Christmas

Just wondering if things are too commercial for everyone else.  I think we have removed God from Christmas and I miss him.  How do you feel?

Black Friday is Over

Black friday is over now and I wonder how many people made a fool of themselves over "things".  I have heard some really bad stories about how people acted.  Give thanks one day, fight over buying things the next.  What an odd society we live in.  Will people never understand that "things" are not going to get you in to Heaven and they are not as important as how you live.  Glad while I was out I ran into some really nice people and there was only one small incident and it turned out okay.  Hope you all had good experiences also.

Are You Thankful

Gnats in the House

I have checked everything and found nothing.  I am inclined to think we brought them home from the grocery store and they are multipling.  Looks like I will have to set off a bomb.

Christian Poetry

I write Christian poetry, short stories, songs, articles, anything that interests me.  Is anyone out there who loves the poetry and different type of Christian based writings?  If  you are, I have the perfect place for you to check out.

Gnats in the House

I have gnats all over the house.  Don't know how to get rid of them or where they are coming from.  Its horrible.  Got any suggestions?

So You Want to Lose Weight?

You want to lose weight, but you don’t want to quit eating the things you like and you don’t want to exercise.  There is no easy way to drop the pounds.  After all, you gained it by eating the things you like and not getting exercise.  So, if you are really determined, then here are some tips for you that may help. 

There are many different programs and types of surgeries for weight loss.  I had the gastric bypass surgery about four years ago and it has been successful for me.   Of course, it is not for everyone and some who do have it gain the weight back.  There are always pros and cons to everything, so I suggest you do research if you are contemplating any type of weight loss program and always consult your physician.

Surgery, as in any other type of weight loss program, requires diet and exercise.  Losing weight is not a free ride and requires continual work to maintain.  My intent is to give you some tips that will help you start and maintain weight loss with or without any type of surgery.    Eating is social, entertainment,   comforting, and necessary to maintain good health.

The first thing I recommend is you change your mind set to reflect that eating is only necessary for good health.  You can find other ways to socialize, other entertainment and comfort, but eating is really necessary to stay alive.  So, each and every time you set down to eat or have a snack or eat on the run, say to yourself “this is only necessary to live”.  Keep repeating it over and over until you change the way you think about food.

Second, only eat when you are truly hungry.  When you pick up a morsel of food to put in your mouth, ask yourself if you are really hungry or just want it because it tastes good.  Ask yourself that same question each time you want to eat something until you reach the point where it is no longer necessary and you know before it goes in the mouth that you are truly hungry.

Third, try using a smaller plate, it holds less. 

Fourth, when filling your plate, only put on small amounts of each item.  Also, make sure there is space showing around each spoonful.  It makes the plate look full, but you are not getting as much.  Remember, you can go back for seconds if you are still hungry.

If you are going out to eat or having to eat on the run as so many of us does these days, there are ways to help in that area also.

If you are going out to eat, ask for a “to go” box as soon as you get your food.  Make it a habit to put in at least a fourth of it and preferably half then finish your meal.  If you order a sandwich or burger, ask if they will cut it in half for you, and then just wrap up the other half for later.

It has long been a habit that you have to eat everything on your plate.  You cannot throw anything away.  Not true!  No one will starve if you leave food on your plate; they were not going to eat it anyway.  No matter what others tell you, leaving part of your food is not nearly as expensive as taking all the prescription medication you may have to take for all the medical problems that being overweight may cause.  So always leave at least one bite and try to leave a little more each time.

If you must snack, try to pick something healthy or at least with protein.  If you get enough protein, you will not crave sweets as much.

Keep well hydrated with liquids.  You should drink more water, but if you are like me, I don’t care for water, so drink flavored water, protein drinks, or diet drinks.  Try to stay away from drinks with sugar.

When you set down to eat at home, set a one cup measure in front of you and try to imagine what you are eating fitting in that cup with at least half of it being protein.  That is how much those of us who have had weight loss surgery get to eat at a meal. 

Try to set up a regular exercise plan.  If that seems impossible, then park further out in the parking lot when you go some where.  When doing a load of laundry, take half at a time so you have to make two trips.  Small things can get in a little more walking while not requiring much more time.  Walking is really the best exercise.  Swimming is good for those who have trouble walking.  Either way, do just a little extra walking while doing chores and it will make a difference.

Check the contents of your food, but don’t get stuck on it because it will only confuse you.  Low fat and carbohydrates are the main things. “Light” is not always the best and often is not that much different in content from the regular kind. 

Don’t go on fad diets.  You will lose weight of course, but soon as you quit you will gain it right back.  What you need is not a diet, but the way in which you think.  No matter what it is you want to eat; if you eat in moderation you will lose weight.  Instead of eating a half package of cookies, only eat three.  I know they are good, but even with surgery you need to use a little common sense. 

Get a good support group going.  It can be friends, family, or professionals.  They don’t need to be judges or remind you what you are eating is not good for you or even remind you of how much you are eating.  They just need to be there for the small triumphs when you lose a pound.

Remember to consult your physician and eat and drink in moderation.  That means don’t over eat and drink.  Get a little extra walking in when you can.  Good Luck!

Black Friday

I don't think anyone wanted to hurt any feelings, its what retailers call making a profit.  If they are in the hole its "in the red".  So the Friday after Thanksgiving they expect to make money so "black Friday".  However, I think they are prepared for this months in advance and jack the prices up so they can offer you a good deal on that particular Friday.

Mover and Shaker or Setter and Taker

Movers and shakers change the world a little at a time sometimes.  That's how things get changed.  Setters and takers do nothing and try to reap rewards.  Which one are you?