I hate hate hate hate hate this excuse for poor eating, and I've heard it so darned many times! When I go to the produce store I can buy five or six big bags of fruits and veggies for $50 and I can stuff myself for days. Give me $50 to buy crappy processed foods and I'll have one, maybe two bags of food that won't fill me and won't last very long. If poverty really dictated the way people were buying foods you'd see a lot more people eating veggies and beans, not Doritos and Coke.

Jo - Have a good trip! We'll miss you!

Rhonda - Hang in there lady! 11 days on plan is fantastic and I'll bet you'll see the scale drop soon. I seem to feel the weight I've dropped first but then the scale doesn't catch up for a few days.

Anna - Run Anna run!! You are so totally kicking butt lady! :carrot:

For the question: What thing do you notice most about yourself or your body since you have started getting healthier?
I don't sit around all day hating my body. Now that I'm focused on running and eating what my body needs, I really see how much time and energy I focused on being angry at my body. I don't think it would be an exaggeration at all to say that I would be frustrated by my weight 100 times a day. I was so overwhelmed that I didn't know how to start dropping the weight but I was so incredibly unhappy with where I was.

Today the kiddos are spending time with Grandma. I'm going to drop them off and then go visit my chiropractor. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can get in for a massage today too but we'll see how that goes since it's kind of last-minute now.

DH is working from home today so he'll probably go for a run with me. He shocked the socks off of me yesterday by announcing that he wants to do the half-marathon here in February. My husband, the guy who says he'll only run if he's chasing a ball. My husband, who has said a hundred times he's not built for running. Holy crap. I'm considering running it with him but it depends on the baby factor since I could be huge at that point.

So last night I set a new mini-goal for myself. I'm going to be at 190 by Oct 1. That gives me 6 weeks to lose 10 lbs so it shouldn't be too hard if I just keep on track.

Have a great day everyone!!

What thing do you notice most about yourself or your body since you have started getting healthier?

I no longer appear pregnant.
I can tie my shoes w/o feeling out of breath.
I am more flexible with my legs and less muscle cramps and pain in my inner thighs.
My double chin is shrinking.

Produce is more expensive because it is perishable and those losses are factored into price. The shelf life of twinkies and chips is tremendous. Very little loss there. Look at the price of kraft mac and cheese and how cheaply you can serve that for a dinner. Or the discount frozen pizzas or burritos. Then price out a salad for a fam of four. Even if you are not getting organics, the produce is higher.

Also, the produce lobby has been notorious ethical, overall. Whereas the grocers, cattle, food manufacturers and dairy industries all have weaseled their way into American politics, produce has not done as well. Consider a "food manufacturer"....real food is NOT manufactured, but when you go down the center aisles at the store, ALL of that food has been manufactured. Kraft, Pillsbury, Del Monte and the like all have a lot of power. When it comes to what the government will fund for poor people, money talks.

Here is an example: Over 70% of African Americans and over 90% of Asian Americans have some level of symptomatic lactose intolerance. Milk was not even considered for the school lunch program when it was introduced in the 50s. It was believed that most families drank milk or had cheese or has some other way to get those nutrients which they had adapted to their own digestive systems. And in walks the dairy lobby....and now every school offers milk not only for lunch, but in elementaries for morning snack. This is despite the fact that a percentage of the population experiences discomfort from eating it.

In addition, by having the government make it available to every American child, that sent a message to consumers..."If it is soooo important that every child gets it, then it MUST be good for you." There is a lot of data out there that would say milk is not the best way to get those nutrients and that animal fats, even in milk, is harmful. Regardless, now everyone thinks you have to have dairy in a healthy diet. Poor people can get it for free.

Go back into nutritive anthropology and see how often our bodies are made to eat meat. When you have to kill it and drag it home, you don't eat meat so much. Even Dr. Oz says that our diets when to crap with the introduction of agriculture and the forced domestication of animals. We are made to eat plants, lots of them. Meat? Not so much. But the farming industry has convinced us that meat is a super healthy food that we all need in mass. Through those lobbying efforts, now meat is a main staple of government-supplemented foods, in schools and through entitlement programs.

RANT: My ILs would eat SQUIRREL (which apparently tastes awful) and would catch fish illegally because they believed it when the government told them, tacitly or not, that meat was necessary for healthy children. The truth is that they could have bought a big bag of beans for what they spent on bullets. The beans would have supplied the protein they needed, been less expensive and overall healthier. Because they are sheeple, the bought the lobbied, government line that meat was essential.

Aw geez! I am with you. I see more definition in my waist and jaw, but it takes a while for the scale to see it too.

It is really hard to know what to believe anymore. I like to think that I'm a fairly intelligent woman, but I have a hard time differentiating between which publications are fact and which are fallacy. One day, coffee is bad for you...the next day, it's not. One day, eggs are bad for you, the next day, they're not. Carbs, fats, sugars, vitamins, vaccinations, exercise time versus exertion...etc, etc etc. It all becomes so confusing sometimes. I've reached a point where I think that foods in their most natural state (whole foods) are the healthiest and should be consumed in a wide variety, moderation is the key and any exercise is good for you. If I can base my life on these key things, then I believe I have given myself and my family the greater benefit for a healthy future.

Another reason to exercise....
 

Geez, i am chatty today...putting off lots of floor sweeping and rabbit poo cleaning.

Anyway, 3 years ago my dad had quad bypass. He thought he was dying, and three new grankids had been born in the previous six months. He honestly thought that he would not see them reach preschool. He was very clogged, and the angiogram was just plain ugly.

The surgery was a success, and he did his rehab faithfully. Afterward, he continued to exercise and joined a gym. Last fall, he started having symptoms again of blockage. Because bypasses are not permanent and often reblock, we were fairly sure that he would need another surgery. We all were dreading it, but we knew he would recover faster because he was in such good shape. As it turned out, two of the bypasses were blocked.

The scan also showed that he had angiogenesis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiogenesis

Because of his exercise, new blood vessels were being built to route blood around the blocked ones. They estimate that he bought himself at least 4 years through exercise and if the genesis continues, they may never have to crack his chest open again.

This is why I run.....

No kidding! That's a harsh reality that's being shown to you there. We've got issues in my family with high blood pressure and diabetes and I know that running will help me out there. Last year my mom, who has always been very active, pays close attention to nutrition, and stays within 10ish lbs of her ideal weight, was told that she's on the verge of needing medication for her high blood pressure. She's not even 56 yet! It was rather a kick in the pants for me to start really paying attention.

Rhonda - I agree with you that the bombardment of contradictory information can be totally overwhelming. As of late, I've developed a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to any information I'm given whether it relates to weight loss, children's health, whatever. I've been moving more and more towards following my intuition and listening to my body. I've always been iffy on giving my kids vaccinations but something within me said "No" when it was time for DD to get her 18 month shots. I won't mess with that and she hasn't gone in. There are days when my body craves two or three spinach salads and I stuff myself full. Last night I wanted peanut butter so I grabbed a couple of spoonfuls. I'd like to think that if I'm conscious about what my body is really telling me and I respect that, I'll find balance.

In other news, I went to my chiro this morning and yet again I think that if I weren't happily married I'd put the moves on him. ;) Every time I go see him I'm amazed at how much he's able to help me out. He did some stretching and holding stuff with my calf and he said that there was a big band of muscle that was tight so he released it. It doesn't hurt when I walk now. Very cool. DH booked me an appointment with a massage therapist for this afternoon and I'm really looking forward to that. I'll do a very light run tonight so I'll be in good shape for my 18K tomorrow! (I'm trying very hard not to be intimidated by that number right now. It's only two more than last week. I have to keep saying that.)

Oh, I forgot my quick brag moment! We're out of coffee at home so I stopped by Timmy's when I was out. DH asked me to get him a coffee too and a couple of doughnuts. I stuck to my coffee and snacked on the yummy and healthy chocolate zucchini muffins my mom made this morning instead. Woohoo!

Great news about the chiro! And a massage to boot.

11 miles? that rocks!

I think that when you are researching a topic, there is a lot to consider. First, I do not rely on mainstream media for the information. Their summaries are biased. Two, if something catches my eye, I read the actual study. The media will report on anything, and I am sorry, but a study population of 200 people means absolutely nothing.

One of my favorite grad school classes was one I took with med school students. It was all about how to evaluate and critique research. I was amazed how many of them had never considered that "studies show" was not valid, which is why I always try to post a link when I can. Or they thought that a random sample of very few people was adequate or they did not know how to figure standard deviation. Worse, they never even considered WHO did the research. I know all of those physicians left that class as better doctors.

HIya guys just checking in had a 100% on plan week and im doing fine.. John is home for his visit at the moment so i havent read the caht or stayed on par with it.. and i have TOM so im considering taking my first feebie this week .. ill weigh on monday and decide..

but ATM im staying away from the scales becuase i know i alwasy gain 3-5 pounds with TOM.. I was right about getting TOM when hubby came home lol.. i got it 8 pm at night they night he flew home.. lol he flew in at 10 pm... lmao.. he is quite upset about that but in a great mood anyway.. we are having lots of fun.. and hes whinges the minute i get onthe computer lol.. but there is a huge but ......

He finally can see ive lost weight.. he is like omg you ahve lost heaps of weight this month.. you look great :)) i want me some of that ... lol

he cant stop telling how great i look and how nice it is that im doing all this etc.. im so happy :) hes a man of few words usually .. so for him to be saying it is something else

Oh, and to about why the poor people eat junk and don't spend their money on vegetables.........

There may be a ton of fresh produce to select from where You live, but you would not see the same choices if you ventured into a poverty ridden big city neighborhood, or the badlands in Philly, the hood in LA, or any project housing type neighborhood here in the US. There might be a few apples and half-way to rotting bananas, but the display for Colt Malt liquor would be larger than the produce section, guaranteed. As Anna said, the loss factor is just too great and they're not willing to deal with the daily deliveries needed to keep it fresh. Even the bread has a longer shelf life. I remember driving thru philly, there were way more corner liquor stores (and billboards) than there were ever corner groceries.

Amy-that is so good to hear about your hubby. I love it when leo tells me how good i look and how much he wants it cuz of how good i look. all the exercise and pooping is paying off.....lol, just kidding.

I am in vegas with my mom and haven't been on plan since i've been here. the only exercise i got was at the pool today but it wasnt even exercise. i was just carrying my baby around and trying to get him used to the water. It is screeching hot here....today was 107 degrees at least.
I am going to the gym tonight. I have to exercise. I can just feel it under my skin....the fat building up. It makes me feel yucky when I can't exercise.
Well, better get going and start heading over to the gym.

Lmao tawnya.. im glad your having a good time at your mums.. i know what you mea about the exercise.. the last week or so i have got used to having ans early mornin workout.. yesterday mornin John slept in which meant i miised it .. and he didnt get up till 1-2 pm in the afternoon.. i spent till then in my pjs.. with no workout.. i was going nutz.. i got my chores done tryed to sit and watch some tv.. but couldnt got on the computer and got bored .. went and sorted out the kids rooms.. and then just aimlessly walked around the house.. i was kinda boucning on my heels as i walked.. frustrated.. no clothe on so couldnt go for a walk.. searched through the dirty clothes and couldnt find any pants .. lol ( <<< i was desperate lol)
and was kinda annoyed about the whole thing lol.. all i wanted was my workout.. lol..

This morning however i slept in and still have no desire to do it and its 2pm.. i have been tired all day today .. damn tom.. i hate you!!!... I plan on getting my butt moving later on though.. :)

Drive through any low-income neighborhood and the only place to get food is a convenience store. Who has time to ride the bus an hour each way to the grocery store when you have just spent 8 hours of your day working for minimum wage?

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around. Today is the fancy wedding dh is in and we've been busy w/ the rehearsal and other wedding-type stuff. I haven't had time to exercise, but good news is I have maintained, so far. I am hoping for a loss come Monday, but will be happy w/ maintaining.

I'll post tomorrow and get caught up.