This is it.
It is that last day.
It his the last day I will allow myself to think like the old "Alan".
I am not saying I will be perfect. I tried that before...it did not work so good.
I will, however, be healthy. If I am eating healthy AT LEAST 90% of the time I think I can consider myself healthy.
I want to eat healthy 100% of the time, however, as long as I possibly can in 2011.
Healthy needs to become a habit and habits only happen with consistency..
People keep saying that if you stay away from the "bad" foods you like long enough your tastes will change and the next time you try what you used to like you won't like it anymore.
Personally...it has never been my reality.
I am going to give these people the benefit of the doubt and assume that I just haven't stayed away from the "bad" foods I like for long enough.
So my major challenge will start tomorrow.
I know I shouldn't say "starting tomorrow" but I am going to. There is something magical about starting with a new determination on January 1st.
So....starting tomorrow I am going to eat 100% healthy for as long as I can possibly hold out...after that I am going to eat AT LEAST 90% healthy for the remainder if the year.
Note I did not say that I was going to eat "low fat". I will eat naturally low fat foods but I am not going to eat processed low fat foods. It will be the full fat options for me.
For those of you on Weight Watchers, rest assured, I have a plan. I believe that I can be 100% "on plan" with Weight Watchers and eat only natural and full fat foods ( I am talking whole milk, butter, etc.).
My plan is as follows.
1) I am switching to Weight Watchers "Simply Filling" technique where you can eat any Power Foods (the list is extensive) until you are satisfied (an important word) without counting points. Outside of this group of foods I have 49 extra points available to me per week.
2) I will exercise ten hours a week (I often do that anyway) which gives me an additional 50 points I can eat. So I have 99 points a week in total to spend outside my group of Power Foods (believe me...with Wine costing about 21 points for a bottle this can still go fast).
3) I created my own Power Foods List, printed it off, and will put it on the fridge today.
My list differs from Weight Watcher's in the following way:
Whenever their "Power Food" list states a low fat version of a food, I entered the full fat version I would eat on MY list in blue WITH its associated point value.
Whenever I eat a "blue" food from the list I have to count the points toward the 99 point weekly allowance. So it is full fat but it is not a free ride to full fat.
It sounds perfect to me. I do my plan my way, which is in-line with my beliefs as a budding Holistic Nutritionist, but am simultaneously remaining 100% within the rules of Weight Watchers guidelines.
I am actually excited to see if it works.
I don't expect to see any results by this Wednesdays weigh-in, but the following Wednesday will be the first indicator.
Wish me luck and be healthy!
Alan
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
New Years Resolutions
Do You set New Years Resolutions?
I used to but I stopped doing it a few years ago. The stopping is about to stop.
Clear as Mud?
I stopped making them because I only "blew it" a few days later (if I started at all) and they ended up having little meaning.
I am starting again, because I am now thinking they are as effective as your determination to succeed. I am very determined to succeed.
I have learned not to say that I don't want to think about weight anymore, just health.
I dream of that day, but at this point it just isn't my reality. My weight still matters.
What I will say is that weight will not be my primary focus for 2011. It will be my health.
I want to put my health first and my weight a very important second.
Sounds easy doesn't it? It's not.
With so much pressure to be "down" and "thin" (yes...I am the only one putting the pressure on myself), I do so many stupid things in the name of achieving a weight goal.
This has to stop.
I am still going to think about weight. I am still going to work on improving my physique, and post pictures in just shorts on the 12th of every other month (next pic Feb 12th), but I am not going to sacrifice my health to achieve a weight goal. In the long run it just doesn't make sense.
So this year I will be making a New Years resolution....but only one.
My New Year's Resolution is to ALWAYS put my health first.
What is yours?
Be healthy!
Alan
I used to but I stopped doing it a few years ago. The stopping is about to stop.
Clear as Mud?
I stopped making them because I only "blew it" a few days later (if I started at all) and they ended up having little meaning.
I am starting again, because I am now thinking they are as effective as your determination to succeed. I am very determined to succeed.
I have learned not to say that I don't want to think about weight anymore, just health.
I dream of that day, but at this point it just isn't my reality. My weight still matters.
What I will say is that weight will not be my primary focus for 2011. It will be my health.
I want to put my health first and my weight a very important second.
Sounds easy doesn't it? It's not.
With so much pressure to be "down" and "thin" (yes...I am the only one putting the pressure on myself), I do so many stupid things in the name of achieving a weight goal.
This has to stop.
I am still going to think about weight. I am still going to work on improving my physique, and post pictures in just shorts on the 12th of every other month (next pic Feb 12th), but I am not going to sacrifice my health to achieve a weight goal. In the long run it just doesn't make sense.
So this year I will be making a New Years resolution....but only one.
My New Year's Resolution is to ALWAYS put my health first.
What is yours?
Be healthy!
Alan
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
It's A New Day
If you read my Facebook page yesterday you already know that I am not in Barcelona heading to the airport to board a ship right now as I was scheduled to be.
We knew there was a risk of one or both our flights being cancelled as we were connecting through JFK airport in New York and they had been hit with a major snow storm.
When we got up yesterday morning I looked online and saw that the first Delta flight from Toronto to New York had been cancelled, but our flight, which was scheduled for five hours later was still set to depart on time.
We had been so sure the flight was going to be cancelled we hadn't even got our luggage out, let alone packed. So...the frantic race to get ready began.
We spent two hours racing around the house trying not to bump into each other while we packed. We then jumped into the airport limo and got to the airport exactly three hours before our flight. We checked in with Delta, checked our luggage, went through security, and were just starting to feel relaxed when we looked up at the departures board. Our flight status had been changed to "cancelled".
Three hours later, after waiting for what seemed like forever to get our checked luggage back, we were sitting at home in our living room. We weren't really disappointed...we were just exhausted.
We had a nap (Jame is quite sick so he felt worse than me), and then got up, lay back on the couch, watched a couple of movies while I (yes...singular) ate a box of chocolates (the last one left in the house post Christmas).
It wasn't the wisest move, obviously, but to be honest, I didn't care. I wanted comfort food, I wanted the chocolates to be gone by this morning, and I knew that I no longer had to worry about gaining weight onboard a ship for two weeks. So I ate it. Yes...I made excuses to eat it...but it is done.
We actually felt good last night. After all the drama of the three attempts to go on this cruise, being safe and sound at home felt real good.
This morning...if I am being honest, I don't feel as good. I feel disappointed, I also feel like my resistance is down, and I have a scratchy throat. I think the low resistance level makes me a prime candidate to catch whatever Jamie has. I will do my best to fight it off.
I know, in my heart, that not going on this cruise is a good thing. I know the universe was fighting us every step of the way...it was not meant to be.
It was nonetheless a little sad to see that our second flight from New York to Barcelona did indeed take off. If we had only made it to New York...sigh.
I am going to stay positive though and look at this as an opportunity. I will be home for New Years now and I can start 2011 properly, healthily (is that a word?) and in total control of what goes in my mouth.
Today is a new day. It is the first day of training for 2011. The healthiest year of my life.
The training starts right now.
I feel better already.
Be healthy everyone!
Alan
We knew there was a risk of one or both our flights being cancelled as we were connecting through JFK airport in New York and they had been hit with a major snow storm.
When we got up yesterday morning I looked online and saw that the first Delta flight from Toronto to New York had been cancelled, but our flight, which was scheduled for five hours later was still set to depart on time.
We had been so sure the flight was going to be cancelled we hadn't even got our luggage out, let alone packed. So...the frantic race to get ready began.
We spent two hours racing around the house trying not to bump into each other while we packed. We then jumped into the airport limo and got to the airport exactly three hours before our flight. We checked in with Delta, checked our luggage, went through security, and were just starting to feel relaxed when we looked up at the departures board. Our flight status had been changed to "cancelled".
Three hours later, after waiting for what seemed like forever to get our checked luggage back, we were sitting at home in our living room. We weren't really disappointed...we were just exhausted.
We had a nap (Jame is quite sick so he felt worse than me), and then got up, lay back on the couch, watched a couple of movies while I (yes...singular) ate a box of chocolates (the last one left in the house post Christmas).
It wasn't the wisest move, obviously, but to be honest, I didn't care. I wanted comfort food, I wanted the chocolates to be gone by this morning, and I knew that I no longer had to worry about gaining weight onboard a ship for two weeks. So I ate it. Yes...I made excuses to eat it...but it is done.
We actually felt good last night. After all the drama of the three attempts to go on this cruise, being safe and sound at home felt real good.
This morning...if I am being honest, I don't feel as good. I feel disappointed, I also feel like my resistance is down, and I have a scratchy throat. I think the low resistance level makes me a prime candidate to catch whatever Jamie has. I will do my best to fight it off.
I know, in my heart, that not going on this cruise is a good thing. I know the universe was fighting us every step of the way...it was not meant to be.
It was nonetheless a little sad to see that our second flight from New York to Barcelona did indeed take off. If we had only made it to New York...sigh.
I am going to stay positive though and look at this as an opportunity. I will be home for New Years now and I can start 2011 properly, healthily (is that a word?) and in total control of what goes in my mouth.
Today is a new day. It is the first day of training for 2011. The healthiest year of my life.
The training starts right now.
I feel better already.
Be healthy everyone!
Alan
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Still In the unknown
This is going to be real short as I am supposed to leave for the airport in two hours and I haven't packed yet.
Unfortunately I caved to stress eating yesterday. It was a chocolate and shortbread afternoon.
Our flight is scheduled for noon today but if it flies it will be the first Delta flight from Toronto to New York that WASN'T cancelled.
The 6:45AM flight this morning has been cancelled already.
I will blog when I can but it won't be like my last trip as I won't have the same access to internet while away.
Jamie is sick.
It is going to be a bumpy day me thinks.
Wish us luck and be healthy while I am gone. I will be too.
Much love,
Alan & Jamie
Unfortunately I caved to stress eating yesterday. It was a chocolate and shortbread afternoon.
Our flight is scheduled for noon today but if it flies it will be the first Delta flight from Toronto to New York that WASN'T cancelled.
The 6:45AM flight this morning has been cancelled already.
I will blog when I can but it won't be like my last trip as I won't have the same access to internet while away.
Jamie is sick.
It is going to be a bumpy day me thinks.
Wish us luck and be healthy while I am gone. I will be too.
Much love,
Alan & Jamie
Monday, December 27, 2010
Stressed In The Unknown
It is going to be a tough day food-wise today.
Why? Because it will be a stress day.
We are supposed to be flying to Barcelona for our cruise tomorrow and our friend Anthony is all moved in and ready to run the B&B for us while we are away.
The problem is that our flight connects through JFK which has been hit with a huge snow storm. The airport is actually closed until 4pm today so who knows if we will be flying tomorrow or not.
This is the third attempt at this cruise so we are accepting that it may not be meant to happen. We can deal with that..but the unknown is stressful.
Should we pack or should we not pack? What if we leave Toronto but miss the connecting flight in New York? Rebooking another flight will be next to impossible as everyone who had their flights cancelled the last two days will already have filled the planes. What if we get to Barcelona but not in time to make the ship? It will be New Years. What if we can't find accommodation?
Unless the flight is cancelled or significantly delayed (whatever that means) our money will not be refunded.
I can deal with the reality of whatever happens but not knowing is incredibly stressful and when I get stressed I want to eat. I am going to do everything in my power to resist. It will be hard but I am pretty determined.
In the mean time....deep breaths.
This too will pass.
Be healthy!
Alan
Why? Because it will be a stress day.
We are supposed to be flying to Barcelona for our cruise tomorrow and our friend Anthony is all moved in and ready to run the B&B for us while we are away.
The problem is that our flight connects through JFK which has been hit with a huge snow storm. The airport is actually closed until 4pm today so who knows if we will be flying tomorrow or not.
This is the third attempt at this cruise so we are accepting that it may not be meant to happen. We can deal with that..but the unknown is stressful.
Should we pack or should we not pack? What if we leave Toronto but miss the connecting flight in New York? Rebooking another flight will be next to impossible as everyone who had their flights cancelled the last two days will already have filled the planes. What if we get to Barcelona but not in time to make the ship? It will be New Years. What if we can't find accommodation?
Unless the flight is cancelled or significantly delayed (whatever that means) our money will not be refunded.
I can deal with the reality of whatever happens but not knowing is incredibly stressful and when I get stressed I want to eat. I am going to do everything in my power to resist. It will be hard but I am pretty determined.
In the mean time....deep breaths.
This too will pass.
Be healthy!
Alan
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Is Ten Desserts Too Many?
Hey everyone!
Hope you had an amazing Christmas if you celebrate it! Jamie and I really enjoyed ours.
We had a quiet morning (elected not to do the traditional huge Christmas Brunch), stopped in and visited our neighbours briefly in the afternoon and then had a fabulous time at our friends Sue and Ivan's for dinner.
I think the highlight of the evening was seeing Sue's family (especially "Mom"). I hadn't seen them in over twenty years. I still remember working in the produce department in my teen years. Sue's mom would come into the store and she would call me her "little fruit boy". LOL. She say's she never did...but she did :-). I just don't think it had the same connotation it now has. :-)
Sue is going to Chef School and she sure proved her culinary skills last night! Dinner was absolutely delicious and full of healthy options. She made about ten different desserts herself but also ensured there was a fresh fruit dessert for people trying to be healthy like me. It is Christmas though, so I didn't touch the fruit platter. I had ten desserts instead. Only a little bit of each but of my gosh were they good. Thanks Sue!
I had a bit too much wine too....surprise :-)
I am not stressed about the over indulgence on food/wine at all. I made sure I had a holimeal and not a holiday and that has been my strategy from day one.
I have also been going to the gym two hours a day this week (yesterday being the exception as the gym was closed) to try and offset things a bit.
We have two more Holiday dinners to go but we are making them ourselves so I think I can stay pretty controlled. It is ginger chicken for dinner tonight. Yummy.
We are supposed to go to our "fitness centre on water" soon but it is looking iffy. Our flight connects in New York and they are getting 25 - 35 cm of snow today. If we had been going today our flights would have been cancelled.
We are watching things closely but are ok with whatever happens. This is out third attempt at a Mediterranean Cruise. If it doesn't happen this time we will accept that the universe is telling us that it is not in the cards for us.
At least if the flight is cancelled it will be for reasons beyond our control and we will get our money back.
Time will tell.
Have a great day and be healthy!
Alan
Hope you had an amazing Christmas if you celebrate it! Jamie and I really enjoyed ours.
We had a quiet morning (elected not to do the traditional huge Christmas Brunch), stopped in and visited our neighbours briefly in the afternoon and then had a fabulous time at our friends Sue and Ivan's for dinner.
I think the highlight of the evening was seeing Sue's family (especially "Mom"). I hadn't seen them in over twenty years. I still remember working in the produce department in my teen years. Sue's mom would come into the store and she would call me her "little fruit boy". LOL. She say's she never did...but she did :-). I just don't think it had the same connotation it now has. :-)
Sue is going to Chef School and she sure proved her culinary skills last night! Dinner was absolutely delicious and full of healthy options. She made about ten different desserts herself but also ensured there was a fresh fruit dessert for people trying to be healthy like me. It is Christmas though, so I didn't touch the fruit platter. I had ten desserts instead. Only a little bit of each but of my gosh were they good. Thanks Sue!
I had a bit too much wine too....surprise :-)
I am not stressed about the over indulgence on food/wine at all. I made sure I had a holimeal and not a holiday and that has been my strategy from day one.
I have also been going to the gym two hours a day this week (yesterday being the exception as the gym was closed) to try and offset things a bit.
We have two more Holiday dinners to go but we are making them ourselves so I think I can stay pretty controlled. It is ginger chicken for dinner tonight. Yummy.
We are supposed to go to our "fitness centre on water" soon but it is looking iffy. Our flight connects in New York and they are getting 25 - 35 cm of snow today. If we had been going today our flights would have been cancelled.
We are watching things closely but are ok with whatever happens. This is out third attempt at a Mediterranean Cruise. If it doesn't happen this time we will accept that the universe is telling us that it is not in the cards for us.
At least if the flight is cancelled it will be for reasons beyond our control and we will get our money back.
Time will tell.
Have a great day and be healthy!
Alan
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Present Is Here Today...Bringing Joy That Will Last
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Sometimes the words of a song have more meaning than anything I could ever write myself.
Whether your friends and family are gathering with you today or at different times throughout the year doesn't matter. They have gathered, they will gather, and they are with you in spirit always.
I am so grateful for my family, my friends, and my husband.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Love always,
Alan
xoxoxo
Friday, December 24, 2010
And So This Is Christmas
Well...it is here....Christmas Eve anyway.
I am such a sap.
Jamie and I decided a while ago that out annual Christmas present to each other would be a trip of some sort, which means there is no present under the tree with my name on it tomorrow, but it doesn't matter. Christmas is so magical I love it anyway.
This year....I especially love it because it has been a special year. I have become re-acquainted with so many people from my past. It is truly fantastic. I guess I should be saying a big thank you to Facebook. What a huge impact it has had. It has made the year more magical than I could have imagined. Who would have thought a free website could ever accomplish what it has accomplished. Thank you Facebook!
I have been so good...so far...on the food front. Other than one Swiss Chalet splurge I have stayed completely "in check". I do have four fancy dinners in a row now, but I really feel in control. I have also doubled up my exercise. All will be good.
I am not going to write a long blog today. No one has time to read it today anyway LOL.
I do want to wish all of my friends and family celebrating Christmas, the happiest of Christmases.
I know I have used the word "wintermas" in place of Christmas before, but I think on Christmas Eve day, and Christmas Day, it is right to respect the tradition of the name. Besides, as much as I have said I am not religious, I personally believe that a person named Christ did exist at some point on this planet. So I am perfectly happy to celebrate his birthday.
I truly am blessed to know you.
Be healthy,
Alan
I am such a sap.
Jamie and I decided a while ago that out annual Christmas present to each other would be a trip of some sort, which means there is no present under the tree with my name on it tomorrow, but it doesn't matter. Christmas is so magical I love it anyway.
This year....I especially love it because it has been a special year. I have become re-acquainted with so many people from my past. It is truly fantastic. I guess I should be saying a big thank you to Facebook. What a huge impact it has had. It has made the year more magical than I could have imagined. Who would have thought a free website could ever accomplish what it has accomplished. Thank you Facebook!
I have been so good...so far...on the food front. Other than one Swiss Chalet splurge I have stayed completely "in check". I do have four fancy dinners in a row now, but I really feel in control. I have also doubled up my exercise. All will be good.
I am not going to write a long blog today. No one has time to read it today anyway LOL.
I do want to wish all of my friends and family celebrating Christmas, the happiest of Christmases.
I know I have used the word "wintermas" in place of Christmas before, but I think on Christmas Eve day, and Christmas Day, it is right to respect the tradition of the name. Besides, as much as I have said I am not religious, I personally believe that a person named Christ did exist at some point on this planet. So I am perfectly happy to celebrate his birthday.
I truly am blessed to know you.
Be healthy,
Alan
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Feeling bloated
Each year, it is kind of a tradition for Jamie and I to order the Swiss Chalet Festive Meal at least once. For those not in Canada it is basically a chicken dinner with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and 4 Lindt Chocolates.
I was kind of thinking it was a tradition we would skip this year. That didn't happen.
Jamie and I had a plan yesterday. I was going to go to WW and weigh in and he was going to make a nice vegetarian dish for when I got home. I did go to WW and was down 2.2 pounds. Yay!
When I got out of the meeting I still had to go to a store and buy something before heading home and that meant that by the time I got home it would be 8pm. Jamie and I talked on the phone and decided to do the Festive Meal thing . Of course I didn't do it "small time". I had a half chicken dinner instead of the quarter chicken, chose fries instead of salad, and ate my bun and Jamie's bun.
I still feel bloated.
I'm going to do a double round at the gym today. Going to do my regular morning work out and then work out again with my friend Anthony later.
As I look forward, we have dinner guests at our place on the 24th, 26th and 27th and we will be having Christmas dinner at friends on the 25th. I will control the three meals at home, but as I have said before, I am not going to worry about the actual Christmas dinner.
I have decided not to do Christmas Brunch this year. I usually make a big spread with everything you can think of from Eggs Benedict to bacon to sausage to pancakes to potato scones to fried mushrooms to stewed tomatoes etc.
This year it will just be Jamie and I Christmas morning and we really don't need it, or want it.
In spite of all the food challenges I am really looking forward to this Christmas. I think it will be a great one.
I also think it is good last night happened. It has made me so much more aware of how careful I have to be.
How are your challenges going?
Be healthy!
Alan
I was kind of thinking it was a tradition we would skip this year. That didn't happen.
Jamie and I had a plan yesterday. I was going to go to WW and weigh in and he was going to make a nice vegetarian dish for when I got home. I did go to WW and was down 2.2 pounds. Yay!
When I got out of the meeting I still had to go to a store and buy something before heading home and that meant that by the time I got home it would be 8pm. Jamie and I talked on the phone and decided to do the Festive Meal thing . Of course I didn't do it "small time". I had a half chicken dinner instead of the quarter chicken, chose fries instead of salad, and ate my bun and Jamie's bun.
I still feel bloated.
I'm going to do a double round at the gym today. Going to do my regular morning work out and then work out again with my friend Anthony later.
As I look forward, we have dinner guests at our place on the 24th, 26th and 27th and we will be having Christmas dinner at friends on the 25th. I will control the three meals at home, but as I have said before, I am not going to worry about the actual Christmas dinner.
I have decided not to do Christmas Brunch this year. I usually make a big spread with everything you can think of from Eggs Benedict to bacon to sausage to pancakes to potato scones to fried mushrooms to stewed tomatoes etc.
This year it will just be Jamie and I Christmas morning and we really don't need it, or want it.
In spite of all the food challenges I am really looking forward to this Christmas. I think it will be a great one.
I also think it is good last night happened. It has made me so much more aware of how careful I have to be.
How are your challenges going?
Be healthy!
Alan
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
I Just Feel Happy
There is something really magical about this time of year.
If it is stressing you out, no matter how busy it is for you right now just...stop. For five minutes. It won't kill you...just...stop.
Think about what this time of year is all about.
I am not talking about religion. We do not all share the same religion. I am just talking about the celebrating of family and friends.
Stop thinking about who you have to visit, or what you have to resist eating, or what you have to buy for who, or what outfit you have to buy for the next function, or whether you can possibly even GET that gift that kid wants, or whether or not you will be alone....just......stop.
Now take a deep breath...and reflect.
Reflect on the good friends you have know all your life, reflect on the new friends you met this year, reflect on the troublesome friends you have weeded from your garden, and reflect on how much you really do love that warped, messed up, family of yours. You know you would do anything for all of these people if they needed you. Even the "weeded" ones.
No matter what you call your holiday season this is a time where we should not forget our beliefs, but we should also strive to accept others. At the end of the day, everything we all learn teaches us to be good and love one another. We know in our hearts we should not judge. If you believe in a creator you probably believe your creator is the judge and not you...pay attention to your beliefs.
I for one, am not religious...but I am spiritual. I believe that everything we do in this universe, negative and positive, will come right back at us. I am betting that regardless of what your beliefs are, the bottom line is the same.
I have stopped...I have reflected on how many people I love and how much I love the people I know...and I am grateful.
That...my friends...makes me happy.
I have reflected on my choice of a spouse and after all the ups and downs over the years I have realized, once and for all, that there is no one on this earth I would rather be with...nor will there ever be.
That...my friends....makes me happy.
Being happy can lead to a fulfilled life.
My year has not been perfect, but it has been blessed. It has been blessed by you, and for this I just want to use today's blog to say thank you.
Merry Wintermas one and all,
Much love,
Alan
If it is stressing you out, no matter how busy it is for you right now just...stop. For five minutes. It won't kill you...just...stop.
Think about what this time of year is all about.
I am not talking about religion. We do not all share the same religion. I am just talking about the celebrating of family and friends.
Stop thinking about who you have to visit, or what you have to resist eating, or what you have to buy for who, or what outfit you have to buy for the next function, or whether you can possibly even GET that gift that kid wants, or whether or not you will be alone....just......stop.
Now take a deep breath...and reflect.
Reflect on the good friends you have know all your life, reflect on the new friends you met this year, reflect on the troublesome friends you have weeded from your garden, and reflect on how much you really do love that warped, messed up, family of yours. You know you would do anything for all of these people if they needed you. Even the "weeded" ones.
No matter what you call your holiday season this is a time where we should not forget our beliefs, but we should also strive to accept others. At the end of the day, everything we all learn teaches us to be good and love one another. We know in our hearts we should not judge. If you believe in a creator you probably believe your creator is the judge and not you...pay attention to your beliefs.
I for one, am not religious...but I am spiritual. I believe that everything we do in this universe, negative and positive, will come right back at us. I am betting that regardless of what your beliefs are, the bottom line is the same.
I have stopped...I have reflected on how many people I love and how much I love the people I know...and I am grateful.
That...my friends...makes me happy.
I have reflected on my choice of a spouse and after all the ups and downs over the years I have realized, once and for all, that there is no one on this earth I would rather be with...nor will there ever be.
That...my friends....makes me happy.
Being happy can lead to a fulfilled life.
My year has not been perfect, but it has been blessed. It has been blessed by you, and for this I just want to use today's blog to say thank you.
Merry Wintermas one and all,
Much love,
Alan
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
This is it! Four More Days And No Stopping It!
Ok we are almost there. For those of us who celebrate Christmas the relentless bombardment of food is about to hit its peak.
I have been really lucky in terms of the number of social engagements this year, but there is no stopping the actual event. Nor do I want to.
The truth is I love Christmas. I can't wait for it to arrive. I am still a kid at heart, but more like a kid in "Whoville" now as it is no longer about the presents. I am happy just because it is Christmas.
We will be having our friends Naoko and Albert over for dinner Christmas Eve, then we always do a Christmas morning Brunch of some sort (I usually cook) but I still have to figure that out, then Christmas dinner at Sue and Ivan's (can't wait to see Sue's Mom...it has been over twenty years!), and finally Boxing Day dinner with our friends Maurizio and Patty.
When I started writing this blog I was feeling a little panicked as I didn't have a real "plan" but putting it in writing makes me realize it isn't that bad. Christmas dinner is Christmas dinner. I refuse to worry about that one, and the rest of the meals I have control over as they are in my house. I am good!
It is true that no matter what I do there will be more food than usual, but this year will be much better than other years.
I feel so much better now. This probably added no value to your daily life but it sure as heck helped me realize this is doable.
I guess the only message of the day is...have a plan! We CAN indulge if we wish, but not for three days straight. It is too easy to do, but I know if I do it I will regret it later.
Be healthy!
Alan
I have been really lucky in terms of the number of social engagements this year, but there is no stopping the actual event. Nor do I want to.
The truth is I love Christmas. I can't wait for it to arrive. I am still a kid at heart, but more like a kid in "Whoville" now as it is no longer about the presents. I am happy just because it is Christmas.
We will be having our friends Naoko and Albert over for dinner Christmas Eve, then we always do a Christmas morning Brunch of some sort (I usually cook) but I still have to figure that out, then Christmas dinner at Sue and Ivan's (can't wait to see Sue's Mom...it has been over twenty years!), and finally Boxing Day dinner with our friends Maurizio and Patty.
When I started writing this blog I was feeling a little panicked as I didn't have a real "plan" but putting it in writing makes me realize it isn't that bad. Christmas dinner is Christmas dinner. I refuse to worry about that one, and the rest of the meals I have control over as they are in my house. I am good!
It is true that no matter what I do there will be more food than usual, but this year will be much better than other years.
I feel so much better now. This probably added no value to your daily life but it sure as heck helped me realize this is doable.
I guess the only message of the day is...have a plan! We CAN indulge if we wish, but not for three days straight. It is too easy to do, but I know if I do it I will regret it later.
Be healthy!
Alan
Monday, December 20, 2010
Feeling Sore this morning
It has been quite a workout of a weekend.
Saturday I did an hour weight lifting followed by 90 minutes of Hot Yoga and Sunday I did another hour of weight lifting.
They say you shouldn't work the same muscle groups out two days in a row. I think I understand why. I am freaking sore! Mostly in the "bi's" and "tri's" areas. I must admit I like the feeling though. It makes me feel like I accomplished something.
I will go back to the gym this morning but I think it will be a Cardio only morning this morning. The muscles need a break.
We went for dinner with our good friends Karen and Ian last night. It was at an all you can eat Sushi Restaurant that serves more than just Sushi. I think I did pretty good. I stayed away from all the fried options that were ordered and didn't over-induldge. I also planned for it.
It still meant I ate more than usual but I didn't eat as much AS usual in this situation, and I increased my exercise. I think all is good.
Determined to have another healthy day today. Join me?
Be healthy!
Alan
Saturday I did an hour weight lifting followed by 90 minutes of Hot Yoga and Sunday I did another hour of weight lifting.
They say you shouldn't work the same muscle groups out two days in a row. I think I understand why. I am freaking sore! Mostly in the "bi's" and "tri's" areas. I must admit I like the feeling though. It makes me feel like I accomplished something.
I will go back to the gym this morning but I think it will be a Cardio only morning this morning. The muscles need a break.
We went for dinner with our good friends Karen and Ian last night. It was at an all you can eat Sushi Restaurant that serves more than just Sushi. I think I did pretty good. I stayed away from all the fried options that were ordered and didn't over-induldge. I also planned for it.
It still meant I ate more than usual but I didn't eat as much AS usual in this situation, and I increased my exercise. I think all is good.
Determined to have another healthy day today. Join me?
Be healthy!
Alan
Sunday, December 19, 2010
HOT YOGA - NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
I have never done Yoga before...not officially anyway. I tried a couple of things from a DVD once but that is about it.
Yesterday after doing an hour of weight training I went to a Hot Yoga class with my good friend Anthony. It is basically Yoga in a room that has been turned into a large Sauna.
All I have to say is....HOLY CRAP!
I had heard Yoga was not easy....and this was definitely NOT easy.
Of course it is partially my own fault. As a beginner you are supposed to go at your own pace and rest when you need to. I wanted to push myself and do it all. I didn't , but for a first timer I think I did pretty good. The class was 90 minutes long and I swear to you I thought it would never end (I thought it was only an hour long so I kept thinking...this has to be over soon...but it never was).
Did I sweat? I was sweating so much it was embarrassing. My Yoga Mat looked like a swimming pool! By the end I was having trouble doing the "Downward Dog" which is about as easy as it gets, because my mat was so wet my hands kept slipping right off of it!
I loved every minute and will definitely do it again.
I am feeling really good again. Like I somehow managed to "snap" right back into place. I am eating exceptionally well, tracking all my food and feeling great. If only I knew how to stop myself from slipping down the wrong road again.
Someday I will figure this out.
Be healthy!
Alan
P.S. Happy Birthday Anthony! You have been a great friend and I hope you have a spectacular year. You have helped me to feel young again with all this exercise and good eating. That, my friend, is invaluable to me. I want you to know I appreciate it. Who knew a straight guy could be so cool? LOL Love ya!
Yesterday after doing an hour of weight training I went to a Hot Yoga class with my good friend Anthony. It is basically Yoga in a room that has been turned into a large Sauna.
All I have to say is....HOLY CRAP!
I had heard Yoga was not easy....and this was definitely NOT easy.
Of course it is partially my own fault. As a beginner you are supposed to go at your own pace and rest when you need to. I wanted to push myself and do it all. I didn't , but for a first timer I think I did pretty good. The class was 90 minutes long and I swear to you I thought it would never end (I thought it was only an hour long so I kept thinking...this has to be over soon...but it never was).
Did I sweat? I was sweating so much it was embarrassing. My Yoga Mat looked like a swimming pool! By the end I was having trouble doing the "Downward Dog" which is about as easy as it gets, because my mat was so wet my hands kept slipping right off of it!
I loved every minute and will definitely do it again.
I am feeling really good again. Like I somehow managed to "snap" right back into place. I am eating exceptionally well, tracking all my food and feeling great. If only I knew how to stop myself from slipping down the wrong road again.
Someday I will figure this out.
Be healthy!
Alan
P.S. Happy Birthday Anthony! You have been a great friend and I hope you have a spectacular year. You have helped me to feel young again with all this exercise and good eating. That, my friend, is invaluable to me. I want you to know I appreciate it. Who knew a straight guy could be so cool? LOL Love ya!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
There Is A Positive In Everything
I am feeling really good today.
To begin with this is the first time that I have failed to blog for a few days but have stayed 100% ON TRACK!. Usually not blogging means I am busy, but it also means I am eating...so get on my case if I don't blog! :-)
As most of you know I am supposed to be sailing around the Mediterranean on what I choose to refer to as one of Royal Caribbean's Fitness Centres on water. This little journey has been postponed.
Since I wasn't supposed to be here, it means that, with the exception of one Sunday lunch invite we we happily accepted, the slate is clean. The week is not full of holiday eating binges...I mean functions. I am choosing to keep it that way.
I have been tracking what I eat and I already feel soooo much better. It really is quite amazing how quickly your body sends you positive signals when you do the right thing.
Today after the gym I am going to try Hot Yoga with my friend Anthony. I have never tried Hot Yoga before (or any type of Yoga before for that matter).
I always wanted to try Yoga but felt to embarrassed to show up for a class because of my weight. Then when I lost weight I was so into exercising and blogging I didn't have time. Today...I am going to try it.
I am thinking that I have a bit of a double bonus. I don't have eating functions this week (although Christmas Eve to boxing day is packed full of eating situations) and then we will head for the "fitness centre on water" while our friend looks after the B&B. I can control my eating there.
I hope I am right but the trip does not worry me. It feels like a safe haven, I have done this type of journey before. I know exactly what I can and cannot eat. It is more "known" than holiday festivities are.
In the past, with this type of holiday, I have been very good during the first week away and then caved in and ate junk in the second week. This time I am going to survive two weeks successfully!
For now, I will focus on being good until Christmas.
Be healthy!
Alan
To begin with this is the first time that I have failed to blog for a few days but have stayed 100% ON TRACK!. Usually not blogging means I am busy, but it also means I am eating...so get on my case if I don't blog! :-)
As most of you know I am supposed to be sailing around the Mediterranean on what I choose to refer to as one of Royal Caribbean's Fitness Centres on water. This little journey has been postponed.
Since I wasn't supposed to be here, it means that, with the exception of one Sunday lunch invite we we happily accepted, the slate is clean. The week is not full of holiday eating binges...I mean functions. I am choosing to keep it that way.
I have been tracking what I eat and I already feel soooo much better. It really is quite amazing how quickly your body sends you positive signals when you do the right thing.
Today after the gym I am going to try Hot Yoga with my friend Anthony. I have never tried Hot Yoga before (or any type of Yoga before for that matter).
I always wanted to try Yoga but felt to embarrassed to show up for a class because of my weight. Then when I lost weight I was so into exercising and blogging I didn't have time. Today...I am going to try it.
I am thinking that I have a bit of a double bonus. I don't have eating functions this week (although Christmas Eve to boxing day is packed full of eating situations) and then we will head for the "fitness centre on water" while our friend looks after the B&B. I can control my eating there.
I hope I am right but the trip does not worry me. It feels like a safe haven, I have done this type of journey before. I know exactly what I can and cannot eat. It is more "known" than holiday festivities are.
In the past, with this type of holiday, I have been very good during the first week away and then caved in and ate junk in the second week. This time I am going to survive two weeks successfully!
For now, I will focus on being good until Christmas.
Be healthy!
Alan
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Relief Eating
Yesterday was a real stressful day.
The cruise ship I was supposed to be boarding this Friday was very damaged on the inside (see yesterday's blog) as a result of bad weather and it was unclear whether we were going to be able to sail or not.
The reality is, that if we had chosen to, we could still sail this Friday. We did some investigation, however, and we were able to change our flight relatively inexpensively, and adjust our schedule, so that we skip one cruise and go on the next one. That will give them time to fix the ship up, and it will also give the weather time to calm down.
The B&B was already booked for the new vacation time, but a friend is going to run it for us in our absence so all is good. Now I will be home for Christmas too so that is kind of cool :-)
During the stress of everything going on yesterday I was so tempted to eat unhealthy. I had my defences up, and fought off the urge.
When everything got resolved there was an incredible sense of relief, followed by a dropping of the defences, and the eating of a large Cadbury Toffee bar and a Turtle.
Stupidity I know. I was so focused on avoiding stress eating, I "relief ate" without giving it too much thought.
The only good news in the story is that I am right back on track.
Between Family Christmas Saturday, and this today, I think the best I can hope for is being equal on the scales tomorrow but I will take that.
Be healthy!
Alan
P.S. My thoughts are going out to my WW friend today on the anniversary of the loss of her child. We love you and are here for you...don't ever forget that
The cruise ship I was supposed to be boarding this Friday was very damaged on the inside (see yesterday's blog) as a result of bad weather and it was unclear whether we were going to be able to sail or not.
The reality is, that if we had chosen to, we could still sail this Friday. We did some investigation, however, and we were able to change our flight relatively inexpensively, and adjust our schedule, so that we skip one cruise and go on the next one. That will give them time to fix the ship up, and it will also give the weather time to calm down.
The B&B was already booked for the new vacation time, but a friend is going to run it for us in our absence so all is good. Now I will be home for Christmas too so that is kind of cool :-)
During the stress of everything going on yesterday I was so tempted to eat unhealthy. I had my defences up, and fought off the urge.
When everything got resolved there was an incredible sense of relief, followed by a dropping of the defences, and the eating of a large Cadbury Toffee bar and a Turtle.
Stupidity I know. I was so focused on avoiding stress eating, I "relief ate" without giving it too much thought.
The only good news in the story is that I am right back on track.
Between Family Christmas Saturday, and this today, I think the best I can hope for is being equal on the scales tomorrow but I will take that.
Be healthy!
Alan
P.S. My thoughts are going out to my WW friend today on the anniversary of the loss of her child. We love you and are here for you...don't ever forget that
Monday, December 13, 2010
Stress Eating
Usually I write about how my day went the day prior. Today I am going to write about what is happening right now, BECAUSE of what happened yesterday.
To being with, lets go back to last August. We were scheduled to go on a Mediterranean cruise and two days before we left, due to unfortunate but completely understandable circumstances, the cruise was cancelled.
This Thursday we are supposed to leave for our rescheduled Mediterranean Cruise. Guess what? It may not happen...not even sure it should happen if it can.
Early yesterday morning the ship we are supposed to be boarding hit extremely rough waters in Egypt. Thirty people on board sustained minor injuries. The ship itself is safe and secure but this is what the inside now looks like.
We are not certain, at this point if we can, or should sail. The problem is we already paid $2500 for flight tickets and of course we didn't get cancellation insurance. I guess it would be possible to stay in Barcelona (where the ship departs from and our flight goes to) for the entire time but hotels there at Christmas are very expensive, if available at all.
So...we are waiting for word on whether or not sailing is even possible and will go from there.
My stress level right now is real high and when I am stressed I want to eat.
So far...I am holding out.
Give me strength and be healthy!
Alan
To being with, lets go back to last August. We were scheduled to go on a Mediterranean cruise and two days before we left, due to unfortunate but completely understandable circumstances, the cruise was cancelled.
This Thursday we are supposed to leave for our rescheduled Mediterranean Cruise. Guess what? It may not happen...not even sure it should happen if it can.
Early yesterday morning the ship we are supposed to be boarding hit extremely rough waters in Egypt. Thirty people on board sustained minor injuries. The ship itself is safe and secure but this is what the inside now looks like.
We are not certain, at this point if we can, or should sail. The problem is we already paid $2500 for flight tickets and of course we didn't get cancellation insurance. I guess it would be possible to stay in Barcelona (where the ship departs from and our flight goes to) for the entire time but hotels there at Christmas are very expensive, if available at all.
So...we are waiting for word on whether or not sailing is even possible and will go from there.
My stress level right now is real high and when I am stressed I want to eat.
So far...I am holding out.
Give me strength and be healthy!
Alan
Sunday, December 12, 2010
All We Need In This World Is Love
I am going to be kinda sappy today. It is also a long blog...so look out.
Yesterday was just an awesome day. It was a day of love.
We had our family Christmas and it was just an absolutely amazing day.
It was so great to see my family (I don't see them often enough) and to meet my new little Grandnephew Carter (so adorable) :-)
Dinner was fantastic (I had what I wanted for dinner but only one helping, and did have dessert but I think all things considered I did ok).
We toasted our relatives in Scotland at a pre-arranged time and they toasted us back as I communicated back and forth with them on Facebook. I think we have to figure out how to do it by Skype next year so we can do a live video thing.
I got an awesome gift from Secret Santa. I am not sure who my Secret Santa was but whoever it was he/she is definitely related to my Mom because he/she "accidentally" left the price tag on showing it was twice the limit that was supposed to be spent LOL. If they are TRULY like my Mom they spent the right amount, remembered to take the sale price tag off and "forgot" to take the other one off. My Mom was a master at that. I absolutely love the sweater!
I got another really cool gift but it needs a bit of background...so yes...this is going to be a loooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg blog.
Probably 15 years ago I was travelling up to a cottage with my sister Shirley, who has now passed away. We stopped at a dive of a restaurant for breakfast and there was a painting on the wall called "Old Friends" that we both just absolutely loved. It just made you feel serene and peaceful, and it had the "feel" of my parent's cottage.
I went to see Shirley a while later and she had bought a print of the photo and framed it. I was soooo jealous.
When I was taking a course a few months ago we had to do a "Vision Board". I put a cut out of this painting that I printed off the internet on my Vision Board and as I speak it is on the Vision Board on the wall right beside my desk. I didn't really know what this picture meant to me but there is something about it that just made me feel "something". That picture has meaning to me.
Yesterday, my niece showed up for Christmas with her boyfriend who, it turns out, happens to be the son of the Artist of who painted this piece of art. I got a copy of the print signed by the Artist for Christmas. Soooooooo Coooooooollllll!
After family Christmas we raced back to Toronto and barely got back in time to see the show Pricilla, Queen of The Dessert.
By the end of the first Act Jamie was absolutely loving the show, and I was "quite enjoying it". I didn't have the love factor...at least not yet.
It was technically great and the costumes were amazing, but there was something that didn't seem totally right for me.
It felt a bit like stereotypical gays were being made fun of without a lot of purpose. I wondered if it was just a laugh at someone else's expense. I enjoyed it and said to myself "it is all in good fun"...and it was good fun. I just wasn't sure that the premise was sitting right with me.
The second Act, however, took away every ounce of inhibition I had. The POINT was that even the most extreme people in the world, no matter who they are, when brought down to their raw being are no different than all of us. At the end of the day we are all just people wanting to find love and be loved, in whatever way, shape, or form it may come.
It was truly touching and I left that theatre a die hard fan of the show.
If you didn't like the movie don't let it stop you from seeing the show. I had not liked the movie and didn't even really remember what it was about. This show is modernized, touching, and fantastic. It is here until early January and definitely worth seeing.
OK...now on to keeping my commitment. It somehow does not seem right to be posting a half naked picture of myself on the same blog as the "Christmas Blog" but I didn't think of this when I committed to posting it TODAY a couple of months ago. I also refused to believe that I might NOT be as thin as I wanted to be today.
Jamie took the picture for me yesterday and he named it, without thinking, before emailing it to me. I got the picture and guess what he called it? "FatAlan!" LOL I guess that should be the first hint.
Anyway, I am not too freaked by it because I remember how truly large I used to be. This is also supposed to be my "baseline" pic to use for comparison purposes as I focus on health and physique in 2011. So...I only improve from here.
I have committed to posting a similar pic of me every two months until 2012. Next pic....Feb 12th, 2012.
Be healthy!
Alan
Yesterday was just an awesome day. It was a day of love.
We had our family Christmas and it was just an absolutely amazing day.
It was so great to see my family (I don't see them often enough) and to meet my new little Grandnephew Carter (so adorable) :-)
Dinner was fantastic (I had what I wanted for dinner but only one helping, and did have dessert but I think all things considered I did ok).
We toasted our relatives in Scotland at a pre-arranged time and they toasted us back as I communicated back and forth with them on Facebook. I think we have to figure out how to do it by Skype next year so we can do a live video thing.
 |
| READ FAMILY CHRISTMAS 2010 |
I got an awesome gift from Secret Santa. I am not sure who my Secret Santa was but whoever it was he/she is definitely related to my Mom because he/she "accidentally" left the price tag on showing it was twice the limit that was supposed to be spent LOL. If they are TRULY like my Mom they spent the right amount, remembered to take the sale price tag off and "forgot" to take the other one off. My Mom was a master at that. I absolutely love the sweater!
I got another really cool gift but it needs a bit of background...so yes...this is going to be a loooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg blog.
Probably 15 years ago I was travelling up to a cottage with my sister Shirley, who has now passed away. We stopped at a dive of a restaurant for breakfast and there was a painting on the wall called "Old Friends" that we both just absolutely loved. It just made you feel serene and peaceful, and it had the "feel" of my parent's cottage.
I went to see Shirley a while later and she had bought a print of the photo and framed it. I was soooo jealous.
When I was taking a course a few months ago we had to do a "Vision Board". I put a cut out of this painting that I printed off the internet on my Vision Board and as I speak it is on the Vision Board on the wall right beside my desk. I didn't really know what this picture meant to me but there is something about it that just made me feel "something". That picture has meaning to me.
Yesterday, my niece showed up for Christmas with her boyfriend who, it turns out, happens to be the son of the Artist of who painted this piece of art. I got a copy of the print signed by the Artist for Christmas. Soooooooo Coooooooollllll!
 |
| Old Friends - D. A. Dunford |
After family Christmas we raced back to Toronto and barely got back in time to see the show Pricilla, Queen of The Dessert.
By the end of the first Act Jamie was absolutely loving the show, and I was "quite enjoying it". I didn't have the love factor...at least not yet.
It was technically great and the costumes were amazing, but there was something that didn't seem totally right for me.
It felt a bit like stereotypical gays were being made fun of without a lot of purpose. I wondered if it was just a laugh at someone else's expense. I enjoyed it and said to myself "it is all in good fun"...and it was good fun. I just wasn't sure that the premise was sitting right with me.
The second Act, however, took away every ounce of inhibition I had. The POINT was that even the most extreme people in the world, no matter who they are, when brought down to their raw being are no different than all of us. At the end of the day we are all just people wanting to find love and be loved, in whatever way, shape, or form it may come.
It was truly touching and I left that theatre a die hard fan of the show.
If you didn't like the movie don't let it stop you from seeing the show. I had not liked the movie and didn't even really remember what it was about. This show is modernized, touching, and fantastic. It is here until early January and definitely worth seeing.
OK...now on to keeping my commitment. It somehow does not seem right to be posting a half naked picture of myself on the same blog as the "Christmas Blog" but I didn't think of this when I committed to posting it TODAY a couple of months ago. I also refused to believe that I might NOT be as thin as I wanted to be today.
Jamie took the picture for me yesterday and he named it, without thinking, before emailing it to me. I got the picture and guess what he called it? "FatAlan!" LOL I guess that should be the first hint.
Anyway, I am not too freaked by it because I remember how truly large I used to be. This is also supposed to be my "baseline" pic to use for comparison purposes as I focus on health and physique in 2011. So...I only improve from here.
 |
| Next Pic - Feb 12, 2011 |
I have committed to posting a similar pic of me every two months until 2012. Next pic....Feb 12th, 2012.
Be healthy!
Alan
Saturday, December 11, 2010
IT'S CHRISTMAS TODAY!!!!
Christmas is here! Yay!!!!
Today is my family Christmas. As the family has grown, we have reached a stage where even the nieces and nephews have their own kids and their own in-laws to split Christmas with. It has become too hard for everyone to get together on Christmas Day.
We made a decision a few years ago that it was better to hold our Christmas on a different day and have as many of us present as possible, then it is to hold it on the actual day with half the people missing.
The weekend right before Christmas tends to be "panic shop" weekend for everyone, so that weekend doesn't work either. Two weekends before seems to make the most sense for our big family day.
That my friends, means that for me, Christmas is today...so........MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I am particularly excited today because I am going to meet my new Grandnephew Carter for the first time. I will also get to see how big Charlie and Bobbie have grown....they are such adorable kids. I am afraid I don't see me family enough. Life just seems to slip by. I am sure before I even know it I will be at Carter's wedding saying "what happened?!". Where did the time go?!
Today is also the day I promised to take my baseline picture and post it on tomorrow's blog. I am afraid the baseline picture is going to be a little sad. There will be no way to conceal the tummy.
As I have mentioned, my goal it to focus on my health and my physique for 2011. So I vowed to post the baseline picture of me in just shorts tomorrow, and then a new picture showing the change (please universe...let there be a change) every other month on the 12th of the month after that. It will work or I will be embarrassed....so it will work.
At 4:30 Toronto time (9:30 Scotland time) I have promised to have my family, who will be gathered around the dinner table, raise a glass to my Mom's relatives in Scotland. They know this will be happening and cousin Lorraine and hopefully others will raise a glass back to us at the same time. Kinda cool I think.
I want to be good food-wise today. I am really hoping I will be but I also know I always fail at Christmas. I don't care so much about the actual dinner. I intend to enjoy that. It is the candies and chocolates around before and after that I want to avoid. I always end up say in "it's Christmas" when I get there and digging in.
I pretty much believe that the key to eating successfully is skill power and not will power. When everything is right in front of your face, however, I think it boils down to sheer willpower. Please universe...give me the strength!
If any of my relatives read this you have my permission to slap me across the head if you see me eating anything bad when I am not actually AT the dinner table.
I know you have wanted to slap me across the head for years so today you finally get your chance.
Be healthy!
Alan
Today is my family Christmas. As the family has grown, we have reached a stage where even the nieces and nephews have their own kids and their own in-laws to split Christmas with. It has become too hard for everyone to get together on Christmas Day.
We made a decision a few years ago that it was better to hold our Christmas on a different day and have as many of us present as possible, then it is to hold it on the actual day with half the people missing.
The weekend right before Christmas tends to be "panic shop" weekend for everyone, so that weekend doesn't work either. Two weekends before seems to make the most sense for our big family day.
That my friends, means that for me, Christmas is today...so........MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I am particularly excited today because I am going to meet my new Grandnephew Carter for the first time. I will also get to see how big Charlie and Bobbie have grown....they are such adorable kids. I am afraid I don't see me family enough. Life just seems to slip by. I am sure before I even know it I will be at Carter's wedding saying "what happened?!". Where did the time go?!
Today is also the day I promised to take my baseline picture and post it on tomorrow's blog. I am afraid the baseline picture is going to be a little sad. There will be no way to conceal the tummy.
As I have mentioned, my goal it to focus on my health and my physique for 2011. So I vowed to post the baseline picture of me in just shorts tomorrow, and then a new picture showing the change (please universe...let there be a change) every other month on the 12th of the month after that. It will work or I will be embarrassed....so it will work.
At 4:30 Toronto time (9:30 Scotland time) I have promised to have my family, who will be gathered around the dinner table, raise a glass to my Mom's relatives in Scotland. They know this will be happening and cousin Lorraine and hopefully others will raise a glass back to us at the same time. Kinda cool I think.
I want to be good food-wise today. I am really hoping I will be but I also know I always fail at Christmas. I don't care so much about the actual dinner. I intend to enjoy that. It is the candies and chocolates around before and after that I want to avoid. I always end up say in "it's Christmas" when I get there and digging in.
I pretty much believe that the key to eating successfully is skill power and not will power. When everything is right in front of your face, however, I think it boils down to sheer willpower. Please universe...give me the strength!
If any of my relatives read this you have my permission to slap me across the head if you see me eating anything bad when I am not actually AT the dinner table.
I know you have wanted to slap me across the head for years so today you finally get your chance.
Be healthy!
Alan
Friday, December 10, 2010
There Are Certain Things Nobody Should Have To Endure
I have re-written this blog ten times and I haven't managed to get to the second sentence yet. I have been thinking about writing it for quite a while.
It is a hard one to write and I am not sure how to start it.
I have been thinking lately about how truly lucky I am. My day to day stresses consist of things like the big struggle with whether or not to eat the dessert on the party tray.
OK...its not always that easy...sometimes it is hard...but in the scope of things, there are people in this world...people we know...who have no choice but to live through a much harder life.
When my sister passed away many years ago I remember that I was able to hang on to two positive thoughts:
1) The suffering was over (she had Ovarian Cancer)
2) I was so glad my parents passed first so that they did not have to live through the loss of one of their children. No parent should.
I know someone who has to go through each holiday season without her child. Her daughter passed away a couple of weeks before Christmas. It breaks my heart to think of someone having to live without their child. To have to cope with it every year while everyone is out celebrating and partying...I can't even begin to imagine.
My hearts go out to the Flegg family too. They lost their daughter/sister in 1978 but I am sure the pain never really goes away.
This lady who lost her daughter a couple of weeks before Christmas inspires me. She makes me see that life has to go on. She has not given up on life. She attends WW and makes me smile every time I see her. In spite of everything she has been through she is such a positive energy. She has such a wonderful laugh and smile. She is someone I wish I knew better.
I struggle with the dessert on the party tray. She lives with loss AND struggles with dessert on the party tray.
It makes me realize how minuscule my day to day worries are.
The next time I am tempted to eat that dessert I am going to think of this lady and say to myself "get over yourself Alan". If this is your tough decision of the day, surely you can cope with that and make the right one.
Our struggles are a matter of perspective. Mine are quite small.
I don't know if my friend will read this but if she does, I hope she knows that she has people out there who love her and are there for her. I will especially be thinking of her on the 14th. Her strength to continue the drive to become a healthier person, and do it with a smile on her face, is amazing to me. She is my living hero.
Much love, and be healthy.
Alan
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Feeling Pumped! Change Is So Good!
I went to our Weight Watchers meeting yesterday and was officially introduced to the new plan.
I am so glad that the plan FINALLY adequately reflects the fact that 100 calories does not equal 100 calories no matter how healthy the choice is or is not. 100 healthy calories are a better choice than 100 unhealthy calories. Shocker I know, but WW never really did a good job of making this distinction before...at least in my humble opinion.
To be honest though, for me I think I am more happy that there is a change PERIOD. I thrive on change and having to do things differently just brings a whole new feeling of invigoration to me.
I am ready for the challenge of the new WW plan!
Your change may not have anything to do with WW. You may not even be a member. But if you are struggling as I was up until last Monday, I really suggest you find a way to change something significantly. It might not have anything to do with food. Making my house spotless has reinvigorated me before.
Bottom line:
If nothing is changing the way you want it to...you need to change something.
I started this "change" last Monday and thank goodness I did. Even though I have been really good since Monday I am still 195 pounds which is five pounds over the range I set for the maximum of my safety range. That news alone is enough to keep me in check!
The picture of me that I promised to post on this blog Sunday morning of me in just shorts may be hazardous to your eyes.
Be healthy!
Alan
I am so glad that the plan FINALLY adequately reflects the fact that 100 calories does not equal 100 calories no matter how healthy the choice is or is not. 100 healthy calories are a better choice than 100 unhealthy calories. Shocker I know, but WW never really did a good job of making this distinction before...at least in my humble opinion.
To be honest though, for me I think I am more happy that there is a change PERIOD. I thrive on change and having to do things differently just brings a whole new feeling of invigoration to me.
I am ready for the challenge of the new WW plan!
Your change may not have anything to do with WW. You may not even be a member. But if you are struggling as I was up until last Monday, I really suggest you find a way to change something significantly. It might not have anything to do with food. Making my house spotless has reinvigorated me before.
Bottom line:
If nothing is changing the way you want it to...you need to change something.
I started this "change" last Monday and thank goodness I did. Even though I have been really good since Monday I am still 195 pounds which is five pounds over the range I set for the maximum of my safety range. That news alone is enough to keep me in check!
The picture of me that I promised to post on this blog Sunday morning of me in just shorts may be hazardous to your eyes.
Be healthy!
Alan
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
YES WE CAN!!!!
I think today is an important day.
It is an important day for those in my WW meeting because today is the day we are introduced to the new plan, but it is also an important day whether or not we are on WW.
It is a day where we MUST get our act together.
I am starting to feel like I am getting on the right track again but it continues to be hard.
I am finding that I am not alone. Many are saying they are struggling. It is a common message right now. Perhaps it is the time of year, perhaps it is just crappy weather, but many of us have been slipping.
IT'S TIME TO PREVENT THE LANDSLIDE FROM HAPPENING!
We can all do this if we do this together.
Not tomorrow, not the next day, and most certainly not January 1st! Get that thought out of your head right now. If you get that thought it might be contagious and I don't want to catch it! :-)
Lets face it, it is a tough, tough time of year...but it is not an unpredictable time of year...the same things happen every year.
If we pull up our socks and find the determination we had when we were really enthusiastic about our weight loss, we can not only get through December we can get through it feeling good about ourselves. That may or may not mean weight loss...weight maintenance through a holiday season is just as much of a success in my books.
So lets just decide to do it. We can if we want to. I for one have worked too damn hard to not want to.
So here's to holiday success...and a new beginning..............starting.....................NOW!
Be healthy!
Alan
It is an important day for those in my WW meeting because today is the day we are introduced to the new plan, but it is also an important day whether or not we are on WW.
It is a day where we MUST get our act together.
I am starting to feel like I am getting on the right track again but it continues to be hard.
I am finding that I am not alone. Many are saying they are struggling. It is a common message right now. Perhaps it is the time of year, perhaps it is just crappy weather, but many of us have been slipping.
IT'S TIME TO PREVENT THE LANDSLIDE FROM HAPPENING!
We can all do this if we do this together.
Not tomorrow, not the next day, and most certainly not January 1st! Get that thought out of your head right now. If you get that thought it might be contagious and I don't want to catch it! :-)
Lets face it, it is a tough, tough time of year...but it is not an unpredictable time of year...the same things happen every year.
If we pull up our socks and find the determination we had when we were really enthusiastic about our weight loss, we can not only get through December we can get through it feeling good about ourselves. That may or may not mean weight loss...weight maintenance through a holiday season is just as much of a success in my books.
So lets just decide to do it. We can if we want to. I for one have worked too damn hard to not want to.
So here's to holiday success...and a new beginning..............starting.....................NOW!
Be healthy!
Alan
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Failed But Succeeded
I failed at my cleanse yesterday.
I had good intentions but it just didn't happen. No excuses, it should have happened...it didn't.
On the up side though I stayed totally on track...and I mean the "NEW" on track from a Weight Watcher's prospective. Although I am not supposed to find out the details of the new plan officially until my meeting this Wednesday, it occurred to me that it officially kicks off in Canada today.
So....being the sneaky person I am I went to the online version of Weight Watchers (called e-tools), changed my official weigh-in day on-line from Wednesday to Monday and presto...I got the new plan.
So...given that I wasn't proving to be in a "cleansing" frame of mind I decided to do the new plan.
Points are calculated differently but to be honest I didn't get a chance to calculate much with the new system. I simply entered the non-processed stuff I was eating and it told me how many points things were.
I must say it is a bit freaky seeing how many more points everything is, but you are allowed more points in a day and more weekly points as well so I guess it balances out.
I like the fact that carbs and proteins are now part of the equation. It only makes sense. There is more emphasis on eating fruits and vegetables as well.
I know those of you not on WW won't know what I am talking about and those WW members in the UK have already been on the program for a couple of weeks so it is old news but for me it is new...and new is always good.
I have decided to continue with the new plan on-line until Wednesday and then, even though a full week has not passed, I will reset my weigh-in day to "Wednesday" so that I am back on schedule to track for a full week before the next meeting. Clear as mud?
I think this time I will start my weeks Wednesday morning instead of Thursday morning though. If I do that then I will only be able to splurge after a Wednesday night weigh-in if I have saved enough points to permit it...that's the theory anyway.
My musketeers stay on track today?
Be healthy!
Alan
I had good intentions but it just didn't happen. No excuses, it should have happened...it didn't.
On the up side though I stayed totally on track...and I mean the "NEW" on track from a Weight Watcher's prospective. Although I am not supposed to find out the details of the new plan officially until my meeting this Wednesday, it occurred to me that it officially kicks off in Canada today.
So....being the sneaky person I am I went to the online version of Weight Watchers (called e-tools), changed my official weigh-in day on-line from Wednesday to Monday and presto...I got the new plan.
So...given that I wasn't proving to be in a "cleansing" frame of mind I decided to do the new plan.
Points are calculated differently but to be honest I didn't get a chance to calculate much with the new system. I simply entered the non-processed stuff I was eating and it told me how many points things were.
I must say it is a bit freaky seeing how many more points everything is, but you are allowed more points in a day and more weekly points as well so I guess it balances out.
I like the fact that carbs and proteins are now part of the equation. It only makes sense. There is more emphasis on eating fruits and vegetables as well.
I know those of you not on WW won't know what I am talking about and those WW members in the UK have already been on the program for a couple of weeks so it is old news but for me it is new...and new is always good.
I have decided to continue with the new plan on-line until Wednesday and then, even though a full week has not passed, I will reset my weigh-in day to "Wednesday" so that I am back on schedule to track for a full week before the next meeting. Clear as mud?
I think this time I will start my weeks Wednesday morning instead of Thursday morning though. If I do that then I will only be able to splurge after a Wednesday night weigh-in if I have saved enough points to permit it...that's the theory anyway.
My musketeers stay on track today?
Be healthy!
Alan
Monday, December 6, 2010
Cleanse Time
I haven't done a cleanse in a while and I have had trouble staying on track so I have decided to do a three day cleanse starting today. So I will be having Fruits and Vegetables only for three days.
I am convinced that the only thing that truly gets me back on track when I start to slip is dramatic change, so this will be the week of change.
Monday to Wednesday I will cleanse and then on Wednesday night I will go to my Weight Watchers meeting where they are introducing a brand new program...so I will do the new program for a week. I am really hoping the change in WW program will also revitalize me.
Some of you may be wondering why I will only do the new program for a week. That, my friends, I will tell you on December 16th :-)
My Musketeers doing ok? I had a bit of a slip up after the gym (ate two chinese pork filled buns) but just had chicken vegetable soup for dinner to try and help compensate.
Be healthy!
Alan
I am convinced that the only thing that truly gets me back on track when I start to slip is dramatic change, so this will be the week of change.
Monday to Wednesday I will cleanse and then on Wednesday night I will go to my Weight Watchers meeting where they are introducing a brand new program...so I will do the new program for a week. I am really hoping the change in WW program will also revitalize me.
Some of you may be wondering why I will only do the new program for a week. That, my friends, I will tell you on December 16th :-)
My Musketeers doing ok? I had a bit of a slip up after the gym (ate two chinese pork filled buns) but just had chicken vegetable soup for dinner to try and help compensate.
Be healthy!
Alan
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Friends - Amazing Spirits
I am so lucky. I think I have the best friends in the world.
My friends not only support me, they put up with my food obsessed life. I'm either obsessed with being good or obsessed with being bad. Knowing that people are there to support me as I flip back and forth between the two is amazing.
Last night my friend Tom Mackan stayed over. He is about to turn 80 and is an amazing spirit. He started Weight Watchers 8 weeks ago and is down almost 20 pounds. I am so very proud of him. We went for dinner last night and he not only ate like a perfect WW member, he kept me in control by his example. Awesome guy.
My friends Naoko and Albert are amazing too. When I couldn't have surgery about five years ago because I was too large to qualify for it, Albert told me that if I went back to Weight Watchers he would go with me. He is still going with me, and Naoko keeps me in line. She is not afraid to politely tell me when I look like I am gaining weight. I love that about her. She does it because she cares. She is a good friend.
Then there is my friend Todd, who I know also "gets it" and puts up with my incessant talking about food at Tim Hortons. I value our friendship now more than I ever have. I think we really understand each other.
My friend Wendy would be the first person to tell me to get what I want to eat in the old days. Now she does her best to try and get me to make healthy choices when we go out to eat.
My friend Sue leads by example. She is such an inspiration and shares the same philosophy I have, which is that a little "full fat" is much better for you than chemically created "low fat" products.
Catherine In Scotland and Alf in England are on their own journeys. They share their struggles with me and support me when I slip. Proof that distance is so irrelevant in today's world. Andrew and Kirsten, and cousin Lorraine keep in touch from England and Scotland too....awesome!
Anthony, my trainer/nutritionist friend works out with me and encourages perfect eating. I try, and really appreciate that he still hangs around in spite of my repeated failures.
Maurizio and Diane are on the "organic" band wagon with me. They share ideas, ask questions, and keep me thinking the right thoughts. So encouraging to me and I love them for it.
My one friend, who is more private so I won't say her name, but she knows who she is, has lost significant weight on her own and kept it off for years and years. Great person to share confidences and friendship with.
Quade is so far away now. Another world it seems but still stays in touch. It is awesome to have a naturally thin person as part of the group who adds valuable perspective.
Debbie from the other side of Canada can always be counted on to make me laugh :)
Then there is the whole gang at Weight Watchers, others on this blog, and the fantabulous gang from Nutrition school. So so so so supportive.
I am sure I have forgotten someone and I apologize for that, but the point is, I have such a strong support group. I am surrounding myself with people I love, not the least of which is my husband. How he puts up with my radical swings in mentality I will never know.
Surrounding myself with quality friends has made such a huge difference in my life.
I am a very lucky man.
Wondering how my other two Musketeers for the week are doing? My day was good yesterday. We went out to eat but I was pretty good (except maybe for the garlic mashed potatoes).
Be healthy!
Alan
My friends not only support me, they put up with my food obsessed life. I'm either obsessed with being good or obsessed with being bad. Knowing that people are there to support me as I flip back and forth between the two is amazing.
Last night my friend Tom Mackan stayed over. He is about to turn 80 and is an amazing spirit. He started Weight Watchers 8 weeks ago and is down almost 20 pounds. I am so very proud of him. We went for dinner last night and he not only ate like a perfect WW member, he kept me in control by his example. Awesome guy.
My friends Naoko and Albert are amazing too. When I couldn't have surgery about five years ago because I was too large to qualify for it, Albert told me that if I went back to Weight Watchers he would go with me. He is still going with me, and Naoko keeps me in line. She is not afraid to politely tell me when I look like I am gaining weight. I love that about her. She does it because she cares. She is a good friend.
Then there is my friend Todd, who I know also "gets it" and puts up with my incessant talking about food at Tim Hortons. I value our friendship now more than I ever have. I think we really understand each other.
My friend Wendy would be the first person to tell me to get what I want to eat in the old days. Now she does her best to try and get me to make healthy choices when we go out to eat.
My friend Sue leads by example. She is such an inspiration and shares the same philosophy I have, which is that a little "full fat" is much better for you than chemically created "low fat" products.
Catherine In Scotland and Alf in England are on their own journeys. They share their struggles with me and support me when I slip. Proof that distance is so irrelevant in today's world. Andrew and Kirsten, and cousin Lorraine keep in touch from England and Scotland too....awesome!
Anthony, my trainer/nutritionist friend works out with me and encourages perfect eating. I try, and really appreciate that he still hangs around in spite of my repeated failures.
Maurizio and Diane are on the "organic" band wagon with me. They share ideas, ask questions, and keep me thinking the right thoughts. So encouraging to me and I love them for it.
My one friend, who is more private so I won't say her name, but she knows who she is, has lost significant weight on her own and kept it off for years and years. Great person to share confidences and friendship with.
Cara is always "food supportive" and whenever she asks about getting together to eat she almost always suggests we choose a healthy place. We have been unsuccessfully trying to make our schedules sync for months. We gotta make it happen!
Debbie from the other side of Canada can always be counted on to make me laugh :)
Then there is the whole gang at Weight Watchers, others on this blog, and the fantabulous gang from Nutrition school. So so so so supportive.
I am sure I have forgotten someone and I apologize for that, but the point is, I have such a strong support group. I am surrounding myself with people I love, not the least of which is my husband. How he puts up with my radical swings in mentality I will never know.
Surrounding myself with quality friends has made such a huge difference in my life.
I am a very lucky man.
Wondering how my other two Musketeers for the week are doing? My day was good yesterday. We went out to eat but I was pretty good (except maybe for the garlic mashed potatoes).
Be healthy!
Alan
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Fake It Till You Make it
In response to my blog yesterday someone posted the following comment: "Sometimes we can convince ourselves we are there when we really aren't and it is a tough hill to climb to get back there".
It is indeed tough to pretend you are where you want to be before you are there. I have heard of this concept referred to as "Fake It Till You Make It".
If you convince yourself that are a healthy slim eater, and start acting like you are a healthy, slim, eater, sooner or later you will be a healthy, slim, eater.
It works if you can do it, but make no mistake, it is tough.
It is the road I am going to walk down right now. I have to.
If you are feeling yourself slip a bit, or if you have done a full fledged wipe out in a puddle. Why don't you pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and walk down this road with me?
The walk will be easier if I am not alone.
Be healthy,
Alan
It is indeed tough to pretend you are where you want to be before you are there. I have heard of this concept referred to as "Fake It Till You Make It".
If you convince yourself that are a healthy slim eater, and start acting like you are a healthy, slim, eater, sooner or later you will be a healthy, slim, eater.
It works if you can do it, but make no mistake, it is tough.
It is the road I am going to walk down right now. I have to.
If you are feeling yourself slip a bit, or if you have done a full fledged wipe out in a puddle. Why don't you pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and walk down this road with me?
The walk will be easier if I am not alone.
Be healthy,
Alan
Friday, December 3, 2010
What Is The Level Of Your Self-Esteem?
The night before last I watched an episode of Oprah where she interviewed Marie Osmond. It was originally broadcast a week or two ago but I had recorded it and only just watched it.
The interview was the first one Marie had given since her son committed suicide eight months ago. It was quite emotional.
At one point, the conversation turned from the loss of her son, to the end of her marriage.
Oprah mentioned that rumours were that her ex husband was abusive and asked if it was true. While Marie didn't answer the question directly she did issue a warning to people. She said. "You marry at the level of your self-esteem....make sure you have good self-esteem". It really struck me as an incredibly profound statement. It made an impact on me.
I believe there is truth to what Marie said.
I also believe that it also applies to what we eat. We eat at the level of our self-esteem.
When self-esteem is high we have confidence, we have power and we feel like we can change everything in our lives that we want to.
When self-esteem is low we eat to console ourselves, we eat because we feel alone, we eat because bad food feels like our friend....and it makes us feel good...but only for a moment.
Sometimes though, we feel like we have good self-esteem but we are still starting to fall off the health wagon anyway. I feel like that now. I feel happy (at least I tell myself that) but I don't feel as motivated as I should.
On the surface it may seem like I have just contradicted myself. If I feel like I have good self-esteem then why do I not have enough control over my food?
My theory is that sometimes your body knows you are slipping...it knows that the self-esteem is sliding before you do. For example, I feel pretty good right now. I feel happy, but I don't feel "HAPPY". I felt "HAPPY" last month.
I no longer feel like the "after" guy in the picture below:
Fortunately I do not feel like the "before" guy either. I feel fat...but not that fat.
So it is time for me to restore the self-confidence of the "after" guy before the sliding continues.
I have the "after" picture on my vision board and I am going to stare at him for inspiration everyday until I feel as good and healthy as him.
Perhaps it is a tad vain to use myself as my inspiration. For better or for worse, I can live with my own vanity...as long as it works. I can get back there...and I will.
Be healthy!
Alan
The interview was the first one Marie had given since her son committed suicide eight months ago. It was quite emotional.
At one point, the conversation turned from the loss of her son, to the end of her marriage.
Oprah mentioned that rumours were that her ex husband was abusive and asked if it was true. While Marie didn't answer the question directly she did issue a warning to people. She said. "You marry at the level of your self-esteem....make sure you have good self-esteem". It really struck me as an incredibly profound statement. It made an impact on me.
I believe there is truth to what Marie said.
I also believe that it also applies to what we eat. We eat at the level of our self-esteem.
When self-esteem is high we have confidence, we have power and we feel like we can change everything in our lives that we want to.
When self-esteem is low we eat to console ourselves, we eat because we feel alone, we eat because bad food feels like our friend....and it makes us feel good...but only for a moment.
Sometimes though, we feel like we have good self-esteem but we are still starting to fall off the health wagon anyway. I feel like that now. I feel happy (at least I tell myself that) but I don't feel as motivated as I should.
On the surface it may seem like I have just contradicted myself. If I feel like I have good self-esteem then why do I not have enough control over my food?
My theory is that sometimes your body knows you are slipping...it knows that the self-esteem is sliding before you do. For example, I feel pretty good right now. I feel happy, but I don't feel "HAPPY". I felt "HAPPY" last month.
I no longer feel like the "after" guy in the picture below:
Fortunately I do not feel like the "before" guy either. I feel fat...but not that fat.
So it is time for me to restore the self-confidence of the "after" guy before the sliding continues.
I have the "after" picture on my vision board and I am going to stare at him for inspiration everyday until I feel as good and healthy as him.
Perhaps it is a tad vain to use myself as my inspiration. For better or for worse, I can live with my own vanity...as long as it works. I can get back there...and I will.
Be healthy!
Alan
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Shoot Me - I Like Cold Red Wine
When did we become afraid to say what we like and what we want?
The other day I had a glass of red wine from a bottle that was accidentally left in the Fridge. When it was put in the Fridge it was only supposed to be there briefly. It is totally acceptable to chill your red wine ever so slightly because, apparently, room temperature today is warmer than room temperature was when the temperature at which red wine is supposed to be served was set. It is, however, an abomination of God to drink it cold.
So...the bottle went in the Fridge and by some freak of nature it was not consumed. It just got cold...real cold.
I will probably never be invited to a social occasion again for saying this, but I drank it cold and I liked it. I am thinking of writing a song about it. Something with the same melody as the song "I kissed a girl...I liked it".
My question is this. When the hell did we become so afraid to make our own decisions about what we like and dislike? What we want and don't want? What we can and cannot have?
I was in a Weight Watchers meeting yesterday and a lady was concerned because she had reached her goal weight, and as a result her friends were encouraging her to eat again. She wanted to know what to tell them. She doesn't of course, want to offend them.
I have to preface my next, rather strong, statement by saying I am not criticizing this lady. I not only understand her I am her. I always want to please and not offend. I want to fit in. I totally get where she is coming from.
So what should we tell these people?
How about the truth? How about "I worked damn hard to get where I am and your well meaning gestures will sabotage all my efforts". How about " I don't want it". How about "I will eat what I choose to eat...thank you very much". [I really want to type "How about "Go to Hell" in here but I am too polite so I won't...or did I?].
My point is this. Too many of us have become obsessed with doing and saying the correct thing. With making sure we fit in. With being careful not to offend.
The sad thing is, it is their suggestions that we should be offended by. They know how hard we have worked so why would they encourage us to sabotage our efforts? That, my friends, is really offensive.
If I make my own decision to sabotage my efforts for a night that is one thing. If someone else encourages me to...that is not a friend.
So I don't think I will be too concerned when someone offers me something unhealthy and keeps pushing it after I have politely said no once or twice. The third response may just start with an "F" and end with an "Off". I know many of you don't think I am capable of that...ask Jamie if you have any doubt. I don't mean I say it to him (not often anyway)...but to other people who push one too many of my buttons. You can't survive in a career like mine (Real Estate) unless you can match the strength of every power tripping agent that crosses your path. I don't believe in power tripping but I totally believe in putting power trippers in their place. It is, I think, an art.
Wow...did I just type that? Uh oh...the militant side of me that few see is coming out.
If you haven't seen it...try offering me a donut three times.
Be healthy!
Alan
The other day I had a glass of red wine from a bottle that was accidentally left in the Fridge. When it was put in the Fridge it was only supposed to be there briefly. It is totally acceptable to chill your red wine ever so slightly because, apparently, room temperature today is warmer than room temperature was when the temperature at which red wine is supposed to be served was set. It is, however, an abomination of God to drink it cold.
So...the bottle went in the Fridge and by some freak of nature it was not consumed. It just got cold...real cold.
I will probably never be invited to a social occasion again for saying this, but I drank it cold and I liked it. I am thinking of writing a song about it. Something with the same melody as the song "I kissed a girl...I liked it".
My question is this. When the hell did we become so afraid to make our own decisions about what we like and dislike? What we want and don't want? What we can and cannot have?
I was in a Weight Watchers meeting yesterday and a lady was concerned because she had reached her goal weight, and as a result her friends were encouraging her to eat again. She wanted to know what to tell them. She doesn't of course, want to offend them.
I have to preface my next, rather strong, statement by saying I am not criticizing this lady. I not only understand her I am her. I always want to please and not offend. I want to fit in. I totally get where she is coming from.
So what should we tell these people?
How about the truth? How about "I worked damn hard to get where I am and your well meaning gestures will sabotage all my efforts". How about " I don't want it". How about "I will eat what I choose to eat...thank you very much". [I really want to type "How about "Go to Hell" in here but I am too polite so I won't...or did I?].
My point is this. Too many of us have become obsessed with doing and saying the correct thing. With making sure we fit in. With being careful not to offend.
The sad thing is, it is their suggestions that we should be offended by. They know how hard we have worked so why would they encourage us to sabotage our efforts? That, my friends, is really offensive.
If I make my own decision to sabotage my efforts for a night that is one thing. If someone else encourages me to...that is not a friend.
So I don't think I will be too concerned when someone offers me something unhealthy and keeps pushing it after I have politely said no once or twice. The third response may just start with an "F" and end with an "Off". I know many of you don't think I am capable of that...ask Jamie if you have any doubt. I don't mean I say it to him (not often anyway)...but to other people who push one too many of my buttons. You can't survive in a career like mine (Real Estate) unless you can match the strength of every power tripping agent that crosses your path. I don't believe in power tripping but I totally believe in putting power trippers in their place. It is, I think, an art.
Wow...did I just type that? Uh oh...the militant side of me that few see is coming out.
If you haven't seen it...try offering me a donut three times.
Be healthy!
Alan
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Holiday Party
You know that the blog is working when you are being watched. I sat down with my plate of dinner (from a buffet) at our company Company Holiday Party last night and someone said "Alan...so many Carbs!". Another person said..."Can't wait to read tomorrow's blog"...kind of like the end of the world was coming.
It didn't bother me at all. For one thing the Caesar Salad that was on the plate of my muscle boy colleague's plates didn't look all that much healthier, and for another, I have learned the difference (at least I hope I have) between a holiday and a holimonth. I had fun, I ate well, and I don't regret it.
I can't just dismiss its occurrence though, so today has to be excessively healthy.
To be honest I am glad my friends made the comment. They know I struggle and there was no malice intended. It was all in good humour. Maybe they were even looking out for me. Naw....just a fun comment....I doubt a deep sense of concern over my meal at the Holiday Party weighed heavily on their minds. LOL
I like the fact that people know I struggle because it keeps me in check.
If I lived in a world where everyone knew I struggled and everyone commented when I ate unhealthy it might be the best thing that happened to me. Sometimes I need people to say something...especially when they are right.
So to my friends at the Holiday Party...thank you for at least making me aware of the food I was putting in my mouth. Next time please also make me aware of the number of glasses of wine going down my throat.
December is officially here today.
Happy Holidays and be healthy!
Alan
It didn't bother me at all. For one thing the Caesar Salad that was on the plate of my muscle boy colleague's plates didn't look all that much healthier, and for another, I have learned the difference (at least I hope I have) between a holiday and a holimonth. I had fun, I ate well, and I don't regret it.
I can't just dismiss its occurrence though, so today has to be excessively healthy.
To be honest I am glad my friends made the comment. They know I struggle and there was no malice intended. It was all in good humour. Maybe they were even looking out for me. Naw....just a fun comment....I doubt a deep sense of concern over my meal at the Holiday Party weighed heavily on their minds. LOL
I like the fact that people know I struggle because it keeps me in check.
If I lived in a world where everyone knew I struggled and everyone commented when I ate unhealthy it might be the best thing that happened to me. Sometimes I need people to say something...especially when they are right.
So to my friends at the Holiday Party...thank you for at least making me aware of the food I was putting in my mouth. Next time please also make me aware of the number of glasses of wine going down my throat.
December is officially here today.
Happy Holidays and be healthy!
Alan
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