A great week

Deb Biondolillo:

A great week!!!! A trip to a local grocery store and a great lesson on labels, what to avoid and what to include for our new healthy life styles. I have increased the number of laps in the pool as well as the amount of time I am able to swim. I have added the spin bike- although I am still wondering who can fit on that small seat. Our group has been able to spend some time together- even if it was at the grocery store. 

Learning to cook in healthy ways

Patty:

Good morning girls. Week 4 started out great: 2 hours of swimming and Hannaford shopping with Nicole Garnsey. She shared so much with us, she's a super dietitian. Thanks so much. 

This morning I tried making quinoa with almond milk. It was my first time using almond milk. I used Dr. Joe's recipe and it was delicious. I hope it will not start something up with my diverticulosis. The complete protein in quinoa can be a meal by itself. Wish me luck.

 I love to cook. I have been cooking for 50 years and have enjoyed Dr. Joe's and Healthy Kitchens Healthy Lives recipes and changing my recipes to heart healthy. You're never too old to learn something new. 

I absolute love the nutrition meeting. I have learned so much. You're never too old to learn. I think it is a big part of the program.

Have a good week. I will be sending you stress for women that came to me today.

Defeating the "WOD"

Laurie:

27 Oct - So I decided to pass some of my time at the hotel by using the “Fitness Room,” a place I have looked at in hotels, but never ventured.  Why you ask?  Well, let me tell you……….  If you look back at previous blogs, you will realize that I had no idea what all that machinery was for. To me it was just some archaic weapons of destruction (WOD), namely mine.  Not only that, I had no idea what I was suppose to do with it, what if I pushed the wrong button and blew out the back of the treadmill?!?!?  Second, I do not look good in Yoga pants. I know right?! EVERYONE looks good in Yoga pants. They shape the contours, making all our butts look like supermodels - except me.  When I pull on a pair and look in the mirror I have images of those knobby tires on monster trucks. Strike Two.  Finally, I am not big on “Group” activities, if I am going to punish myself, I prefer to do it in monastic secrecy (ie - out of sight of others). Not only will I be in public but I will be reflected back a zillion times from all the infernal mirrors!  Multiple reflected angles of my less than graceful attempt at self preservation, because that is all I am trying to do when I get on one of those machines - make it out alive!

So, I wandered (actually, I purposely took the elevator to the roof where the pool & WOD were) and peeked in the window, hoping no one was there.  The night before I had casually glanced through the window, checking out what was there and had seen a woman using a recumbent bike.  The bike was available, but there were about a dozen people, on various pieces of equipment and I turned around and headed back to the elevator.  As I waged a war in my head, two things came out ahead: A. “You said you were going to try” and B. “It’s recumbent, it’s not like you can fall off!”.

I went back. I put my room key in the lock and walked in - I will never be afraid again. Thank you Michelle!

--

Laurie Davidson Donohue

We can!

JoEllen:

 

Well this process is definitely a process! I have made it to the Y 4 times a week and will continue this because it fits into my schedule very well. I have increased on everything and as long as the t.v. works, I do too. I really enjoyed the Wednesday class with Food for the Soul and made the crockpot dish the next day. It was a little overcooked, but we learned what we liked.  The talk with Joleene was very inspirational and I have stocked the car with good choices, which is easier this time of year, not too hot or cold. I'm learning so much and have implemented so much. I also listened to the book The Secret in the car and have some new mantras. I am strong and harmonious and happy. This book is based on the power of positive thinking. If you think you can or you think you can't, you're right either way. WE CAN!

The importance of being prepared

Laurie:

23 Oct - NOLA. Traveling and eating right: its not easy, but with planning can be done.  For the plane trip I brought my dried cherries and almonds and when the hostess brought around beverages we chose tomato juice (lesser of evils). Oddly, it actually satisfied us both as a mid-day meal and we were full until dinner.

 For dinner we choose a place that our vegan friend would like, great choice!  Restaurants that cater to vegetarians have some of the freshest food and this one also had a lamb dish and a fish dish for us, score!  Went through several praline shops and did not buy. I told myself I wanted authentic and I also do not need a 1 pound box, just one ...... And I'll share :)

Deb:

I struggled with a goal for the week- believe me I have not mastered the other three, with that in mind- I decided to work on the three prior goals. We had a great phone call from Joleene and I still found myself floundering for food choices for a few meals this week- I give credit to those of you who do not work at home- with all the time and choices I have here- it is no different- still hard -especially when you are past hungry. I am looking forward to the trip to Hannaford on Monday and next week's goal is to have a few meals made ahead so I am prepared.