartame was dangerous was funded by the sugar association of america, those lovely people who own the sugar corporations. So I wouldn't even entertain them, in fact when I read who funded it, I stopped reading.
Also, there was supposed to be a link to cancer; Last year they said barbecuing foods too much caused cancer.. Eating too many apples caused cancer..Having too much fibre caused cancer..Going out in the sun causes cancer...Oh & now, mouthwash causes oral cancer.
Anyway, to the point again.. I feel no different. I drink Diet Coke because I like the taste of it, & yes, I do drink a fair amount, but to be honest as long as I am drinking 2l of fluid a day it doesn't matter what I drink.
Diet Coke is, in my opinion, better than normal Coke, it's just the stickiness of the taste of Coke that puts me off.. Coke Zero is okay, less stickier than Coke.
Hm? I'm having a side effect, I am talking a tad obsessively about Coke, D'oh!
I don't feel sluggish or bloated when drinking Diet Coke, I don't have issues with my teeth, or spots, & by stopping for a week with no complications, I find that it isn't addictiveness that keeps me drinking it, but complacency. Yes, I do drink water & cordial, but I do prefer something with a better taste & Diet Coke does that for me.
So this is my 6th day without Diet Coke & I am fine, am going to wait for my Weigh In though to see if there is any difference.
I can't see myself stopping, but if it is a good amount, I may cut down.
Maybe x
I am keen to see what effects it has on weight loss & myself in general. Now before I have people saying stuff about the issues with Aspartame, allow me to enlighten you..
Aspartame is in tens of thousands of products, it has been deemed safe by the American FDA & also, the British Food Standards Agency.
Aspartame was designed to be safer than sugar, as we know sugar isn't exactly conducive to our health & teeth in the mountains we shovel onto stuff.. So the boffins that be chemically designed a sweetener to be 600 times sweeter than sugar but with a fraction of the calories.
The studies that stated aspartame was dangerous was funded by the sugar association of america, those lovely people who own the sugar corporations. So I wouldn't even entertain them, in fact when I read who funded it, I stopped reading.
Also, there was supposed to be a link to cancer; Last year they said barbecuing foods too much caused cancer.. Eating too many apples caused cancer..Having too much fibre caused cancer..Going out in the sun causes cancer...Oh & now, mouthwash causes oral cancer.
Anyway, to the point again.. I feel no different. I drink Diet Coke because I like the taste of it, & yes, I do drink a fair amount, but to be honest as long as I am drinking 2l of fluid a day it doesn't matter what I drink.
Diet Coke is, in my opinion, better than normal Coke, it's just the stickiness of the taste of Coke that puts me off.. Coke Zero is okay, less stickier than Coke.
Hm? I'm having a side effect, I am talking a tad obsessively about Coke, D'oh!
I don't feel sluggish or bloated when drinking Diet Coke, I don't have issues with my teeth, or spots, & by stopping for a week with no complications, I find that it isn't addictiveness that keeps me drinking it, but complacency. Yes, I do drink water & cordial, but I do prefer something with a better taste & Diet Coke does that for me.
So this is my 6th day without Diet Coke & I am fine, am going to wait for my Weigh In though to see if there is any difference.
I can't see myself stopping, but if it is a good amount, I may cut down.
Maybe x
Saturday, 24 January 2009
The Inevitability Of Ineffability
Ineffable. It is generally used to describe a feeling, concept or aspect of existence that is too great to be adequately described in words & can only be known internally by individuals.
Ever had those days? That someone just doesn't understand ot that you cannot quite convey what you mean to say? I think we all have them.. I mean being on this diet makes you feel that way.
Trying to explain to a friend etc, that you need to do this diet for yourself.. & them turning around & saying 'But you look fine as you are'.. How self destructive those words can be.
Sorry for being melancholic, I guess it is just the chinese I had thursday night leaving my system.. yesterday was hard (So much for saying this diet was easy), it's retribution for the takeaway.. I stayed in my points & made sure of that, but every hour was a struggle..
Needless to say, I am recovered this morning & am back with a vengeance, but the fact that there are saboteurs everywhere doesn't help.
Still that's why being on Weightwatchers is so ineffable I guess x
Ever had those days? That someone just doesn't understand ot that you cannot quite convey what you mean to say? I think we all have them.. I mean being on this diet makes you feel that way.
Trying to explain to a friend etc, that you need to do this diet for yourself.. & them turning around & saying 'But you look fine as you are'.. How self destructive those words can be.
Sorry for being melancholic, I guess it is just the chinese I had thursday night leaving my system.. yesterday was hard (So much for saying this diet was easy), it's retribution for the takeaway.. I stayed in my points & made sure of that, but every hour was a struggle..
Needless to say, I am recovered this morning & am back with a vengeance, but the fact that there are saboteurs everywhere doesn't help.
Still that's why being on Weightwatchers is so ineffable I guess x
Friday, 23 January 2009
Well...
Good Morning!
I had a sticky day last night, I had had my 33 points for the day & was just watching TV, when my gf came in with a chinese takeaway & well, it went to pot there & then.
I don't know what it is, but I can do this diet really well, & so can my gf, but when she collapses I collapse.. It must be like a connection somewhere. Something in my mind goes 'Oh what the heck!' & I succumb to the temptation.
Needless to say, there wasn't a lot thankfully & a takeaway shared is a problem halved. It was nice, don't get me wrong, but if it was up to me I would have been happy just leaving it.
& that is another thing, why do we feel hungry when someone brings in food, when we were perfectly content & not hungry before they came in? I might have to investigate that one.
So, I did what I suggested to most people, write Sticky Day on the tracker, forget about it (forget about what?) & carry on as if nothing happened (what happened?)..
Well, I had bitesize Shredded Wheat for my breakfast this morning & it was yummy.. Not had them in ages, so getting my fibre in the diet.
Don't know what my meal plan will be like later, sometimes I like to surprise my stomach into what it is getting, keep it on its toes if you know what I mean..
Anyway, must dash..x
I had a sticky day last night, I had had my 33 points for the day & was just watching TV, when my gf came in with a chinese takeaway & well, it went to pot there & then.
I don't know what it is, but I can do this diet really well, & so can my gf, but when she collapses I collapse.. It must be like a connection somewhere. Something in my mind goes 'Oh what the heck!' & I succumb to the temptation.
Needless to say, there wasn't a lot thankfully & a takeaway shared is a problem halved. It was nice, don't get me wrong, but if it was up to me I would have been happy just leaving it.
& that is another thing, why do we feel hungry when someone brings in food, when we were perfectly content & not hungry before they came in? I might have to investigate that one.
So, I did what I suggested to most people, write Sticky Day on the tracker, forget about it (forget about what?) & carry on as if nothing happened (what happened?)..
Well, I had bitesize Shredded Wheat for my breakfast this morning & it was yummy.. Not had them in ages, so getting my fibre in the diet.
Don't know what my meal plan will be like later, sometimes I like to surprise my stomach into what it is getting, keep it on its toes if you know what I mean..
Anyway, must dash..x
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Weigh In Today
Lost 4lb..
So that is 13lb from starting this year. That's the 12 lb I put on over xmas gone, now I have to lose 5lbs to lose the 6 lb I put on before xmas.
But with this weigh in I am more confident.. I am looking forward to this week x
So that is 13lb from starting this year. That's the 12 lb I put on over xmas gone, now I have to lose 5lbs to lose the 6 lb I put on before xmas.
But with this weigh in I am more confident.. I am looking forward to this week x
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbow'd.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
I mention this one poem as it is special to me.. I know it by heart & recite it to myself when I can. The term 'Invictus' means unconquerable (Latin).. & I aim to have it tattoed somewhere.
I don't feel unconquerable most of the time, but in the dark, this poem gives me light x
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbow'd.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
I mention this one poem as it is special to me.. I know it by heart & recite it to myself when I can. The term 'Invictus' means unconquerable (Latin).. & I aim to have it tattoed somewhere.
I don't feel unconquerable most of the time, but in the dark, this poem gives me light x
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Maxims & The Impending Doom.
I have a tattoo with a quote from Tennyson's 'Ulysses' it says "To Strive, To Seek, To Find & Not To Yield", as you can see below...
I have this on my forearm as it gives me strength & helps me get through the bad times. Also, it helps everytime I see myself in the mirror.. I know that to have the body I once had takes time & effort, that quote helps x
I have others, not tattooed (yet), such as "Into Each Life, Some Rain Must Fall" & "Take What You Can Have, Rejoice In What You Can Save, & Do Not Mourn Your Losses Too Long"
I have a passion for poetry & quotes that are strong.. They help. Words are all too much lost sometimes, but if whispered to yourself then they hold meaning, they are yours & that cannot be taken away.
On another note, it's weigh in tomorrow.. Am looking forward to it in a perverse way, if I can lose 3lb tomorrow that is the 12lb I put on over christmas (not mentioning the 6lb I put on before christmas).
We shall see x
I have this on my forearm as it gives me strength & helps me get through the bad times. Also, it helps everytime I see myself in the mirror.. I know that to have the body I once had takes time & effort, that quote helps x
I have others, not tattooed (yet), such as "Into Each Life, Some Rain Must Fall" & "Take What You Can Have, Rejoice In What You Can Save, & Do Not Mourn Your Losses Too Long"
I have a passion for poetry & quotes that are strong.. They help. Words are all too much lost sometimes, but if whispered to yourself then they hold meaning, they are yours & that cannot be taken away.
On another note, it's weigh in tomorrow.. Am looking forward to it in a perverse way, if I can lose 3lb tomorrow that is the 12lb I put on over christmas (not mentioning the 6lb I put on before christmas).
We shall see x
Sunday, 18 January 2009
The Bryan, The Itch & The Wardrobe..
Once upon a time there was a boy called Bryan, quite a big boy really & not in the "Stop Dobbin Stop, you'll ruin me for life!", more of "Sod the pies, more like who ate the cows!".. Anyway, this 'boy' had a magical wardrobe, for in this wardrobe lived all his clothes that he could not fit into.. It was like a time warp everytime he opened it.
There were unworn jeans, & t shirts that never knew the light of day.. For they had been captured by the dark & evil itch called 'Lard'; now this itch was horrid & she banished the clothes to slavery, never to know the joy of being in daylight or to be worn.
But the clothes had hope, for the boy had started on a path of righteousness & fruit, for he was a weightwatcher. He knew that the only way to beat Lard was to stay on this path he had chosen.
Day by day, week by week, Lard is becoming weaker & her efforts to thwart him have been effortless.. But Lard is tenacious as well as evil & she knows that she can put obstacles in his way, thoughts in his mind to prevent him from freeing the clothes.. If only it gave her time to stop him.
But Bryan is also tenacious & he knows something she doesn't.. That those clothes give him the inspiration to carry on & he will free them.
For the wardrobe is magical & tells Bryan as such x
There were unworn jeans, & t shirts that never knew the light of day.. For they had been captured by the dark & evil itch called 'Lard'; now this itch was horrid & she banished the clothes to slavery, never to know the joy of being in daylight or to be worn.
But the clothes had hope, for the boy had started on a path of righteousness & fruit, for he was a weightwatcher. He knew that the only way to beat Lard was to stay on this path he had chosen.
Day by day, week by week, Lard is becoming weaker & her efforts to thwart him have been effortless.. But Lard is tenacious as well as evil & she knows that she can put obstacles in his way, thoughts in his mind to prevent him from freeing the clothes.. If only it gave her time to stop him.
But Bryan is also tenacious & he knows something she doesn't.. That those clothes give him the inspiration to carry on & he will free them.
For the wardrobe is magical & tells Bryan as such x
Nutrition..
I just acquired the book, 'Nutrition for Dummies', as i want to read more on the topic (again, it's the nurse in me).. But I find it interesting how the action of foods on your body & also in moods & reactions affect you.
It should be interesting, it is 409 pages long so I have some time to get through it, but am not going anywhere soon. & besides, if it helps me get a greater understanding into this diet then it's worth it..
Speaking of the diet, I am doing great on it.. I am not snacking & am feeling comfortable between meal times.. My friend offered me a shortbread biscuit & I turned it down, which is remarkable for me, so that is a milestone. My friends are realising not to offer me the junk stuff as they can see I am dedicated on this diet now.. Plus they are seeing a change in me, & not just weight wise either; I am becoming more confident again.
Oh & I can button up a pair of 3/4 length pants I have that I couldn't do before, which is a good sign. I can fit into some of my hooded tops also, so am going in the right direction.
I had a Marks & Spencers Count On Us Lamb Casserole (4 points) yesterday for my tea, it was gorgeous!! Also, they have started pointing those meals, but it isn't endorsed by Weightwatchers, however the points are accurate, which is handy. It means I now have more options of what to eat when at my friends. I also bought some tiny tangerines which were lovely & sweet.. as a treat.
We shall now see if I have lost owt on wednesday, but for now I feel better for being on this diet & am now in the 'zone' (as it were) where I can do this diet without a hitch..
The only hitch, however, is myself.
It should be interesting, it is 409 pages long so I have some time to get through it, but am not going anywhere soon. & besides, if it helps me get a greater understanding into this diet then it's worth it..
Speaking of the diet, I am doing great on it.. I am not snacking & am feeling comfortable between meal times.. My friend offered me a shortbread biscuit & I turned it down, which is remarkable for me, so that is a milestone. My friends are realising not to offer me the junk stuff as they can see I am dedicated on this diet now.. Plus they are seeing a change in me, & not just weight wise either; I am becoming more confident again.
Oh & I can button up a pair of 3/4 length pants I have that I couldn't do before, which is a good sign. I can fit into some of my hooded tops also, so am going in the right direction.
I had a Marks & Spencers Count On Us Lamb Casserole (4 points) yesterday for my tea, it was gorgeous!! Also, they have started pointing those meals, but it isn't endorsed by Weightwatchers, however the points are accurate, which is handy. It means I now have more options of what to eat when at my friends. I also bought some tiny tangerines which were lovely & sweet.. as a treat.
We shall now see if I have lost owt on wednesday, but for now I feel better for being on this diet & am now in the 'zone' (as it were) where I can do this diet without a hitch..
The only hitch, however, is myself.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
It's that blockage in the blog again!!
Sorry for the delay folks.. Had a slight brain fart there.
Again I am going to trundle on & see where this path leads me to.. That is what we do with dieting I guess; we come across a fork in the road, should I turn left onto Chip Street or right onto Healthy Avenue? It's one of those things. I like to plan my meals, not all of them but just some, that way I know I am in control.
There was a question asked on the forum before about why do we feel like stuffing ourselves silly in the winter period, or at the very least, when it is cold & dark? I think it stems back to prehistoric times (God Bry! You go on about prehistoric blah blah, why don't you just go live there?) again.. I think it is a mechanism deep rooted into the pathways of the brain far far forgotten to even rouse subconsciously, that in the dark & wintry times, spark a slight synapse that makes us attempt to eat more so that we put on weight. Now the weight back in those days had 2 advantages.. 1, it helped with the hard times when food was scarce enough, so that if you didn't have much to eat then you could rely on the fat to supply your body & thus you wouldn't cease to exist, & 2, it helped insulate you somewhat from the cold.
That said, we do have central heating now.. & electricity.
So why do we still do it? Oh I don't know; because we are human & deep in there is a survival instinct, to be allowed to still exist?
Saying that, it could be because we like our food.
Again I am going to trundle on & see where this path leads me to.. That is what we do with dieting I guess; we come across a fork in the road, should I turn left onto Chip Street or right onto Healthy Avenue? It's one of those things. I like to plan my meals, not all of them but just some, that way I know I am in control.
There was a question asked on the forum before about why do we feel like stuffing ourselves silly in the winter period, or at the very least, when it is cold & dark? I think it stems back to prehistoric times (God Bry! You go on about prehistoric blah blah, why don't you just go live there?) again.. I think it is a mechanism deep rooted into the pathways of the brain far far forgotten to even rouse subconsciously, that in the dark & wintry times, spark a slight synapse that makes us attempt to eat more so that we put on weight. Now the weight back in those days had 2 advantages.. 1, it helped with the hard times when food was scarce enough, so that if you didn't have much to eat then you could rely on the fat to supply your body & thus you wouldn't cease to exist, & 2, it helped insulate you somewhat from the cold.
That said, we do have central heating now.. & electricity.
So why do we still do it? Oh I don't know; because we are human & deep in there is a survival instinct, to be allowed to still exist?
Saying that, it could be because we like our food.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Weighed in just now x
Lost 9lbs!
After putting on 12lbs from last week's weigh in.
Am so pleased.. I have been on fast start all week & reduced my points accordingly to 22 instead of 34 & it has paid off..
The best thing about Fast Start was that I never felt hungry or snacked. Okay I had the odd apple here & there out of hours, but it's an apple.. It wasn't like what I was doing over xmas & going to the take away at 1am & having chips, cheese & mayo, with a double cheeseburger.. So, believe me when I say, an apple is nothing x
So now my points are back to normal & I have to eat them as I would on Fast Start.. It gives me some leeway to be able to make nice things.
But the best thing? I do not feel bloated, I feel lighter.. I feel good about myself.
& in the end, that is what counts x
After putting on 12lbs from last week's weigh in.
Am so pleased.. I have been on fast start all week & reduced my points accordingly to 22 instead of 34 & it has paid off..
The best thing about Fast Start was that I never felt hungry or snacked. Okay I had the odd apple here & there out of hours, but it's an apple.. It wasn't like what I was doing over xmas & going to the take away at 1am & having chips, cheese & mayo, with a double cheeseburger.. So, believe me when I say, an apple is nothing x
So now my points are back to normal & I have to eat them as I would on Fast Start.. It gives me some leeway to be able to make nice things.
But the best thing? I do not feel bloated, I feel lighter.. I feel good about myself.
& in the end, that is what counts x
Zero Points & the arguments that follow it.
Why is it that when people see zero points they go mental? Is it some kind of secret code that when read, activates a lost prehistoric synapse in the brain, triggering neurons to fire a signal that says 'WARNING! Don't trust.. '
Okay, maybe I have made more questions for myself with why prehistoric man had a synapse that warned them of zero points.. You never know; Pterodactyl may have been lower in points than Tyrannosaurus Rex. Water was free back then too, not sure about diet coke though. (Before anyone feels free to comment, yes I know they were all in 3 different epochs, nice try x)
I don't know why I go off subject so easily.. It's like 'yes the possibility of badgers rising up from their burrow & becoming our lords thus enslaving the human race is..oooh something shiny'. See? Done it again.
Back to the point.. & this is my opinion by the way, no research or owt, just my thoughts.
Zero points, just to clarify, does not mean zero calories. But you find a lot of people who think this & it gets confusing for the new members (& the old members). Every foodstuff has calories in.
What zero points means is that the calorific content is so negligible to be rendered free.. Therefore, the calories inside it don't affect you.
Take Robinsons No Added Sugar drink (No Added Sugar is a bit of a misnomer as the fruit juice in it will have some kind of sugar fom the fruit, say fructose, but in all honesty I only wrote that in to defend the comments I may get saying it's false x), this has caused unbelievable amount of confusion, distress etc on the boards.. 'It isn't free!' 'Don't drink it!' 'Warning!' ad infinitum.
But if you look on the parts of the bottle it says: 20 servings per bottle, 8 calories per 100 ml concentrate, no sats fat.. So for 100ml of concentrate (not dilute) is 8 cals.
Right, to dilute it you add 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water, so just say 50ml equals a concentrate (you see, 20 servings in a 1000ml bottle = 50ml per serving) & you make up a 250 ml drink.. 50ml equals 4 calories. So in essence you are drinking 4 calories, you burn more calories in a day blinking.
But that is a bit of maths, the fun part is the confusion & arguments that lead from actually pointing free stuff..
Why are we attempting to rubbish WeightWatchers by contradicting a list they gave us? Free foods & drinks is a saviour, we get pleasure from knowing that this is 'free', & zero points means we can drink something other than water & not get bored. We can eat vegetables until we turn into one.. So why are people so desperate to not have free stuff? Why are we trying to eek out a half a point from something that is so negligible that it MUST count? That that half a point is the scourge of not losing weight 'it must be the No Added Sugar drink.. It lied!!'
I have an idea, when attempting to point a 'free item', how about eating a little more healthier.. so instead of having a Big Mac, have a Subway. Or instead of treating yourself to chips, have a baked potato or new potatoes? Or try to reduce your meals by half a point to see if that makes a difference? Instead of stopping eating or drinking something as it has calories in. That way you reduce your points by the stuff that counts, not the stuff you shouldn't count.
If Weight Watchers turn around & say 'okay, you have to point EVERYTHING, nothing is free' there would be a riot. But people seem to be wanting to point stuff that a scientifically approached evidence based company have said are free.
I wish I could answer it to be honest, because if I could, I would get a Nobel Prize.
Okay, maybe I have made more questions for myself with why prehistoric man had a synapse that warned them of zero points.. You never know; Pterodactyl may have been lower in points than Tyrannosaurus Rex. Water was free back then too, not sure about diet coke though. (Before anyone feels free to comment, yes I know they were all in 3 different epochs, nice try x)
I don't know why I go off subject so easily.. It's like 'yes the possibility of badgers rising up from their burrow & becoming our lords thus enslaving the human race is..oooh something shiny'. See? Done it again.
Back to the point.. & this is my opinion by the way, no research or owt, just my thoughts.
Zero points, just to clarify, does not mean zero calories. But you find a lot of people who think this & it gets confusing for the new members (& the old members). Every foodstuff has calories in.
What zero points means is that the calorific content is so negligible to be rendered free.. Therefore, the calories inside it don't affect you.
Take Robinsons No Added Sugar drink (No Added Sugar is a bit of a misnomer as the fruit juice in it will have some kind of sugar fom the fruit, say fructose, but in all honesty I only wrote that in to defend the comments I may get saying it's false x), this has caused unbelievable amount of confusion, distress etc on the boards.. 'It isn't free!' 'Don't drink it!' 'Warning!' ad infinitum.
But if you look on the parts of the bottle it says: 20 servings per bottle, 8 calories per 100 ml concentrate, no sats fat.. So for 100ml of concentrate (not dilute) is 8 cals.
Right, to dilute it you add 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water, so just say 50ml equals a concentrate (you see, 20 servings in a 1000ml bottle = 50ml per serving) & you make up a 250 ml drink.. 50ml equals 4 calories. So in essence you are drinking 4 calories, you burn more calories in a day blinking.
But that is a bit of maths, the fun part is the confusion & arguments that lead from actually pointing free stuff..
Why are we attempting to rubbish WeightWatchers by contradicting a list they gave us? Free foods & drinks is a saviour, we get pleasure from knowing that this is 'free', & zero points means we can drink something other than water & not get bored. We can eat vegetables until we turn into one.. So why are people so desperate to not have free stuff? Why are we trying to eek out a half a point from something that is so negligible that it MUST count? That that half a point is the scourge of not losing weight 'it must be the No Added Sugar drink.. It lied!!'
I have an idea, when attempting to point a 'free item', how about eating a little more healthier.. so instead of having a Big Mac, have a Subway. Or instead of treating yourself to chips, have a baked potato or new potatoes? Or try to reduce your meals by half a point to see if that makes a difference? Instead of stopping eating or drinking something as it has calories in. That way you reduce your points by the stuff that counts, not the stuff you shouldn't count.
If Weight Watchers turn around & say 'okay, you have to point EVERYTHING, nothing is free' there would be a riot. But people seem to be wanting to point stuff that a scientifically approached evidence based company have said are free.
I wish I could answer it to be honest, because if I could, I would get a Nobel Prize.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Double H to the O
Yes that is right, in my white working class home boy stylee, I am indeed going to pen something about water.. That giver & taketh awayer of life, that stuff of ermm. .sloshiness?
Anyway, I digress: Water. We need to it, nay we depend on it, without it we would be dirty stinky dried up husks of dust lying on this planet.. Just bear with me, I will be getting to the point.
Did you know that we had a Super Ice Age called the Cryogenian? It was as if the earth was a giant snowball.. Then plate tectonics saved our precious earth by creating volcanoes that melted the majority of it & caused storms that were beyond description.
The point being, is that water is fabulous.. The ice age bit? Oh I was just putting it in for dramatics, if I has said 'Did you know that last week I saw a cat coughing up a furball' it kinda doesn't have the same oomph does it?
Okay, the recommended amount of water to drink per day is 2 litres. That is a given & is pretty much relied upon.
Now, there has been a study that states the recommended daily amount is 2l of FLUID, not just water.. I'm think what they are saying is that all fluid has water in it, therefore you obtain the water in the same way.
Which is pretty obvious in a way, but it's good for those who stick to something religiously. I get bored of water, say after the 1st mouthful, but knowing this means I can mix & match as it were.
Which is great.. Now I wonder if the same applies to tequila??
Anyway, I digress: Water. We need to it, nay we depend on it, without it we would be dirty stinky dried up husks of dust lying on this planet.. Just bear with me, I will be getting to the point.
Did you know that we had a Super Ice Age called the Cryogenian? It was as if the earth was a giant snowball.. Then plate tectonics saved our precious earth by creating volcanoes that melted the majority of it & caused storms that were beyond description.
The point being, is that water is fabulous.. The ice age bit? Oh I was just putting it in for dramatics, if I has said 'Did you know that last week I saw a cat coughing up a furball' it kinda doesn't have the same oomph does it?
Okay, the recommended amount of water to drink per day is 2 litres. That is a given & is pretty much relied upon.
Now, there has been a study that states the recommended daily amount is 2l of FLUID, not just water.. I'm think what they are saying is that all fluid has water in it, therefore you obtain the water in the same way.
Which is pretty obvious in a way, but it's good for those who stick to something religiously. I get bored of water, say after the 1st mouthful, but knowing this means I can mix & match as it were.
Which is great.. Now I wonder if the same applies to tequila??
Sticky Days
Once again, apologies for another delay in the post.. I had a blog blockage yesterday.
I won't purport to actually inventing it, because there are so many different definitions to it, & everyone has a name for it.. What magical invention is this? You might ask. Well, I'm talking about sticky days.
Now if you have never heard of the word (or never been on the Weight Watchers forum with me blabbing on about it) allow me to jog your memory:
A sticky day is quite simply a day where you treat yourself to what you want & to Hell with it.. but here is the rub; it can help with your weight loss & makes you more determined.
I was first put on the idea of this from an old friend called Tim who I trained with, who told me that once a month or so just go batshit bonkers on what you eat & by the next day you feel so guilty that you stay on the regime.
And it worked. The same goes for Weight Watchers, before christmas I had one sticky day a week (mainly on a wednesday after Weigh In) & I still managed to lose weight, be it chips, a kebab or a chinese.
But the real cleverness is knowing when to stop; it is easy to carry on the sticky day until it becomes a sticky week etc so having a modicum of self control really helps you with a sticky day. However, once you have ate the treat you immediately feel guilty about scoffing it, so you become more determined to stay on track.
I also go on a 3 day rule for a sticky day, & this was also confirmed in Men's Fitness, which I was chuffed about.
Day 1 - You eat junk, no weight gain
Day 2 - You still eat junk - Stay the same
Day 3 - You continue to eat junk - You gain weight
& by following that, it takes the stress off of worrying about your weight.
Now I am not saying this is fool proof (far from it) as everyone has different bodies, so the chances it works for everyone is next to impossible. But if you tweak it for your needs, well a sticky day could have its advantages.
So next time you have a treat, don't feel guilty, just write 'sticky day' on your sheet & then forget about it, start afresh the next day & don't care about the 2 words on the other side.
Just be one with the sticky day.
I won't purport to actually inventing it, because there are so many different definitions to it, & everyone has a name for it.. What magical invention is this? You might ask. Well, I'm talking about sticky days.
Now if you have never heard of the word (or never been on the Weight Watchers forum with me blabbing on about it) allow me to jog your memory:
A sticky day is quite simply a day where you treat yourself to what you want & to Hell with it.. but here is the rub; it can help with your weight loss & makes you more determined.
I was first put on the idea of this from an old friend called Tim who I trained with, who told me that once a month or so just go batshit bonkers on what you eat & by the next day you feel so guilty that you stay on the regime.
And it worked. The same goes for Weight Watchers, before christmas I had one sticky day a week (mainly on a wednesday after Weigh In) & I still managed to lose weight, be it chips, a kebab or a chinese.
But the real cleverness is knowing when to stop; it is easy to carry on the sticky day until it becomes a sticky week etc so having a modicum of self control really helps you with a sticky day. However, once you have ate the treat you immediately feel guilty about scoffing it, so you become more determined to stay on track.
I also go on a 3 day rule for a sticky day, & this was also confirmed in Men's Fitness, which I was chuffed about.
Day 1 - You eat junk, no weight gain
Day 2 - You still eat junk - Stay the same
Day 3 - You continue to eat junk - You gain weight
& by following that, it takes the stress off of worrying about your weight.
Now I am not saying this is fool proof (far from it) as everyone has different bodies, so the chances it works for everyone is next to impossible. But if you tweak it for your needs, well a sticky day could have its advantages.
So next time you have a treat, don't feel guilty, just write 'sticky day' on your sheet & then forget about it, start afresh the next day & don't care about the 2 words on the other side.
Just be one with the sticky day.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Detox & The World's Best Jacket Potato!
Not 2 subjects you hear together really, but bear with me..
I was reading an interesting article in Men's Fitness (I have subcribed to this & Men's Health for many a year now) about 'Detoxification'.. Now the premise of the article is a) there are a bucket load of detox kits & b) they don't work. That's in a nutshell.
You see, our bodies have evolved perfectly & within that our systems & organs work in harmony.. In essence, we detox quite well by ourselves, quietly minding its own business our bodies do the detoxing for us & we never thank it.. (Thank you body!!)
However, our bodies can only take so much & furthermore, due to obesity, it doesn't function as it should.. The solution? Healthy eating, enough sleep, exercising regularly & drinking fluids, create a balance & restore our detox cycle. So the products in Boots are really just empty holes you throw money into, when your body does the same job, only more efficient.
Which leads me onto the potato.. (somehow) I made the world's best jacket potato, 6 minutes in the microwave to soften it up, rub some salt into it & bung it in the oven for 20 mins.. Cooked to loveliness, nice & crispy. I used to never make a nice, crispy potato.. Until I read how to do it properly. Much like detox.
See? I told you the 2 subjects were related x
I was reading an interesting article in Men's Fitness (I have subcribed to this & Men's Health for many a year now) about 'Detoxification'.. Now the premise of the article is a) there are a bucket load of detox kits & b) they don't work. That's in a nutshell.
You see, our bodies have evolved perfectly & within that our systems & organs work in harmony.. In essence, we detox quite well by ourselves, quietly minding its own business our bodies do the detoxing for us & we never thank it.. (Thank you body!!)
However, our bodies can only take so much & furthermore, due to obesity, it doesn't function as it should.. The solution? Healthy eating, enough sleep, exercising regularly & drinking fluids, create a balance & restore our detox cycle. So the products in Boots are really just empty holes you throw money into, when your body does the same job, only more efficient.
Which leads me onto the potato.. (somehow) I made the world's best jacket potato, 6 minutes in the microwave to soften it up, rub some salt into it & bung it in the oven for 20 mins.. Cooked to loveliness, nice & crispy. I used to never make a nice, crispy potato.. Until I read how to do it properly. Much like detox.
See? I told you the 2 subjects were related x
I went for a trip to the 9th Dimension..
But am back now. Nice place, the Cow God was pretty cool too.
So that is why I haven't had a new post folks, my apologies, but sometimes a break is just what you need.. Even if it is to the 9th Dimension.
Well, I am doing well on the diet, the 22 points Fast Track is doing the trick.. Even though I am 12 points under I don't feel hungry or snack which is awesome & is helping keep on track so much better. But am looking forward to going back to full points, at the present this is integrating me back into the points etc.
I don't feel bloated or icky & generally feel happier..
Will report back later x
So that is why I haven't had a new post folks, my apologies, but sometimes a break is just what you need.. Even if it is to the 9th Dimension.
Well, I am doing well on the diet, the 22 points Fast Track is doing the trick.. Even though I am 12 points under I don't feel hungry or snack which is awesome & is helping keep on track so much better. But am looking forward to going back to full points, at the present this is integrating me back into the points etc.
I don't feel bloated or icky & generally feel happier..
Will report back later x
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
1st Meeting at Weight Watchers
Well, that went well..
I went for my 1st weigh in & put on 12lbs! Errr.. I laughed. I had approximated I had put on a stone so I was happy to have been under.
Now I am back on the diet & I am so glad to be on it. I can look forward to food I control & a structure that I didn't have over christmas.
Now is time to put my game face on & get down to this. I lost 36lb in 9 weeks before christmas, so here I go x
On a diet note, I started the challenge for the Axis Of Evil today. I gave them their 1st goal within that challenge.. For one day in this week they have to discard a treat they would normally have & eat a piece of fruit instead. I normally treat myself to a chip barm after Weigh In, but this time I had an orange.. I feel better in a silly way, or is it silly? I have avoided eating junk & had a nice peice of fruit (after my soup) for dinner, not once have I said 'I shouldn't have eaten that' or regretted it either. With that small goal for the challengers, it is just to give a nice feeling & encourage to try eating more fruit. (It's the nurse in me).
Also, speaking of having a soup, I am addicted to the Baxters Spicy Parsnip Soup, it's lovely & filling.. Only 4 points too.
Right, am off to Tesco to do a shop for all my diety needs..
Catch you later x
I went for my 1st weigh in & put on 12lbs! Errr.. I laughed. I had approximated I had put on a stone so I was happy to have been under.
Now I am back on the diet & I am so glad to be on it. I can look forward to food I control & a structure that I didn't have over christmas.
Now is time to put my game face on & get down to this. I lost 36lb in 9 weeks before christmas, so here I go x
On a diet note, I started the challenge for the Axis Of Evil today. I gave them their 1st goal within that challenge.. For one day in this week they have to discard a treat they would normally have & eat a piece of fruit instead. I normally treat myself to a chip barm after Weigh In, but this time I had an orange.. I feel better in a silly way, or is it silly? I have avoided eating junk & had a nice peice of fruit (after my soup) for dinner, not once have I said 'I shouldn't have eaten that' or regretted it either. With that small goal for the challengers, it is just to give a nice feeling & encourage to try eating more fruit. (It's the nurse in me).
Also, speaking of having a soup, I am addicted to the Baxters Spicy Parsnip Soup, it's lovely & filling.. Only 4 points too.
Right, am off to Tesco to do a shop for all my diety needs..
Catch you later x
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Bleak.. But Birdsong rocks!!
Oh I do apologise for the last post.. It seems I wandered into the soul of Darth Vader (pre 'I'm yer dad phase') & went all emo there.
It's Byron's fault, he sends me that way..
Well, it's the eve of judgement day, when I found out due to vast inhalation of lard, how much I have put on. I'm not attempting to kid myself by guessing, but if I am the same weight I was when i started I would not be surprised.. But it happens & to be honest, I am glad I did it, but now I am ready to get back on the diet & skip merrily down the path of weight loss.
Nowt much happening today, although I will have to mention the second part of the title.
About a year ago, I was messing about with my DAB radio & I came upon a station called 'Birdsong', & I have been hooked ever since. It is just a continuous loop of birds singing, about an hours worth & then restarts.. It doesn't sound like fun, but it is the most calming thing I have ever heard, you can read with it as there is no speaking, surf the web etc, it is great to wake up to & just have on all day as a relaxation thing. I urge anyone who has DAB to try it.. My cats seem to like it too.
Ooh & there is a new Nicholas Crane series on tonight, I loved him in Map Man & Great British Journeys, now he is doing 'Britannia' which is a 3 part series with him following William Camden's great map from 1586, & he sets out to find Elizabethan Britain. I can't wait! (BBC2 9pm)
Anyway, have to go, bath awaits x
It's Byron's fault, he sends me that way..
Well, it's the eve of judgement day, when I found out due to vast inhalation of lard, how much I have put on. I'm not attempting to kid myself by guessing, but if I am the same weight I was when i started I would not be surprised.. But it happens & to be honest, I am glad I did it, but now I am ready to get back on the diet & skip merrily down the path of weight loss.
Nowt much happening today, although I will have to mention the second part of the title.
About a year ago, I was messing about with my DAB radio & I came upon a station called 'Birdsong', & I have been hooked ever since. It is just a continuous loop of birds singing, about an hours worth & then restarts.. It doesn't sound like fun, but it is the most calming thing I have ever heard, you can read with it as there is no speaking, surf the web etc, it is great to wake up to & just have on all day as a relaxation thing. I urge anyone who has DAB to try it.. My cats seem to like it too.
Ooh & there is a new Nicholas Crane series on tonight, I loved him in Map Man & Great British Journeys, now he is doing 'Britannia' which is a 3 part series with him following William Camden's great map from 1586, & he sets out to find Elizabethan Britain. I can't wait! (BBC2 9pm)
Anyway, have to go, bath awaits x
Monday, 5 January 2009
Darkness
I had a dream, which was not all a dream.
The bright sun was extinguish'd
and the stars did wander...
It is an excerpt of 'Darkness' by Byron, it's an awesome poem & what is most interesting is why it was written.
In 1815, Tambora exploded, it was a mountain in Indonesia, the explosion was 150 times the size of Mount St Helens, approximately 60,000 Hiroshima sized Atom Bombs!! (The initial devastation & resulting tsunamis killed over a hundred thousand people)
Over 240 kilometres of smoky ash, dust & grit were blown into the atmosphere, obscuring the sun's rays & causing the earth to cool.. It was an eternal winter. The artist Turner painted a famous sunset showing the effect this had, unusually colourful sunsets but blurry also.
It was an extraordinary event. Bad enough was that at that time Europe & North America had endured a Little Ice Age (for 200 years), so it wasn't a very warm time. Because of the explosion, the earth's thermostat fell by 1 degree Celsius..
One degree caused hundreds of thousands to die following the cataclysmic event.
& yet, a poem was written that depicted the solemnity of the event..
I don't know where I am going with this one, I just though I would mention it as it is amazing that you never hear of it..
So I am going to bow my head & give the people who died a minute's silence..
The bright sun was extinguish'd
and the stars did wander...
It is an excerpt of 'Darkness' by Byron, it's an awesome poem & what is most interesting is why it was written.
In 1815, Tambora exploded, it was a mountain in Indonesia, the explosion was 150 times the size of Mount St Helens, approximately 60,000 Hiroshima sized Atom Bombs!! (The initial devastation & resulting tsunamis killed over a hundred thousand people)
Over 240 kilometres of smoky ash, dust & grit were blown into the atmosphere, obscuring the sun's rays & causing the earth to cool.. It was an eternal winter. The artist Turner painted a famous sunset showing the effect this had, unusually colourful sunsets but blurry also.
It was an extraordinary event. Bad enough was that at that time Europe & North America had endured a Little Ice Age (for 200 years), so it wasn't a very warm time. Because of the explosion, the earth's thermostat fell by 1 degree Celsius..
One degree caused hundreds of thousands to die following the cataclysmic event.
& yet, a poem was written that depicted the solemnity of the event..
I don't know where I am going with this one, I just though I would mention it as it is amazing that you never hear of it..
So I am going to bow my head & give the people who died a minute's silence..
A Quandary.
Has to be a quick one I am afraid, as I am away to a comedy night (what? No I am NOT looking in a mirror..).
I have my WW meeting on wednesday, so why for the past week (& Christmas) have I been eating like a monster unrestrained? Why am I waiting to that day when I can start afresh?
Maybe it's because I need the discipline of the meeting, the order or the structure to the routine?
Or maybe, it's because I am desperately hanging on to the lovely food that I have so delightfully enjoyed for the past few weeks & don't want to let go until the last minute.
Oh balls.. I have just answered my own question.
Poo.
I have my WW meeting on wednesday, so why for the past week (& Christmas) have I been eating like a monster unrestrained? Why am I waiting to that day when I can start afresh?
Maybe it's because I need the discipline of the meeting, the order or the structure to the routine?
Or maybe, it's because I am desperately hanging on to the lovely food that I have so delightfully enjoyed for the past few weeks & don't want to let go until the last minute.
Oh balls.. I have just answered my own question.
Poo.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
World's Strongest Man
I was watching World's Strongest Man (I have followed it for years) & was impressed by the talent this year, unbelievable show.. My favourite was Terry Hollands, he is from the UK. Out of the 10 he came last, but he put in a fantastic performance.. Now last might sound shitty & it isn't as good as 1st, but how many of us could lift 225kg up 15 steps, or drag a 45 ton plane 25 metres? I for one couldn't, & everyone who says that last is a bad place are most likely unable to drag themselves upstairs, let alone 225kg also. So well done Terry for a) getting to the final & b) for fighting to the end..
I think the funniest thing about the event was the quiz in the breaks, simple in itself.. Which Strong Man had his hair cut by Delilah? Was it:
A) Hercules
B) Samson
C) Achilles
Now the actual answer is none of them. What?! You may ask.. It was Samson. Well, in fact it was a servant of Delilah who cut Samson's hair, not Delilah herself. Okay, it's bad semantics.. but
I thought it was funny.
For your information, Marius Pudjianowski won it for the 5th time, being the 1st World's Strongest man to win it 5 times. He pulled a 35 ton truck with a torn calf in the qualifiers, Jesus!!
I used to want to be as big as those men, I used to train hard & long.. Then I had a succession of injuries & it all went downhill.. Once I lose this weight, I want to go back to the gym & build up again, just do it slower & much more learned about it. I have one thing my young self didn't have, experience. Okay I was stronger back then, but sometimes being more knowledgable can be more beneficial.
But I hate gyms.. Oh how I hate these new breed of gyms, for people who don't sweat or who have no concept of exercise.. Like reading on a bike or treadmill.. Fucking reading?!?!
I remember the gym I used to frequent when I was younger (When I say younger, I mean 21, I'm only 31 now), it was the type of gym that was held together with damp, the gym with no central heating or air conditioning. The only thing you had to do was work out, no tv's connected to Sky, or running machines with radios, no music over the tannoy system, or electrical equipment.. It was solid free weights, or the pulley machines. The kind of gym where you went, trained & left. The guys were friendly & helped you spot when you were bench pressing or doing squats, I loved it.. & now they are all sadly gone.
I joined a gym when I 1st joined WW, I won't say who it was (But it rhymed with 'Pit Ness Hurst'), besides being rip off merchants, there was no camaraderie like there was in the damp gym.. I asked someone to spot me & all I got was a "I'm busy".. Which is what I hated, so I left.
Which is why I would love to open a gym of the like I used to go to. Not a damp gym, where the only development in your body is Legionairre's disease. No, a gym where televisions, radio, electrical equipment & other bullshit that would otherwise distract the person from doing what they should be doing in the gym - TRAINING OR EXERCISING!!
Ahem! Sorry.. I would make sure that everyone helps out & advice can be freely obtained, instead of having to take out a mortgage for a personal trainer. That the regulars would be friendly & helpful.
Oh & I would ban lycra too.
My apologies for that, but I miss those days. Once I lose this weight, I am going to find a gym just like my old one.. & that's another thing, the name of these new gyms, what's the deal? My old gym was called 'Powerhouse Gym' that was all it needed to say, blunt & to the point.
Anyway, I shall go now.. Have to visualise my gym.
I think the funniest thing about the event was the quiz in the breaks, simple in itself.. Which Strong Man had his hair cut by Delilah? Was it:
A) Hercules
B) Samson
C) Achilles
Now the actual answer is none of them. What?! You may ask.. It was Samson. Well, in fact it was a servant of Delilah who cut Samson's hair, not Delilah herself. Okay, it's bad semantics.. but
I thought it was funny.
For your information, Marius Pudjianowski won it for the 5th time, being the 1st World's Strongest man to win it 5 times. He pulled a 35 ton truck with a torn calf in the qualifiers, Jesus!!
I used to want to be as big as those men, I used to train hard & long.. Then I had a succession of injuries & it all went downhill.. Once I lose this weight, I want to go back to the gym & build up again, just do it slower & much more learned about it. I have one thing my young self didn't have, experience. Okay I was stronger back then, but sometimes being more knowledgable can be more beneficial.
But I hate gyms.. Oh how I hate these new breed of gyms, for people who don't sweat or who have no concept of exercise.. Like reading on a bike or treadmill.. Fucking reading?!?!
I remember the gym I used to frequent when I was younger (When I say younger, I mean 21, I'm only 31 now), it was the type of gym that was held together with damp, the gym with no central heating or air conditioning. The only thing you had to do was work out, no tv's connected to Sky, or running machines with radios, no music over the tannoy system, or electrical equipment.. It was solid free weights, or the pulley machines. The kind of gym where you went, trained & left. The guys were friendly & helped you spot when you were bench pressing or doing squats, I loved it.. & now they are all sadly gone.
I joined a gym when I 1st joined WW, I won't say who it was (But it rhymed with 'Pit Ness Hurst'), besides being rip off merchants, there was no camaraderie like there was in the damp gym.. I asked someone to spot me & all I got was a "I'm busy".. Which is what I hated, so I left.
Which is why I would love to open a gym of the like I used to go to. Not a damp gym, where the only development in your body is Legionairre's disease. No, a gym where televisions, radio, electrical equipment & other bullshit that would otherwise distract the person from doing what they should be doing in the gym - TRAINING OR EXERCISING!!
Ahem! Sorry.. I would make sure that everyone helps out & advice can be freely obtained, instead of having to take out a mortgage for a personal trainer. That the regulars would be friendly & helpful.
Oh & I would ban lycra too.
My apologies for that, but I miss those days. Once I lose this weight, I am going to find a gym just like my old one.. & that's another thing, the name of these new gyms, what's the deal? My old gym was called 'Powerhouse Gym' that was all it needed to say, blunt & to the point.
Anyway, I shall go now.. Have to visualise my gym.
Friday, 2 January 2009
Early Morning Reading..
I am currently reading Men's Fitness, & an article in there was entitled 'Should I Eat After 8pm?', now the chap who said "No" brought up some interesting points to which I shall not bore you with, but he did come out with an old maxim 'Breakfast Like A King, Lunch Like A Lord, & Dine Like A Pauper', to which we shall come to.
However, on the "Yes" side was a woman who is Chief Scientific Officer for Weightwatchers, this is what she said -
"It's the number of calories you consume over the course of a day, not the hour of the day you eat, that contributes to weight gain. A swedish trial found that people given meals after 8pm burned the same number of total calories as those who were fed three meals before this time.
There are some behaviourial reasons why people link weight gain to eating late. If someone who normally snacks in the evening suddenly stops then they will probably lose weight - but this is because total daily calorie consumption is lower, not because of the time factor. Our bodies aren't machines that turn on or off: we're constantly burning calories to stay alive. Your metabolism may slow down at the end of the day but not by enough to make a difference to weight gain. The bottom line is that a calorie is a calorie, no matter what the clock says.
Humans are creatures of habit. They come in from work and switch off with some sort of 'treat', but forget to include these calories in their daily allowance. If you are prone to sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of ice cream or a packet of crisps, then it may be worth putting a restriction on what time of day you eat, or make sure these calories are accounted for in your daily allowance." (Karen Miller-Kovach 2009)
Now I have always admired the old maxim 'Breakfast Like A King, Lunch Like A Lord, & Dine Like A Pauper' as on the previous Weightwatchers diet (& this one) I have followed that ideal.. It is because it is so simplistic in its approach, & I did lose weight with it.
The interesting thing about this is valid points have been made, that a) we are creatures of habit, b) a calorie is a calorie, no matter what the clock says & c) dine like a pauper, if you are unsure.
However, on the "Yes" side was a woman who is Chief Scientific Officer for Weightwatchers, this is what she said -
"It's the number of calories you consume over the course of a day, not the hour of the day you eat, that contributes to weight gain. A swedish trial found that people given meals after 8pm burned the same number of total calories as those who were fed three meals before this time.
There are some behaviourial reasons why people link weight gain to eating late. If someone who normally snacks in the evening suddenly stops then they will probably lose weight - but this is because total daily calorie consumption is lower, not because of the time factor. Our bodies aren't machines that turn on or off: we're constantly burning calories to stay alive. Your metabolism may slow down at the end of the day but not by enough to make a difference to weight gain. The bottom line is that a calorie is a calorie, no matter what the clock says.
Humans are creatures of habit. They come in from work and switch off with some sort of 'treat', but forget to include these calories in their daily allowance. If you are prone to sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of ice cream or a packet of crisps, then it may be worth putting a restriction on what time of day you eat, or make sure these calories are accounted for in your daily allowance." (Karen Miller-Kovach 2009)
Now I have always admired the old maxim 'Breakfast Like A King, Lunch Like A Lord, & Dine Like A Pauper' as on the previous Weightwatchers diet (& this one) I have followed that ideal.. It is because it is so simplistic in its approach, & I did lose weight with it.
The interesting thing about this is valid points have been made, that a) we are creatures of habit, b) a calorie is a calorie, no matter what the clock says & c) dine like a pauper, if you are unsure.
In The Last Instance..
I should have come on earlier, but thanks to a headache that felt like a rhino was on its vinegar strokes, I kind of stayed away from a screen..
I was going to have this blog as just my weight los, but I thought shit off, I can write what I like, so it is about my (eventual) weight demise, but also for me to rant on x
I watched Zack & Miri Makes A Porno earlier & nearly wet myself, such a funny film.. Kevin Smith is an awesome Writer/Director & I'm also glad to see Jason Mewes being as disgusting as ever, that man is my idol! Only wish I could see another Jay & Silent Bob film. I won't ruin it for you, but the anal/camera scene is hysterical..
I haven't done much today & I have certainly not been on my diet, but wednesday is looming & I cannot wait x
Right, going to shift my butt into doing something.. have a good one x
I was going to have this blog as just my weight los, but I thought shit off, I can write what I like, so it is about my (eventual) weight demise, but also for me to rant on x
I watched Zack & Miri Makes A Porno earlier & nearly wet myself, such a funny film.. Kevin Smith is an awesome Writer/Director & I'm also glad to see Jason Mewes being as disgusting as ever, that man is my idol! Only wish I could see another Jay & Silent Bob film. I won't ruin it for you, but the anal/camera scene is hysterical..
I haven't done much today & I have certainly not been on my diet, but wednesday is looming & I cannot wait x
Right, going to shift my butt into doing something.. have a good one x
Thursday, 1 January 2009
My Challenge..
Okay, this is fun..
Just emailed about 24 ladies on the Weightwatcher's forums, who have joined my challenge..
The premise of the challenge is easy, of any challenge you might say, it is to lose a stone for March.
The reason? Well, seeing as you asked nicely, 'twas in response to a lady on the forum, who wanted to lose a stone for March & wanted a nemesis to help her.. Tragically she got a few too many replies (which is a bit worrying) so foolishly I said, 'well why don't I make a challenge up?' (as you can tell I am full of eloquence when it comes to these ideas).
So here we are, the challenge is so aptly named 'The Axis Of Evil Challenge' as there are quite a few nemesis's involved, & I am Osama Bin BryBry (Don't ask & no, I haven't been emailed by the Anti Terrorist Branch yet, or George Bush sadly).
I am trying to go a different way with this challenge.. Keep the challenge simple, but add a few secret goals in their to keep it fun & not boring as such.
Well I had better go, once I get the hang of this blog I shall put up pics & stuff, but to be honest I don't have any & don't want any.
Have a good one x
Ooooh I have an email.. Hello? Ahh Mr Bush... No I can't quite say I have heard of Guantanamo Bay, why?
Just emailed about 24 ladies on the Weightwatcher's forums, who have joined my challenge..
The premise of the challenge is easy, of any challenge you might say, it is to lose a stone for March.
The reason? Well, seeing as you asked nicely, 'twas in response to a lady on the forum, who wanted to lose a stone for March & wanted a nemesis to help her.. Tragically she got a few too many replies (which is a bit worrying) so foolishly I said, 'well why don't I make a challenge up?' (as you can tell I am full of eloquence when it comes to these ideas).
So here we are, the challenge is so aptly named 'The Axis Of Evil Challenge' as there are quite a few nemesis's involved, & I am Osama Bin BryBry (Don't ask & no, I haven't been emailed by the Anti Terrorist Branch yet, or George Bush sadly).
I am trying to go a different way with this challenge.. Keep the challenge simple, but add a few secret goals in their to keep it fun & not boring as such.
Well I had better go, once I get the hang of this blog I shall put up pics & stuff, but to be honest I don't have any & don't want any.
Have a good one x
Ooooh I have an email.. Hello? Ahh Mr Bush... No I can't quite say I have heard of Guantanamo Bay, why?
1st Blog of 2009..
Hmm? Not exactly sure how I got here.. All I can remember was walking down the street, then it went blank & I ended up here somehow. Maybe my memory will return..
I guess everyone is writing a blog these days so I might as well put in my pennies worth.
My name is Bryan, I have been doing Weight Watchers for a few years & this is my 2nd attempt to lose the weight. The 1st time back in 2005 saw me lose 6 stone in 6 months, I got down to 15 stone 4lbs, then lost it completely. Now I am back, started in Nov 2008 & lost 36 lb in 9 weeks.. Thanks to christmas & new year I believe I have inhaled it all back on, so am waiting impatiently to go back to weigh in next wednesday to see what damage limitation I need to ensue.
So God only knows what weight I am at present..
We shall see x
I guess everyone is writing a blog these days so I might as well put in my pennies worth.
My name is Bryan, I have been doing Weight Watchers for a few years & this is my 2nd attempt to lose the weight. The 1st time back in 2005 saw me lose 6 stone in 6 months, I got down to 15 stone 4lbs, then lost it completely. Now I am back, started in Nov 2008 & lost 36 lb in 9 weeks.. Thanks to christmas & new year I believe I have inhaled it all back on, so am waiting impatiently to go back to weigh in next wednesday to see what damage limitation I need to ensue.
So God only knows what weight I am at present..
We shall see x
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