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
Friday, December 24, 2010
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
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