In March this year, I was bouncing between 215 and 213 lbs. I set a goal for myself to drop to 180 lbs. I went to work by developing two habits.
First, I developed the habit of waking up between 4 and 4:30am every weekday and going on a 4 mile walk (1 hour). I had been developing this habit for the last two to three years. This year, I simply didn't let myself off the hook. I'm at a point now where I simply can't live without going on my 4 mile week day walk. It's like sleep - I just do it. As a side tip, I leveraged the "Alarm Clock Xtreme Free" app to ensure I get up and stay up in the morning. In order to turn the alarm off, I have to solve 6 complex math problems, which require me to get up, sit at my computer, open the calculator and punch in the numbers. By the time I'm done solving the problems, I'm too awake to go back to bed.
Second, I developed the habit of weighing myself before and after my 4 mile walk. I have a "weight record template" I print out and hang on my closet wall, right above the scale. I love recording my weight and seeing how it drops. It's basically positive reinforcement for walking and eating well.
Along with those two habits, I developed a system that works quite well for me. This system allows me to enjoy eating the foods I love while still losing weight. The system goes like this: Monday through Friday are "work days." It helps to have a very busy life and work schedule to keep your mind occupied. Sitting around being bored at home causes boredom eating. During the week days, the only food I eat (and the only food my mind and body really need) is as follows:
1. Isagenix Cleanse mix + Crystal Light (caffeinated) + 90oz of ice water. I drink this on my commute to work.
2. Isagenix Refresh (like Gatorade) + Crystal Light (caffeinated) + 90oz of ice water. I drink this during my first two hours at work. I also take an Isagenix metabolisim boost pill.
3. 90 oz of ice water. I drink this during the latter part of the morning.
4. Depending on the day, I may eat lunch with co-workers. But on those days when I don't eat lunch, I eat a 30 calorie Isagenix wafer.
Now, at this point, you're probably freaking out about the lack of food that I'm eating. And you're probably wondering how this is even possible. Believe me, I've tried lots of different systems (eating breakfast, lunch and dinner; eating six small meals, snacking on veggies ... I've tried a lot of different systems). But, for many different reasons, those systems just didn't work for me. The weight would stay on; I would get tripped up on trying to keep track of calories; my mind would be fuzzy, I'd be sleepy ... there are many reasons why those systems didn't work. The bottom line is, this system works for me on many different levels. I have energy. I have focus. My mind is clear. I'm not so sleepy. It is sustainable.
5. After commuting home, if I didn't eat lunch, I will have a small, healthy snack and then make myself an Isagenix protein shake. One scoop of ionix and two scoops of the strawberry protein mix with iced water.
6. After the shake for dinner, I drink 90 oz of water. And then I'm pretty much done ... I feel full and I don't think of food or eating.
That is my routine during the week.
Then on the weekends, if I feel so inclined, I will allow myself to indulge a little - go out to dinner. I also allow myself to eat my favorite indulgence: frozen greek yogurt (usually blueberry or peach). I also double my miles on Saturday and Sunday. I will walk 8 miles each morning. So, 4 miles each weekday, 8 on Saturday and Sunday equates to about 36 miles a week along with normal walking. Per my FitBit, I average about 13,000 steps a day.
And that is pretty much it - that is my system that works so well for me. I love it! It's sustainable! And I don't anticipate any changes to my system anytime soon. I think the weight will stay off for a long time.
So what has this system accomplished for me? I weighed in at 178.8 this morning. According my my records and estimates, that is the lowest I've weighed in about 20 years. That is even lower than when I did the Shangri-La diet 9 years ago (see this post).
The next habit I want to develop is getting into sit-ups and push-ups and bi-cep curls. I'd love to be able to do 100 push-ups and 200 sit-ups in one session.
But for now, I'm basking in my achievement!
Showing posts with label Weight Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weight Loss. Show all posts
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Thursday, September 26, 2013
honey & cinnamon: the benefits
this is a direct copy and paste from a friend who reposted this on their facebook page. i bolded the sections i found particularly interesting.
It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.
BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. be sure to click SHARE so it will store on your personal page.
It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.
BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. be sure to click SHARE so it will store on your personal page.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Apple Cider Vinegar
One of my favorite parts of the day is reading Seth Roberts' blog. Today, he linked to earth clinic. Wow - what a site! After spending almost an hour at the site, I arrived at the conclusion that apple cider vinegar (ACV) is the cure-all for just about everything.
I first heard of ACV last summer when my sister-in-law suggested that my wife and I soak our feet in a concoction of ACV and Listerine. My wife tried it for several weeks, but I made her stop because the house was beginning to smell like used shoe - literally - it stunk like a dirty shoe. She disagreed with me, until she walked into the house one day and realized that I was right.
What Seth linked to today was about toenail fungus and what to do to cure it. ACV was the solution. However, I didn't see any posts or comments that ACV had to be mixed with Listerine. Some people said that by simply putting ACV on a q-tip and applying it to the nails, that that would cure the fungus. But the comment that caught my eyes was the one advocating the ingestion of ACV.
One person said that by ingesting ACV - 2 teaspoons twice daily - that their fungus has gone away. Upon further reading of the site, it suggests drinking 2 teaspoons of ACV diluted with 16 oz. of water per day, that one would lose weight.
Therefore, having had a severe toenail fungus problem as well as striving to lose weight, I plan on adding ACV to my diet. To start off, I think I'll try 2 teaspoons with 16 oz. of water twice daily - once in the morning and once at night.
Below are pictures of what my toenails look like today.
I first heard of ACV last summer when my sister-in-law suggested that my wife and I soak our feet in a concoction of ACV and Listerine. My wife tried it for several weeks, but I made her stop because the house was beginning to smell like used shoe - literally - it stunk like a dirty shoe. She disagreed with me, until she walked into the house one day and realized that I was right.
What Seth linked to today was about toenail fungus and what to do to cure it. ACV was the solution. However, I didn't see any posts or comments that ACV had to be mixed with Listerine. Some people said that by simply putting ACV on a q-tip and applying it to the nails, that that would cure the fungus. But the comment that caught my eyes was the one advocating the ingestion of ACV.
One person said that by ingesting ACV - 2 teaspoons twice daily - that their fungus has gone away. Upon further reading of the site, it suggests drinking 2 teaspoons of ACV diluted with 16 oz. of water per day, that one would lose weight.
Therefore, having had a severe toenail fungus problem as well as striving to lose weight, I plan on adding ACV to my diet. To start off, I think I'll try 2 teaspoons with 16 oz. of water twice daily - once in the morning and once at night.
Below are pictures of what my toenails look like today.
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