Raspberry Ketone for Weight Loss

You know I like to keep things simple and easy.  That's just my style.  I usually like to do things the old school way.  Especially about weight loss.  I don't go in for a lot of fads or pills.  I am not one to take chemical stimulants in order to increase my weight loss.  However, I have been hearing more and more people talking about raspberry ketones.  I didn't see it when it aired, but Dr. Oz featured it as the best "miracle fat burner in a bottle".  You can see him talk about it here.  Anyways, it sounds to be all natural and is available from some manufacturers without a bunch of other crap mixed in.

I don't know if it is a gimmick.  From what I have read, it works on rats, but there is not human clinical trial information.  For what it is worth, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence from people that swear that it works.   I am thinking of trying a bottle and seeing what happens.  The Food and Drug Administration list it as safe, so it doesn't sound overly risky.  Of course, I will report my finding here to the group.  But, before I ordered it, I wanted to ask you all if you have had any experience with it?  Has anyone tried it?  If you have heard anything about it, please share with it with us!

A Quickie and I Am Sore

I just have time for a quickie update.  I blame my wife.  See, I have not been on the computer much for the past several days.  I have not been posting or reading and I feel guilty about it.  I have been involved in a honey-do project that has taken a big chunk out of my computer time.  In our kitchen, my wife decided she wanted to stone the area above the counter tops and below the cabinets.  So I have been carrying heavy bags of mortar and grout.  Mind you, I have been lifting weights, but there is something about bending and twisting and working that works muscles you do not usually use!  I guess it is my version of handyman yoga lol.  I feel like I did when I just started lifting weights.  Maybe there is something to that yoga business after all?

Anyways, that job is winding down so I hopefully will be back making the rounds reading your blogs soon.  As a guy that has mainly women readers, I am not exactly expecting any sympathy.  In fact I probably just lost a few followers for complaining!  If you would like to send your condolences for a poor, over worked husband, I want to hear them.  Or at least let me know if you ever tried yoga?  Is there any value to that?  Is it for your mind, or does it help you lose weight?  Let me know what you think!

Oh, and my friend Tim from England wanted more pics from the lake.  I will get you some soon, but until then, my son Ben will take you on an evening paddle.

One Weight Loss Goal Done and Housekeeping

Last week I reported that my doctor took me off my diabetes medicine.  So, I was cleaning out the cupboards and getting ready to throw out some of the old pills.  All of a sudden I felt a feeling of deja vu.  I really felt that I had done this before.   Then it hit me, I had done this before in an old video.  About six months ago I started vlogging my weight loss journey.  At that time there was a tag going around about the five best things about losing weight.  You can see the original video over in the right column.  You should check it out because it has some funny parts.  Anyways, one of the things I said I was looking forward to was getting of this diabetes medicine and I pitched them.  Sure enough, six months later they are going for good!

The Amazon ads are here because my wife loves Amazon, and I trust them think they are quality and not crappy ads.  If you click on one it is just a link that takes you straight to Amazon's site.  It does not change the price you pay.  They just give me a small referral commission.  Are the ads too big, or too obnoxious or can we live with them?  Let me know what you think.  You can find out more about the program here if you like.

Lastly, if any of you ladies out there that know your way around the kitchen need a laugh, I have all my cooking videos at my new cooking blog here.  I make meals that are so simple and easy, even a man can do it LOL!

You know I love to hear from you.  Let me know what you think about the ads or the videos, or anything else!!

Sometimes Life is More Than Weight Loss

Sometimes life is more than just weight loss.  I am sorry, but I have nothing new on the losing weight front today.  The weather here in Michigan has just been fabulous!  We have posted record high temps for the past three days.  In fact, my son has been swimming each of the past three days!  This is just unheard of for March in Michigan. 

My son and I were just starting to put in some of our dock, but we had to stop work when an uninvited guest stopped in.  I thought you might like a short look at him. 

Losing Weight has Benefits

Well guys, I am sorry I have been away from blogging for a few days. It kinda feels like forever!  I have to somewhat blame the unseasonably nice weather we are having in Michigan,

I just wanted to share some good news.  I had to go to the doctor Monday for my yearly physical.  To say my Doc was pleased with my weight loss would be an understatement.  It's kinda funny they keep entering my new weight into the computer, and the computer keep asking them to verify the reading was correct because it is a big change in weight.  So officially a year ago I was 329, as of today at the office I was 284 with clothes on.  That is a total of 45 pounds gone.  Not bad since I only really got serious since six months ago.

I thought that was some pretty cool news, but it only got better. As many of you know, I have been taking medication to treat my diabetes for years.  Well today,my A1C, (which is a glucose test for diabetes) was well into the normal range.  Diabetes pills are now history for now (per Dr's orders)!  I am glad because I was only taking half my prescribed dose anyway.  See, when I really watch what I eat and exercise, my sugar would get too low.

So yesterday was a day that was hard to beat.  Now I share this not in a bragging sort of way , but to encourage and motivate you.   Now I just need to keep up the progress, or should I say break this current stall.  I have to get out of the 280's or bust!  I'll see you all soon, but for now I am off to enjoy some beautiful weather.  It is so warm here in Michigan for this time of year, I feel like I'm living in the South!!  I love it.  Maybe I'll start saying "y'all" ;-)  Do y'all have any good news to share.  You know I love to hear from y'all!

Secret Weapon for Weight Loss

Even up here in the frigid north, winter seems to be losing it's grip.  Today I was outside with no jacket.  Tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees.  That may not sound like a big deal where you are, but for us folk here in Michigan, it is awesome to have such pleasant weather so early in the year.  Yesterday, I rolled out my secret weapon for weight loss, my bike lol.   I bought this bike several years ago when I was first diagnosed with diabetes.  My intention then was to ride to lose weight.  Unfortunately, riding just killed my knee joints.  So I put the bike away thinking that I would bring it back our when I lost some weight and the strain on my joints would not be so bad.   Well that was about 30-40 pounds ago.  After inflating the tires and riding all around for two days, I am thrilled to report I have not had any joint pain.

I love having my elliptical and I use it all the time.  Even in the summer if the weather gets bad, I will jump on for a little exercise.  However, the elliptic can get a little boring.  So, as Michigan starts to warm, I am hoping to melt of a few pounds on my "new" bike that I can finally ride.  How is that for a non-scale victory?  What do you all look forward to doing now that the weather is starting to change???

Weight Loss and Your Spouse

If you have read my blog for any time, you know that I think losing weight is a battle.  It is both physically and mentally taxing.  Do any of you have the situation where you feel your significant other sometimes hinders your progress?  If so I have someone that would like to ask you a favor.  Her name is Amanda and she is  a clinical psychology doctoral student at Clark University interested in learning more about the experiences of those whose partners (at least sometimes) interfere with their weight loss.   She is looking for the last few volunteers to take part in a short, anonymous survey.  This survey is designed for those who can answer yes to the following questions:

• Are you at least 18 years old?

• Have you been participating in a weight loss program for the last 5 consecutive weeks?

  

• Have you been in a committed, cohabitating relationship for the last two years?  

•  Do you ever feel like your current partner/spouse gets in the way of your weight loss? 

 Besides helping to advance scientific inquiry on this topic, each participant who completes the survey may also select to have $1 donated by the researcher to the participant’s choice of 1 of these 5 charities:  Playworks, The Carter Center , Teach for America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or MAP International.  Additionally, participants may opt to enter a drawing for 1 of 10 gift cards (one $100 card and nine $25 cards).  The survey should take between 30-45 minutes and the responses cannot be tracked back to you.

I told Amanda I would gladly take her survey, but I do not meet the parameters.  Fortunately for me but unfortunately for the survey, my wife is supportive and encouraging in every way of my weight loss.  She also is trying to lose weight and is doing really well.  In fact I affectionately call her "the carb buster" because she is the driving force of limiting carbs in our house.

 I know how hard it is to lose weight even with a supportive spouse, I cannot imagine how hard it must be if you have a spouse that is sabotaging your efforts.  If you find yourself in this situation, why not help Amanda transition from being Amanda to being Dr. Amanda and take her survey.  All the information you need is here.

Losing Weight vs Maintaining

I have been told by people who have lost weight and hit their goal that maintaining weight is harder than losing it.  In fact I have heard this so often that I am apt to believe them.  It is a fact that I am a LONG way away from my goal weight.  I know I have a long road ahead.  However, once I get there, I think I will be able to maintain.  Let me explain:

I can hit a weight and bam I will stop dead right there.  Pick a number and I may have to struggle like crazy to get there, but if I get there I bet I can stick.  Losing weight for me is a bear, but I can maintain like a boss. (my 11 year old son says "like a boss" whenever he is confident he can do something, so I had to throw it in here lol).

This tells me something.  Basically all the exercising I do and the smaller portions  I eat is still not enough to lose weight .  I am just burning what I am consuming and nothing more.  It is frustrating but it is what it is.  Now let me be clear, I am not writing this in a down spirited way.  Not at all.  In fact the sun is out and the weather is starting to warm.  I do my exercises and I am feeling good both mentally and physically.

As with most things in life there are two ways to look at this.  The cup half empty side of me is disappointed.   See, in my mind I am already doing what I should do to lose weight.  I already eat less than I used to.  Heck, I am eating less than I want to.  I already am staying away from bread and pasta.  I stay away from all sweets (except for a little cake incident).  I don't want to cut out anything else.  I don't want to lower my amount of anything.  I don't want to, but I will have to if I want to lose more weight.

Now, with the glass half full side of me, I say OK.  If I have to bite the bullet for a while yet, I will.  I can eat less.  I don't want to, but I can.  I can be a big boy and say I will do it until the weight comes off.  I can do it until I hit my goal.  Because now we all know when I get to my goal I will maintain.  In fact, I will maintain like a boss.

What are your experiences on your journey?  What do you think?

Question About Exercise?

Have you ever noticed some days you exercise better than others?  Now, I am not talking about the mental side of this.  I know I have days where I am totally mentally in the game and the exercise goes great or vice-versa.  I am just talking about the physical side of your average day.  Let me explain my exercise plan for a typical day and maybe that will help.  In the morning, I lift weights and that usually goes about the same most days.  Then at night, I will watch something on TV while I am on my elliptical.   Usually I get on the elliptical and I get mentally tuned into the show and just go.  Lately I have been going anywhere from 4 to 8 miles depending on how I feel and what I'm watching.  Now, last night I was in a normal mental state - you know not super motivated, but not dreading it either.  I get the TV going, I get on the elliptical and blah, nothing.  I just couldn't go.  I only went 2 miles.  The whole time I felt tired.  I can't really describe it.  Usually I get sucked into the show and break this "barrier" between 3 and 4 miles.  Once I get through the "barrier", I feel like I could go all night.  Last night I just couldn't or wouldn't get through.  I don't think it was food related.  I didn't eat anything bad.  I am not getting sick.  The show wasn't good and maybe that broke my concentration.  You know, just writing this the next morning and reliving it mentally to tell the story, now I really do blame the show.  It sounds funny but I just couldn't get sucked into my zone.  Maybe there is an advantage to sticking with an ipod and the same exercise music every night?  I am curious do you ever have days where you are just off.  What kind of "distractions" do you use for your exercise routine?  Any ideas and suggestions are always beneficial not only for me, but others that read the comments.  

"Composition Editor" Box on Blogger

Two posts in one day--a record!  This is slightly off topic but I know many of you use Blogger.  Sorry, but I have to vent!  Is anyone else as annoyed by the composition editor box that always pops up when writing a post now on Blogger.  I hate it.  I even wrote a whole post about hating it over on my internet blog if you are interested.  Maybe if enough people complain they will change it.  Maybe it is just me?  Let me know what you think.

Dieting and Diabetes

As Mark Twain wrote, "the rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated".  You are not rid of me yet! I did not fall  into a diabetic coma after eating more than I should have of the chocolate cake in my last post.  No, I have just been writing on a few of my other blogs and got behind here.

Of coarse diabetes is no joke.  I was diagnosed with it several years ago.  Fortunately, I have so far been able to keep it under control with pills and have not needed to take insulin.  My fear of needing the daily shots limits my cheating and splurges much better than my willpower.  When I do  splurge, I am careful to follow up by hitting the exercise a little harder and being very careful with my next meals.  I know it sounds convoluted- and it is, but it works.  The only good thing about diabetes is seeing the drastic effect of certain foods on your blood sugar levels.  You can read all about bread and pasta elevating your sugar levels, but until you test track it with you own blood, you miss that intimate, personal knowledge that really hits home.

Some readers were worried that I would fall off the wagon, that I would quit.  Let me assure you nothing could be further from the truth.  As I write this my every intention is to keep on keeping on.  I don't lose weight fast, but I am no way going to give up the hard fought for gains (losses, really lol).  I have come too far and have put too much effort into the journey just to quit.  I may falter from time to time, but I will never give up.  This person who is 50 pounds less than my highest weight is who I am.  This person who eats less and healthier than before is not a phase, but who I have become and who I plan to continue to work on.

P.S   I thought I would just give a real brief history for some of my newest readers.  My highest weight was 335 a couple of years ago.  I got down to 311 when I decided to start vloging about weight loss  in September 2011.  I am currently at 282 and have been stuck for a couple of weeks.  I will be so glad to get out of the 280's!  Maybe  I should stay away from cake??

P.S.S.  It seems like Blogger was having some issues with comments.  I know I replied to a bunch yesterday.  They posted then today they were gone.  So, I started re-replying then I thought if the first relies went through, everyone will think I am really more nuts than I am.  So, I just quit.  So if you got 2 replies, or no replies, I am sorry, I tried.  I love all your comments and always like to say something back to at least to acknowledge your time for commenting.  Thanks so much for your readership!

Weight Loss and Willpower

Do you have willpower?  When it comes to sweets, I don't.  Nope, none, zero.  I just cannot do it.  I cannot resist.  Once I have even the smallest bite, I'm done for.  Look out!  Stand back!  I gotta have it!

Here's what happened:  My daughter is slim.  Yep, believe it.  She is 14 and is skinny.  She also likes sweets and can eat them and doesn't gain.  I know- not fair, right?  So once in a while I will make her favorite dessert for her- chocolate cake from scratch with chocolate frosting from scratch.  Of coarse being the cook I am always curious as to how the cake turned out.  This is where I get in trouble.  I tell myself I will just have a tiny bite.  Just to try it.  In the back of my mind I know how this is going to end.  As they say, I've seen this movie before.  But, I DON"T CARE!  I mean on one hand I do-I want to lose weight, but in that second, I just want a bite.  I am just like a drug addict or alcoholic that has been clean and sober for some time.   If he tries just a sip, he falls of the wagon.   It is so embarrassing, but I can do some serious damage to that cake.  Once I have that one tiny bite my resistance is gone and I can't help myself.

So, there is no real message here other than if you are like me don't want to splurge, you better not even be near that cake.  Don't be where you can see it.  Don't be where you can smell it.  For me, that stuff is like poison, but I just can't help myself.  Do you have willpower?  What are your triggers?

Good Dieting - Some Hunger is Not Fatal

You may say well duh, everyone knows a little hunger will not kill us.  However, I must admit I had never thought about it before my friend Myra wrote it in an email to me.  It is such a small, simple phrase, but it is really powerful.  A pang of hunger doesn't need to be immediately cured.  I need to readjust my thinking to realize it as a signal from my body that I'm on the right track.  In short, I need to discipline my wants as I am surely in no danger of starving anytime soon!  A snack of an apple will suffice instead of an extra meal.

Often in our modern day society we want progress without any pain, and we want success without any sacrifice.  I admit I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to this.  Maybe some of you can relate to this.  See, I often medicated with food.  If something was wrong, I ate.  If I was bored, I ate. If I was nervous or worried, I thought that food was the answer.   If I was happy, I even celebrated with food.   Now I have to pay the price for those indulgences.  All of those years of overeating have to be atoned for.  It is almost as if I ate those things on credit, and now I have to do without an amount equal to which I overate.  Maybe my high blood pressure and diabetes is the cost of the interest.  The effect of that weight being on my body over time and the subsequent damage that has been done is the penalty.

So yes, a little hunger pain will not kill you, but having extra weight on your body over time will.  Are you having to pay a price for abusing food in your past?  Have you been known to eat for reasons other than hunger?