This has been a rough year on my feet, but a trip to the foot doctor and all is well once again. In fact, he said I was a success story! How cool is that?

I first went to the podiatrist in June 2011, because I had a lot of foot pain and I would soon be trekking around Alaska for two weeks. Plus I wanted to end my pain.  The doctor fitted me for shoe inserts and then didn't see me again until this week. How many patients do you think he sees in his office who are in a lot of pain and in their late 50's, who come back a year later and report they're running 5k's? It was a great moment for us both!

This is not to say I'm pain free, I still have my days, but I'm in far less pain and less often. The interesting thing is that when I'm running - I don't feel pain!

Speaking of running, last week I had a great run on the treadmill with my jogging buddy Aime, who is celebrating her birthday hiking by herself on Mount Tom - as I type. I want to increase my distance on the treadmill so I'm ready for the Hot Chocolate run next month, so we decided to kick up the pace. We set the pace to a 15 minute mile, after warming up a few minutes, and then stayed the course until we hit 5k. Woohoo! It felt great!

Hot Chocolate Run

There's still time to register for the 2012 Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton that happens on Sunday, December 02, 2012.  I'd love to have you join my team - when you register, select the "Friends of the Keys" team.

Stormy Weather

I was happy to have a day off this week due to the storm and even happier that we didn't even lose power in my area. I cooked food so I'd be set and am still eating those hard boiled eggs. All the bottles of water and bags of beef jerky can go with me when I drive to Florida at Christmas time; it's like money in the (food) bank. Ha!

I have no excuse for not blogging on Monday, but I had fun being completely irresponsible all day. No work. No chores. Lots of fun. Nothing interesting to report, but I was happy at the end of the day. Sometimes, it's good to be unaccountable for a day!

November 01, 2012

I have, like much of Vermont it seems, a cold right now, and was concerned about what I could use for the cough, since usually I use this wonderful herbal cough syrup, but it does have fructose in it.  I tried the Fisherman's Friend, and the menthol, which I hate, was enough to make me sick.  So I asked the pharmacist if there were any cough remedies which were not sweet.  It turns out that Mucinex is now putting Guafenisine (the active ingredient in most expectorants) in capsules....no sweeteners added, because they don't have to mask anything.  Will it work as well?  Time will tell, but I wanted to get this out there to others who may be hacking away.
Eva

October 27, 2012

Ok, by now you all know I am weird. I blogged about crossing my legs for the first time, about my food dreams, panicking when I found out the corn I ate had sugar in it, being a food-aholic and about all kinds of off the wall topics.

Well, why change my format now?
This one is a good one!!

Now that I have lost weight, I don't know what size I am anymore. (wait it gets better)
BUT the worst thing is:

When I go into a store to try on clothes ( are you ready for this one?) I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO!!!

Let me explain:

When I was a size 24 I knew to walk into the Women's dept. Plus sizes, I could easily find it.

Now, I have no idea where I am supposed to shop!

I went to Kohls the other day, I was so confused I walked out. I am not plus, or am I, am I womens', or misses, what in the world is Juniors. AND WHY DON'T THEY HAVE THE DEPARTMENTS MARKED WITH WHAT THEY ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am serious. There are women's size 16's and there are just size 16's. Whats up with that? Then I have discovered there are all kinds of size Large. Some larges fit me great, others I can't get over my head! Some 16's are huge and others are to tight. All from different departments.

Then throw in petites!!! Last I knew that was for short people, has that changed?

Am I the only one that can't figure out the size specifications?

Whats the code? Whats the secret? What do other women know that I don't? What am I missing?

I did find 2 jackets at Kohls (love those 30% off coupons). I think I was in the misses section, maybe it was woman's, probably maternity for all I know. They were a large. But the larges on the other side of the store I couldn't get my arms in.

So thus is my dilemma!

And there is no way I am asking anyone where I should go! (they might tell me where to go! LOL)

Going to try Sears sometime, hope it isn't as confusing as Kohls was!

October 26, 2012

My body is going through changes again, I can feel it and I know I'm going to drop more weight soon. I still have a handful of hand-me-down jeans I still can't wear and I'm a bit bored with the clothes I can wear. I'm still not ready to spend money on clothes, because I know they won't last long.

Photo credit.

I've been asking my friends for advice on where to go shopping 1) as I drop weight, and 2) when I reach my goal size and go on a shopping spree. Interesting feedback. A few suggested I shop off-season, but that isn't going to work - I need clothes in season and now! Others suggested thrift stores, Marshall's, and TJ Max.  

Tonight I went to the Salvation Army Thrift store in Hadley. It was a completely different experience from my last visit there. I'm not even sure when that was, but it was no fun and I'm sure I left empty-handed. 

This time, I tried on a lot of blouses and coats, I wasn't in the mood for trying on pants, everything was either way too big or way too small. I found a gorgeous Anne Klein short snow white coat, but it was too big!  A beautiful jewel-tone purple jacket from Talbots - too small. 

I put on a full length dark chocolate coat with a beautiful fake fur collar, by some designer I can't recall now, which felt a tad snug, but I was seriously considering it. I loved how I felt in the coat, but when I asked a woman what she thought she said "large women should wear clothing that compliments your body - not coats that make you look bigger." Another woman chimed and asked me what colors I like and suggested I go for a coat the right color; "color is important" she said.  Both women were very kind, and remember - I asked!

Are you kidding me - chocolate is one of my great colors! That's okay, when in this much doubt, I always leave it behind. Which is exactly what I did tonight.

An hour and a half later, I left the thrift store with one Lands End grey button-down sweater, size large. Total budget $4.99. Today was the great bargain day at this thrift store, special colored tags mean an item is 50% off. I never saw a single red tag item the whole time. Others around me had shopping carts full of stuff. 

I hope this gets to be more fun. Tonight was more frustrating than fun. I know you have to keep cruising thrift stores to find the bargains, and hey, there were great labels in the mix, just none in my size; whatever size that is! They say it's hit or miss, so next week I'll give it another try.

Any words of wisdom from those of you who are further along in your journey? Any funny stories? Love to hear from you!

October 24, 2012

One year ago today I was:

Size 24

VERY unhappy with myself

VERY depressed about my weight

Felt like I was just going to drop dead of a heart attack because of my weight

Couldn’t get out of my own way I was so tired all the time

Ate constantly

DESPERATE to loose weight

Driving my poor husband crazy because I was so unhappy with myself

Knew weight loss surgery was the next step and only step left........-

until a dear friend of mine told me about a girl she worked with and how that girl  was loosing weight (Jennifer) and what she was doing. I was open to trying ANYTHING, I really didn't want surgery.  Desperate for help I called Julie’s office and made an appointment.

1 year ago today I walked into her office and haven’t looked back since!

I was scared and cried the whole way to that first appointment. I hadn’t met Jennifer yet, only knew from what her co-worker and my dear friend had told me about her journey. Was so scared I was wasting money AGAIN to loose weight.

In 1 years time I am a new person. I am not at goal yet, am loosing VERY slow, but I am so happy!

My constant hunger is GONE!

My food obssession is GONE!

My self confidence is UP!

My attitude is GREAT!

I have more energy than I have had in years!

And the best part is I know in my mind that I WILL REACH MY GOAL!

I have never in my life been on a program that was so easy to do. I love not having to think about anything, it is so cut and dry.

My absolute highest weight EVER!

 

 Just a few weeks before going to Julie for the first time!

1 year later

 

 

 

 

 

                                            

I have my life back!

My new eating lifestyle works and is working for me!

Julie has saved my life and given my life back to me!

Julie, I don't know how often you are able read this blog, but when you do, I want to say: THANK YOU!!!!!!

You were an answer to many prayers!!!!

Happy re-Birthday to me!!!!!

October 24, 2012

Just trying to see if my computer challenged mind can introduce a new topic correctly.  Thanks for all of your patience.
Eva

October 23, 2012

Some days I just don't have anything to blog about. I think this is a healthy sign, as I'm not focusing all my energies on "dieting." It's one of the things I love about this program - my life continues to move forward and I get to lose weight along the way. It doesn't get much better than this.

On the treadmill; photo by Theresa.

I'm experiencing another period of time where for few weeks I've been feeling like I'm not losing weight, wondering why these pants still fit - they should be too big on me by now, but I continue to let go of those thoughts. I know I'm doing everything I can to be successful in this journey, so I let those thoughts go, continue to eat meat, meat, meat, and let my negative thoughts go once again. I feel changes in my body, even if my jeans don't show the change yet. I know one of these days, those jeans are going to no longer hold up, they'll be too big, and I look forward to that day. Time doesn't matter here; I know if I keep following this course, I will arrive!

Last Week's workout was shy one day of running, my goal is to run 3-4 times a week, but this happens from time to time. I'll pick up another day this week and I'll also begin to push myself to go the distance; the race is a tad over 3 miles. What's important is that I keep looking ahead to the finish line, which is the hot chocolate run in Dec. Having a goal like this keeps me running. I feel great when I run and for hours after the run!
 
Mon., Oct. 15 - 5 pm on the treadmill
I couldn't make it during lunch to the gym, but I went at the end of the day and I felt really proud of myself for getting there! My reward was a beautiful fall scene when I stepped outside the gym. I followed my c25k app for a 32 min. walkout:

• warm up/walk: 5 min (3.0 pace)
• jog 8 min. (4.0 pace)
• walk 2 min. (3.0 pace)
• jog 10 min. (4.0 pace)
• walk 2 min. (3.0 pace)
• run 5 min (4.0 pace)
• average speed 3.45 MPH
• average pace15:51 /mile
• distance 1.79 miles

Tue., Oct. 16 - noon walk
Today's plan was to walk with a co-worker. It was a gorgeous day out there. We walked fast for a solid half hour, not including my time to meet up with her and then walk back to my office.

Wed., Oct. 17 - noon on the treadmill
Today's workout was with my running pal Aime on the treadmill.

Sun., Oct. 21 - time unknown walk
I took Friday off from work, as I had a friend was visiting for the weekend. We walked on a beautiful trail that was a mile long. No running, just enjoying another beautiful fall day.

October 23, 2012

I've heard so much about this recipe, I had to add this to the blog. I haven't tried it yet, but those who have swear by it. Be mindful of the amount of cheese you use and since you can't load it with heavy items, plan to eat meat with this pizza. This recipe is from Stuff I Make My Husband (I edited the text).

Cauliflower Pizza; photo by Amylinn

Use a bag of Birds Eye Steam fresh cauliflower or use fresh cauliflower and add your own seasonings, but this is easy and it steams in its own bag.


1. Microwave cauliflower according to package directions, then place onto a cheesecloth (or use a clean dishcloth that has been lined with lots and lots of paper towels).

2. Lay more paper towels on top, fold the dish towel over itself, and press hard to squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the florets.





3. Feed the cauliflower through the shredding disk of your food processor.

4. Repeat the squeezing step with fresh paper towels.

5. Get lots of moisture out until you have something resembling dough.




6. Combine shreds with 4 oz grated mozzarella (do not use fat-free) and 1/4 cup egg whites; not using yolk seems to give a crispier crust.

7. Line a baking sheet or broiler pan with parchment paper -- you MUST use parchment paper, do NOT use foil or it will stick!!

8.Mound the cauliflower mixture in the center.



9. Using damp hands (shake off the excess water), work radially around the cauliflower, pressing from the center outward to create a thin crust.

10. Be careful that holes don't form, but don't worry if it seems loose, as when the cheese melts it will help everything hold together.





11. Gently blot excess moisture off the top with a paper towel.

12. Spread it as thin as you possibly can.

13. It should resemble the thinnest of the thin-crust pizzas.

14. If it is too thick it will be very soggy and you'll be stuck eating it with a fork.




15. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

16. The crust should be browned and perhaps slightly burnt in some spots around the edges.

17. Do NOT under bake.






18. Spread pizza sauce and whatever toppings you like; don't use anything too wet or too heavy.

19. Toppings should all be chopped fine or sliced thin: sliced olives and sauteed garlic spinach (squeezed dry) or whatever veggies you have around.

20. Dust with Parmesan.




21. Pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes or so.

Voila! There you have it, cauliflower pizza!











Crispy, slice able, and you eat eat it with your hands -- no fork required.









Source: Stuff I Make My Husband

October 21, 2012