HappyFatSkinnyGirl

Man lost over 100 lbs on the Chipotle Diet? GTFOH!

2009-05-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

All y'all know about the Subway diet. But did you know there is such-a-thing as the Chipotle diet? There is now a new (to me) food-franchise-dieter to rival Subway's Jared. His name is Eric. So far he has lost 100 lbs on the Chipotle diet.

I've joked (hoped) about how I wish a doctor would one day tell me that I need to start a taco-nacho-burrito-chocolate-diet or my days would be numbered. Is my wish coming true? Is there such-a-thing as a Chipotle diet that will allow me to lose weight? Because I know of the one that will effectively allow me to gain! It is called eat a chipotle burrito and gain approximately a pound of fat on my belly.

Usually my favorite Chipotle burrito (with chips and guacamole of course) clocks me at 1800 calories. Unless I'm sweating on the StairMill for two hours, that meal is more than what I should eat in one day! So, I'm super skeptical of Eric's diet. Though he may have better portion control than me. He may not start itching and sweating when he walks up to the Chipotle door like I do. If only I could picture a plate full of brussel sprouts and wax beans, then I could truly control my taco, nacho, burrito, chocolate habit. But if you have better self control than me and need an alternative to your Subway/Points/Carb-less/Calorie-lull diet then check out Eric's success.

Food Play :: Lady Sovereign in my tummy and my heartbeat

2009-05-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

You make my lips hard just like cherry pits
And you can make me hit em high notes
like mariah carey hits em'
We can share our pie and chips, check out my diet tips,
You don't need to eat that burger so lets just rub it round your lips
We can food fight cause i'm in the mood tonight.
-lyrics from Food Play, Jigsaw

Is this Goodie Mob talking about two of my favorite things: food and loving? Or is it Goodie's Cee-Lo Green (recently affiliated with Gnarls Barkley) or is it some other Dirty South Dungeon Family artist or even George Clinton. No it is the self-proclaimed "Biggest Midget" Lady Sovereign. Like so many good things, I came across Lady Sovereign late and but by way of NPR. And I've added her to my playlist indefinitely.

In finding out more about her, I was a bit confused to hear Lady compared to "Eminem." Why? Because she is white and has talent and can freestyle? Naw. Hell naw. This Lady reminds me of all types of good music. "Lets Be Mates" reminds of Basement Jaxx's Rudy and don't get me on her "Pennies" track. Fire! Spitting hot fire! The track is so accomplished. The beats, the pace, the lyrics has the attitude, the swagger and the artform that makes me want to move! And that is what I need on a playlist that includes 10 minutes on a Versaclimber and 45 minutes on a Stairmill.

Oh hail/hell, the scale!

2009-05-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

On the surface my life is going down the toilet—bills and debt galore, high BMI, gut-lap, emotional eater, apartment-renter, single-nester. Most of it is owed to the fact that I need to get back into the order of things: follow the rules, listen more, be patient, look beyond the obvious.

In kowtowing to the Zen of life, I've begun to do the "right thing" even with my daily diet and exercise routine. Studies prove that weighing yourself consistently and journaling food intake will increase weightloss success. I've been entering in my meals and exercise on Lose It!. I even journal my weekend meals, something I was adamantly and stubbornly against. But for the last three weeks I have seen how much it makes a difference. Recording everything I eat makes me AWARE of what I am putting into my body. I do eat more on the weekends and loaf around the house. But it all balances out since I workout during the work week and usually eat very sensibly. Journaling my weekend meals at least keeps me in check from going hog wild and eating ALL the tacos. So that has been good. Zen good. Following the rules good. But I'm still not down with weighing myself every day or even every week. But definitely not every day.

The scale totally wrecks my morale. And I'm not sure how much I should believe in it. Last Wednesday I got on the scale and I was sure I was down a few pounds. I could feel it. I could see it. But the scale showed no change. My suspicious eyebrow twitched. I got on and off a few times. The numbers went up and down. Then I grabbed an iron and stepped on the scale. All of a sudden I was DOWN 2 lbs? Obviously I need to get a new scale. But if I was not sure about myself and my weightloss I would have felt disappointed by all the work I'd been doing to see no results by the scale. So I can see the value in weighing myself every week or every other week, but I don't think the scale tells the whole truth. The scale is no mirror mirror on the wall.

Do the right thing. Eat right, pay your bills, live according to your means, follow the rules. But most importantly believe in your self. Because everything depends on your perspective. I KNEW I had lost 5 pounds. And I claimed it. Wrote it down in my journal. And guess what? I found a calibrated scale and it showed I lost 5 lbs. Believe it! Claim it! Do it!

Workout Oddities :: Why is he lifting weights in a 3-piece suit?

2009-05-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

My friend told me about a fellow gym member who'd come to their sweaty and cramped gym in Manhattan for the sole purpose of taking a stinky dump and then standing in the middle of the weight room gaze at the tv's. He never actually worked out. Well then again maybe that was his workout. Defecating and watching the latest top news stories. I was reminded of my friend's tale today as I noticed a few odd things going on in my gym.

A few weeks back I wrote about the flappy arm bicycler at my gym. He is still there and his arms still mesmerize me. But the goofballs and oddball sightings have expanded. There is the middle-aged woman who talks on the cell phone for her entire workout routine.

The early 20s-something who wears her Prada sunglasses while cycling on the elliptical. I thought that maybe she was a celebrity. Nope. She just likes wearing expensive shades while sweating.

The spandex leotard man who grunts loudly and suggestively every time he lifts anything, from a 50 lb dumbbell to his towel. It all demands a carnal grunt.

There is me who likes to yell out "Let's have a good workout ladies! Come on! Whew!" every time I enter the ladies locker room, startling the naked soccer moms and angering the flat-iron-haired power execs. It's only a matter of time they get me in the shower and pummel me with bars of soap. Ok, so I really do not do this. But I really want to.

I'm on the hunt for the bizarre, for more of my kind. My gym is huge with three levels and I am sure there will be more strangeness to find. And I'll be glad to document it.

Do tell, what odd things happen in your gym?

The Indomnitable Golden Corral vs Me, the Overeater

2009-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Goodness, my little sister from Cleveland just called. She is in town with her students on a Smithsonian tour. On their way out of town they are stopping off at Golden Corral for dinner. I do not see my sister often. And on my way to see her. But boy am I afraid. Rows of buckets filled with fried, smothered, dipped, greased, breaded, saturated, nuked, hydrogenated, sugared foods vs me, the always-hungry-girl, on my dinner hour. Do I have self-control? Is it too early in my training to be confronted by this assault? I have to see my sister's face and give her a hug. But how long can I stay before I break down and stuff a few 200-calorie-rolls in my mouth or a few pieces of fried chicken. Will I be able to hold out until I drive home for a sensible and calorie controlled meal? Or will I be driving home with a greasy mouth, glazed eyes and guilt in my stomach?

To be continued.....

Update:
Saw my sister's beautiful face, got plenty of hugs and kisses and did not eat a thing from GC. Thanking God it was not taco night.

Where The Wild Things Are... they are at KidRobot

2009-05-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Grownups would tell me that once I became an adult that my childhood and my childish things would be left behind. But with the popularity of Marvel Comic blockbusters and the Spike Jonze movie of Where The Wild Things Are I have been enjoying an extended childhood into my 30s. And though these are not the toys I thought I'd be buying in my 30s, I've found puerile joy at the Kidrobot store. Funny, smart and completely full of imagination, I've been spending my "allowance" on all types of adult-unnecessary collectibles. Check out graffiti writer & DJ Kid Acne's Rollin Stock minis of WTWTA characters.

About Kidrobot:
"Kidrobot is the world’s premier designer and retailer of limited edition art toys and apparel. Kidrobot merges urban street trends, fashion, and pop art to produce limited edition, collectible toys and apparel. Kidrobot products feature unique collaborations with top international artists with backgrounds as diverse as graffiti, fine art, fashion, industrial design, graphic design, illustration, and music."

I Heart Avocado :: NYT Ode to my favorite calorie splurge

2009-05-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

I love fat. I do. That's right I said it. I love fat and I'm trying to lose weight. A contradiction right? Not for me. I do know you can eat fat and lose weight. And Infact good fat can help you lose weight. In my search and discovery of good fats, I've become a carnivore for avocados. No not guacamole (which I will eat to no end if you put a bag of chips anywhere near my mouth). But pure naked, green-in-green avocado. I wish society could love women like I love avocados. With it's cellulite dimply skin, plump pear shaped body with a big red heart, I do adore this fruit. Avocados are hefty in calories. Around 350 for a medium size avocado. So I limit my gluttony to the weekends. I take brown rice, sliced almonds, a small bit of toasted sesame oil, spinach and green peas and toss it into a hot wok. I slice open an avocado. Pluck out the seed. Sprinkle bits of shaved, chunky sea salt on top of the open avocado slices. Put it on the side of my brown rice stir fry. My toes curl and I am so happy to be a child of Eve.

I am a creature of routine, but am always eyeballing new ideas. I was happy to see the New York Times ode to the Avocado in it's Health and Fitness section. And there is an elegant
Tuna Ceviche or Tartare With Avocado recipe by Martha Rose Schulman. Since I do not exercise on the weekends, I have been debating deleting heavy carbs like rice and breads out of my weekend diet. Schulman's recipe has made up my mind. It's full of protein, fat-bottom avocados and summer greens. Reminiscent of summer and perfect for a lower-calorie meal.

ASOS Morning Inspiration

2009-05-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

After sweating buckets on the VersaClimber, StairMill and the Row Machine I'm wondering where is my cookie, reward, parade, crown. But really wondering why I have not lost like 1000 lbs. This is ridiculous frame of mind. I know it is unreal to think I will get to my goal after only a few weeks. I am enjoying my workouts and the atmosphere and the feeling of zen and accomplishment after each workout session. Only large amounts of chocolate or a kiss from my crush Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson could compare to the feeling of ease and balance I get from a 90 minute workout. I am, however, plauged with impatience and anxiety from time-to-time. And sometimes it is the trivial things, like this wonderful Karen Millen dress from ASOS, that calms me down and makes me keep on with the workout. I imagine being able to fit wonderfully into this dress conspicuously beautiful for all to admire. Though without an event to attend I'd be parading around the house for only my cats to see. Still, it would be a lovely parade. And this vision keeps me climbing, stepping and rowing.

Disney's Earth :: Nature Prevails

2009-05-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago I went to the theater to see Disney's Earth. It was awesome. Great storytelling and though the reality was softened for the Disney audience, the story was still honest in showing the beauty and brutality of nature. One thing that struck me in the narrative was it's insinuation that humans have escaped natures effects. The struggles to survive, produce, eat and escape predators. I took issue with this. I am far from being an outdoors person and could not survive the wilderness. But let's not forget the concrete jungles, the corporate office cess pools, the economic droughts, and the sinister prevalent selfishness of human nature. It's real out here. Nature prevails on all of us that breath, whether a blade of grass or a bird or a man. We all have to survive the wilderness.

As the audience cringed when the cheetah took down the gazelle, I felt triumph for the predator. I've never had to hunt for food, but I know if I had to I would and I hope I'd be as graceful, exact and deadly as the cheetah.

Next to me in the theater a woman held her head in her hands in most of the chase and kill scenes. I wondered what made her look away. Did she watch the news this way? Hands covering her eyes? For all of Disney's editing and blurring of the realities of life and death, I was most aware of people starving, people fighting, people fleeing, people dying. Watching the lions take down the elephant brought back the verse by Mos Def's "Got":

"There's hunger in the street that is hard to defeat
Many steal for sport, but more steal to eat
Cat's heavy at the weigh-in, and he's playin' for keeps
Don't sleep, they'll roll up in your passengers seat
There is universal law, whether rich or poor
Some say life's a game, to more, life is war
So put them egos to the side and get off them head-trips
'Fore some cats pull out them heaters and make you head-less..."
- "Got", Mos Def, Black on Both Sides

Truth :: Flickr 9 0 0 0

2009-05-05T10:23:00.001-07:00

Found this flickr album via Coudal. And it's full of startling truisms and images. Reminds me of the Jenny Holzer project I had to to do at Portfolio Center.Wonderful if Melissa Kumperminc is still teaching that class...

Perspiration and Inspiration :: Be Moore's Youtube Fitness Channel

2009-05-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

My pal Be Moore and the AlumniRoundup crew is putting on the RoundUp Rendezvous, South Beach Miami this June 09. In the spirit of hedonism and health Moore is documenting the guys getting fit for the beach. Oh my, oh my... I'm sure Be Moore's YouTube channel if for instruction and motivation but I cannot stop the coveting and drooling. Hot tamales! Reaching for my prayer beads and asking for forgiveness. For those with stronger morals and a real desire to get fit (at any age), stay fit, live longer, eat right and do right check out AlumniRoundUp's Health channel. I applaud ARU for inspiring a diabetes- and obese- prone demographic to eat right and exercise.

I don't know about you, but after watching that Youtube clip I'm about to do some squats and push-ups. And I hate squats and loathe push-ups. But at least I'll have somebody to think about (the guy in the cutoff orange shirt) while feeling the pain. Thank you Be Moore (Wolverine) and the ARU crew! Stay tuned.

What is this stuff in shampoo? :: Nutrition Labeling for Hair Care?

2009-04-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

HairMyStory was kind enough to post and respond to my hair dilemma and though she did not really answer my question, she did provide some insight. One was about the types of ingredients I should be looking for in hair care products. Now that is some info I can use!

I'm lost in a hair care aisle. Looking at the ingredients and I feel like I'm back in 11th grade chemistry class. Crib notes anybody?! I don't have a clue of what the ingredients mean. And I don't know what matters and what doesn't.

Give me a food nutrition label and I have an idea of what to look for and stay away from: high sodium, hyrdrogenated oils, enriched wheat, etc. But what actually should and should not be in my hair care? Is there such-a-thing as hair junk food? Glycerine, panthenols, corn oil, mineral oils, soybean oil, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicapratea — a salad of mad-science compounds and vegetable oils, are listed in hair care products, how do I know what is good for my hair. Sometimes I think all the hair care products are pretty bottles filled with all the same clear or white goop.

After 34 years my hair and haircare is still a mystery to me. What denotes a good hair product?

MyHairStory sheds some light:
"Good conditioners should have an even amount of protein/vitamins to moisture, in the first two lines of its ingredients list.

Biotin: Thickens strands
Silk Amino Acids: Softens hair gently
Whey/Wheat/Soy Protein: Strengthens
Panthenol: Coats the strands and make them silky and shiny
Keratin: naturally occurring protein in human hair
Sulfur/MSM: Stimulates growth

Good conditioners:

Elucence Moisture Balance
Bumble and Bumble Leave-in (Rinse Out)
Infusium 23
Mane N' Tail Conditioner
Distilled Water and Amla/Coconut/Jojoba Oil
Africa's Best Organics Protein and Vitamin Fortified Scalp Remedy
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner Repair
Giovanni direct Leave-In
Qhemet Biologics Olive Cream Conditioner and Detangler or Olive and Honey Hydrating balm"

Sweat So Much They Call Me Billy Ocean :: Hair Dilemmas and House Music for those who like to sweat

2009-04-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Its been three weeks since I officially joined a bona-fide health club. And I've discovered two things:

I need to figure out what to do with my hair.
I sweat so much it looks like I've been swimming the English Channel. The cause of this sweat is about 75 minutes on the StairMill, Row Machine and the Techno Gym Cardio Wave. I've even added in a few minutes of the VersaClimber which is all I can handle (more on that later). Well after about an hour of cardio I'm soaked to the gills. My hair is a flop. And I'm resistant to join the other gym ladies in the daily routine of blow drying and flat ironing. But I cant keep going to work looking like a hot mess. I've asked the LeeAnne over at MyHairStory.com for suggestions.

I need good and new music.
I've been enjoying finding new music to exercise to. I love to exercise. Endorphins blasting away, on a natural high, stress relieved and perspective aligned. But exercising in a gym can get monotonous and boring. And what I'm really exercising is my mind. Part of my brain says "Stop, sleep, eat, enjoy yourself. Stop the sweating!" So motivation is the key. And music definitely motivates me. I'm a big house/electronic/dance fan. I've found some new music and always on the lookout for more. Got to keep the iTunes playlist fresh. Here is what I've found so far. Enjoy. And if you have any music exercise ideas to share please do!

Mr. V

Jus Dance ( a nice warm up)
Da Bump
Put Your Drink Down

Kudu (how did I not know this group!?)

Playing House
Playing House (Armand Van Helden remix)
Red Light, Green Light
Hot Lava

Etienne de Crécy:

Someone Like You (and all it's subsequent remixes)
Fast Track Live vs. We Are Your Friends
Hannukah

Medea is that you? HappyFat meets MadFat....

2009-04-07T10:58:00.001-07:00

First off, I cannot stand Medea plays, movies, and if my family and friends did not fall in this category then I'd also say I cannot stand Medea fans. On my quest to find a solution for soaked post-workout hair do, I came upon this website "Diary of a mad fat girl." Not only does she have tips for your hair she too is on a weight loss journey.

Thanks Mad Fat! And Good Luck!

Up In Arms Upper Body Ergometer

2009-04-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Been looking for an aerobic/cardio exercise that would work my upper body. Though I spend a lot of time on my lower body, burning calories and working up a sweat, my arm flab and back rolls dont budge. Don't take me wrong. I love having arms and a back and I appreciate that I can feed myself. My back rolls and arm fat prove it! But there has to be balance in not only what I eat but how I exercise. So I need to work out this top half. I started using the row machine today. Which is awesome and fun. But I been eyeballing this thing called the Upper Body Ergometer. It's like a bike, but for your arms instead of your legs. I've read that you dont necessarily or as easily break into a sweat as you would a lower-body machine. But with practice you will burn calories and seriously condition your arms. Hmph. Well we shall see. I'll try it tomorrow!

TechnoGym Cardio Wave : Squats don't have squat on this!

2009-04-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

After a hiatus into self-delusion (and no movement on the scale and realizing I'm starting to resemble a line backer), I joined a gym officially. I immediately took advantage of the StairMill (the gauntlet, the stairs of death, the climb of torture) which will unequivocally give a serious workout and change your body for the better. But I also came upon this thing-a-ma-jig called the TechnoGym Cardio Wave. It's this cardio machine that somewhat simulates skating. It seems rather simple, but it works your thighs and booty like no elliptical, and hits parts of your core and leg muscles that the StairMill does not. Cardio Wave also burns serious calories. But you have to work it. Not just lollygag on it. As my legs are going side to side, I speed up, drop down, take my hands off the rails, use my core as a squat down. What I realized is this machine somewhat simulates my most dreaded exercise. The squat!

The day after working out on the Cardio Wave,
I immediately felt the soreness that I get (and avoid) from doing squats. I hate squats. They demand too much of my attention: balance, strength, sweat, endurance, interest. Though squats will give you results. So I am hoping Cardio Wave will give me those same results. Though I know I will ultimately still have to result to sets of squats. Hopefully the Cardio Wave will make me better prepared.

Monkey See. Monkey Do?

2009-01-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

"The Republican National Committee elected Michael Steele as its first African American chairman today in Washington, a decision that came after an excruciating series of ballots that displayed a level of drama rarely seen in national politics." - WashingtonPost

Well, well, well... They are going to play THAT game. Though it did take them mugs 6x before they could do the deed. I'm sure my beloved dearly departed Jesse Helmes is going bonkers.

Sidenote: Is the RNC trying to do a one-up on Blagojevich? Michael Steele man flunked out of Hopkins, failed the Maryland bar exam. Doesn't pay back family loans. And made some suspect arrangements with the RNC during his bid to run for lieutenant governor. Shucks most of that could be me. I'm sure I'd fail the bar (without even trying) and I know owe my little sister and grandma some money. A creditor would not come near me with 60-foot pole. But apparently the RNC would? Oh wait, I'm a girl. They are not ready for that!

Wait! Why wasn't Palin considered?

A Bunch of Johnny-Come-Latelys?

2009-01-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

The The National Bureau of Economic Research announced today that we are now, officially in a recession. They are absolutely positively sure. Nevermind the thousands out of work, the daily announcements of massive layoffs. No the economists have thrown the bones, smelled the chicken turds, slaughtered the yak. The economists have given us permission to enunciate the word without doubt or fear of censure. Uh-huh.

"We don't need no stinkin' numbers.
This time next year the numbers will say that we've been in a depression since December 2008. " -Dogvane (blogger)

Skinny Coffee, Skinny Saturdays

2009-01-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

This week the US Postal Service announced that it was seriously thinking of ceasing Saturday deliveries. This announcement was followed by Starbuck acquiescing it's pimp-hand grip on the corner coffee shop, closing 300 stores.

With my own re-structuring and hopes for the future (along with the ever genteel bill man calling or writing me to remind me of our on-going relationship), I'm increasingly aware that I have to get close to the ground with how I live, how I save and what I sacrifice. My hunt for a part-time job continues in earnest this weekend. I'm not excited about working on my days off, but I am determined to finance my own shoe, wii, plasma tv, mac laptop and bill bail-out.

Plus now that the postman wont be bringing my netflix on saturdays what else will I have to do?

Mind Game... BellyButton Gazing ...Snapping Out of It!

2009-01-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

I got stuck y'all. Naw not the kind of stuck because I hit some kind of calorie weight plateu and I'm not losing anymore. Thought that may be the case. The stuck I was in was being stuck in my bullshit.

I wrote this long-winded post about being disappointed in my failures and my fears of failing again...blah, blah, blah. And I was turned off by the "woe is me" purge. I mean those fears are real and all. But we've all heard it before. BORING! I'm not adding anything new to the game. So yeah I'm fat. It's tough. I've got a lot worries. So what. I got fat arms and legs. But damn I got arms and I got legs! And they work!

I spend all day on the net finding new stuff (mostly stuff other folks have found already) and enjoying my friends and posting links and sharing ideas and that is what I need to be doing here.

I will still kvetch about my weight-loss ups and downs. But that is not all there is to this happyfatskinnygirl!

Look out for recipes, links, fashion-hopes, side-job ideas and more. I'm on a mission!

The Chubby Skinny?

2009-01-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

Never been into diet books. But this new diet comic book by Carol Lay looks fun and comes with its on set of controversy that would make a KimKins or Atkins dieter proud.

The title, This comic book can make you thin!, makes fun of the diet fads and gimmicks, but it also comes with a set of its own criticisms. Salon.com interview with Lay describes her obsession, struggle and balance with food. But it is in the reader comments you can glean the feeding frenzy of nay-sayers and supporters who condemn and praise Carol's story. Even in graphic, light-hearted fun, diets cause a lot of hoopla and drama. I will buy the book for fun. But I am still of the opinion you have to do what works for you. I do agree with Carol that you have to eat right and exercise more. But as far as calorie intake, types of food, types of exercises, find out on your own, be inspired by others and do what is right for you.

One Day After The Best Day of My Life So Far

2009-01-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

Geesh. My last post was March 08. It is January 2009, one day after President Obama's inauguration. So much good has happened in between then and now. Some of it is obviously good and the other is a good challenge.

I'm no longer baking. The Oven door was closed in August 08. Over the summer I was offered a full-time job as a senior designer for big global company XYZ. Glad
to have it. In that summer I also enjoyed a new boyfriend. It was a wonderful fling. But a summer fling that could not survive the Fall. I was dumped on my birthday, Oct. 18.New boyfriend, new job, new waistline. In fact a plus plus plus waistline. I join the ranks of Oprah and Russell Crowe. I've gained again and need to lose again. Though not because I am a multi-million dollar talk show host or an actor trying to fit into a role for a movie. Wanting to get my mind right and be my best is the ulitmate reason. Though vanity has its hand in on it too.

I need to be wearing the dress on the right, even if I have no party to go to or no date to mark the occasion. The dress may seem ridiculous to some, but it is a mark of sure self-confidence and no rolls of fat back. It is good to read this blog and remind myself of my habits, my ups and downs. To set my expectations realistically, to uncover mysteries already solved. Need to drink more water, my body is not a calculator and enjoy the ride. It's a long journey. So why hurry.

9 lbs down 51 lbs more to go.

It Comes...It Goes...Down 9 lbs

2008-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

In one month I will lose only 2 lbs and then in 1 week I lose 7 and then overnight I lose 2 lbs...That is the up and down of it.

I started doing some temp work this week. Just blase design/production work. Still concerned about how I'm going to pay rent and the rest... But glad for the work. Very happy about the loss. I'm hoping to be down to 178 by the end of the month. I'm fitting easily into size 12s. My upperbody is still thick and...I could continue to point out things to be "fixed." But I am just glad. I have to understand my body is not a calculator. It's going to release as it sees fit. And it knows better than I do. I also have to drink lots more water.

A couple of weeks ago I went out on a date. The date itself did not bring fireworks. But the surprise was so nice and a reason to get all fluffy and pretty was a superior feeling. This week I have a photoshoot with the Washington Post. I am glad about that. Trying to bake, design, work and diet is a lot to juggle this week. I'm not sure if I will even have time to exercise. So I'm going to try to keep my calories at or below 1200. Keep looking for work...this temp job is just temporary. Figure out how to do the farmer's market, bake, design and pay bills...maybe be blessed with new friends and new dates.

I'm looking forward to the Spring. I'm looking forward.

Thats all?

2008-02-23T02:23:00.000-08:00

Down 2 lbs. 190. Gee whiz. In three weeks just 2 lbs? WTF?
I'm sure I'm retaining mad water. I have not been drinking water like I should. I glass here or there and during workouts. But definitely what I need to be doing to flush anything out. I had one week that wasnt the best—Valentines. I nibbled on chocolates, cookies and then on Valentines Friday I had a wonderful fried chicken meal. The next day I had sushi. But other than that and the water shortage, I've been working out and tracking what I take in. Perhaps I wont get to 185 by March. I actually wanted to get 179. It may not happen by March 2. But it will happen. I am determined! 148/size 8 in 2008.

My clothes are fitting much better and I even got into my lucky jeans. Now when I say got in them on, I mean I was barely able to stuff my thighs in them, but I got them jokers buttoned up! Thank God for spandex. I'm working out 4 to 5 times a week from 90 to 120 minutes. This week my calories have been around 1200 and under. But that has to do with my nervousness about some matters more so my appetite's good will.

I'm still looking for work and times are dire. I'm stressed out, worried all the time and its really getting to me. Praying, working out and trying help me overcome what means to bury me.

Superbowl Score

2008-02-03T02:08:00.000-08:00

I got on the scales yesterday. I got on them moreso as a punishment. This week was not the strongest in reporting what I ate and exercise. Also three times this week I ate Subway and (baked) chips. Not part of the diet at all. Well I got on the scales and I am down to 192. Go figure. I am going to do my best to wait a month to weigh again. It seems my body has a serious delay in showing my weightloss. This may have to due with the fact that I delay myself from drinking water. I am almost always dehydrated. But I have lost 10 lbs from my last weigh-in. And 15 lbs all together. I am hoping to be at 185 by March.

In the mean time I am looking for work and fulfilling orders. This morning I am off to bake for SuperBowl Orders. Thank you God! Orders came through paying my rent and other obligations. I am glad. I have over 30 s'mores to put together today. And then I make deliveries. And I am home to work out for a couple of hours. I had to return my watch and heart rate monitor. I just could not afford it. When I get a steady income I will buy one again. I am looking forward to it.

Water, WeightLoss, Wealth!

Liberty Scales

2008-01-28T01:32:00.000-08:00

During my last weight loss I did not weigh myself that much. Why I am torturing myself this time around with stepping on the scale everyday is beyond me. It may have to do with the fact that I am tracking what I eat more closely. But my weight fluctuates, stagnates and frustrates! So after weighing myself last week, seeing I was 3 lbs down. I am now attempting to weigh once a month or every few weeks or so. Otherwise, the change, the diet, the exercise is just frustrating because I look the scale to justify my progress. I am definitely losing inch by inch. And I am focusing on enjoying this change. Along with trying to find a job, manage mounting bills and pressures, trying to find something to eat and pay for gas, I'm going to use what I have to do what I can and make the best of it.

The news is bleak with reports of recession (which is depression for us poor folks), high gas prices, rising unemployment and high food costs. I'm a single woman with two cats and I'm scraping by to feed myself. I saw "No End in Sight" recently and it cast light on what is going on in Iraq. The shame and shock I experienced from that film is still with me. And my prayers include all those who suffer in this country and because of this country. There are good people in this land. They are, however, not in power.

Ok well I am off for another day of baking. I got an order for a cake + delivery. So I'll have a few bucks for food now! Thank you God. You are my Provider in all things!

Not a finger!

2008-01-21T06:03:00.000-08:00

Shucks y'all I've been exercising and journaling my food and I have not lost as much as half a pound. In fact I went up two lbs during the week and now back down to 205. That does not count as a loss. This is frustrating. I'm trying not to weigh but once a week. And maybe I'll forgo that for weighing in every two weeks. I did not calculate my food yesterday which is something I cannot slack off about. And I know I'm not drinking enough water, but more than usual (peeing all night!). I also measured my body (neck, waist, low waist, booty, thighs). My clothes are a little looser and I do enjoy working out. I always have. I am not going to give up. God willing, I will lose 60lbs this year.

2008...Again

2008-01-15T04:22:00.000-08:00

I have picked up a Tic-Tac habit which has replaced the Orbitz gum habit I used to have. Maybe this has something to do with the movie Juno I saw a couple of weeks ago. Or maybe it has to do with my oral fixation. What you need to know is that I now have a new habit on top of the other ones...including the ones I'd like to / need to break.
I am at 205 lbs. No bakery storefront. Superior debt and coming off a season of serious and intentional emotional eating. To go through what has happened the last four months would be brutal—car wrecked, evicted from home, biz partnership faltered, debt increasing. But I am in a new home, looking for work and working out again...decrease debt and weight is the goal forever.

I have lots to do today including making a real contribution to my online resume/portfolio. I need a job badly. Not sure how to pay rent, debts, etc...as usual. I am tired of this stress and need some stability.

Though I did not want to log in my food and exercise. I had to submit to it after a week of seeing the scale go down a little and then up a a lot. Also, I am not weighing myself everyday now. Just once a week.
The goal is to workout 4 to 5 days a week, burning at least 3500 calories (a pound). Eating 1200 to 1800 calories a day. I still want to get to 148.

Though I am not following KimKins or LowCarb exclusively, I am watching my calories and my carbs. I am a carb-a-holic. If I just had to watch my calories and ate anything I'd end up binging on carbs and going nuts. I'm focusing on proteins, salads, eggs, meats, veggies. Keeping it clean. Though I do "splurge" on the sugar-free jell-o, Edy's sugar-free popsicles and the tic-tacs. It is better than the bavarian creme donuts I was eating every morning. It is a wonder I am not bigger. I was eating so much junk.

Off to go sweat and suceed.

Back to Basics, Back to 190

2007-08-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Could I lose 10lbs in a week? Uh maybe not. I had wanted to get down to 180 by the end of August. Right now I'll be glad to get down to 185lb and that is going to take some effort. Weekends seem to be my weak points. I know I keep saying I'm going to add some exercise. Dang it is hot though. And really I am making excuses. Steve jogs at night. And I am determined to "beat him" at losing weight. Really Steve inspires me. I have 7 weeks before my birthday. I'm hoping I can get down to 170lb by October 18. That is about 2 lbs a week. Maybe it will take to November or December. If I am given this time, I'll make the best of it. If it takes until next year, I will get there.

So, today I meet with a Realtor/Broker about a storefront for ShoeBox Oven. Not sure what it is going to lead to. This is a long journey...partnership/storefront/opening. But I am glad God has placed me here. Working on my dreamboard today too. Going to finish it up, print it out and put it on my wall. It will be my bullseye. My focus.

This week I'm going to make salted caramel and chocolate tarts with a pasta frolla (my favorite) crust. Exciting! I'm also hoping to do more macarons (I ate like 20 of them yesterday) and other cookies to come up with a gift box for the holidays. Also hope to temper some chocolate and make plaisir sucre. Wish me luck!

happyFATskinnyGIRL, a lost Alcoholic, and my really bad Spanish

2007-08-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

Cant say I'm unhappy, but I'm definitely not skinny. Gained 4 lbs this week. Back at 194. I definitely slacked this week. I ate low calorie during the weekdays (still around 1200 calories), but one day my carbs were up to 60 grams. That day I ate 4 veggie burgers. And the remainder of the week, I did not bother even putting in my numbers on my food journal. So I'm not sure how I did. I really ate a lot though.

Some of you all may know that I want to speak Spanish and try speaking it, but it is awful to hear. Imagine an idiot, high on helium trying to speak Spanish and that is how I sound. I try to communicate to my co-workers, but they just pat me on the back and stifle laughter. Steve, my GodBrother, mocks my Spanish every chance he gets. This past Saturday morning, my Spanish was pushed to the limits.

Saturday morning, Steve and I arrive at the kitchen at 2am. We were preparing for the Saturday farmer's market. Around 3am, Luis (the night maintenance man), comes in and explains to me that a drunken man had been in the restaurant. The man had startled Luis, by breaking a door. Luis came out of the bathroom, where he was cleaning to see the man throw-up all over a table. The drunkard then staggard to another part of the restaurant and tried to sit down, but ended up breaking a table. The police tried to apprehend him, but the boozer ran into one of the lounge rooms. The coppers finely got him and dragged him to proccesing. Poor Luis, not only did he have to witness this scene, but he had to try to explain it to me while I had this look of "huh?" on my face. Luis just patted me on the back.

The farmer's market was winding down. Steve had already left. And I decided to eat a small piece of the bread I baked for the market and I also finally tried a Torta della Nonna pastry, a dessert I'd added to my menu months ago. Well I sat there under my farmer's market canopy eating my pan de mie roll with fresh basil and nibbling on the torta della nonna and I was happy. I thought of my bad spanish, disgustingly growing debt, the uncertainty of life and felt nothing but joy for being born, healthy and loved. But this morning I saw how fat I was. What made it sort of bad was that yesterday I also had my low-carb taco salad with cheese and sour cream. Not part of KimKins at all. Happy nonetheless, but FAT(ter). Well those be the breaks y'all. Went to the kitchen to see what I'd eat this morning and there was a babka that I had left for my friend Erin, opened and sliced. STEVE!

Normally, I would have ignored this opened pastry. But the sweet yeasty bread was saying "Hey Krissy." So I said "Hey" back and ate half of it. I'm not sure if it was authentic babka. But it was authentically good. Ate half of it before I put it away. So I'm not sure what this all means. I ate badly this week and especially the last couple of days. Just been eating a lot yall. Lots of sugar free gum and lots of jello. Stuff that stalls, causes water bloat. Not good. But I've been having the munchies. I need to get it together.

I have been drinking my water. And the weather is not as blazing so I hope to go walking soon. ::shrug:: Sort of down, but not out. Looking forward to success. I will get down to my goal weight. I will. I know that much. I will be my best! God first and God willing.

Encouragement and constructive compliments are always welcomed.

Down, and oh I lost 6 more lbs

2007-08-12T01:54:00.000-07:00

Kelis is my "weight-loss model." I dont know how much the bossy lady weighs. But she is tall about 5'10" and I like her style. So I thought she'd be my to-goal inspiration.

It is not Monday (my weigh-in day), but I just felt like weighing. I over ate yesterday and the last couple of days I had a smidgen of cheese (dairy is not part of the diet at all) and I also had more than my fair share of basil and tomatos (veggies not part of the K/E way). So I thought I'd weigh in to see the damage. I've been drinking maybe 6 glasses of water instead of the required 8. And I have been peeing like 12 glasses of water every dang night. Not cool. Anyway, this Sunday morning after sleeping 17 hours, I thought I'd see the results of my meat and eggbeaters diet--6lbs down. Not too bad. I'm not sure if I will stick to the K/E (lean protein only) diet or go back to KimKin diet which allows you to eat veggies. I may do a mix as I really like eggs and meat just makes me happy. But I need spinach and tomatos in my omelete. Some color please. I also want to start exercising. Can I jump rope in my apartment?

I'm not sure if the weight loss is going to slow down considerably. But so far so good. I'd love to lose 23lbs by the first of September. So far I have lost 13 lbs. To be at 180 by Labor Day would be cool. I'll just keep trying.

August has been tough as I have not gotten many orders and I'm not sure how to pay payroll, my car note, my small business loan, rent, etc. So that is why I am "down." Also my kitchen situation is shaky too. Not sure how long the restaurant will be open and how long I will be allowed to be there. In prayer with high hopes.

On another note, I have returned to lowcarbfriends.com. It is a free website with as much, if not more info, than the KimKins website. It is free compared to the $60 signup fee at KimKins. I am disappointed at the lack of participation by the authors of the site. If I had people paying that money, I'd offer some editorials, more success stories, meal advice, exercise reviews....something. Instead it is just a board of people wondering how to do the diet and giving each other advice. These are the same people who paid to get on the site, not the experts who have our $60. I'm not into the whole "who is Kimmer" debate or trashing the diet at all. But I do think it is dubious to have folks paying $60 for info that Kimmer offers on lowcarbfriends.com for free. I was duped. Oh well. Wasn't the first time.

Sleep Interrupted

2007-08-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

This is day three on K/E and it is ok. I like the meat moreso the eggs and I'm drinking more water. I'm going to the bathroom every hour to pee. That is a bit irritating, but maybe the flush is flushing some of my calories away too. Though my carbs are under 10 grams, my calories are as high as 1100. It has been advised that I cut back on my portions. But I am eating so little already. I'm going to wait and see if the 1100 calories is holding back my weightloss. My ToM will be coming on and I always pack on 5lbs just for the little lady. It usually flushes away immediately when over. I am anxious to get on the scale now to see how I'm doing. But I'm going to wait until next Monday or perhaps after ToM to see. I am incredibly thirsty all the time and have a touch of insomnia. But other than that, I'm good. I probably should cut back on the lunch meats which have lots of salt. ...More to learn.

It is super slow this week and I've cut back on hours at work. So, I'm just going to take it easy.

Water under the bridge? 8lbs in 7 days

2007-08-06T00:20:00.000-07:00

As of this morning, I am down to 195 from 203. Ok so most of it may be water weight. Its weight nonetheless. This week I start K/E—all lean protein, no veggies. This going to be something. But I am going to try it out. I'm putting the scale away. Seeing the numbers fluctuate everyday can be nerve wrecking. So I'm probably going to weigh myself every week or maybe every two weeks. Depending on how things go, I'll probably follow K/E with Bootcamp. That is lean protein with some veggies and at least 30 minutes of exercise for at least 5 days a week. I will start walking again, while taking a lot of Benadryl (curse my itchy legs). There are a lot of paths and hills in my neighborhood that will give me a nice workout just from walking. If I get better, then hopefully I can start running again. Got to find a good multivitamin to take and then just be obedient...follow the plan and keep busy. Weekends are the toughest as I dont feel like logging in what I've eaten. I'm beat from the farmer's market and Sundays after church I just want to veg out—watch movies, nap, snack, and nap some more. Got to get my mind right. Anyway, it is an adventure.

I hope to lose a total of 20lbs by the end of August. So here is to drinking lots of water (I went to the bathroom like 10 times last night), eating lean protein (egg beaters, thyme and white pepper make a great omelete) and working out (going to be trekking up that Braddock Rd gargantuan hill).

Sleepy and the Same

2007-08-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

No loss for today. It may be from not drinking enough water ::shrug::. I know I need to get my carb count down lower. It is still hovering over 20, though my calories are less than 1000. One thing for sure is I am sleepy. I used to be able to get by on 6 hours of sleep. On this diet plan I definitely need all eight hours if not more.

A friend invited me to sponsor a Howard Homecoming party (my alma mater). I'm excited because HomeComing falls on by birthday and maybe by sponsoring the party (donating chocolates) I can actually get into a HU party without having to pay $100. So I got to thinking of how much I'd like to lose by then. 40 would be great! Me in a size 10 dress is dangerous. But I just figured I'd do my best between now and then. I'll take everything I put into this thing. I hope for the best and I hope I can go to the party! I havent been out socializing in a long long time.

Two, Too

2007-08-01T12:06:00.001-07:00

I lost another two pounds today. Hope I can start exercising soon. But for real not in too much of a hurry. I cant afford my gym membership anymore, so I will have to hit the pavement with running, which I look forward to if it wasnt for my itchy skin problem. That is another blog—basically I have an allergy that flares when I run. I have lots to do. There will be a small mention in the paper tomorrow about my bakery. I am glad and hope this means more orders! I need to drum up $1500 by mid August and that is after payroll. Rough stuff. What I look forward to is trying and seeing my efforts succeed. Maybe not the way I had planned but succeed nonetheless.

My grandfather passed away yesterday. I am not sure how to feel about it. My family is traveling to Florida for his funeral this Friday. I cannot make it. Maybe if I was with them I'd have more feelings about it. My Grandpa was wonderful. He was also a go-getter. So I know he'd want me to push forward with my biz/dreams. But I wish there was some other feeling I could have for his passing. Something more appropriate than no feeling at all. Anyway, I got tons of stuff to do. I'm tired. And hopeful.

On my way...

2007-07-31T02:39:00.001-07:00

to work. Actually I am late. But I wanted to write a little something in here before leaving. I am down to 198.5 lbs. Did not eat much yesterday. Got home tired from a photoshoot and concerned about some other things and I just thought I'd go to sleep instead of eating. I'm sure the loss is water as I am very dehydrated. I'm trying to drink lots more water to flush out my system and keep me balanced. As I've said before I am going to eat up my veggies and even eat up my popsicles. I'm too broke to be throwing out food. God willing, I will be able to pay my rent this month. It is a struggle y'all. I should be used to it by now. But I need stronger faith to keep control of this animal in my head (my brain) that wants to fret, eat, worry, indulge, give up.

-happyFatskinnyGirl

A decision

2007-07-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

I am almost certain I'm going to do the K/E. I just bought all these veggies and got all these eggs to eat up this week. The eggs I'll probably take to the Oven to use. The veggies I cant make myself throw away. So this week will just be straight KimKins then I'll go to K/E.

I was looking at what other dieters have been eating. Wow! At first I was thinking that is just too little and that is not right. But I had to remember that I need to train my mind. I need to get my mind right. Instead of defeating myself before I start, I got to be obedient and try. So eggbeaters and lean meat, no popsicles and keeping my cals under 1200 and carbs under 20 is the goal. I want this control yall. Things happen. Plans fall apart. And I know this very very well. But at least I can set myself up for success and do my best. God will do the rest.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful. Psalm 90:17

Buy, Bye PopSicles - Down 2.5lbs

2007-07-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been reading the KimKins site (very much like lowcarbfriends.com, but more focused on KimKins) and they seem like a helpful bunch of people over there. I have been debating if I wanted to do the KimKins Experiment (K/E) for a week (all lean protein, no veggies, no carbs). Or if I just wanted to start off with the regular KimKins diet (20 carbs or less, lean protein and veggies). As much as I want to lose weight fast, I dont want to be miserable. If I did not work, or had a very solitary lifestyle, maybe I could do the KE diet for a week. But I need a lot more energy when having to bake 100s of dozens of pão de quiejos, cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. I'd be too tempted to fail without the support of veggies. It is bad enough I am giving up cheese (Adios Taco Salad...sniff, sniff). Since KimKins has me really focusing on my carbs (not discounting fiber or sugar alcohols), I am having to give up my one low-carb comfort food—Edy's Sugar Free popsicles. Dont know what I'm going to grab when I want to snack on something. I guess drink water, diet Sunkist, chew on gum (dang that has carbs too, shucks) or let the feeling pass. We shall see. Yesterday I did not put anything into SparkPeople planner. But today and from now on I will be. Down 2.5lbs.

July 19 a Baker's Blog to Lose 55lbs

2007-07-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day on the KimKin diet. I am determined to get down to 148. I am at 203 now.

I have been as high as 240 and as low as 160. I lost 80lbs on Atkins and exercise two years ago. I love exercise. And Atkins is great. But since leaving my full-time job to start a bakery, my time for exercise and my eating discipline is nonexistent. Though I do love the things that I bake, most of the weight gain has come from stress. "Stress. Need Comfort/Safety. Food." It is a bad excuse. But there it is.

Having to stand on my feet all day, lifting pots and pans and working 12 to 14 hour days does not give me much time for working out. As I am used to working out for at least two hours four days a week. But I have not found the time to do just that. But I am amazingly able to find time to stuff food in my mouth. I love Mexican food. Chipotle burritos are my security blanket when things are not going well (which is often in my startup bakery). I love crunchy stuff. So chips with a big burrito salsa and guacamole is my meal for the day. So there is no wonder I have gained so much weight. In fact I am surprised I have not gained more.

Anyway, I thought since I dont have time to workout, I do have the time and mindset to make good decisions about what I eat. I need that discipline back that I had when I was doing Atkins, but something more focused. Before I worked at a desk. Now I work around delicious food all day long. So I need a lot of focus.

I am not affiliated with the KimKins site. I paid my monies to get access and the support at KimKins.com. And that is it. I'm not going to be setting up links to the KimKins site or do any KimKins affiliation programs. I'm just doing this to help myself and maybe help someone else who is trying to change the way he/she THINKS and EATS. That is all.

I looked for a lot of information about KimKins and saw some sites that were obviously paid advertisements for KimKins, a few were true testimonials and the others were bashing the diet all together. This site is just a true testament of my journey on trying to lose 55lbs. Whatever weight loss program you are on, pray for your success. To each his own. Just do it. You can do it. I can do it. May all of our efforts be successful.

-happyfatskinnygirl