Thursday, February 26, 2009

Lost Without You

Wow it has been a long time since my last post. Many changes are taking place with my body. I recently had my first weigh in and measure and although my weight only dropped 7 pounds I was happy to learn that I lost 6 inches off my hips and several more off the rest of my body. It has not been an easy road thus far, I struggle daily to eat healthy and maintain a proper caloric intake while dealing with tobacco cravings, carb cravings, and the occasional urge to down a bottle of stolis'. During my Guru sessions I seem to be able to go longer and have increased my strength and overall stamina. In an effort to lower the number on the scale I went back to an old favorite, the Perricone Prescription. It entails a diet high in omega fatty acids, fresh vegetables and fruit, a few choice supplements and abstinence of sugar and all things white, including white flour, white potatoes, white rice, white pasta, or anything that is starchy. I stuck to this diet 2 years ago and had great success, lately I feel like robbing the dunken donuts and drowning myself in sweet coffee and crullers. What I have come to realize is that when I go to extremes and deprive myself of certain foods my body fights back and with brute force releases all sorts of chemicals that tell me I need carbohydrates. The weight sure does come off a lot faster when I restrict all things glycemic however I end up feeling miserable and cranky. I started having oatmeal a couple of times a week and allow my self a whole grain low calorie high fiber bread on the other days. I usually consume these in the morning or afternoon to gain much needed energy for my workouts. Do I miss those luscious white flour carbs that call out to me like a two faced banker crying for a bailout, of course deep down I know what the best choices are.I recommend seeking advice from a nutritionist and certified personal trainer before beginning any weight loss program. Your success rate will be much greater. Next time lets talk Vegas Baby!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Up In Smoke

"I don't want to gain any weight!"It is probably the most popular excuse used for not quitting. I am living proof that it is just that, an excuse. I know that it is not possible for everyone to have their own Guru but turning off the television and going for a brisk walk does not cost anything. In the past I turned to food to fill the void when quitting, I know now that if I embrace healthy food choices and many forms of exercise I can quit for good and continue to lose weight. My Guru keeps me sweating, he pushes me to the next level and for that I am ever grateful. During one of my workouts I seemed to have lost my breath and was having a hard time, I quickly dismissed myself and went into the bathroom to recover. Once I sat down for a minute and controlled the air coming in, I regained normal air flow. I have never suffered from asthma but may have experienced a small glimpse into what it feels like. A mixture of fear and panic swept over me that day and it has strengthened my resolve to quit for good. Smoking has left its mark on my body, in time I hope to erase all of the damage. I refuse to let my fitness fantasies go up in smoke. Many of my friends and family continue to smoke, I hope that I serve as an inspiration to all of them to break this nasty habit for good. In the words of K.D. Lang "Love Is Like A Cigarette"

What is love
You called it heaven above
Star that shine in the night
A bird that sings in its flight
A flower that blooms in the spring
There's no such thing

Love's like a cigarette
You know you had my heart aglow
Between your fingertips
And just like a cigarette
I never knew the thrill of life
Until you touched my lips
Then just like a cigarette
Love seem to fade away and leave behind ashes of regret
And with a flick of your fingertips
It was easy for you to forget
Coz love is like a cigarette

Then just like a cigarette
Love seem to fade away and leave behind ashes of regret
And with a flick of your fingertips
It was easy for you to forget
Coz love is like a cigarette