tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79255982399881463292024-03-12T18:22:08.968-07:00Bucket List Weight Loss: the blog
Based on the book, "Bucket List Weight Loss," by Jan Manning, available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other major book retailers.Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-91500309817928077212019-10-23T12:35:00.001-07:002019-10-23T12:35:18.034-07:00Stretch for Instant Pain Relief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NWdwto8nEcaaRaGJNnl2qa_cuGGmDRd5iNnZkZ2tqeTWXKS_Zgk3aMoHWkNEeFg5nGGns9rP0mw2_5Nkj0H9uIqzpFBgPuzD7v0dcI02RuB6obym_BZwz_t5-iuhyQRcaI3kXQ2wV7Lk/s1600/Chronin-Pain-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="648" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NWdwto8nEcaaRaGJNnl2qa_cuGGmDRd5iNnZkZ2tqeTWXKS_Zgk3aMoHWkNEeFg5nGGns9rP0mw2_5Nkj0H9uIqzpFBgPuzD7v0dcI02RuB6obym_BZwz_t5-iuhyQRcaI3kXQ2wV7Lk/s320/Chronin-Pain-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now that I'm almost 67 and suffering from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, I'm not the exercise freak I used to be. This is hard on me. I want to exercise, but I manage to make myself miserable by doing it. The exercise itself feels good enough; I love feeling my muscles work, and I love that warm, glowy feeling I get as juices start flowing. The bad part comes later--typically an hour or two after I've finished my light workout. Arthritic shoulders ache, there's a pain in my knee that wasn't there before, and my wrist hurts from accidentally straining it too much. All this, after maybe ten arm pulls with a yellow TheraBand, or four steps on and off the Bosu Ball. It's gotten to the point where I find excuses not to go down to my basement gym in the morning, and one of them is the discomfort I now experience after even the mildest workout.<br />
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Hence, I've lost contact with my body, as if it was a Facebook friend that suddenly blocked me.<br />
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If you've read my book,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss"> <b>Bucket List Weight Loss</b></a>, you know one of the 11 tenets to success is "Gut Talk"--in other words, learning to dialogue with your body, not just with your mind. Your body is an efficient machine which, left to its own devices, would function quite well if we learned to LISTEN to it. But our minds and subconscious end up sabotaging many good dialogues we might have started with our bodies. Our minds are the entities that tell us we want chocolate fudge frosted brownies, when our bodies are pleading for a simple glass of water.<br />
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After a long period of non-communication with my stiff and aging body, I started up a dialogue with it almost by accident one morning last winter. It began when I got up at 6am to feed the dog and re-stoke the fireplace wood box. The fireplace is raised about 18 inches off the floor and has a wide, deep hearth in front of it. I opened the fireplace doors, inserted a piece of split larch, and swung the doors to the "almost closed" position so that the draft from the cracked doors would pull the remaining embers back into an open flame. As I stood there half asleep, I placed my palms above my head and onto the chimney's warm rocks. I leaned into the heat, let my head drop to my chin, and enjoyed the relaxing sensation of shoulder, back and leg muscles being stretched by shear gravity. It was heaven. I held the pose for about 30 seconds, then lowered my hands and let my upper torso gently drop farther and farther until my palms rested on the hearth. I stood there, feeling the stretch of small muscles I'd forgotten I even had. I flexed my shoulders up and down, ever so slowly and gradually, and felt a release of tension that started in the neck region and traveled all the way down to my calf muscles. I dropped my head a little more, and my hamstrings suddenly said, "Hello!"<br />
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One little stretch led to another, until I was on a quest to see how many muscles I could wake up this quiet, gentle way. As I slowly flowed from one position to another, I breathed deeply, bringing oxygen to the areas that were being stressed.<br />
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During this process, if something started to hurt, I'd immediately back off, mentally marking where and how the hurt occurred so I could avoid it the next time. From yoga classes, I knew pain was a signal that something wasn't quite right, and that I should take care not to further aggravate it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1yRXE6h5oPOOCXwx8uTwCdNpOQrJYyRaSU869mX1djRmdx2LCcVR-DvPvpU4GyZtjTx-yvzM4jSlZbfcB0QPUqVyhIDBqcSqV0EfdyE2etNLPDdiO-fGXr6qEgYEA__HwGeke4LG0z7C/s1600/aid54461-v4-728px-Stretch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1yRXE6h5oPOOCXwx8uTwCdNpOQrJYyRaSU869mX1djRmdx2LCcVR-DvPvpU4GyZtjTx-yvzM4jSlZbfcB0QPUqVyhIDBqcSqV0EfdyE2etNLPDdiO-fGXr6qEgYEA__HwGeke4LG0z7C/s320/aid54461-v4-728px-Stretch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a>My morning "firestarter stretching" has now progressed to a routine that takes about 20 minutes to complete. I try to stretch the upper body first, then the lower torso and abs, and finally the legs, with special emphasis on hamstrings, psoas, and quadriceps I throw in some heel stretching and flexing too, so I can better maintain my "heels down" position in the saddle. Depending on time and energy, I might complete the whole stretching routine again before going upstairs to dress. With more than 650 muscles in the human body, it's not like I'll run out of stuff to stretch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVZmO8HLAgvfFQvRDIz3ZcIue3trNTsA_G5EExFCIjoEwGmXmcYNxnEYIvbUDApV1VcQRMzgvjjUa88WIa8UzUaXAsUnScIiz6MZ_X1e_2sls1Pw_k2Gix1noaQflW7AzFR9BjrzaI8qP/s1600/Pendulum-swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVZmO8HLAgvfFQvRDIz3ZcIue3trNTsA_G5EExFCIjoEwGmXmcYNxnEYIvbUDApV1VcQRMzgvjjUa88WIa8UzUaXAsUnScIiz6MZ_X1e_2sls1Pw_k2Gix1noaQflW7AzFR9BjrzaI8qP/s320/Pendulum-swing.jpg" width="284" /></a>This isn't unlike a yoga session, except that I don't have to get up and down off the floor to keep pace with anyone else's set routine. I'm not adding strengthening or balance exercises to it either. Those I will do separately. The stretching itself seems to help chronic pain as much as anything at this point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3psz7lubkRgrhfpyLl76QVsha7uGEI7hgo-mYxFYr7BSvAe1aZbQxY2if62r7iEwaO5YzQWXf1bpj53lGFk5XnEA5ToKrgdNuhXKhhfetZeHOOw5Sbhn61oPn0RRmoSRwvj_tIM8fehl/s1600/aid54461-v4-728px-Stretch-Step-4-Version-4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3psz7lubkRgrhfpyLl76QVsha7uGEI7hgo-mYxFYr7BSvAe1aZbQxY2if62r7iEwaO5YzQWXf1bpj53lGFk5XnEA5ToKrgdNuhXKhhfetZeHOOw5Sbhn61oPn0RRmoSRwvj_tIM8fehl/s320/aid54461-v4-728px-Stretch-Step-4-Version-4.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used to think "stretching" meant leaning up against a wall like runners do; it was the thing you were supposed to do before your real workout. No doubt it still is for many folks. But I now practice stretching for its own sake. At 6:20 am, when I finish my stretching routine, I'm not going out for a job. I go back to bed and enjoy a blissful nap!<br />
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Want an easy primer on healthful, sensible stretching? Check out <a href="http://wikihow.com/Stretch.">wikihow.com/Stretch. </a><br />
You'll find some easy non- intimidating starters with great illustrations.<br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-12129119391233489722019-10-05T11:36:00.000-07:002019-10-05T11:47:29.639-07:00Struggling to age with grace <br />
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Funny...my last post was three years ago and it was about "never giving up." I was referring primarily to the fight against fibromyalgia which can briefly be described as "chronic and systemic inflammation without any identifiable reason." It began in late 2014 following several physical and emotional traumas, and I've been learning how to live with it for the past five years now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011</td></tr>
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Fibromyalgia isn't the worst health problem in the world, but it will certainly affect your lifestyle and activities. The good news is that it is manageable. Those of us afflicted by it learn to temper our activities, minimize our stress, and adjust our diets. But we're also on a never-ending quest to find the best and latest miracle pill, miracle salve, or miracle device that will make our journey less painful<br />
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When I published my book, <b>"Bucket List Weight Loss,"</b> I was eight years younger than I am now. <i><b>Eight years.</b></i> Think of the differences that happen to us between the ages of 10 and 18. They're monumental. The changes that have happened to me now that I'm truly a "senior" seem equally dramatic. In fact, I tell everyone that aging is like going through adolescence, except that now we're smarter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2019</td></tr>
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In the process of aging eight years and dealing with health issues, I gained back enough weight to look healthy and normal, rather than emaciated. I'm happy where I am now, at age 67 and 160 pounds. The down side is that I can no longer do many yoga poses, and my stamina is greatly diminished. Chronic pain has become a chronic companion.<br />
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Yet I can still say this with pride: my shape looks pretty good for an older gal, at least with clothes on.<br />
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By writing<b> "Bucket List," </b>I etched my own successful weight-loss principles into my own head. Those principles still guide me in my food choices and self perception. I knew that, once I'd written it all down in the book, I'd never be fat again. As I approach the last couple decades of my life, I am still as confident of that as ever.<br />
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<b>"Bucket List Weight Loss"</b> is a story of discovery, but it could be your story as well as mine. You don't need an expensive program or pre-packaged foods to start feeling better TOMORROW. All you need is to tune in to yourself.<b> "Bucket List Weight Loss" </b>will help you do that.<br />
In fact, now more than ever, you need this book if you're over 40 and larger than you'd like to be. Don't settle for less than you can easily have. Don't short yourself or cheat yourself out of a life you've only dreamed of.<br />
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It's still available on Amazon for a song and a dance (or less). Splurge on yourself and spend $12 on a book that can change your life.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss&qid=1570300361&sr=8-2">https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss&qid=1570300361&sr=8-2</a>Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-72162722670967583802016-12-09T14:41:00.000-08:002016-12-09T14:41:24.884-08:00Don't you DARE give up!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A year ago I was sinking into a quicksand pit of depression. Healthwise, 2015 had been a lousy year. Strange infections, chronic bowel problems, facial skin cancer chemo, knee surgery, a pending Achilles tendon surgery, laryngitis, weight gain and--to cap it all off--a diagnosis of <b>fibromyalgia </b>which explained the <i>inexplicable </i>aches, pains and malaise I'd been feeling all year. Christmas was hardly more than an inconvenience. I hadn't the inclination nor the energy to decorate or bake. We ended up stringing a set of mini-lights on the jade plant in the living room, and called it good.<br />
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A year ago I thought I'd seen the last of good times, good health and youthful vigor. The outlook was gray and foggy.<br />
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<b>Have you been to that dim, shrouded place? Are you there now? I have good news for you: it is NOT your new, permanent home! It's only a stop along the way to something far better.</b><br />
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Maybe you think you lack the power to change your life for the better. Maybe you think there are no circumstances or influences that can make a positive change in your situation. You are wrong on both counts. You alone have the power to improve your life. It's up to you to actively seek solutions and help from other sources. No one else is going to do it for you. As much as your friends love and support you, they can't shovel you out of a hole. They've already tried. <b>You have to claw and climb out by yourself. </b>The good news is that it's a whole lot easier than you may imagine! Just get the ball rolling, ever so slowly. The rest will take care of itself.<br />
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I was blessed to have positive choices revealed to me in 2016. I took full advantage of those opportunities, and I made the choices that would ultimately turn my health and outlook around. Yes, I still have fibromyalgia, but I've taken steps to minimize its effects on my life. Yes, I still have "aging issues" like wrinkles, failing eyesight, and bladder urgencies. My strength and coordination are diminishing. But I can live with these "normal" processes.I have no choice there. I do, however, have choices on how much I want to suffer from fibro's pain, stiffness and malaise. And I've chosen steps that have literally given me my life back.<br />
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<b>DO NOT GIVE UP.</b> Stop complaining, stop the self pity, get off your ass and try something new. <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The most effective change you can make: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>LOSE EVERY BIT OF EXCESS WEIGHT ON YOUR BODY.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whittle yourself down to bones and muscle. <b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The second most effective change: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MOVE. JUST MOVE SOMETHING, AND KEEP MOVING.</b></span></span></div>
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If you are in physical or emotional pain, or if you're not happy with your life circumstances, my Christmas wish for you is that you put one foot in front of the other and start making the changes. You only have one life and one chance.<br />
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As a very influential candidate said to a group of challenged citizens a couple months ago, "What do you have to lose? <i> What the HELL do you have to lose?"</i><br />
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Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-37984090023208349312016-11-18T10:05:00.000-08:002016-11-18T10:12:51.330-08:00Pain is gone! Remedy worked!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good news! The agony I experienced last night ago at bedtime faded with the stars and hasn't returned.<br />
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This validated my belief that <b>I can control my fibromyalgia symptoms by "living right."</b> I expect I'll feel even better tomorrow as my system will be further cleansed of the stuff that made me hurt so badly yesterday.<br />
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Today I got up at 6 a.m. as usual and hobbled downstairs feeling like I was 95 years old. Fed the dogs, then retreated to the basement for one hour of gentle but steady exercise. Within minutes, the pain and stiffness with which I awoke had greatly diminished. Usually by the time I've fed the dogs and gone downstairs, I'm feeling at least 50 percent better than when rising. No matter how much I hurt upon rising, I can always count on that.<br />
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Things continue to improve over the next hour. I keep moving at a moderate pace, from one piece of equipment to another, from one body part to another, never repeating the exact same workout two days in a row. The hour flies by ever so quickly. At 7:17 I'm headed back upstairs to bed for a 45-minute"nap," where I stretch out in "corpse pose" and concentrate only on relaxing the muscles I have worked.<br />
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When I get up again, I shower and prepare for the day. I am now pretty much pain-free. I fix my husband's breakfast and prepare a smoothie for myself.<br />
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<b>For the rest of the day, I stay in motion as much as possible.</b> This keeps the "rust" from settling into my bones and soft tissue.<br />
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"Lunch" consisted of two cups of salted-in-the-shell peanuts with a cup of coffee. Not the best choice, but not the worst either. High protein + high fat = satiation.<br />
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I stayed honest at dinner...I really missed my wine, but opted to refrain because I knew it would cause a negative reaction. So I polished off some leftover chicken salad (just chicken and lettuce) with a glass of vitamin water in the wine glass.<br />
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<b>Total calories for the day: about 1,000. </b> Just right. No bloating, Quiet gut. No inflammation. Tonight I will sleep well, knowing I made the right choices to heal myself for another day.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>The right foods for YOU + moderate, frequent exercise + water + rest = NO MORE FIBROMYALGIA symptoms</b>...at least, not until I allow myself to mess up again. And I will. But a "well lived" day is money in the bank that pays interest. Those dividends will help me get through the next recession, otherwise called "Thanksgiving."<br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-1271726415295157622016-11-16T20:48:00.003-08:002016-11-16T20:48:57.217-08:00I know why I hurt tonight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tonight my joints are screaming. Ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders are stiff and painful with inflammation that's so pervasive with fibromyalgia. My brain is foggy too. Today I nearly wiped out a woman at Costco with a frozen turkey I was slinging into my cart. I kept running into other people's carts, and in the produce room I walked away from my own cart and grabbed someone else's by mistake. I'm surprised I was able to make the two-hour drive home without incident.<br />
<br />
But I am filled with optimism. I think I know WHY I'm feeling fibro-like today...and that's why I'm going to change things tomorrow with the hope of feeling 100 percent better.<br />
<br />
Here's what I think I did wrong today and yesterday to bring on the fibro attack:<br />
<ul>
<li>I didn't drink enough water.</li>
<li>I didn't exercise for an hour this morning.</li>
<li>My sleep was disrupted because I was in a hotel room last night.</li>
<li>I ate crappy food instead of sticking to my regular regimen.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Tomorrow I WILL feel better. I'll get up at 6a.m., exercise for an hour, return to bed for another hour, get up and drink plenty of water all day, and eat a minimal amount of food that is kind and gentle to my system. There will be no gluten, refined sugar, or alcohol in my diet tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned and find out if I am in fact pain-free tomorrow evening. I want to prove it to myself...and to you other fibro sufferers out there...that we really can minimize or eliminate our symptoms by "living right."Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-78768997116284814322016-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:002016-10-25T12:04:14.927-07:00Kicking fibromyalgia in the ass....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Find your magic hour</b></span><br />
<br />
With four hip replacements behind me, I don't physically kick balls, stones or cans much anymore. <b>But for the past several months I've been kicking fibromyalgia in the ass. </b>I'm here to tell you that you, too, can kick fibro or most other chronic physical issues in the ass if you really get down to business. In the process, you're going to lose weight, feel better about yourself, get stronger, and be able to live a somewhat normal life once again. Without drugs.<br />
<br />
My method, which I outlined in my last post, consists of these steps:<br />
<ol>
<li> Eliminate foods that are difficult for you to digest.</li>
<li><b> Set aside ONE HOUR A DAY for some sort of exercise.</b></li>
<li> Go to bed earlier. Take rest breaks during the day</li>
</ol>
<br />
For me, these three things are totally integrated. I can't skip one and expect to feel well the next day. My favorite, however, is #2. <b>Set aside ONE HOUR A DAY for some sort of exercise. </b> So let's talk about that.<br />
<br />
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First, I credit my physical therapist, Stan, for getting me into this <b>ONE HOUR A DAY</b> thing. He's been a therapist for 30 years and he knows his stuff. He's seen it all. He is passionate about this <b>ONE HOUR A DAY</b> mantra, which he says generally falls on deaf ears. Face it, we've all heard this preached to us and most of us think, "Well, that would be nice but I simply don't have the time, and I hate exercise."<br />
<br />
Now shut up and tell the truth. You DO have an hour to devote to yourself, your well-being, the betterment and longevity of your life. You just have to look for it or carve it out of your existing schedule. Not only that....but you DO enjoy some forms of physical activity, whether it's dancing, walking your dog, bowling, raking leaves, or having sex.<br />
<br />
To make this even easier, think how quickly you form habits. Do anything for a few days or a few weeks in a row, and it becomes comfortably habitual.<br />
<br />
So let's first find that hour in your day....that very special hour you devote to just yourself. No excuses. <b> There's a way to do it.</b> My special hour--which has actually become the most precious hour of my day--starts at 6:15 a.m. The dogs get me up at 6 a.m. for breakfast. The feeding/pottying ritual takes about 15 minutes. At 6:15 I head for my basement "gym" with my iPad in hand. Now, granted, my little gym would make most physical therapists jealous; I have a lot of exercise "toys" and I use them all during my workout because I like the variety. But if I had to, I could get an adequate workout without any of it. The key is to simply KEEP MOVING at a comfortable (not a killer) pace. We'll talk more about exercises in a future post.<br />
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The 6:15 morning hour was the ONLY one I knew I could stick with. At that hour there are no phone calls or doorbells. The dogs have gone back to bed with my husband. I seal myself off from the rest of the world, with the understanding that I am not to be interrupted unless it's an emergency.<br />
<br />
As much as I enjoy exercise, I know that if it doesn't happen for me at 6:15, it's not going to happen that day. I'm not talking about the additional spurts of exercise we all get during a normal day, whether playing at the dog park, splitting wood or grooming horses. Sorry, but those don't count! They should be IN ADDITION to your special hour.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some suggestions for finding the hour: </b></span></h2>
<ul>
<li>Instead of relaxing on the couch to watch your favorite weekly TV show, watch it streaming on your tablet while you peddle an exercise bike.</li>
<li>Get up an hour earlier...and go to bed an hour earlier too.</li>
<li>Put the dogs in crates so they can't bother you during your hour.</li>
<li>Tell your family members they'll have to fend for themselves in the kitchen during your hour. </li>
<li>Buy some<a href="http://www.walkathome.com/"> Leslie Sansone "Walk Your Way to Fitness"</a> videos to use in your living room.</li>
<li>Ignore your phone!!!!! YOU are more important than that thing!!!!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Next post: </b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>What you DON'T need to do to get a good one-hour workout. </b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Bucket List Weight Loss"</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss">--Order your copy today on Amazon. Available on Kindle as well. </a></i></b></h3>
Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-85513996968692870842016-09-26T21:12:00.000-07:002016-09-26T21:16:36.669-07:00Feeling younger every day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Four months ago I sold most of my Size 6 jeans in a yard sale because I'd resigned myself to never getting into them again. I ached all over virtually all the time, and was also resigning myself to a fairly depressing and scaled-down life of inactivity. Moving hurt. Living fatigued me. That's what fibromyalgia is all about. The arthritic knee didn't help either, and the Achilles tendon surgery I'd had last winter had taken its toll on my strength, stamina and flexibility. I thought I was going to have to accept feeling like an 80-year-old, even though I was only 63.<br />
<br />
Today I'm replacing the Size 6 jeans I sold....with more Size 6's. I don't hurt like I did four months ago. Even the knee is improved. I have my life back again.<br />
<br />
<i><b>In fact, I feel like I'm getting younger every day.</b></i> I no longer feel 80, or 63. Maybe 45 or 50. I'll take that!<br />
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<br />
The secret? Actually, I have two, and I'll share them with you.<br />
<b>1. I gave up foods that disagreed with me.</b><br />
<b>2. I changed my daily exercise routine.</b><br />
<br />
Sounds pretty simple and common, I know. But the turnaround in how I feel is anything but "common." It's a freaking miracle. First, a brief look at the dietary changes....<br />
<br />
<b>I stopped eating refined sugar</b> because I knew it was causing inflammation and spikes in my blood sugar.<b> I stopped eating most gluten</b> for the same reasons. <b> I eliminated artificial sweeteners and processed foods.</b> And I drastically <b>cut back on my alcohol intake.</b> This all started as a water fast back in June, and it morphed into an appetite-killing realization that food often made me feel worse than hunger did. Certain foods are safe and satisfying, so I concentrate on them and eat only what's necessary. Most days I now consume about 1,000 calories.<br />
<br />
<b>The other secret: I devote one hour of every day to uninterrupted exercise, immediately followed by total rest and a shower. </b> My hour starts at 6:15 a.m., after I've fed the dogs. That's the only hour that works for me. If I don't do it then, it won't get done. The exercise is light but nonstop. I don't even break a sweat. I just keep moving, doing a wide variety of things to include yoga, resistance exercises, light cardio, and coordination drills. After my hour, I return to bed for 45 minutes. In yoga they'd call this time "savasana," a time to rest and rejuvenate the body after working it. When the gentle alarm goes off, I rise and jump into the shower for a hot, invigorating scrub that leaves me ready to tackle the day ahead.<br />
<br />
<b>In future posts, I'm going to elaborate on how I came to adopt this new lifestyle.</b> I know it won't work for everyone--especially the "going back to bed" part. But the combination of good nutrition and consistent exercise has turned my clock back about 15 years. And there is no medicine that can replicate that feeling!<br />
<br />
I'll be sharing my adventures in physical therapy with you too. The four months of PT following my Achilles tendon surgery have changed my life. Let me tease you by quoting the slogan that's plastered over the doorway of my physical therapist's office: <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "Exercise is the best medicine."</b></span></div>
<br />
More to come. I might as well warn you, I'm going to be preaching my discoveries with a passion!!Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-12251865217018826022016-08-27T20:05:00.001-07:002016-08-27T20:10:59.443-07:00A re-discovered pain reliever that worksNearly three months ago I drastically reduced my daily caloric intake to less than 1,000 calories. With only a handful of exceptions, I've stuck with the low-cal eating every day. My average is probably about 800 calories<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT9JUOmKNDBA-lQ6PlbiJ3G9t0k-jhEHrFADnVyskgpw82OxzFvcS_1-ebHpfrl6gWAPrJ2-HzMo81oeeAwMmSyFYp7JxrC4zePy-2OBAAbNAeVxGpJGJkcz3846YLPGTa7QpHZvcbNiR/s1600/P1040895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT9JUOmKNDBA-lQ6PlbiJ3G9t0k-jhEHrFADnVyskgpw82OxzFvcS_1-ebHpfrl6gWAPrJ2-HzMo81oeeAwMmSyFYp7JxrC4zePy-2OBAAbNAeVxGpJGJkcz3846YLPGTa7QpHZvcbNiR/s640/P1040895.jpg" width="344" /></a>So how much weight have I lost? I don't even know, and I don't care. None of this was done to lose weight. It started, rather, as an elimination diet to help ease my symptoms of fibromyalgia. I was sure some common food groups, for whatever strange reason, were aggravating my fibro symptoms--widespread pain, extreme stiffness, lack of mobility, mental fog and depression, to name a few.<br />
<br />
The first thing I pitched from my diet was sugar. Sorry, but no one can say anything good about what refined sugar does to the body. It's like slow poison to your insides, and it can cause inflammation in every joint in your body. I used to live on candy when I was younger and in denial. Now I avoid the nasty stuff because I know what it will do to me, and it's not worth it.<br />
<br />
Along with the refined sugar went the artificial sweeteners. I simply don't trust the chemicals anymore. It's not often I use any sweetener but, when I do, it's all natural Stevia.<br />
<br />
Alcohol also went by the wayside for a while, but I've started back on the booze in moderation. I went several weeks without imbibing a drop, and then eased up a bit to enjoy a glass of cold Chardonnay once in a while. I continue sipping wine or margaritas maybe two nights a week now, but could easily go without it completely. Certain triggers--like emotional stress, a wonderful evening horseback ride, or a crowded social event--can make me "thirsty," although I could be just as satisfied with water instead. I've all but given up beer for two reasons: the first is gluten (it makes me feel bad), the second is the bloated, uncomfortably full sensation it gives me.<br />
<br />
So what's changed? Is my new way of eating worth it? Well, for the present, the answer is an emphatic <b>YES. </b> There's no doubt I have food sensitivities that aggravate inflammation and cause gastric upsets, both of which contribute to a mental fog and mild depression. That's all part of the fibromyalgia mystery. After eliminating those problematic foods, I can wholeheartedly say I have a <b>LOT</b> less discomfort and considerably more energy. Best of all, my outlook on life and the future has brightened by leaps and bounds.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNj050YkJissuCdSSqI8O8lJKVS5-QUeGEHtktk7qdxChZlkGEeqCT1Mv6sFbzoz8TtekruJDGhd-faCpSGN7faUir6p1mPqa0uAx5mdCVAFiTI-fOVNqzD8UbRmuTTAziyP5yhsQYvhu/s1600/image-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNj050YkJissuCdSSqI8O8lJKVS5-QUeGEHtktk7qdxChZlkGEeqCT1Mv6sFbzoz8TtekruJDGhd-faCpSGN7faUir6p1mPqa0uAx5mdCVAFiTI-fOVNqzD8UbRmuTTAziyP5yhsQYvhu/s400/image-11.jpeg" width="400" /></a>Admittedly, a big part of this is due to the weight loss that was inevitable on a severely reduced calorie diet. <b>BEING OVERWEIGHT HURTS. </b>Since publishing my book, <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Bucket List Weight Loss, </b></i></span>five years ago, I'd slowly gained back nearly half of what I'd lost. Never mind the reasons for now...I'll address those in a future post. The important thing is that I gained back enough weight to make my already compromised body hurt even worse than it already did. You should try carrying around a 10-pound bag of potatoes for a couple weeks and see how you feel. If you're more than 10 pounds overweight, just imagine carrying around a layer of all the extra weight you now have. Think you could do it? Nope, not without some serious pain. But wait...you carry that much extra right now! So imagine how much <b>BETTER</b> you would feel if you lost that extra layer. You'd feel like you were floating with your feet six inches off the ground!<br />
<br />
Where am I going with this? Right back to <span style="color: purple;"><b><i>Bucket List Weight Loss</i></b></span>. I strongly believe that losing <b>ALL</b> excess weight is the best medicine and pain reliever for many common ailments--especially the age-related issues. If you hurt, and have been overweight for much of your life, you truly may not know how incredibly good you could feel if the extra weight was gone from your body. What a tragedy for you! <br />
<br />
It's not my job to tell you how to lose it. All I can do is set an example of the end result and say, "You must find your own way." The principles in <span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Bucket List Weight Loss</b></i></span> still work for me, and I am SO glad I wrote them all down in a book I can review from time to time when I need reminders. Expect more posts as this "rerouted" journey continues. My goal is to help you, through weight loss and exercise, to reclaim your life and your health as you choose to define them. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Bucket List Weight Loss</b></i></span> is available in paperback or Kindle at this link:<br />
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss">https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss</a></b><br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-57067146594399849822016-07-05T12:06:00.000-07:002016-07-05T12:06:37.695-07:00The Best Thing About FastingFor more than three weeks now I've been thriving very happily on less than 1,000 calories a day. I embarked on this low-cal venture, not to lose weight but to eliminate foods I thought might be aggravating my fibromyalgia symptoms. Diet has long been suspected of playing a major role in this incurable syndrome where the brain misreads nerve signals, resulting in widespread and inexplicable pain.<br />
<br />
I've made some great, life-changing discoveries in the past three weeks...and I've also reaffirmed some long-held ideas of my own.<br />
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One of them has to do with fasting. In <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X?ie=UTF8&keywords=bucket%20list%20weight%20loss&qid=1399328137&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1">Bucket List Weight Loss</a>,</i></b> published five years ago, I wrote about my love affair with Cambridge weight loss drinks. Cambridge was basically a fast. To have ultimate success, you were to drink three 110-calorie Cambridge shakes a day...plus lots of water. And that's all. Coffee and diet sodas were optional, but absolutely no other nutrition was allowed. The beauty of Cambridge, to me, was its simplicity. It was so restrictive that I couldn't even consider cheating a bit. It was like locking myself in a cell with no access to food. It was absolute. And easy. At least, after the first couple days.<br />
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Fasting is the same concept. When fasting, you're limiting yourself to certain liquids each day, with the understanding that eating ANYTHING else will blow the whole thing, waste your time and money, and make you fatter.<br />
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Total water fasts are best done under a doctor's supervision and with total rest. Neither of those was practical for me, so three weeks ago I reverted back to good old Cambridge. I did that for a few days, then added a "real dinner." That's pretty much what I'm still doing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQcG8EhFxHravz453lfBoO0Eo5mu91PQVMR9d-Fr5Efy6uybNr60N7cWHhfrobK6qYz-EMAX-vYx8NmtzfrqQjOzohNh-_URXrSb40GkGSVGfk523DcAjh7nZNL-fj-6f846dkBEHppsq/s1600/Plato-Fasting-Quote-FB-Square.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQcG8EhFxHravz453lfBoO0Eo5mu91PQVMR9d-Fr5Efy6uybNr60N7cWHhfrobK6qYz-EMAX-vYx8NmtzfrqQjOzohNh-_URXrSb40GkGSVGfk523DcAjh7nZNL-fj-6f846dkBEHppsq/s320/Plato-Fasting-Quote-FB-Square.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I fell off the wagon a couple times. They were just little falls, but I felt horrid 12 hours after each incident. Macaroni salad--can't handle the gluten. Weiners--probably too much salt and chemicals. Alcohol--gives me a headache. Potato chips--lethargic after eating a few. So I've been eating baby carrots (raw and cooked), strawberries, blueberries, grapes, spinach and a microscopic amount of lean meat. Surprise: I am satisfied, I feel great (relatively speaking), and I have no cravings.<br />
<br />
Perhaps best of all, I've only weighed myself a couple times because I'm not obsessing about it! I guess I've lost about 12 pounds and know that my final 10 will drop off without any effort. With the weight loss, my joints don't ache as much, and my mental outlook is far brighter. The idea of alleviating pain from my life is much more motivating than shrinking down to a certain size.<br />
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It's this simple: I eat the wrong things and I have pain. I eat the right things and I don't have pain. It makes my nutritional choices pretty darn easy. <b> The minor and transitory discomfort of an empty stomach can't be compared to the pain and stiffness that make climbing stairs impossible.</b><br />
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Fasting is to eating what abstinence is to birth control. It works 100% of the time. If you're inclined to try a modified fast for a few days, do your research first. Learn how. <b> Convince yourself you're not going to die or compromise your health if you don't eat for a couple days!</b> Set your parameters, keep temptations out of sight, and just GET THROUGH the first two to four days. Let your body rest and heal. Then start adding the foods you know your body appreciates and needs. If you suspect some of your former foods harmed your body, you're probably right. Trust your gut. Once you feel better after fasting, you won't want to do anything that will bring that pain back to you again. Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-38186453476485244752016-06-18T20:27:00.001-07:002016-06-18T20:28:45.566-07:00Day 6: Suspicions confirmedYesterday was the fifth day of my VLC (very low calorie) fast. I started this last Monday as an experiment to battle my fibromyalgia.<br />
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Losing weight has not been my primary goal, even though it's naturally happening on a diet of less than 400 calories a day. My intentions were to quit eating just about everything, clean out my system, let my body rest, and then start adding back some foods to see if they caused FM flare-ups.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJSmXcr4ueCRWY08aglSGzJCVSVE7qwheGfvQm7v-9-aTAUDqUVo7n26uwpLC1gs6YnXt3EohIbLHjPl2FcBKxOYa7UiiUklPQM8SsazcrmtZ6S9VWVCOdvxp0MfN01h6KkRhN0UyKWQd/s1600/bread-pudding-vertical-b-1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJSmXcr4ueCRWY08aglSGzJCVSVE7qwheGfvQm7v-9-aTAUDqUVo7n26uwpLC1gs6YnXt3EohIbLHjPl2FcBKxOYa7UiiUklPQM8SsazcrmtZ6S9VWVCOdvxp0MfN01h6KkRhN0UyKWQd/s320/bread-pudding-vertical-b-1600.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pain-inducing poison!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My suspicions were confirmed first thing this morning. I'd done well all day yesterday, but fell off the wagon--slightly--when I attended a potluck dinner last night. There were NO salads or raw veggies on the table, save for a bowl of home-made cilantro salsa. So I ate a cup of it. NEVER have corn, beans, onions, tomatoes and cilantro tasted to heavenly to me! Then I had two small kebobs my husband had prepared for the event. The smoky grilled peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms were divine, as were the small chunks of marinated venison. The downfall, however, was the dessert table, with bread pudding soaked in a sugary hard sauce. <b> Once I sneaked a tiny bite, I had to eat more</b>...which ended up to be way too much! Full of bourbon-soaked sugar and white bread, I went to bed feeling bloated, tense, and resentful of my lack of willpower.<br />
<br />
I didn't sleep well and got up this morning feeling like the vindictive Mac truck had hit me again.<br />
Not surprisingly, it was EASY for me to flow through today with nothing but two 110-calorie Cambridge drinks, and the remainder of my husband's leftover kebabs for dinner. I enjoyed them guilt-free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwe__-nav7XZL9NbUxj_B-Pu0BOTGE635qIOfTVvhGxh7Okn53OOtzRpaFozw66YI0oEerwfYAO6xtBWRL17-Oa_V50C5nSU_E6e0dUjy6SS5XB2vJYJleW-pKnwJktLr95hRO_bGF77UV/s1600/sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwe__-nav7XZL9NbUxj_B-Pu0BOTGE635qIOfTVvhGxh7Okn53OOtzRpaFozw66YI0oEerwfYAO6xtBWRL17-Oa_V50C5nSU_E6e0dUjy6SS5XB2vJYJleW-pKnwJktLr95hRO_bGF77UV/s200/sugar.jpg" width="200" /></a>This will probably be the end of my posts about this experiment because I've accomplished my mission. I am now 95% sure that sugar and alcohol do indeed exacerbate my painful FM symptoms. Likewise with processed flour, and probably any processed foods. Maybe even red meat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDwmd_17E8s4wyFS4hlS5ccb8ZOCQKILWKERriIl2aqu5w0xMmJfFa418Wi2jsM9mYH_0r_lhe1x9_AkUBHX0gO4_I8uxDXBZxTQBHVrH5e-4P3ZEIfW-bQLzSQ_Y9r6V1NiaV_LfoqDU/s1600/alcohol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDwmd_17E8s4wyFS4hlS5ccb8ZOCQKILWKERriIl2aqu5w0xMmJfFa418Wi2jsM9mYH_0r_lhe1x9_AkUBHX0gO4_I8uxDXBZxTQBHVrH5e-4P3ZEIfW-bQLzSQ_Y9r6V1NiaV_LfoqDU/s200/alcohol.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's interesting how much easier it's been to stick with this "diet" when<b> my motivation has been pain control. </b> If I'd only been in it to lose weight, I would have looked in the mirror three days ago and said, "What the hell, you look fine just the way you are" and headed to the kitchen for a cold glass of chardonnay. (Funny how we rationalize our way out of things we don't want to face.) But pain slaps you in the face and is undeniable. When there's a way to possibly eliminate it and reclaim your life, it's easy to do what is necessary.<br />
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Today I've been walking up and down our stairs without limping, wincing or even hanging onto the railing. It's been a long time since I've been able to do that. Is it just coincidence? Is it just the cycle of natural healing and FM flares? An improvement in the barometric pressure. Could be. But as long as my "elimination diet" is working, I'll stay on this path.Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-90500013288083023442016-06-17T13:08:00.004-07:002016-06-17T13:11:39.582-07:00Day 5 of the FastWhat started out as a "water fast" five days ago has morphed into VLC (very low calorie) liquid fast of not more than 400 calories a day. This is Day 5, I'm still on track, and I'm feeling surprisingly better than I have in a long time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCLYR2AH24SqQrRfSRQPZ1joJW9GQYs9KPM180aypzyfwnfRxMIq2gerdZl3ZufXSsxNpXWDoWKvxqivI5WfV7CmaOouMMC9A-sqvZ9YBcF5oDEAuSzQ8kBAAwRx129IC3LG3L5zggNbg/s1600/542470_451443021556889_709994936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCLYR2AH24SqQrRfSRQPZ1joJW9GQYs9KPM180aypzyfwnfRxMIq2gerdZl3ZufXSsxNpXWDoWKvxqivI5WfV7CmaOouMMC9A-sqvZ9YBcF5oDEAuSzQ8kBAAwRx129IC3LG3L5zggNbg/s200/542470_451443021556889_709994936_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>I'm doing this not to lose weight, but to lessen symptoms of fibromyalgia. The theory is that certain foods wreak havoc on the body of someone who has fibromyalgia. The most common symptom of FM is widespread pain, achiness and stiffness in the body's joints, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue. Other symptoms frequently include fatigue, lack of strength and stamina, headaches, digestive issues, foggy brain, chills and flu-like sensations. No one really knows what causes it, and there is no cure. There is, however, management. Since every FM victim's symptoms are different, each of has to learn what sets off a "flare" and how to minimize the voracity of it. A "flare" can happen without provocation or prediction, and can last for several days, rendering the victim to bed rest for the duration. It definitely has changed my lifestyle and caused me to slow down and even cut out some of my favorite activities. That's why I'm desperate to reclaim my former life as an active person, and that's why I'm fasting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-zzaIxsI2_UaRb7jEkjfZTcizcD0Ri5Xm3kwPrXr8XMojq8QpEVY_My0T_dHmBVKl8BpWukjX6ht98RSRmQeCHmvSpZ67djfCLIrsDvat5bzwAYgaChpCt-Jr5wYY-uPDQL9z6ZXXi-m/s1600/index.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-zzaIxsI2_UaRb7jEkjfZTcizcD0Ri5Xm3kwPrXr8XMojq8QpEVY_My0T_dHmBVKl8BpWukjX6ht98RSRmQeCHmvSpZ67djfCLIrsDvat5bzwAYgaChpCt-Jr5wYY-uPDQL9z6ZXXi-m/s200/index.1.jpg" width="168" /></a>First I'm eliminating the toxins in my body. Next I'll gradually and carefully begin adding foods to see how my body responds to them. I suspect that sugar, alcohol, flour, excessive salt, chemicals, and possibly even red meat are contributors to my FM. So I'm "off" those for a while. My nutrition is coming from three Cambridge drinks<br />
per day, supplemented with water and an occasional amino energy drink.<br />
<br />
So far, here's what's happened after five days of my experiment:<br />
<br />
<b>Overall body pain</b>--greatly diminished, almost gone. Still have
the "legitimate" arthritis-based stiffness of knees and shoulders, but far more mobility and range of motion. I can walk up and down stairs without groaning with
every step.
<b>Energy</b>--greatly enhanced! I don't feel sluggish or fatigued. <br />
<b>Mental clarity</b>--more stable. Not moody. <br />
<b>Sleep</b>--incredible. No restless legs. I sleep soundly for hours, and my dreams are pleasant.<br />
<b>Hunger</b>--I'm truly not "hungry." My gut is empty but it's also QUIET.<br />
<b>Meds</b>--Still can't believe I've gone nearly 5 days without ANY Excedrin.<br />
<br />
I've ingested no alcohol, sugar, processed foods, etc., in five days and I feel markedly better. Hmmm.<br />
I've discovered all those Excedrin and pain pills I've been taking weren't helping--and thus, weren't necessary! I see a future again. I'm making reservations for a Hawaii vacation next year, and for a cross-country ski trip in January. My clothes fit better.<br />
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So I guess I'll ride this trail for a while longer. Day 6, here we come. Cheers!<br />
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<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-36786014246692251412016-06-16T10:15:00.001-07:002016-06-16T10:25:43.675-07:00I'm FASTING!The frustration of fibromyalgia pain continues, as I adjust to the reality that this is my future. It's not always horrible--in fact, it's usually just mildly debilitating and annoying. I'm still trying new things--supplements, oils, various exercises and routines--in search of a magic pill, even though all research tells me there is none.<br />
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Then I heard from an old idol, who has inspired me to take the next big step in healing. Cindy Joseph is a supermodel--believe me, you have seen her--who first caught my eye about 15 years ago in a J. Jill catalog. Cindy's a "mature" model who broke the mold. She didn't start modeling until she was 49. She had long gray hair and wore minimal makeup. She emanated confidence and class. She made a HUGE impression on me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFCBH8yFMFOPLyN2t_-7GZ0Pa6LtR0rn0AsZroBQtwCFYrnDaSQQeSNN5Rqd4OrnP5P-Oxd9n9sb80l8-ObLOcVl5Lo1P22dqlIDnjJnMVNFMTTNsuch4pcKZGXJ_lxmp0sUKfYvoBhyw/s1600/cindy_joseph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFCBH8yFMFOPLyN2t_-7GZ0Pa6LtR0rn0AsZroBQtwCFYrnDaSQQeSNN5Rqd4OrnP5P-Oxd9n9sb80l8-ObLOcVl5Lo1P22dqlIDnjJnMVNFMTTNsuch4pcKZGXJ_lxmp0sUKfYvoBhyw/s320/cindy_joseph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I didn't know Cindy's name until a month ago when I discovered her new minimalist makeup line on the internet. It's called<a href="http://www.boombycindyjoseph.com/pages/5-makeup-tips-for-older-women?gclid=CLrlzdT6rM0CFcVbfgodgbQGEw"> "Boom,"</a> and it's specifically for older women who are tired of painting on a mask every day to try to make themselves look younger. If you long for a 20-second makeup routine that complements your age and personality, rather than trying to disguise it, I suggest you look at her <a href="http://www.boombycindyjoseph.com/pages/5-makeup-tips-for-older-women?gclid=CLrlzdT6rM0CFcVbfgodgbQGEw">"Boomsticks."</a> They're fabulous.<br />
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Anyway, I was so happy to have found Cindy again, learned her name, and read her philosophy for aging beautifully, that I emailed her to express my gratitude. I included a link to this blog. She responded with sincere warmth and said she'd just read my last post ("What's happened to me.") She suggested I research a health clinic called<a href="http://www.healthpromoting.com/"> "True North"</a> in Santa Rosa, California. She knew a 78-year-old woman who'd been 100 pounds overweight and had FM. The woman was now 85, had lost the excess weight, and was "cured" of FM. <br />
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I looked up the clinic and learned one of their primary healing techniques was<b> water fasting.</b> Drastic, yes, but apparently effective and safe if done under medical supervision. The theory behind water fasting is that your body, in a resting mode, can contribute all its energy to healing itself, rather than digesting food or trying to build muscle.<br />
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Since I'd long suspected certain foods and alcohol were exacerbating my FM symptoms, I committed to trying a water fast. That meant NOTHING would pass my lips except water...no Excedrin, no vitamins, no caffeine, no chewing gum or breath mints. What did I have to lose except pain? If I dropped a few pounds in the process, so much the better. But that was definitely not my motivation.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">So here's what's happening:</span></b></span><br />
<b>Day 1.</b> Surprisingly easy. By 3pm I was so stiff I could scarcely move, and this I attributed to the lack of anti-inflammatories in my system. (I have routinely taken from two to six Excedrin daily for the past MANY years.) Aside from the stiffness, I felt okay--not particularly hungry. Before bed, I did "modify" the fast with a 110-calorie <a href="http://cambridgediet.com/"><b>Cambridge</b></a> drink, which I always keep on hand for emergencies. (Read<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1466093870&sr=8-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss"><b><i> Bucket List Weight Loss</i></b></a> to understand my addiction to Cambridge.) I got up to pee four times that night.<br />
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<b>Day 2.</b> Woke with a screaming headache that spanned the width of my forehead, but getting out of bed was surprisingly easy. Usually I feel like I've been hit by a Mac truck the day before, but on this day I felt like I'd maybe been bumped by a Volkswagen. The headache persisted, however. For me, a headache is incapacitating. So I gave in and took a migraine pill (<a href="http://www.zomig.com/">Zomig</a> is a wonder drug for me), had another 110-calorie Cambridge shake, and went back to bed. When I got up at noon, the headache was 80% gone, and I tiptoed quietly through the afternoon at home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdTz03iNbyYN99C0zLhw9ofosrxJb3-B5IBIEhN82gwdA3xyS6qIPAc7biTc5oHLzVYUD65nKEb-6PgTXqL-NSV9LUEKvJGBZhk0fciZGvv7O_05NvmatsmAicmQ0KrtMHdvFV7FmIxlH/s1600/500-1024853-847__1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdTz03iNbyYN99C0zLhw9ofosrxJb3-B5IBIEhN82gwdA3xyS6qIPAc7biTc5oHLzVYUD65nKEb-6PgTXqL-NSV9LUEKvJGBZhk0fciZGvv7O_05NvmatsmAicmQ0KrtMHdvFV7FmIxlH/s200/500-1024853-847__1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then came the flu-like symptoms: chills, nausea, general malaise. And the headache was threatening to return with vengeance. <i> If I could just get rid of the damn headache, </i>I thought, <i>I can get through this. I need caffeine! Lots of it. More than coffee can provide. </i>Time to modify the water fast again. I mixed up a concoction of amino energy drink I'd bought at Costco a year ago. Mixed with coconut milk, the drink had about 60 calories and no "bad stuff" (except caffeine). A few sips, and instantly I felt recharged. And the headache vanished!<br />
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In addition to another liter of water, I had one more Cambridge shake that night. When I went to bed I was utterly amazed at how good I felt. <b> I HADN'T TAKEN ANY EXCEDRIN IN TWO DAYS! </b> Nor had I ingested any alcohol. sugar, salt, wheat, dairy or meat. I felt a calmness and serenity that gave me the best night's sleep I'd had in weeks.<br />
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<b>Day 3.</b> A breeze. In addition to water, I had three Cambridge shakes throughout the day (330 calories). Plus, I treated myself to the coconut milk/amino protein concoction (another 60 calories). My only big booboo was gulping down a Diet Pepsi after I'd mowed a very large lawn. I immediately regretted it, as I could feel that cold garbage sloshing around in my otherwise clean gut. So I chased it with a liter of water and got through the rest of the day. Once again, I retired to bed feeling utterly relaxed (no growly gut, no restless legs, no intense aches) and slept soundly with pleasant, entertaining dreams.<br />
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<b>Day 4.</b> TODAY. I feel so calm, physically and mentally. Not interested in running six miles, but I can't anyway. I will do some light exercises today and continue my water/Cambridge/amino energy regimen. I haven't felt this good in a long time.<br />
<br />
Check in with me tomorrow. As long as I feel this good, I plan to continue. Maybe I'll even weigh myself tomorrow, but probably not. I don't even care about the weight. Getting rid of chronic pain is far more important!<br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-89669998114344767562016-04-20T21:21:00.000-07:002016-04-20T21:21:20.647-07:00What's happened to me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemYp7Vn2_L7WvMa2OCleuQsRuVsTv7vqyuX9Nbvu9JFALoYXlsQTHa1b0oEPjYPXy5CJRKJOA_XFnSqm1CrLborKX9ShK7rKoxExUa2dEkQ6GYEYTOvBQjirNRVlwiW1k3tWASpv2-zSx/s1600/P1040386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemYp7Vn2_L7WvMa2OCleuQsRuVsTv7vqyuX9Nbvu9JFALoYXlsQTHa1b0oEPjYPXy5CJRKJOA_XFnSqm1CrLborKX9ShK7rKoxExUa2dEkQ6GYEYTOvBQjirNRVlwiW1k3tWASpv2-zSx/s320/P1040386.JPG" width="302" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMpX4rHd1bPlbx0Rhv6eyCNRpR0OQyr6e3xh_q7gncu8O53m5OwUJdSyYyR-Bu_pVygr9Tb5sMWd1_qt0xlqSUzMc3tzjtpTtVhQHT6ujAdFsK4cWNbqQhvO80evFuCr_WlLIUK6jJyd4/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>It's been a while. Because my news hasn't been "good," I've been reluctant to post. I kept waiting for a change for the better, but it never came as I thought it would. So now it's time to face reality and bring you up to date.<br />
<br />
The year 2014 was a traumatic one for me. Nope, I didn't get cancer and I didn't get divorced--nothing quite that horrible. But I did experience a couple events that took their toll on me, emotionally and physically. I'll tell you about them some time later. I've been on the road to recovery ever since, and it's been a bit bumpy.<br />
<br />
I'm not a Size 6 anymore, nor am I a fine specimen of physical fitness and vitality. I'm now closer to a Size 10, and I hurt all over most of the time.<br />
<br />
By early in 2015, I realized something about my health had changed. I had totally inexplicable aches and pains, fatigue, occasional loss of concentration, and depression. By June my doctor had ruled out rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, and other likely diseases. What was left was a diagnosis of <b>fibromyalgia.</b> I'd never really believed in this "syndrome" before, but all the signs started falling into place as I learned more about it.<br />
<br />
<b>Fibromyalgia</b> has changed my life and started me on a whole new journey (adventure?) of learning to cope and learning to accept new limitations. For those of you who don't fully understand this condition, stay tuned; I'm writing a book about it. Of course, there are plenty of books on <b>fibromyalgia </b>out there already, but this one will be in my voice, written for my friends and their friends. It seems to be a "baby boomer" disease--that is, it was given an official name just a few decades ago, even though the symptoms have been around for centuries--so you'll be hearing more about it from all directions in the next 20 years.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyvxhDWn87H6z4BQ1kyeNQTllmcowAwKCbJ3LlNj_9EC9mfgWciZjH2BoBfWU-GUrjWCexzZJjtOoj6jKGje_j00kWqYiKHosnLaNzQW9L0BjcgRnOJCIPCUIXJ9NTNvQo_VwXgdsxCWF/s1600/fibromyalgia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyvxhDWn87H6z4BQ1kyeNQTllmcowAwKCbJ3LlNj_9EC9mfgWciZjH2BoBfWU-GUrjWCexzZJjtOoj6jKGje_j00kWqYiKHosnLaNzQW9L0BjcgRnOJCIPCUIXJ9NTNvQo_VwXgdsxCWF/s320/fibromyalgia.jpg" width="320" /></a>Meanwhile, I'm adjusting to a new "normal." It's more important than ever for me now to get enough sleep, to avoid stress, to keep good nutritional habits, and to respect my physical limits. Since my diagnosis a year ago, I've had my left knee worked on (it WAS a meniscus tear after all!), had a bizarre and painful infection of my ear cartilage, and had my Achilles tendon sliced to facilitate removal of a bone spur beneath it. Things are healing, I think, and I remain optimistic that once again I'll be able to feel my age (63 now) instead of feeling like I'm 90.<br />
<br />
After being non-weight-bearing on my right foot all winter (due to the Achilles surgery), I'm now getting moderately active again. I've started back to yoga--in a chair--and I am cautiously and slowly walking about 6-10,000 steps a day according to my Fitbit. I miss my sports--kayaking, riding, cross-country skiing, hiking, and dog agility--and I continue to work toward that day when I can resume them again. <br />
<br />
As for my diet, I eat well--not too much--and still love my Greek yogurt, brown rice, wine and beer! The lack of activity helped me pack on about 15 pounds, which I expect will come off in their own good time. I am SOOOOOOOO GLAD I wrote<i><b> Bucket List Weight Loss</b></i> because I can now refer back to the one "method" that worked so miraculously for me...and I know it will work again.<br />
<br />
If you're still struggling with weight and self image, I encourage you to get the book or RE-READ the one you already bought. And stay tuned for more updates on coping with the aging process!<br />
Life is still a beautiful experience if you make it such!<br />
<br />
Oh....my book is still available at Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss">http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss </a><br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-43591067469956518442014-12-15T22:19:00.002-08:002014-12-15T22:19:44.883-08:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">Help! I've fallen and I can't get up (yet)!</span></b><br />
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It was eight days ago I messed up my left knee while out cavorting with the dogs one morning. I don't even know what or when it happened...but that night I could scarcely walk, and the situation hasn't markedly improved over the past week.<br />
<br />
So I'm bummed. The knee is what has set me back twice in the past two years now, and it's getting old. No, it's not arthritis. No, it's not a meniscus tear. I've had all that checked out with MRIs and the works. It's mostly likely a minuscule piece of SOMETHING floating around in there, and every so often it floats to the wrong spot and wreaks havoc. A very good young physical therapist at VA gave me an innovative exercise that eliminated the pain for a long while. I mean, the knee was perfect. And then...last Monday the injury...and here we go again.<br />
<br />
When your knee hurts, you wince with every step and walk funny. That makes your hips, back and feet hurt. Your legs hurt. Your shoulders hurt because you're tensing with anticipatory pain as you move. Pretty soon you're walking--or shuffling--like a 90-year-old person, right? Of course you all know this. Anyone over the age of 40 knows what it's like. And of course it seems to get worse with age.<br />
<br />
But should we really accept these aches and pains as part of aging? I think not! There's too much we can do these days to help ourselves eliminate, minimize, or at least manage pain. I could spend a fortune on essential oils, supplements, turmeric, Epsom salts and whatever...and those may help me as much as my Excedrin. What I really want to do, however, is get to the root cause of the growing pain, and fix it at the source. So I'm exploring options. <br />
<br />
To start with, I'm considering dietary changes. I hate the very thought of having to FORCE myself to stick to any regimen (that really goes against my concepts in <b><span style="color: blue;">Bucket List Weight Loss,</span></b> which stresses "intuitive eating"). But something in my life is causing excessive connective tissue inflammation, and I'm suspecting food sensitivities. So I'm cutting out--or certainly cutting back on--sugar for a while. Maybe 3 weeks. Just long enough that I can see if there's any difference. It's scary, because sugar is out there everywhere. But my <b>motivation is no longer just about looking good or seeing the scale drop. </b> Now it's about my future ability to move, to play, to train my dogs, ride my horses, and live the life that's normal for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wwuoYh5TJV6G40d6JFTsMIH4bQxC42AUdkEB5aPOMzArPs4G-uZ9hhQ5_VMXcE-yuSHP4yTZmcaTjAjXGU77dSHRdZOI3OlhPCz1mu5LU-gL43bbtWd6OtPvr2YV4U6Ge1pkEPemDAI6/s1600/110326-2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wwuoYh5TJV6G40d6JFTsMIH4bQxC42AUdkEB5aPOMzArPs4G-uZ9hhQ5_VMXcE-yuSHP4yTZmcaTjAjXGU77dSHRdZOI3OlhPCz1mu5LU-gL43bbtWd6OtPvr2YV4U6Ge1pkEPemDAI6/s1600/110326-2007.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What's your motivation to lose weight or improve your health? Don't say it's a high school reunion or your daughter's upcoming wedding or a vacation to Hawaii. Make your picture much bigger. Make it your bucket list item....something that will satisfy you and help you stay fit to live the rest of your life the way you choose. It's your body, your life, and your choice. Choose to stay where you are and get worse....or choose to make yourself better and happier.<br />
<br />
So I've been away from the scale for a couple days--yes, I've fallen, and I can't get up yet. But I will. When I can step onto the Wii without wincing, and stand up straight and tall for my balance test, I will do so again. Until then, just getting to that point is my new goal. In the meantime....goodbye, sugar plums!<br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-77759595588237677562014-12-12T07:24:00.000-08:002014-12-12T07:24:32.893-08:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hunger at bedtime</span></b><br />
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Last night I sat in bed playing Scrabble on my iPad before turning off the reading light. It's a nightly ritual that helps me unwind and quiet my mind so I can effortlessly drift off to sleep. Hubby was already lying down with eyes closed and reading light off. <br />
<br />
Suddenly.....<i>GROWOWOWLLLLLLLLL.</i><br />
<br />
"What's that?" he said, thinking one of the dogs on our feet is having a nightmare.<br />
<br />
"It's my stomach," I replied, relishing a secret delight in the sound.<br />
<br />
"You okay?" he asked.<br />
<br />
"Yup." Why was I so smugly gleeful? Because I knew I'd taken care of myself, had made it through the evening without ingesting any 6,000-calorie "snacks," and would promptly fall asleep with clear conscience and a calm gut. Plus...I would awaken in the morning feeling refreshed (without a food hangover), energized, and prepared to see happy numbers when I stepped on the scale .<br />
<br />
One of my favorite <span style="color: blue;"><b>Bucket List Weight Loss</b></span> concepts is <b>#4: "Hunger is good." </b>Hunger, however, is an acquired taste, like single-malt Scotch or craft beers (here I go again on alcohol...) You have to learn what it is, what you're feeling and why, and what it can do for you.<br />
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If you're like me (and I already know you are), you feel different types of hunger at different times. Here are my main types:<br />
<ul>
<li>#1. That acidy sensation of an "empty" stomach after a huge meal about six hours earlier. </li>
<li>#2. The growly, truly hollow feeling of a stomach that doesn't have anything to do.</li>
<li>#3. The "low blood sugar" feeling of light-headedness, sweating and mild nausea..</li>
</ul>
<br />
The only sensation I really feel obligated to acknowledge is the "low blood sugar." There's a stark difference between feeling acidy or growly and feeling weak and light-headed. I try to avoid getting to #3, because that's my body telling me I've waited a tad too long to nourish it, and I'd better give it something of value in a hurry to keep it functioning. <br />
<br />
Learning to identify and react appropriately to hunger takes a lot of UN-learning of conditioned responses. Throughout our lives we've practiced the philosophy of "eat when hungry." Our mealtime lectures were about starving children in Africa. Our Depression-era parents (many of whom experienced true deprivation hunger) wanted to protect us from ever feeling hunger. As a result, our first response to a hunger sensation in our gut is "I gotta eat" or even "I <i>get</i> to eat now." It's like a ringing phone or a clanging alarm clock. It elicits a learned reaction from us, and we feel we need to do something about it immediately.<br />
<br />
But when I'm all tucked in bed at 11pm, with cozy jammies, clean sheets, my husband, several dogs and an iPad, it's just way too much bother to disrupt them all, get up, go downstairs to the kitchen and "have a little something" to quell my #2 hunger. Besides, the last thing my gut needs at this time of night is more food to process. I know I'll sleep much better, and my gut will be more rested and refreshed, if I just turn off the light and get prone.<br />
<br />
That's why I'm sitting here now at 6:30am in pre-dawn darkness. Hubby and dogs all went back to bed after the 6am feeding; that's the ritual. But I don't require any more sleep this morning because I went to bed hungry and actually rested my body all night. And in a few minutes I'll go downstairs and weigh in on the Wii, expecting positive results. What a great way to start the day!<br />
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<b>Embrace your #1 and #2 hunger! It means you're in control!!</b></div>
Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-86143678826361744952014-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:002014-12-09T07:24:09.456-08:00<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ouch. Ooh! Ughghghggh...</b></span><br />
So I overdid it with the exercise yesterday. I was feeling so good about having completed some very major projects in my life that I let loose all my energy...and today I'm paying the price for overindulgence in the energy expenditure department.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Mjui2OT5y7Fn79T8ZjKoDlnkIakS52xTltJKwaKrZUsfoPuc-A-IR0sja00G9qDvVWwoBbGRtp3kLAvd374A80ubcxOQxC3867-OUfBOFv5z53SrhrlD-xYlxapKsTlem2ZJLmIe6_XS/s1600/sally-catches-don-mad-men-w352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Mjui2OT5y7Fn79T8ZjKoDlnkIakS52xTltJKwaKrZUsfoPuc-A-IR0sja00G9qDvVWwoBbGRtp3kLAvd374A80ubcxOQxC3867-OUfBOFv5z53SrhrlD-xYlxapKsTlem2ZJLmIe6_XS/s1600/sally-catches-don-mad-men-w352.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a>Really, 43 minutes on the exercise bike (one episode of "Mad Men" via Netflix on my iPad) would have been enough. <br />
But when Don Draper's teenage daughter caught him in bed with the neighbor lady....well, I just had to watch a little more of the next episode. Pretty soon I'd been recumbent peddling for 60 minutes nonstop. By then it was 8am and time to walk the dogs. So the four of us (three dogs and me) stampeded outside to do about five loops of our driveway. Again, I was feeling good and got carried away...<br />
<ul>
<li>Jog 50 steps</li>
<li>Grapevine 50 steps</li>
<li>Jog 75 steps</li>
<li>Sidestep 50 steps one side, 50 steps the other side</li>
<li>High knees 50 steps</li>
<li>Jog 50 steps</li>
<li>Etc.</li>
</ul>
<br />
It was the "etc." that did me in. By mid-afternoon I realized I'd inflamed both knees.<br />
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I meant to take some Excedrin (my drug of choice) but never got around to it. So by 11pm I needed a crane to lift me into bed. Lessons learned:<br />
<ul>
<li>EVERYTHING IN MODERATION</li>
<li>STAY AHEAD OF MUSCLE PAIN with anti-inflammatories when necessary</li>
<li>DO NOT JOG IN SNOW BOOTS! (Not even my wonderful Keens)</li>
</ul>
<br />
The good news: I was back down to 158 pounds this morning. Hoping for a "whoosh" some time this week.<br />
<br />
Drink your water and keep moving, even if it's just one little muscle at a time. And while you're sitting there wiggling your toes, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss">order a copy of Bucket List Weight Loss</a> for a friend or relative. At about $10, it's a great stocking stuffer that could change their lives.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss">Click here to order the book.</a></span></b>Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-33283989356000542252014-12-07T22:22:00.001-08:002014-12-07T22:36:28.402-08:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Miracle Drink</span></b><br />
Shame on me! I missed my weigh-in yesterday because I had to be up and out the door by 7:30am.. Today I paid the price. The scale was back up to 159.7, probably because I hardly drank any water at all yesterday and topped off the night with an Irish coffee and a salty cheese sandwich. The fact that I hadn't eaten all day didn't help me at all. My body only responded to what I DID eat, and it was the wrong thing at the wrong time, which threw my system completely off.<br />
<br />
Water is just about the greatest gift we can give our bodies. When we go all day without drinking, as I did yesterday because I was so busy running around town for 12 hours, our bodies build up toxins that just sit there making us feel worse. The body is, after all, like a miraculous machine, which needs coolants and lubrication as much as any other engine. If you fail to quench your car's thirst for coolants and oil, it will eventually burn up and quit working. Our bodies are the same way.<br />
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Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Start with small sips throughout the day....just enough to refresh your mouth. As you swallow it, feel the coolness trickling down your esophagus and distributing itself through your digestive organs. Within seconds you'll also feel it affect your brain, bringing added alertness to your thinking processes. I've found it to be better and quicker at reviving me than a bottle of 5-Hour Energy or an espresso. Plus, it doesn't give me the shakes or make me irritable...and it's a lot cheaper than any other elixir!<br />
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When I told my massage therapist last week that I was stiff and sore every morning when I got out of bed, she asked me how much water I was drinking. I fibbed and said, "About 64 ounces a day," when it was really more like 40 at the most. She told me to drink more water, and that I was probably dehydrated. I do recall that when I weight 142 pounds I didn't hurt anywhere....and those were the days when I was drinking nearly two gallons of water each day. Hmm...maybe there really is a correlation!<br />
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Anyway, water is one of the keys in my 11 concepts for <span style="color: blue;"><b>Bucket List Weight Loss</b></span>. In fact, it's #11. I guess maybe I saved the best and easiest one for last.<br />
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This is fixing to be a rough week, weight wise. I'll be doing all the baking and food prep for a large party next Sunday, so I'll at least be tasting things that aren't good for me while I'm in the kitchen. To prepare, I'll mentally rehearse my day each morning right before I get up I'll plan to be hungry, to drink water, to exercise, to walk the dogs, and to care less about the food I'm preparing than the people for whom I'm preparing it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqPIWsb0Gltxzx660jKHO3IkhI3YUsos5JLyFcAfg0TuSf-7f5NfjjSqfRjbznu6B2UgtpnKGxdUQYIbMetQdCOHZVnoPNn9oDjhfmc8TAIhec7c0MbvM-FXP1cl-BJp7rg8tVyGDOf7T/s1600/jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqPIWsb0Gltxzx660jKHO3IkhI3YUsos5JLyFcAfg0TuSf-7f5NfjjSqfRjbznu6B2UgtpnKGxdUQYIbMetQdCOHZVnoPNn9oDjhfmc8TAIhec7c0MbvM-FXP1cl-BJp7rg8tVyGDOf7T/s1600/jesus.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a>It's getting to be a rough time of year for all of us who are trying not to gain weight. Keep reminding yourself that Christmas is not about cookies and fudge.<br />
It's about the birth of a savior. The gift of Christmas is just as great whether or not we have spritz cookies and chocolate covered pretzels.Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-48230715774461985152014-12-05T21:18:00.000-08:002014-12-05T21:18:03.524-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFClC9hXSYrrSqZCHxOBUEvOlLV-EixZ4pfDibplrUkxLnyme1Oij1dFbeVEXhVu932uIGi2de0ef0Xf4KUIzLMtc-MMQkselSmauTjm-DXpk3cIbvTSOBsH-096H1E_SyOuX-aRFAhQY/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFClC9hXSYrrSqZCHxOBUEvOlLV-EixZ4pfDibplrUkxLnyme1Oij1dFbeVEXhVu932uIGi2de0ef0Xf4KUIzLMtc-MMQkselSmauTjm-DXpk3cIbvTSOBsH-096H1E_SyOuX-aRFAhQY/s1600/index.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Feeling stronger every day</span></b><br />
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The scale forgave me this morning for the Bailey's Irish Cream I lapped up before bed last night. I am down to 157.9. As I mentioned in <span style="color: blue;"><b>Bucket List Weight Loss,</b></span> I weigh in front of the TV with the Nintendo Wii. It not only presents you (gently) with your daily weight and bodyfat percentage, but it also provides a graph showing your weight changes over the past few days. I love seeing the steady downward trend! It's a potent visual reminder that what I'm doing really is working.<br />
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The more reminders we receive, the more likely we are to continue the trend. That's one of the reasons daily weighing is so crucial. When we don't actually see the numbers, it's easy for us to coast along in denial. The scale tells the truth. So does the Wii graph. So does the Wii's little animated voice that says either "That's great!" or "That's overweight."<br />
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If you've ever lost a lot of weight, you know how fun it is to receive the comments from people. That's good reinforcing feedback too. Seeing, hearing and feeling our weight loss successes all reinforce the good feelings we have about ourselves. They say that if you hear something enough times, you'll eventually start to believe it. That's how it is with compliments about your weight loss. When enough people say to you, "Gosh, you're looking great!" or "Wow, you're so skinny," you'll eventually start to believe it. You'll start FEELING and ACTING like a thin person....eating like a thin person, and making the same dietary and activity choices as a thin person. As they say, success breeds success.<br />
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Along the way--while you're waiting for those compliments to start coming--go ahead and treat yourself to something that will make you feel good about yourself NOW.<br />
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I got my haircut today, and I feel like a new person. Other suggestions: a manicure and/or pedicure, a new makeup product, a piece of jewelry that's different from the style you usually wear. Give yourself a facial. If you can afford one, hire a personal trainer. Do things you know your inner thin person would likely do. <br />
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Tomorrow I'll probably be back up, due to the leftover turkey dressing I had for dinner. A double no-no for me, as I try to avoid bread (particularly bread soaked in butter and turkey grease!) and salty stuff. However, I did work out this morning, and I did take the dogs for a couple very energetic walks. One of them is snoring in her crate behind me right now. I guess I tired her out. Maybe that's why my eyes are going closed right now too. Time for bed!Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-11257501824774284612014-12-04T13:06:00.000-08:002014-12-04T13:06:20.810-08:00<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 4 of Recovery: Changes in the wind!</span></b><br />
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This morning I was down to 159.8. How I long for the scale to say 145 again! At least I know for sure it can happen...and will again. In the meantime, I already feel more energy and even got by on two less hours of sleep last night.<br />
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In fact, I started a new (or re-started an old) morning routine today: getting up at 6am to work out in the basement after feeding the dogs. Usually my hubby takes care of this task and lets me slumber for another two hours. But this week I've been getting up to help with the new dog, and this morning I decided to just STAY UP and go to the basement to work out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmR0iMmEUDo_qMTxZ16P3pEZdtonjz7Udnr0e3Bq-IJQNTaKJhCxqpgsphyphenhyphen2k11LaZnwM5yyZghR85wKOox1OAN1Q4Z2VaBnHfEliy459S0PXKZT1IXJOy2_x7Z6_HH_K0A-MXYgNBlbqd/s1600/don+draper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmR0iMmEUDo_qMTxZ16P3pEZdtonjz7Udnr0e3Bq-IJQNTaKJhCxqpgsphyphenhyphen2k11LaZnwM5yyZghR85wKOox1OAN1Q4Z2VaBnHfEliy459S0PXKZT1IXJOy2_x7Z6_HH_K0A-MXYgNBlbqd/s1600/don+draper.jpg" /></a> I cherish that quiet time down there, which I share only with Don Draper and the rest of the "Mad Men" staff via Netflix on my iPad. Each episode is 43 minutes--a perfect workout on the elliptical or exercise bike. This morning I threw in some abdominal work on the exercise ball to start regaining some core strength.<br />
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Two hours later I was at the massage therapist's, indulging in my twice-monthly regimen. I used to consider massage an extravagance, but have talked myself into considering it a necessary part of my health maintenance budget. Age is definitely catching up with me, and muscles get out of whack with much less effort. A combination of yoga (strengthening, stretching, and balance) and massage makes it possible for me to keep moving <span style="color: blue;"><b>(Bucket List Weight Loss Concept #7).</b></span> Believe me, without them I'd be more crippled than most of you who are older than I am.<br />
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In fact--you're sitting down, right? Wiggle your toes. Just stretch them up and down. Feels good, doesn't it? If you don't have toes (and even if you do), rotate your ankles. Now do some sitting leg raises. Tighten your quads. Now tighten your butt. Now roll your pelvis under and out, under and out. Feels really good, yes? Careful movement--even a little--can feel wonderful. <br />
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More movement feels even better. Flex and enjoy whatever muscles you have, and feel your body at work. THIS IS EXERCISE!! It warms your body, gets the blood circulating, and revives you from the inside out. And you don't even need to work up a sweat to achieve some of the benefits. Remember, your body was designed for MOVEMENT, not for sitting still. So move whatever you can, and keep it in motion.<br />
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More changes: tomorrow I'm getting a haircut. Last summer I had it radically layered, and recently I've been looking like an unkempt cocker spaniel as the layers grow out oh-so-slowly. Enough is enough.<br />
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So what changes have you made today? Empower yourself to have a better tomorrow. <br />
<br />Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-50853237003558948922014-12-03T17:23:00.001-08:002014-12-03T19:17:26.171-08:00<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 3: How are we doing?</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvo03N3zbIJsBfSZEbRB0LvBozEbIXle3W-DIhjo822_UY-LG5tscFBnO6P-mXV0vExrYAlpSv8h2C7uil6OJYt_GFG1W485ArfqEoFTsGoJACPANeyuUqMxYKRRyggtfnRWAI_DgqilT/s1600/Colleen+Saidman+Chardonnay_blog_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvo03N3zbIJsBfSZEbRB0LvBozEbIXle3W-DIhjo822_UY-LG5tscFBnO6P-mXV0vExrYAlpSv8h2C7uil6OJYt_GFG1W485ArfqEoFTsGoJACPANeyuUqMxYKRRyggtfnRWAI_DgqilT/s1600/Colleen+Saidman+Chardonnay_blog_2.jpg" height="171" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I see myself in yoga</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLM7VBAWLVlOlp8LRIXsk64VDYmy0WP9qPSo-5Q_oXhnhQ1Ki9UJcCTencJQ7OFTIf7BSNRfnp9e9i8NJW-1mqlnJR0gc5-iLeQNPC5LdDpyVVXy5iMWsKldxPfMX_PFD8VRRRvU1mAru/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLM7VBAWLVlOlp8LRIXsk64VDYmy0WP9qPSo-5Q_oXhnhQ1Ki9UJcCTencJQ7OFTIf7BSNRfnp9e9i8NJW-1mqlnJR0gc5-iLeQNPC5LdDpyVVXy5iMWsKldxPfMX_PFD8VRRRvU1mAru/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer to how I probably look in class</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's Dec. 3...the third day of our start toward gaining control of our eating, our health, and our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I weighed in today at 160.1. Not much of a drop since Monday, but I swear I could see it in my face as soon as I got up this morning. I'll take it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To what do I attribute my rapid weight loss of .9 pound since Monday? (I'm being facetious; I would have hoped for more, but obviously I didn't deserve any more than that.) Well, I gotta say it's probably a reduction in alcohol intake. On Monday I had none. On Tuesday I had 2 glasses of chardonnay after yoga class. I've been drinking a lot more water too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most remarkable thing I've done thus far, however, was to put back a bag of leftover turkey casserole that I'd just taken out of the fridge. This was my personal bag of emergency nutrition: a strange mix of leftover kale salad, Waldorf salad, brown rice and turkey. My husband would never eat that many weird things mixed together, so the bag is all mine. I dip into it when I get truly hungry. But yesterday when pulled it out of the fridge, I held it in my hand for just a moment and then realized, "Hey, my stomach really doesn't want this right now." And, just like that, I put it back in the fridge. That split second of communication between my mind and my stomach saved me from overindulging at that moment. I had a drink of water instead, and then--fairly impressed with myself--I sauntered out of the kitchen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, wait, I just remembered another positive event: I chose to not lick the spoon I'd used dish out my husband's salad dressing. It wasn't because I didn't want the calories. It was because I'd just brushed my teeth and I knew the garlic and cheese would leave a bad taste in my mouth--a taste I might be tempted to cover up by eating something else. <b> Lesson learned: if you're tempted to eat something you shouldn't, go brush your teeth instead!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's those little moments that add up to<span style="color: blue;"><b> Bucket List Weight Loss.</b></span> Communication with your gut is something I mention in <span style="color: blue;"><b>BLWL</b></span> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Concept #2.</b></span> That one's not about losing weight, but rather asking your stomach what it wants and listening for the answer. You have a miraculous machine down there which somehow manages to keep working regardless of the crap that our minds tell us to send down there. Have respect for it. Don't make it work so hard<span style="font-family: inherit;"> processing all that inferior fuel</span>. Give it a rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That reminds me, I'm going to bed hungry tonight! Bring on that growly feeling!! </span>I know tomorrow will be even better because of it!<br />
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Share your comments below!Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-35791674415399122082014-12-02T10:27:00.002-08:002014-12-02T10:33:10.721-08:00<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you really need to journal?</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyNdTkGNy6gd78QAZOq5hV4E7PsIwloEZwhTmgMu08SGpp2X0WcLXMVrDFAkZFv77YUx2bbpxOQCKFqjdS4azeU7-mmXROaqSUKbBqVeMmcuFIrFLfBbJMWQiSgkO42IF8iN8tC7w_mGy/s1600/journaling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyNdTkGNy6gd78QAZOq5hV4E7PsIwloEZwhTmgMu08SGpp2X0WcLXMVrDFAkZFv77YUx2bbpxOQCKFqjdS4azeU7-mmXROaqSUKbBqVeMmcuFIrFLfBbJMWQiSgkO42IF8iN8tC7w_mGy/s1600/journaling.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Someone asked me if I "journal." This always makes me think of Weight Watchers, which teaches its devotees to write down everything they eat, every glass of water they drink, and every exercise they do throughout the day. It's a system that works wonders for lots of people, as it heightens our awareness of where those "hidden calories" (from licking the spoons and spatulas, for instance) come from.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't "food journal" anymore. I learned a great deal from the Weight Watchers experience, and had success with it...<i><b>until</b></i> I realized my somewhat OCD personality was kicking into high gear over the journaling thing. I became a slave to my journal and spent so much time counting "points" on the computer screen (I subscribed to the internet version) that it consumed my thoughts. With food journaling, focusing on food became the most important activity of the day. The whole point of my<span style="color: blue;"><b> Bucket List Weight Loss</b></span> system is to <i><b>forgo</b></i> the "diet mentality" and simply eat what your body says it needs. With<b> <span style="color: blue;">BLWL</span></b>, we literally put food on the back burner of our minds.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That said,<b> journaling your thoughts</b> is another issue. I guess that's basically how I got <span style="color: blue;"><b>Bucket List Weight Loss</b></span> written. That's also why I continue this blog. We all do a lot of "self talk," and sometimes we actually tell ourselves something so brilliant that it should be remembered.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Examples:</span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I don't really want to lick that spoon because it will leave a bad taste in my mouth."</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I'm waiting for the toast to pop up. This is the perfect time to do some side stretches."</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Kitchen faucet dead ahead. Grab a sip of water."</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I feel hunger pangs! Hallelujah, that means I'm losing weight!"</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even if you never read your journal notes, the act of writing them down will help etch them in your mind so you can pull them up on your brainscreen at a later time and read them.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh...one more thought on the subject of <b>food journaling.</b> I do it in my head. You and I already know how many calories are in an egg, or an ounce of booze, or in a bottle of our favorite beer, or half a carton of Greek yogurt. It's easy to mentally keep track during the day without driving yourself crazy. Remember you're shooting for somewhere between 900 and 1300 calories a day if you want to lose weight.</span></span></span>Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-72529533896733998372014-12-01T19:21:00.002-08:002014-12-02T10:30:56.160-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Excusing vs. Understanding</b></span><br />
So we've gained back some weight. We have, after all, been yo-yoing all our lives, so the cycle is more natural than not. We all have our<i><b> reasons,</b></i> most of which we cannot excuse. Therefore, <i><b>making excuses </b></i>for our weight gains does us no good whatsoever, In fact, having "excuses" for something is a way of justifying--or making right--our behaviors.<br />
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<i><b>Understanding</b></i> our behaviors, however, is another matter. If we understand why an automobile quits functioning correctly, we'll know how to get it fixed. That makes a lot more sense than excusing the issue and buying a brand new car. It's the same with our weight control issues. If we understand why we regained the weight, we already have the tools and knowledge to fix the problem, especially if you've already read my book, <span style="color: blue;"><b>Bucket List Weight Loss. </b></span><br />
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I totally understand why I've gained back 14 pounds over the past four years: I ate more calories than I was burning! More precisely, I exercised less because I was recovering from injuries. I "tasted" too much of the food I prepared for guests and parties. I drank more alcohol. I took a hiatus from yoga. I used food to keep awake while driving long distances to dog agility trials. I wrote a lot more magazine articles this year and had the Peanut M&Ms next to my computer to keep me there working to meet deadlines.<br />
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None of these, however, is an<b> excuse.</b> I should have found non-eating ways to deal with those situations, but I just got lazy. Now I have to become UN-lazy once again.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Understanding = Acceptance</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_2vSvAbMCghpUezE8kXLfa6ZxkT2uEyj1Ljizru9321OGZ4GImGEpf7D5v3XrwM_tzpnCoaG4yj-yE1nTAfxHoKP58_lqywb6gSphqEBEXwfQ-76O8j5F0toNNYr9rLGcqf5DBvKbL-y/s1600/toolbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_2vSvAbMCghpUezE8kXLfa6ZxkT2uEyj1Ljizru9321OGZ4GImGEpf7D5v3XrwM_tzpnCoaG4yj-yE1nTAfxHoKP58_lqywb6gSphqEBEXwfQ-76O8j5F0toNNYr9rLGcqf5DBvKbL-y/s1600/toolbox.jpg" /></a>How many times have you loathed yourself for gaining back a few pounds? The negative self talk is enough to send you spiraling deeper into a pit of depression that can once again trigger binge eating or even drinking. But if you <i><b>understand</b></i> the actual reasons for your weight rebound, then you automatically have the tools necessary to repair the problem. Just think of it as a malfunction rather than a personal defeat. Address each reason intellectually, rather than emotionally. Take measures to fix each reason. And use the<span id="goog_1636422773"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Bucket List Weight Loss </span></span><span id="goog_1636422774"></span></b></a>concepts to get the job done.<br />
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<b><u>Your lesson for today</u>: </b><br />
<b>List the reasons why you've regained weight in the past year. Remember, they're not excuses! They are reasons! Come to understand the reasons, and then find the tools in <span style="color: blue;">Bucket List Weight Loss</span> to fix the problem. Key words: water, movement, gut talk, hunger, whole foods, calorie-counting, daily weighing, no bandage eating (?!)</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">My numbers for Dec. 1:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Weight: 161 pounds</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ideal weight: 147.5</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lowest weight in the past 4 years: 141.5</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Age: 62</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Height: 5'10"</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Size: 8 (barely) </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-55698432504895239602014-11-30T23:04:00.000-08:002014-11-30T23:04:18.292-08:00It's over, so clean out the reefer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You're drowning in a refrigerator packed with a half-empty carton of whipping cream, a ziplock bag of stuffing, a Tupperware dish of cranberry sauce, a container of leftover sweet potatoes, one unopened package of dinner rolls,cheese, a big bag of turkey, three half-eaten pies, a dish of leftover mashed potatoes, a bowl of gravy, an extra two pounds of bacon (you bought too much), a dozen bagels, half a dozen English muffins, a loaf of pumpkin spice bread, cheese, two opened bags of salad mixes from Costco, jams and preserves that relatives brought as hostess gifts, six Costco muffins, cheese, and two and a half cans of Redi-Whip (they came in a 3-pack).<br />
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It's a friggin' nightmare. They haunt you. They call your name. "Hey, we're in here. Hey, don't waste us because there are starving people all over the country. Hey, we're special and Thanksgiving is special so you can't throw us away. Hey, you only do it once a year. Hey, you paid for us so you should eat us. Hey, you worked so hard to prepare us that now you should enjoy us!"<br />
Meanwhile, you're looking in the mirror and facing the truth. You feel like a blimpo, under the direct control of those damn leftovers. And they're all SO GOOD/.<br />
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No, they're not. Chew on this:<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Nothing TASTES as good as being thin FEELS." </span></b></span></i></div>
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It's absolutely true. I've been there. So have you. In fact, you said this to yourself WHEN YOU WERE THIN, but then you forgot its potency. So now's the time to look those leftovers in the face and tell them you know the truth. <b>THANKSGIVING IS OVER. </b> The celebratory eating is OVER. You're not allowed to have turkey, sweet potatoes and stuffing on any day except Thanksgiving. It never tastes as good when it's heated up anyway. What you didn't eat on Thanksgiving is now garbage. If you can't give it to your neighbors or to your spouse for dinner tonight, GET RID OF IT. As soon as it's gone, your mind will be quieted and you can once again start feeling like a thin person in control of her own weight and body.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE27ryGVJefbP7e13GW0NZS1hY6VFRWjfRUmuizXM9csbmBywIrEDGemljgbgkMblKnuYBTL2Wr_RJDeMfrdJ58gptJe1bl2qRueESlHk0PMORKDjx3GuJIVtXUSW_8DUatG_jB4rC0t1/s1600/clean+refrig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE27ryGVJefbP7e13GW0NZS1hY6VFRWjfRUmuizXM9csbmBywIrEDGemljgbgkMblKnuYBTL2Wr_RJDeMfrdJ58gptJe1bl2qRueESlHk0PMORKDjx3GuJIVtXUSW_8DUatG_jB4rC0t1/s1600/clean+refrig.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a>Sometimes having a full pantry and a full refrigerator can put you at ease. Other times it's like having a thousand demons lurking behind those doors. screaming at you to open them and step inside their world of high-calorie binge eating. If the food in your home is haunting you, "exorcise" it NOW. Throw it out. Clear your mind and cleanse your palette. <br />
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Thin people have bare refrigerators and sparse pantry shelves. <br />
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Toss your leftover leftovers into the trash can, and then bring the garbage outside.<br />
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You've just started acting like--and becoming--a thinner person. Don't you feel better already? <br />
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Enjoy the journey.Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-47903850758890575902014-05-31T21:31:00.000-07:002014-05-31T21:39:25.982-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mental rehearsal will get you through tomorrow!</b></span><br />
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The first three days of a new eating or exercise regimen are always the roughest. Here's a sure-fire tip borrowed from Olympic athletes that will help you make it through those first 72 hours and on to a permanent lifestyle change.<br />
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It's called "mental rehearsal." It's a proven fact that your body can achieve whatever the mind can perceive. Elite athletes don't just spend time training their bodies. They also spend time training their minds. They visualize the upcoming event for which they're preparing. They imagine themselves there, at the venue. In their minds, they hear the sounds, smell the smells, and see the activity. They imagine themselves at the start line of a race, and then they see themselves actually in the race itself. They feel the blood pumping, the surges of adrenaline. In their minds, they rehearse the same physical actions they've already rehearsed with their bodies. They see themselves forging ahead of their competition. They even see themselves crossing the finish line and hearing the crowd cheering.<br />
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Athletes will mentally rehearse the scenario over and over. They're not engaging in "wishful thinking" or daydreaming. They are actually preparing their bodies to go through the desired motions on the big day of competition. They're programming themselves. On Race Day, they're calm and confident because they've practiced, and they know how to successfully get through the event.<br />
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You can mentally rehearse the new eating routine you're about to start tomorrow. Do you expect to be hungry? Then rehearse it...and rehearse getting through it without overeating. Visualize yourself hungry, or even fatigued or depressed, and visualize yourself working through those moments of temptation and moving on. See yourself drinking water when you want something in your mouth. Visualize yourself going to bed hungry but satisfied because you made it through the day without caving in to your cravings.<br />
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Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. When tomorrow comes, you won't have to worry about "What if someone brings cookies to work?" or "What if I want two glasses of wine instead of one?" You will have already run through those scenarios in your head, and you'll be ready to sail past them, just as you mentally practiced.<br />
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Need more tips? Order my book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss">Bucket List Weight Loss, at Amazon.</a> It's my personal success story of major and permanent weight loss after age 50! Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7925598239988146329.post-71812500268559757542014-05-18T22:42:00.003-07:002014-05-18T22:42:34.867-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Find your own peace first</span></b><br />
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No, losing weight is perhaps not as significant as establishing world peace. But be honest: if it weren't important to you, <span id="goog_1495876354"></span><span id="goog_1495876355"></span>you wouldn't be reading this right now. So....just between you and me....let's talk about what you really want. If you get it, after all, you'll be much more likely to establish world peace because you will finally be <b>AT PEACE WITH YOURSELF.</b><br />
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You can do this thing. In fact, once you do, you'll look back and laugh at how easy it was. You'll wonder why everyone doesn't just do it. You'll probably even want to write a book to share your experience with countless others in your same situation.<br />
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If you're overweight, lost, and miserable, get my book. I wrote it for you. I discovered what worked--permanently and healthfully--to help me lose weight and get thinner than I dreamed possible. I didn't have to buy anything--no supplements, pre-packaged foods, or club memberships. You won't have to buy anything either, except my book.<br />
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Don't die fatter than you want to be. Get started today and enjoy the remainder of your years as a thin, healthy, vibrant person. What are you waiting for?<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-List-Weight-Loss-Manning/dp/148269414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399328137&sr=1-1&keywords=bucket+list+weight+loss"><b>Order it here: Bucket List Weight Loss</b></a>Jan Manninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17734503684852039870noreply@blogger.com0