Think "Thin"

All too often I find myself "thinking fat". Let me begin by saying I really don't care if the word "fat" is P.C. or not. If you cannot grasp that "fat" is not only a realistic state of being for most of us in America & most of North America in general, then you're in denial. If you're offended by that word then I'm going to guess it's because you "fit" it. I do. I know I do. BUT I'm trying to NOT fit that word, not just in size & weight but in mind. And I'm succeeding!

Fat and thin are definitely a state of mind, along with a numbers game. The reality is, "thin" people or people who are their correct weight tend to have an entirely different state of mind than "fat" people. As a fat person, I will think almost 24/7 about food. I will attach food to nearly everything in my life, from feelings to actions & events. The easiest thing for anyone "fat" to do is to immediately make the comment "well we ALL revolve around food & everything we do revolves around it! How can I NOT eat constantly?" The answer is actually much easier than you think and once you CONQUER that state of mind, you're going to realize that it's not impossible to enjoy food without LIVING for it! I do see a difference in my own actions when I'm "thinking thin" and those are the weeks that I have a loss, feel my best & feel most alive!

My youngest daughter is what one would consider "tiny". She's the furthest thing from "fat" that anyone could possibly be and I'm certain that much of that is simple genetics. She was fortunate enough not to have inherited my "large" genes, while I've maintained on my own in that category quite well! But the one thing I started noticing was that we were always commenting "Lord girl, you can out eat a 500 pound man!" and that wasn't exactly "wrong". She was constantly eating; while I, on the other hand, rarely ate. She was perfect in size while I was seriously obese. What's wrong with that picture? As a "fat" person I've heard every single other fat person I know comment those same words. "I just don't get it, I DON'T eat! HOW can I be so fat!?" And that is the BEST excuse to continue your path of an unhealthy lifestyle you could ever find! It's SO logical! But SO wrong!

The reality of it all is that fat people really don't eat! Well, not "often". Instead we starve our bodies, creating a "Catch 22" of putting our body into starvation mode, holding onto every ounce of fat & calorie that enters it! Then we wait until we're famished, ready to eat the first thing that doesn't run from our grip and we down it quick, fast & without even tasting it. THAT, my friends is a true statement for any fat person no matter how hard or much you want to deny it. We continue to fool ourselves into thinking we don't eat much... we just have these horrible bodies that won't cooperate with us & continue to "make us fat". It's time to realize otherwise!

If you watch "thin" people around you, you will notice that they eat often. They listen to their bodies when their bodies say "I'm hungry". End result? They don't overeat, they eat just enough to feel satisfied & they keep their metabolisms moving. They "think thin". They go to social functions but NOT to see what's on the buffet. They DO stop by the buffet and grab something IF they're hungry and yes they DO have moments of just pigging out because they're having horrible cravings, etc. but they don't have them often because their body feels satiated more often than not.

So, I've decided it's time to "THINK THIN". How do I do this?

1. FOOD is not the enemy! You need food to live. Your body needs food to run. When you deny it food, you deny it energy & it retaliates on you. You need to eat, it's a matter of WHAT you eat & eating every 3-4 hours.
   
   
2. Listen to your body! If you have a bit of hunger, take care of it. Generally, once you get in the habit of having something to eat every 3-4 hours your body is going to tell you "I'd like a little snack" in between "meals".
   
   
3. Make GOOD food choices. Have "snacks" of high fiber & low fat handy. Keep them in your gym bag, your car, your purse, on your night stand, wherever you find yourself "in need".
   
   
4. Get rid of "junk" foods but replace them with "good" foods that are similar. For example if you crave sweets & find comfort in them, do you honestly think you're going to stop eating them and NEVER touch another sweet again in your life? NO! Replace something "sweet" with a 100-200 calorie low fat, high fiber bar (Kelloggs bars, Fiber One bars, Oatmeal Squares, Kashi bars - are some of my favorites!) They will kill any desire your sweet tooth has in most cases!
   
   
5. Watch "portions". Eat a "portion" and wait, let your body work the food & tell your mind that you're satisfied.
   
   
6. Don't overeat constantly! You don't have to feel "full" all the time. That's really, if you think about it, NOT a good feeling to walk around with! Feeling "satisfied", however, is a great feeling and one that helps you keep your portions under control.
   
   
7. Attend & hold "social functions" without focusing on food. Put the time and effort into the social aspect of the event. Sure, you can have snacks or even dinners planned but make sure the snacks & dinners are healthy choices (not crazy, unrealistic healthy but healthy in the sense of flavorful, smaller portioned, high fiber when possible & low fat).
   
   If you're attending a function focus on the guests attending with you, the event itself & keep your hands busy with holding a glass of water or other low cal drink while enjoying conversation. Offer your services to the host/hostess, perhaps you'll make sure everyone's glasses are kept full or the gift table is kept neat & tidy, etc. Focusing on the event will help you put less focus on the food. But don't DENY yourself the fun of the food either. With proper timing you can enjoy a small piece of cake at that birthday party but avoid the chips & dip before hand. If you deny yourself every time you have a social function you'll start to consider social functions as the "bad guy" to healthy eating. You can't allow that! Learn how to socialize AND have foods around,without feeling out of control. It takes time, and you will have times that you simply can't do it, but that's okay... you're not perfect!
   
   
8. Don't forget to get active! You don't have to have a gym membership, although I find that's the best way for me to make sure I get some activity in because I'm limited as to what I can do. I can walk for a mile in the pool where the weight is off my crumbling spine but to walk in the mall for hours I'd nearly die! So you have to find what your "activity" level is & create options where you are inspired to "move" instead of just sit! At parties & gatherings, give up your seat for the better portion of the event just to walk around and socialize! The constant moving not only gets you involved with conversation & fun but keeps you from standing at the food table the entire time! Park your car at the end of the row instead of the beginning, closest to the store. Walk that extra few feet each time and at the end of a year it adds up to miles you've put on to "take it off"! Find the incentive to get out and walk, even in cold weather! You would be surprised how beautiful a fresh snowfall is at night when the world seems to be huddled inside. The quiet beauty is not only peaceful and de-stressing, but can inspire you to bundle up an extra layer and get out there in it!
   

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Today's Budget Friendly Product - By Busy Baker

I hear all too often "I can't afford to eat healthy" and, to be honest, I used to think the same. But believe me when I say, not only can you afford to eat healthy... you CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO!

You have one body. The longer you abuse it with unhealthy eating, inactivity and poor life choices the more apt you are to have less time to utilize that body fully & happily. I am NOT a preacher of "the ways" when it comes to healthy living. I am, however, an example of how you can become a healthy person and not go broke doing it.

I live on a limited, fixed, income. Disabled from the side affects of cancer & "curing" it, I am faced with chronic pain & a deteriorating spine. I have every reason in the world to sit back and tell the world "It's okay that I'm fat... I have a reason... I CAN'T exercise, I CAN'T afford healthy foods, I CAN'T, I CAN'T, I CAN'T!" But the truth is... I CAN and I WILL and I AM! At 80+ pounds lighter in under a year's time, I am living proof that you are the only thing limiting your abilities! Finances, age, body type, and any other excuse you can come up with are just that... and excuse! Let's change those to REASONS to make changes & do it together!

You cannot imagine my surprise & happiness when I took the "infamous" National Health Test shown on TV during the long infomercial type ad for voting for health care reform. The test asks some very simple questions that I guarantee a year ago I would have come in at a grade of D- if I were lucky! Sunday, I took the test and came in at a high B+ (88)! How? Easy, I made the decision not to "lose weight" but to "change my lifestyle". I eat junk food, I dine out, I misbehave when I eat. The only difference between NOW and THEN is that when I do misbehave or eat foods that aren't exactly what one would think of as "diet" foods, I do so knowingly, sparingly and often "legally" by replacing many of my comfort foods with healthier versions. A perfect example of this is cheese. I am a cheese freak and I almost always refuse to change my habits over to completely fat free versions of cheese. I'm sorry, that's just not cheese to me.. it's more like plastic! Instead I lower my intake, I choose 2% & Low Fat versions. Add to that fact that I no longer pair it up with high fat, low fiber cracker & bread choices but, instead, use high fiber, baked crackers & breads that come in low in fat, high in fiber & lower in calories! I also am realistic with my expectations. I know that big holidays are not going to come without some over indulging & perhaps even with some weight gain but I also know that this means extra times at the gym, jumping back on the "band wagon" of healthy living & eating again as soon as the holidays are over and having setbacks when I do so. I also know I'm never going to not touch a piece of candy or cookies or french fries the rest of my life. It's not realistic! So I have to know when & how to say enough or no & utilize that ability. When I "fail", I simply move on and know that the next time I cannot fail or will avoid the situation unless I make a comprehensive decision to allow myself the indulgence.

Today's "FIND" for the day are crackers made by Busy Baker. These Baked Wheat Crackers come in at 130 Calories, 4.5g of fat ( a little high but still ok if you stick to a single portion), and 1g of Fiber (a little low but, again, if you stick to one serving you're doing good). Those numbers, on the Weight Watchers® Point Scale, come in at about 3 points®. What's impressive is the serving size of 16 crackers! That's enough cracker to accompany a 1oz. portion of 2% cheese and leave you some extra crunchy treats to continue snacking on after your cheese is gone. Giving you the feeling of a little "extra" snacking when, in reality, you're staying right with portion control & enjoying a tasty treat.

Now comes the greatest part.... where you think "I can't afford to eat healthy" and I tell you why you can. These crackers were purchased from Dollar Tree for $1 a box! Yes, 7 ounces of this delicious treat comes in at a whopping dollar! Now, I don't know about you but I can definitely afford a snack item that comes in at a fairly large portion for 3 points and serves me 6 snack times for only ONE dollar!

The key to affording healthy eating techniques is to make sure you take the time to read the labels, look for dollar stores and discount stores such as Big Lots or Ollies, to purchase foods. Don't fall into the trap of looking at just the calories... compare portion sizes, fiber, fat & calories all together! In this case a portion of 16 crackers definitely fills one up fairly well. In some cases 3 points would be considered a little "high", but for me it seems to be acceptable when I can have such a large portion. Better yet, cut the portion in half at 8 crackers and use only 1.5 points! Still a great snack, half the points/calories & fat and now you're getting 12 portions for a dollar!

So don't forget to hit up the discount stores, dollar stores & inexpensive places for discounted items that are healthy & delicious!

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Maple Cinnamon Sausage and Waffle Sandwich (6)

Sundays, or weekends in general for me, tend to be days when I splurge a little more on breakfasts. I wake a little later, tend to have a little extra time to spend & am always more relaxed & at ease because I'm generally waking with my fiance (we live apart, so weekends are a treat) and not rushed to get him out the door to work like when we do spend weekdays together!

Because of the relaxed atmosphere of weekend mornings I also tend to LOVE my breakfasts. Normally, for me, breakfast is a "must" and not something I look forward to. I just simply don't enjoy eating in the morning. For some reason my stomach isn't up as early as I am usually. I will often, during the week or when I'm pushed to get moving right away, use a simple Naked Juice (5-6 points) as a great way to start my mornings, giving me the benefits of getting some calories & my 5-A-Day fruits & veggies in all in one simple easy drink. For this reason alone, I am crazy about Naked Juices. They also tend to fill me up quite well until mid-morning (snack time) or even into lunch on those days when I can't find the time to grab a quick snack.

Today I made my own little creation using 3 of my favorite ingredients: turkey sausage patties (already cooked & simply microwaved/heated up to eat), Kelloggs Low Fat/Multi-Grain Frozen Waffles, & Cinnamon Maple Sprinkles (purchased at GFS - Gordon Food Services). Usually I make breakfast sandwiches on Arnolds Sandwich Thins for me and my sweetie but today he skipped out early to get some laundry done and get back here a little earlier to watch the Playoff Games with me, so I "loned" it with breakfast. Truth be told I snuck back under the covers after he left & played on the net for a bit, watched some TV and tried to get warm. I took the change in routine as a chance to try something "different" for myself for breakfast. By the time I got out of bed it was truly more like "brunch" time so I was torn what to even make but I was famished & knew it had to be something to fill me.

Born was Maple Cinnamon Sausage & Waffle Sandwich!

Maple Cinnamon Sausage &

Waffle Breakfast Sandwich

(Value 6)

SERVES 1

• 2 Kellogs Low Fat/Multi-Grain Frozen Waffles (3)
• 1 slice 2% Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1)
  
• 2 turkey sausage patties (2) (Jimmy Dean tends to be my fave but turkey breakfast sausage seems to be harder and harder to find locally so I will often grab whatever brand's available)
• Sprinkle of Cinnamon Maple Sprinkles from GFS (0)
• Few Sprays of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray (0) (or in a pinch you can use light margarine but remember to add the points/calories on according to your usage)
  

1. Toast the frozen waffles to your desired crispness - I prefer to toast them a little extra toasted for firmness
   
2. While waffles are toasting, microwave your fully cooked sausage patties. I wrap mine in paper towels to catch any extra grease. It doesn't change the points, per say, but it does make it slightly less greasy!
   
3. When waffles pop up from toaster, spray with ICBINB Spray (o points) or lightly butter with a light margarine (points depend upon nutritional information of each margarine). Sprinkle each waffle with Cinnamon Maple Sprinkles.
4. Place sausage on top of 1 waffle & cover with remaining waffle.
   
5. *Note: You can omit the piece of 2% Cheddar Cheese on top of sausage for 1 less point. I personally love & am quite satisfied without the extra cheese on top making my sandwich worth 5 Points instead (depending upon ingredients used).
   

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
Check out this ALL NATURAL HERBAL SUPPLEMENT!
Use DISCOUNT CODE 112BP to get the best price available!
Ask for a free sample!

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

Sensa - New Product seen on MSN Shopping Network

Using Sensa - Week One
(Beginning September 22, 2009)

While I am blogging the actual information as I go along, I am not releasing anything until I've completed at least a substantial part of the Sensa program. There will be very little as far as "recommendations" until after my "results" are in on this new product. Sensa contacted me in late August asking me if I'd be interested in their product & blogging about it. I'm always interested in new ways to help my weight loss along but only if it's a product that I feel is truly safe & has the common sense factor to be legitimately effective.

Sensa directed me to their site, but I still didn't seem to have quite enough information to say I'd DEFINITELY start using their product. I quickly told their marketing department that I would NOT use the product if I found it to be something I didn't believe in, or it was completely un-natural and full of stimulants, etc. or anything that seemed like simply hype. They were very respectful of that decision, a plus on their part for me as I don't "sell" things that I don't believe in. I also explained that I would not lie about my results, my thoughts on the product or how the product worked for me. Again, Sensa was very courteous about accepting my limitations. This alone is a sign of a reputable company that is selling a product they believe in & stand behind.

I must interject at this point I have been using a product from US Nutrition LLC called AssistU which has the same basic ideas behind the product (creating a feeling of satiety) but comes in a completely natural supplement, single dose, pill form. What I love about the AssistU is that it not only gives me the satiety, but the herbs/supplements used also make my metabolism kick up a notch... bringing me from an original weight loss average of between 0.6 to 1.2 lbs a week to an average of about 2.6 to 3.2 lbs. per week!

I have had amazing results using the product & some other supplements recommended by my "Healthy Chick" friend, Yvette and I am definitely staying on AssistU while trying the Sensa. I believe, from what I've read & known about both products that they have the same basic idea of creating satiety to make one feel satisfied enough to not overindulge; while suggesting the obvious that "you cannot lose weight without changing lifestyle". Using both products will help my olfactory senses (with the Sensa) while also enhancing my metabolism (with AssistU) using natural products & innovative ideas. The combination of these two products together, to me, seems to be a win-win situation. I hope I'm right! In either case, I know that AssistU has provided me with a metabolism that has brought my Weight Watchers® lifestyle to a whole new level & I will have that to help me maintain once I achieve goal. I'm hoping that the Sensa can do the same for me! So I'm taking you on this journey too......

Quick explanation of Sensa, you sprinkle it on your food (not on or in any liquids). The idea behind it is to sprinkle "Salty" or "Sweet" side of the pack onto the appropriate foods. The tough part is knowing "how much" is "correct". Once the Sensa is on your food, it is supposed to feel satiated via your sense of "smell", when the crystals/powder hits your palette - telling your brain you're content & full or technically that you are satiated.

In the words of the company themselves:

The Sensa Weight-Loss System addresses this problem of our evolutionary past by using the human senses of taste and smell to help us gain greater satisfaction from a smaller amount of food. The scientific principle behind Sensa is remarkably simple. You may recall learning in biology class that smell and taste are connected. As you eat, the two senses work together to stimulate an area of the brain called the “satiety center,” which tells your body when it’s time to stop eating. By enhancing smell (sensory input), Sensa Tastants help to enable the brain-stomach connection and trigger the "feel full" signal. When you first start on the Sensa program, the Tastants do all the work. Over time, you will begin to intuitively understand portion control and develop healthier eating habits, without having to give up any of your favorite foods.

Sensa - day 1
(September 22, 2009)

So my first day using Sensa went something like this:

No breakfast (0), have been a little "under the weather" so I didn't use the Sensa until lunch .

Early Lunch (5): I toasted an Arnold's Sandwich Thin with a 1/2 slice of reduced fat cheddar, topped with medium salsa. Total points 3. I nuked an apple with 1 Tablespoon of fat free caramel dip for an amazingly awesome dessert that came in at 2 pts. Total for lunch 5 pts. Keeping in my Weight Watchers® style with points® calculations, adding the Sensa on top of each item.

Mid Afternoon Meal (5): 1/2 Cup of my homemade chicken noodle soup (2pts) with an Arnold's Sandwich thin & Roasted Turkey & a slice of laughing cow cheese. (3pts) for a total of 5 pts. on th is meal. Again, Sensa sprinkled on top.

After Gym Meal (15): Red Alert! Ended up at Wendy's and had a Bacon Cheeseburger (7.5pts), Large unsweetened Iced Tea, (0 pts) and small chocolate frosty (7.5 pts) for a total of 15 pts. (This was probably not one of my best decisions & made me question how well the "satiation" idea was working with the Sensa as I had made sure I put ample amounts on my Mid Afternoon meal, knowing that generally after my gym workout I'm famished. Was hoping the Sensa would keep this from happening, it didn't. Unfortunately I didn't have any "bars" left that I generally grab to fulfill my need either so I stopped at the closest place, got the 2 cheapie things (99 cent menu) and went from there. I did however sprinkle the Sensa on the burger and the Frosty.

Late night snack (4): 2 oz. lean steak, grilled & fat trimmed rolled in a 1pt. tortilla. I was craving some protein & definitely needed this!

Day One began with already at a weight loss of 65.2 lbs, hoping the Sensa will make the losses better & easier.

No Sensa on the late night snack. I was a bit disgusted at this point with even putting the Sensa on. Hopefully tomorrow I will see the Sensa take affect. At this point, I'm thinking it should take affect immediately, making a change using the senses should be something immediate (no?). Perhaps I'm wrong and expectations are too high. I do know that with the AssistU I felt the difference first day, as did my daughter. The sati ety was there and the metabolism was definitely working. I felt full, both physically and mentally with the AssistU and was expecting the same with Sensa.

We shall see with Day 2!

Total points® used 29 pts used of the 29 allotted - still on program but not thrilled with my after workout decision - but not bad as I'm still on track and used the right amount of "points®"

Consensus on Sensa: for today's use of Sensa. Really no effect seen, but it is the first day and I'm not exactly sure WHAT I'm looking for either. We'll say "Jury Still Out".

Sensa - day 2
(September 23, 2009)

Breakfast (5), my all time "fave" for breakfast - Naked Juice (5 pts). Sensa cannot be used in liquids so I didn't use the Sensa until lunch .

Early Lunch (5): Grilled chicken breast on a regular bun, with lettuce total 5 pts. (Forgot to put the Sensa on it this time) I made 2 of these so I could have one later as a quick grab after the gym. This is a much better choice than day 1's idea of "after the gym" dining! LOL

After Gym "meal" (5): Grilled chicken breast on a regular bun, with lettuce total 5 pts. - Used the Sensa (didn't really feel much difference, not overly full, not overly hungry)

Dinner (10): Buffalo Chicken Salad (grilled chicken (3 pts) with hot sauce, french fries (5 pts), over a bed of lettuce, shredded cheddar (2 pts) & FF Dressing. - Used Sensa & while dinner was eaten at about 6:30pm or so, it did keep me through the night. This is highly unusual, so it could be a sign that the Sensa is starting to take over or that I'm figuring out how much to use!

Total points® used 25 of 29 allotted.
Consensus on Sensa: The dinner use of Sensa did seem to give me the satiated feeling. We have to keep in mind that "satiated" is not "FULL" necessarily, but satisfied & keeps one from craving. I do believe that the evening meal did just this. Could be a good sign.

Sensa - day 3
(September 24, 2009)

No Breakfast ,unfortunately I didn't feel like eating first thing in the morning but went straight to the gym after dropping my son off at school. No food eaten for breakfast so I didn't use the Sensa until lunch .

Lunch (after gym) (5): 98% FF Roasted Turkey on a tomato basil wrap, w/lettuce & banana peppers (5 pts). - Used Sensa - I must be figuring out the amount needed at this point because I had a banana to go with my lunch but forewent eating it because I was more than content. Definitely feeling satiated with this simple and minimal lunch. This is a real surprise because

Snack (4): Stella D'Oro 100 Calorie "Breakfast Bites" - chocolate (2) & a banana (2) - did not use Sensa (although I could have technically sprinkled it on my banana it just wasn't an appealing idea to me)

Dinner (5): 2 Johnsonville Smoked Turkey Cheddar Brots (4 pts) each rolled in 1/2 Light Flat Out Bread (1) - Used Sensa & was very full & content by about 1/2 to 3/4 of the 2nd brot. Again, I believe I've figured out how much of the Sensa to use. Feeling very full & content, aka "satiated"!

Snack (6.5): 1/2 of a Small DQ Thin Mint Blizzard 6.5 pts - Ice Cream Craving (this is so very normal for me) but not only did I limit my intake I seriously didn't want it all. Now that is so NOT normal for me! GO SENSA! LOL

Total points used 20.5 of 29 allotted.
Consensus on Sensa: Both the lunch & dinner use of Sensa did seem to give me the satiated feeling. I was very content with minimal amounts of food.

Sensa - day 4
(Friday, September 25, 2009)

Breakfast (5): Naked Juice Cannot use Sensa on liquids so I didn't use the Sensa until lunch .

Lunch (after gym) (5): 98% FF Roasted Turkey on a tomato basil wrap, w/lettuce & banana peppers (5 pts). - Used Sensa - I must be figuring out the amount needed at this poin t becaus e I had a banana to go with my lunch but forewent eating it because I was more than content. Definitely feeling satiated with this simple and minimal lunch. This is a real surprise because

Snack (4): Stella D'Oro 100 Calorie "Breakfast Bites" - chocolate (2) & a banana (2) - did not use Sensa (although I could have technically sprinkled it on my banana it just wasn't an appealing idea to me)

Dinner (5): 2 Johnsonville Smoked Turkey Cheddar Brots (4 pts) each rolled in 1/2 Light Flat Out Bread (1) - Used Sensa & was very full & content by about 1/2 to 3/4 of the 2nd brot. Again, I believe I've figured out how much of the Sensa to use. Feeling very full & content, aka "satiated"!

Snack (6.5): 1/2 of a Small DQ Thin Mint Blizzard 6.5 pts - Ice Cream Craving (this is so very normal for me) but not only did I limit my intake I seriously didn't want it all. Now that is so NOT normal for me! GO SENSA! LOL

Total points used 20.5 of 29 allotted.
Consensus on Sensa: Both the lunch & dinner use of Sensa did seem to give me the satiated feeling. I was very content with minimal amounts of food.

I won't bore you with a continuous day by day update of what I've eaten & how the Sensa was used. I will say that I have days where it seems to make a difference and days where it doesn't.

The biggest issue I'm seeing thus far is knowing if you "sprinkled enough" on your serving of food... and I think this is the cause of some times it "works" obviously, while others it's not so obvious.

Consensus, thus far, of the product: Worth trying if you have the extra money to put out but the inconsistency of the product working aggrevates me. I think everyone is different & everyone's end result is going to be different. For some I think it could work alone, for others I think it's an extra "aid" with other things (such as the AssistU like I did). It is NOT a miracle pill.. or "sprinkle" in this case.. and if that's what you're looking for it's not going to happen. I think there is some definite common sense, reasoning and working ideas behind the product & it's use.

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By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!

Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.

After being out of the loop for a while I decided that as part of my New Year I'd make it a point to get back on and try to blog, so here I am!

Let me start by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! I hope everyone had a lovely "holiday" season, whatever you celebrated and is ready to start their New Year with a New Attitude about being healthy. I must confess, I never make "resolutions" on New Years but I do see it as a time, especially after so much over-indulgence, to jump back on the "healthy bus" so to speak, and make yourself feel good (again, hopefully?) about your lifestyle & habits.

Like most people I over-indulged during the holidays but I will say, even with all the extra garbage I ate I managed to maintain my weight THANKS TO ASSISTU!!!!! The AssistU metabolized even the crappy food I ate, well enough for it not to hang around an add the pounds. I fluctuated no more than 1 lb. during the entire holiday season! So if it works so well when you DON'T watch what you eat, can you imagine what it does when you DO?!

Below is one of my favorite recipes of all time. I actually made it long before I saw it posted on Wegman's site, but they now have it listed as a recipe AND with the nutritional info! Their recipe is slightly different than what mine, only because they use already infused oils & such, but nothing that would change the points by anything! This dish comes in so low on the Point system (2) that I double up my serving, to help me get full and satisfied! I posted Wegmans version below (you can find it on their site) with comments of how my original version was, in case you can't find the ingredients that are specific to Wegmans stores.

Roasted Fingerling Carrots & Butternut Squash (2)

SERVES 6

1 pkg (16 oz) Baby-Cut Carrots
1 pkg (20 oz) Fresh Cleaned & Cut Butternut Squash, cut in 1-inch pieces
3 Tbsp Wegmans Basting Oil (my original recipe I used to use simple Canola Oil & add my own fresh thyme, garlic & parsley - using this already infused oil is excellent, easier and has a slightly better taste!) ((my original version called for 3 Tbsp canola oil 1/2 sprig fresh thyme and 1/8 tsp. crushed garlic and 1/4 tsp parsley))
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp Italian Classics Sicilian Lemon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (again, this is the Wegmans recipe version, using the already combined EVOO and lemon) ((my original version called for 1 Tbsp. EVOO and the juice of 1/2 fresh lemon squirted on top))

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Arrange vegetables in single layer in large shallow pan; drizzle with basting oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
   
2. Roast on center rack of oven about 40 min, until tender when poked with a fork & lightly browned.
   
3. Drizzle with lemon oil just before serving.

Nutrition Info: Each serving (1 cup) contains 130 calories, 18 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein, 7 g fat, (1 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, and 65 mg sodium.

AssistU has been the whole reason I've had
the best results following the
Weight Watchers® program...
changing 1 lb or less losses to
an average of 3 lbs most weeks!
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Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME! While I don't always keep it up to date.. I do give you some different ideas of what might help you change up your daily menu!


Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!

WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me along with AssistU....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3.

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!


*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc.