Dr. Oz’s Cup of Fresh review and Indianapolis Marathon (and half Marathon and 5K - recipe at the bottom too!)

I decided a few months back that I would walk the Indianapolis Half Marathon. Well, a REALLY BAD case of plantar fasciitis ruined that. So, in August, I registered for the 5K. The day that I thought would take forever to get here is this Saturday! I can’t believe it. Two gals from the WW message boards are coming into town and are doing this with me. Well, they are so much more fit and strong that they are going to do the Half Marathon. I am such a proud friend!

I am so sick of foot pain. I can’t say that enough. It is VERY frustrating. I have had plantar fasciitis since August. I have some pain every day, most days pretty bad. I know I could have it much worse. Others are in much worse shape. My sympathies to all who are. I have to own the pain I am feeling. It is not fun and I am very bad, as my therapist keeps telling me. I have physical therapy twice a week now. A couple weeks down and finally I am feeling some relief. There is some, not much, but some. I am on 2 hours of a straight tightened muscle, like a Charlie horse. Ice is going on now. My therapist thinks I may not be able to do the 5K, but I am not losing my money and the chance to do something good for me! I will have ice packs at the ready for afterwards!

I also started a part time job this week at Georgetown Market. I am going to be working in the deli, so I will be on my feet all the time. Luckily, the more I move, the more blood flows to the muscles and tendons, thus reducing the pain. But, as I found in a 3.5 hour shift yesterday, they are going to get sore. But, I am looking at the bright side that this will be good for me, budget-wise and movement wise! No pain, no gain, right?

Come and see me Saturdays and Sundays. I start on my birthday, October 25th. Yes, that was a shameless plug! I have to work 8 hours on my birthday. At least I will be surrounded by lots of people on the big day and I will be making money too!

So, back to this marathon stuff! There is still room, if you would like to join in the fun Saturday. The website is www.indianapolismarathon.com.

I will post more from the Cancer Society booklet this week!

Oh, for all those interested in Dr. Oz’s Cup of Fresh Green Smoothie, it is good! I finally had it yesterday. I do NOT like ginger, so I would leave it out. One warning, you really need a juicer! I think he blended it on the show, but I don’t remember. I don’t see how it would blend easily. It is VERY refreshing.

Meg’s Marinara

8-9 tomatoes, boiled, peeled and chopped
2 T canola or olive oil
2 medium or 1 large yellow onion, chopped
Garlic to taste (I used two frozen cubes from a Trader Joe’s freezer pack – roughly 2 cloves)
1 small can Vegetable broth
Dried basil (I would say I used 1 teaspoon)
Dried Oregano (I would say I used ½ teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 T sugar (roughly – start out with less and add more as necessary)

Boil tomatoes in water, remove when the skin cracks. Put in an ice bath to stop cooking and peel once cool. Chop and set aside.

While tomatoes are boiling, you can cut up onion and garlic and start sautéing in the oil. Cook on medium until onions are translucent. Add cut up tomatoes and all the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low-medium heat for 60 minutes. Stir often. Reduce to low and simmer another 30 minutes. I think the slow cooking really helps increase the flavor. It would be fine after 30minutes, I am sure, if you are pressed for time.

Take a potato masher and “mash” the tomatoes. I left some chunk. I just wanted to “puree” it a bit. It will not be a thick sauce before this. I like chunky marinara sauce!

I haven’t figured pts on this, but it is all core, except the sugar, which isn’t enough to make it even a half point per serving. And I haven’t measured it yet to see how much it yielded. I will do that tonight and post tomorrow!

Mini Marathon 2009

If you have considered doing the mini next year, register by November 1, 2008, to save $20.

$50 by 11/1/08

$70 after 11/1/08

Ouch! It sure has gotten expensive! But, 13.1 miles is a lot of activity pts. and the training before will certainly help your weight loss efforts!

Blossoms

It is finally Tulip time! Every year, I see tulips come up through the ground and eventually grow tall enough to bloom and open up to the bright world. I am continuously amazed by this process, why I do not know. I have dug up bulbs and ‘stuck’ them back in the ground so many times that it is a wonder there is still any life left in them. Last fall, I went crazy and planted around 200 bulbs. I added crocuses to my spring perennials. They were beautiful and added some fleeting color and texture to the dreary backdrop of the early spring weather. I even planted bulbs that are unidentified at this point. What are they? I think dwarf irises but those have already bloomed. Ooh, they might be lilies. I hope so, but I guess I will know soon.

I find bulbs to be a great metaphor for the WW lifestyle. We have to plant ourselves in rich soil and work our way out. Some of us are buried deeper than others and thus we emerge a bit later in the season. Some of us are spring bulbs and some fall. No matter when we bloom, how long it takes to break through, or what season we find ourselves, we emerge strong and beautiful from our period of growth. We open up to the world as a result of our growth process. Our lives unfold just as the individual petals of the tulip. Should we need to go back in for a bit, there is always the option of a period of dormancy to become strong again for later. Our journey waxes and wanes, and that’s okay. There exists such variety in the colors and types of bulbs, and thus we see that in WW. We have many similarities, but yet so many differences. This does not separate us, but brings us closer and makes us more beautiful. We can subsist on our own, but just like flowers, when we come together the bouquet is even more vibrant and colorful than by ourselves.

What habit have you introduced this week? Have you re-committed yourself to WW? Are you out turning the soil and working in your yard? Remember, great activity points there! Are you buying in-season fruits and veggies and rediscovering a long lost food love?

Have you tried a new recipe, maybe an ethnic one? I recently made the Aromatic Couscous recipe from the Ultimate Flex & Core cookbook. Very Indian inspired. If you like curry, you will like this recipe. If you really like curry, I recommend upping the amount (I use 4 t and it still doesn’t have enough curry flavor for me). If you are not a curry fan, you could certainly use cumin instead. This is a very versatile dish and could certainly be changed up with what you have on hand. It could be served with your protein choice or eaten as the main entrée. I center my meal around this dish. You really do seem to get a lot in one serving. Since I am following Core, I only count .5 pt for the OJ in the recipe against my 35 WPAs. I just love how my house smells after making this dish!

Have you switched up your music in your iPod or MP3 player? I have discovered the library’s cd collection. I asked and you can actually have 125 cds checked out at once with IMCPL. I could have a whole new collection every 3 weeks! I import these cds in my computer, save the ones I want and then make new playlists for my iPod. I am getting “new” music to me and it is free. I have the liberty of changing my music any time I choose and I don’t get bored. Remember, if you make an exercise playlist to keep it upbeat. Brahms may not be the best choice!

If you have FitTV, I highly recommend Namaste Yoga. I recently dog-sat in Carmel (Yes I am available to dog-sit) and they are on Brighthouse. I am missing out being on Dish Network. FitTV is awesome! I loved Namaste Yoga as it was educational, instructive, and yet fun. It was quick and yet seemed to give me a work out. And I felt so relaxed afterwards. All the stress of the day seemed to release quickly from my mind and body.

7767
You are wondering what that number represents, aren’t you?

Is it the number of seconds in a day? No. (86,400)

The hours of music I have in my I-Tunes library? Nope. (currently around 90 hours but growing!)

The # of heartbeats the in a day for the average human? Nope. (~ 100,000)

Okay, I’ll give. It is the number of steps I logged on my pedometer yesterday. I started the Ready, Set, Walk! campaign initiated by Indiana’s First Lady Cheri Daniels. You can get more info through the link I posted last week. I started yesterday and I admit I didn’t go out for a “walk”. I have been worried that since I started a “desk” job that my steps would go down drastically. I walked a lot when I worked for WW. My steps averaged between 11,000-17,000. So, in that respect, 7,700 is not good. But since I do spend a lot of my day sitting and I didn’t exercise, I am happy. My goal, be up by at least 1,000 more per day next week.

I am solidly back on the Core plan. I had not been on the scale in a couple weeks as I had been unable to attend my Wednesday meeting due to schedule conflicts. I found the number yesterday morning to be a tad higher than I wanted, but I was in clothes and shoes. ; ) I must have just worn a lot yesterday!

Recently, I have realized how much easier it is to follow program when I make the effort to go to a meeting and be weighed by another person. I just can’t do this on my own. I have to have help. Several people in my new office surroundings are asking me for advice on how they can lose weight, since they know where I was formerly employed. I guess I may never stop being a leader. I am willing to help them but it is hard (mentally) to give advice when I am not really “doing” it myself. So, out of guilt (self-inflicted) I am back. I had begun to feel really guilty about the choices I was making. I was feeling tired and withdrawn. My clothes were getting tight and I noticed I had added a couple inches to my belly. These are all things that a former WW leader does not want to see happening. So, I decided that I would make a change.

I have been looking online lately for new recipes, tips, ideas, and resources. I have received a lot of information from the WW message boards. I have asked for help from some coworkers and from the board I frequent on www.weightwatchers.com. I have decided that I would buy the ingredients for one main dish at a time and make that up and package in individual containers to help control portions. I stocked up on produce and put it on eye level as to draw my eye when I open the fridge. I made a few hard boiled eggs for a quick protein snack. I purged my cabinets and fridge of non-core foods as to not have the temptations around. I started the walking challenge and am going to even go so far as to join a friend and her mini training buddy. From what she says, they walk the downtown canal twice for a total of 6 miles. Yowzers! I know I can do once around the first time and I will try two. And, I have been getting loads of house-cleaning activity points as I am finally getting a roommate later this month! Yay!!!!!!!!

Next comes the yard work points!

So, what are some positive things you are doing for you these days? Has your motivation waned a bit? Are you struggling to ramp up your activity routine? Are you getting bored with your food choices? Are meetings just another thing you have to do in your week? If you answered in the affirmative to any of the last 4 questions, I want you to answer them and then rephrase question 1 to say, “What are some positive things I can do to turn this around.”
I am including a link to the Indy Star article from today’s Healthy Living section. A WW employee was featured and there was a good article on eating healthy on a budget. I’d say a lot of us could use new ways to lower our food bills.

How to eat right on a budget
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/LIVING01/804150306/1083/LIVING01

How to trim your food bill
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/LIVING01/804150303/1083/LIVING01

So, in the spirit of Spring, I challenge you to not only clean your house. Clean your permanent residence by introducing a new habit, change, or rebirth of commitment to WW and a healthy life and healthier you. Can you do that? Will you do that?
I miss you all!

Success Stories from INShape Indiana website & a walking challenge

http://www.in.gov/inshape/2467.htm

Danny is so cute! What a great inspiration from a 13 year old!

Here is the link for the new INShape Indiana Ready, Set, Walk! challenge that starts April 14th!
I'm registered and rearing to get started!

http://www.in.gov/inshape/2331.htm

And, a great resource of common activities and what intensity level they are:

http://www.in.gov/inshape/2258.htm

Activity Must Haves

Must-Haves for Your Gym Bag
Article By: Diana Kelly


If you've ever worked out at a gym on a weekday, you know how hard it is to pack a bag for the excursion. You're either packing work clothes or gym clothes, as well as undergarments, shoes, socks, hair accessories, makeup, music gadgets, a lock and shower products.To make life easier, and lighter, we tested products that'll shave minutes from your post-workout beauty routine or save space in your gym bag.

2-in-1 Shampoos and Conditioners Herbal Essences Color Me Happy 2-in-1 hydrates and protects color-treated hair. It’s available at drugstores nationwide for $2.99 in a 12 oz bottle. “This product smelled bright, floral, fruity and sweet. I was surprised by the results; as I rinsed my hair clean, it felt fresh and soft. The true test came a few hours later. My hair honestly looked as good as if I’d used my other, fancier salon shampoo and conditioner.” – Lisa Chernick, senior food editor Our other favorite was the Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner ($3.99 for 12.6 oz).
3-in-1 Shampoo, Body Wash and Bubble Bath Philosophy’s 3-in-1 Amazing Grace-scented product nourishes dry hair and leaves skin feeling soft. Its gentle formula takes multi-tasking to a whole new level—you only need to remember one bottle for the essential shampoo and body wash you’ll need after a workout. Available in 30 scents at philosophy.com for $17 (8 oz) and $22 (16 oz). “It exceeded my expectations. The smell is delicate and feminine, and it produced great gobs of soft suds.” – Anne Simpkinson, managing editor
Body Wash To save space and weight in your gym bag, opt for a moisturizing body wash that will leave skin smooth and nourished without having to apply (or carry) lotion. Olay Body Wash plus Lotion Ribbons with Aloe Extract retails for $3.99 (10 oz) at drugstores nationwide. “I used this body wash after taking a lunchtime Spinning class. It smelled clean and produced a rich lather. I didn’t need to spend time applying lotion because my skin felt soft and smooth. The packaging says it could also be used as a shaving lotion; that’s what I call a multiuse product!” – Diana Kelly, assistant editor
Face Wipes Dove Sensitive Skin Foaming Cleansing Cloths are part of the Dove Sensitive Skin collection designed to visibly reduce redness or dryness. They come in a 30-pack for $4.99, available in drugstores nationwide. “With a little warm water, the cloths got very foamy and did a good job cleaning my face. They’re gentle for sensitive skin and don’t have an overpowering scent.” – Jason Carpenter, men’s editor Also try Olay Daily Facials Lathering Cleansing Cloths ($6.99 for 30 cloths), textured, hydrating, soap-free dry cloths that remove dirt, oil and make-up.
Travel Shower Kit Burt’s Bees Travel Shower Kit includes scented body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and lip balm all in a compact clear plastic bag. Available at burtsbees.com for $13. “This is a great product for people who always seem to be missing something from their gym bag; you can pull all of the products out at once and take them to the shower together—no juggling, dropping or losing a bunch of little bottles. You can refill the bottles once the original products are gone.” – Amy Leibrock, copy editor

Flatten Your Belly
Article By: Paula Gardner

Are you cursing your midsection, looking for a way to whittle it down? Look no further. Nothing is as fast and effective—unfortunately—as those abdominal exercises we all know and hate.While an abdominal workout will not selectively remove fat from this area (spot reduction doesn't work), firming and toning these muscles and improving your posture, in addition to cardio, can reduce waist size.

The BasicsEverything from over-eating to bad posture damages our abdominal muscles, giving them that un-toned appearance. Maintaining good posture will work wonders on its own.
Stand against a wall with your feet slightly apart. If you can feel a large gap between the small of your back and the wall, tip your pelvis up to make that gap smaller and you should automatically feel your abdominal muscles contract, holding your tummy in.
This is how you should stand all the time, it'll help your muscles re-learn how to work effectively.
How to StrengthenLet's be honest: Sit-ups and crunches can be boring, not to mention difficult. But there's no real way around them. Rather than moan and think up creative excuses to get out of them, schedule ab work into your day just as you would prioritize brushing your teeth.
You could do them all first thing in the morning or use events in the day as triggers to remind you (a session every time you enter the front door for instance).
Sit-upsLie on your back and with legs bent, feet flat on the floor, lift your head and roll your shoulders up and down in small but effective movements as many times as comfortably possible. Keep your chin tucked into your chest and use your stomach muscles, not your arms, to create the movement.
CrunchesDo a sit-up and stay there, head off the floor, chin tucked to chest. With very slight movements, move backward and forward.
Stomach and BackIt's important to think about the lower back too because stomach and back muscles work together.
Lie on your stomach, hands at either side of your chest (as if you are going to do a push-up). With your back flat, push your upper body off the floor, with your hands and knees acting as support. Pull your bellybutton as close to the spine as possible and hold for 10-60 seconds. Repeat.
And now the fun starts… If you're serious about getting that stomach flat for good but also want an all-round workout, try these exercises:
Yoga and Pilates contain movements designed for the midsection and are a great way to de-stress.
Running and martial arts are high impact but very effective in burning calories and toning the torso.
Kick-boxing works your core when you focus on holding your stomach in while kicking and punching.
Next Steps
Check out our Workouts section for great ab exercises to strengthen and tone.
Subscriber Highlight: Want to know how many Activity POINTS® values you earned today? Find out with our Activity POINTS Calculator .
Ready to start losing weight?