My Other Bad Habit

Besides being overweight, I smoke. Yup, I sure am full of them! There are times I think why, why do I smoke, I should quit. There are other times, like what happened just now that make me think "I smoke because I want to and I guess, I like it!"

There is a guy I work with who is an ex-smoker. He was really very successful at quitting and I am proud of him. BUT is it within his right to follow me down the hall and ask "Ann Marie, where are you going? Ann Marie?"

My answer "Outside."

Him "For what?"

Me " To smoke."

Him" Come on Ann Marie, I thought you were gonna quit! What are you going outside for and why are you still smoking."

Me "Are you going to keep following me and I smoke because I want to. I could quit tomorrow and be hit by a bus."

UGGGGGG, JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!! I ALREADY KNOW IT IS NOT GOOD FOR ME!!!

Time For Refocusing

I really hate it when I stop taking care of myself. What I mean is, how I put myself second. I really want to lose weight and I try hard, but for some reason I always seem to lose focus. I don't really want to wait until the New Year, disaster could strike between now and then. So without fail, I will get up in the morning and go back, back to Weight Watchers!

FYI

Just wanted to let everyone know as a general announcement that adayinthezone.blogspot.com is now www.adayinthezone.com if you are linked to me and would continue to do so, please change the link to www.adayinthezone.com . Thanks and Happy Holidays!!

I Got a New Gadget!!

Sometime ago I went to a friend's Pampered Chef party. I wasn't particularly interested in going, but she is my friend and wanted me there, so of course I went. I purchased a few new kitchen gadgets and one was a much needed item in my house.

Can you guess what it is for?? My husband thought it was a new way to mince up onion! Okay honey, have another. He has a great imagination!

No, I didn't think it looked like a new way to mince up onion either! It is actually and egg separator! Separates the yolk and the whites. I actually thought of my son when I saw this. He has a fear of eating egg yolk. Sometime ago he found out that the baby chickens came from the yolk and he has not eaten an egg yolk in over 6 years, btw, he is 12!

So if that is your fear too or maybe you are just trying to get healthy, this is the perfect kitchen tool. The days of egg all over the place in my house are a thing of the past! Plus, since I myslf have been trying to eat better, this will halp making breakfast a lot easier!

National Body Challenge

As we all know the new year is on it's way, so what does that mean? Time for new resolutions for your health. If you smoke, like me, you could resolve to quit smoking. If you are over weight you could resolve to lose weight, again like me!

Did you know that Discovery Health has a National Body Challenge? It is an 8 week program geared at helping you lose weight. Sound good so far? Well let me tell you some of the tools you get when you register.

1. access to customized meal plans
2. over 1,000 recipes
3. fitness plan
4. weight & activity tracker
5. active community support
6. and best of all..a FREE 8 WEEK membership to BALLY TOTAL FITNESS and of course, restrictions apply and you will need one in your area!!

The challenge has not started yet, registration starts 12/27/07, but you can sign up for the forums and get a reminder to register here. You have plenty of time to get ready and I hope you are, cause I am looking for some people to hang with me during the dog days of winter! Imagine a new body for the spring!! So check out the National Body Challenge 2008 and join. Let me know, maybe we could get some side challenges going!

The offical start date is January 5, 2008. Gives you enough time to recover from New Years Eve, get sneakers and work out clothes. Get some friends or family to join with you or have get a group together. Doesn't matter how you want to do it..

Diamonds ARE A Girl's Best Friend

Has your fiancé or wife worked really hard this year at losing weight? Are her rings too big now? Why not surprise her with a new engagement ring or wedding rings? G o ahead, check out beautiful engagement rings, you know you want to! Get her one that will fit her finger perfectly and is as beautiful as she is. We all know that diamonds are women’s best friend! Right?

Want Clear Skin?

Ever consider that maybe your diet is the cause for your pimples?

Those pimples are cause by carb-triggered jumps in insulin. Insulin then boosts the level of hormones that keep the production of skin oil in check. It will also trigger keratin growth, possibly blocking follicles. The long and short of it all, that is how a zit is formed.

So eat more lean meats, seafood, veggies and whole grains. I know easier said than done!

Why Are People Like This?

You know what really pisses me off?? The fact that I have been trying to lose weight for god knows how long now and my husbands total disregard of it…until now!!

Now that he has issues with high blood pressure. His blood pressure is so high he is now on medication, at 31 years old. Issues with the 50 lbs he needs to lose, because his doctor has a problem with it. Now that he needs to lose, things need to be different. You didn’t give a shit about working with me a month ago, but now you want things to be a certain way??? GET OUTTA HERE!!

Lower Your Sodium Intake

As we all know, to much sodium is not good for us. It can cause your body to retain fluids and that can be harmful to people with high blood pressure and heart disease. If you have liver or kidney disease, your included. The average American consumes 2,500-5,000 mgs of sodium a day!! Glad I am not the average American! 1,100-3,300 mgs of sodium is what you really need.

Here are tips for lowering your sodium.

• LAY OFF THE SALT
• Look for low sodium or no salt added
• go with fresh veggies when possible or frozen
• don't eat so many pre-packaged meals
• use more spices, pepper, garlic powder or onion
• look at food labels, sodium content changes amongst brands
• condiments are sodium filled as well, use them sparingly