Diet Tip, Get off the Scale

 I'm just a few pounds shy of my weight loss goal of 100 pounds. It's taken me about two years total, but the weight came off faster in the second year because I understood better how to diet. I just tried on last summer's pants and found I've dropped four sizes since then.  At first, I'd micromanage, weighing myself constantly. Now I've learned that's self-defeating. So my advice is Get off the Scale. Seriously

Natural Pain Relievers, Anti-Inflammatory Supplements, Muscle Relaxers

I've struggled with chronic pain from congenital hip dysplasia, scoliosis and spina bifida. In adulthood, I developed arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. I have sleep apnea and use a breathing machine which works marginally well to help me rest. Prescription steroid treatments make me jittery, irritable and depressed. I've taken high-dose (2400 mgs daily) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprophen, but gotten only temporary relief. NSAIDs make me tired and sluggish. I get less relief with extended use. Here are natural pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory supplements that work for me. Since writing this, I'll add to the list green tea or green coffee and turmeric and melatonin (NatureMade SLEEP blend is what I use). Losing 96 pounds helped but  not as much as I'd hoped. I still need these herbs.  Natural Pain Relief, Anti-Inflammatory Supplements, Muscle Relaxers

Good Diet is the Best Medicine, Lowfat, Low Sugar Gingerbread with Cream Cheese Frosting

I got my cholesterol and blood sugar down with diet and no medication. My secret? Clean out the fridge, cupboard of junk and replace with vegetables, whole grain, lean meat, fatfree dairy. I've been doing that and lost 96 pounds. But now my vegetarian cooking skills are getting a workout with husband and daughter fasting from meat for Lent. I already eat lowfat, sugarfree options anyway. But now I have to cook that way for husband who is cutting sweets, dairy and eggs, too. I'm going back to my La Lache League recipes from "Whole Foods for the Whole Family" cookbook for ideas.  Here's my revamped version   Diet Recipe Lowfat, Low Sugar Gingerbread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Diet Tip Easy Does It Does it Best

I have about seven pounds left to go to hit my weight loss goal. I've lost 95-96 so far (it fluctuates). I took a little diet holiday this weekend because my kids were visiting from out of town. We have two family birthdays, March 21 and 25. That's my tip for today. To maintain diet momentum and keep emotionally grounded, take mini diet vacations. You won't slow your weight loss and it will help you feel better. These pictures were taken one year apart. .Diet Tip Easy Does It 

Diet Tip Watch For Low Blood Sugar, Metabolism Changes, Alcohol Intolerance

 As I've written before, I have lost 95 pounds. I eat completely differently than I did, count calories, rarely ever going over about 1,200 a day. Well, friends, I had an experience Saturday night that shook me up and taught me that my eating habits have changed. When you stop eating sugar, starch, meat and then suddenly do, it can throw you off. Your metabolism, tolerance for alcohol, blood sugar changes. Read on Diet Tip Watch For Low Blood Sugar, Metabolism Changes

Dieting and Depressed? You Might Not Be Eating Enough

I've dieted for 20 months, lost 95 pounds and dropped from size 2X to 4. As you might imagine (or understand if you are also dieting), it's a challenge. One part that trips me up is what I call "diet blues." If it's not situational depression, if I feel sad even though I'm doing everything right-- saying no to junk, exercising, shedding pounds--I blame not eating enough. (Photos--left last summer. Right 2010) Diet Tip If You Get Depressed, You Might Not Be Eating Enough

 

Diet Tip Take Antioxidants But Be Prepared for Gas, Diarrhea

If health talk makes you squeamish, avert your eyes. We need to discuss the effects of antioxidants. I've been taking antioxidant fruit supplements for weight loss and to cleanse my system. And they work. Boy, do they work. Boy do I feel, "cleansed" if you know what I mean. If you start taking these, be prepared for tummy cramps, gas and diarrhea.   Left is 2014. Right is 2011. Diet Tip Take Antioxidants and Be Prepared for Cramps and Diarrhea

Thank You, Mayim Bialik, for Breastfeeding Support

Mayim Bialek--snarky, Jewish, neurosurgeon, Big Bang Theory, Blossom, vegan, naturalista--what's not to love? But that's not my favorite thing. Mayim publicly breastfed her two boys and practiced child-led weaning. On her Kveller blog, she advocates organic parenting. As a Ph.D, she shares brain and learning helps for parents She came out vocally in support of public breastfeeding.Thank You, Mayim Bialik, for Breastfeeding Voice - News - Bubblews

 

Venting About Anger May Help Diffuse It If Done In Healthy Ways

Since Bubblews is a sounding board where we can write our world, I'm going to take advantage of that. Right now, my world is annoying. it's nothing big. I'm probably blowing it out of proportion. But I'm sick of certain people staying up too late and then getting up grumpy before work. I am sick of tippy-toeing and making everything nice and getting snapped at for my trouble. I've found writing, even blogging about problems to be very therapeutic as long as I keep it clean. May I Vent?

Diet Depression Watch Out for Low Blood Sugar from Eating Too Little

 I am struggling with depression today. I had a panic attack/meltdown earlier. I feel wretched, but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm going to find out what went wrong and what I need to do different. And one big problem I found was Diet Depression--Low Blood Sugar from Eating Too Little