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PAPAYA Benefits

HAVE I MENTIONED PAPAYA BEFORE?
PAPAYA: Create radiant health with the medicinal advantages of PAPAYA.
Named the "Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus, papaya is enjoyed around the world as a sweet tropical delight. Every part of the papaya tree and its fruit lend great therapeutic value in maintaining health and correcting bodily imbalances. Indigenous people have known of the health promoting benefits of papaya for centuries, and now the knowledge has entered into the spotlight of modern medicine.

Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The ripe fruit provides a bounty of vitamin C, E, and A along with folate and potassium. The shining star of papaya nutrition is papain, a formidable enzyme that helps digest protein and reduce inflammation. Papain is 3 times more abundant in green papaya than fully ripened fruit.
The Carica papaya, known as Pawpaw in Australia and New Zealand, is the most famous species for promoting excellent health and wellness. All parts of the plant and fruit have benefit. Fruit and seed extracts are found to be effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri. The seeds are also rich in highly digestible protein and contain the alkaloid carpaine.
Carpaine has a calming effect on the heart, bronchus, and muscles, making it ideal for lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma. Natives of the south sea islands have long used papaya seeds for birth control and as an effective anti-parasitic. Papaya tree bark helps with toothache while the root can be cooked as a tea for jaundice, intestinal parasites, and bleeding disorders.
The leaves are considered the most powerful element of the plant, yet the skin of both unripe and ripe fruit is also remarkably bioactive. The leaves contain 15 times the digestible protein of fully ripened fruit and include high levels of papain. The skin of mature green papaya is also an abundant source of this potent enzyme.
Papaya has been shown to prevent and heal many health issues. Conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, and arthritis are alleviated by papaya consumption. Digestive health is enhanced by the enzymes and fiber present in papaya. The fiber binds to cancer causing toxins which are then removed from the system, safeguarding healthy colon cells in the process.
The enzymes found in papaya also remove the thick fibrin coating on tumors which allows the killer T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Of the many health virtues of papaya, the ability to dissolve cancerous tumors has caught the attention of modern science. Believed to have been discovered by the Aboriginal tribes of Australia, papaya leaf tea is an effective remedy for cancer. A study at the University of Florida found that papaya slowed the growth of a wide variety of tumors, including those of the breast, lung, pancreas, cervix, and liver. Researchers used a concentrated tea made from dried papaya leaf. It was found that the larger the dose of papaya leaf tea used the more it reduced the tumor.
The dramatic healing properties of the tea were attributed to increased production of Th1-type cytokines, which are regulators of the immune system. With an increase of cytokines, the immune system is able to dissolve cancer cells. As an added benefit, consumption of papaya leaf tea is void of the harmful side effects of traditional therapies. However, those with a known latex allergy should not consume any part of the papaya tree including the fruit.
As a delicious food or potent medicine, the extraordinary papaya tree provides a wealth of healthy benefit.
Thank you, credit to:
http://www. naturalnews. com/031844_papaya_health_benefits.html#ixzz22oX5G75b

Add to your Smoothie garlic, turmeric, ginger-

Herbal remedies

What it’s good for: Reducing inflammation that may worsen pain What the experts say: The research is still equivocal, and anyone planning to take herbs and supplements should consult with their physician or a licensed naturopath. Still, many MDs find that their patients experience relief with omega-3 fish oil supplements and daily consumption of anti-inflammatory spices. “The three main supplements I use for pain are fish oils and turmeric, which are both anti-inflammatory, as well as vitamin D,” says Dr. Lipman. Some small studies have found that fish oil may reduce pain for people with rheumatoid arthritis, too. Dr. Miller is a proponent of turmeric for pain. “Take two teaspoons of turmeric and one teaspoon of grated ginger per day, with a little black pepper to help absorption; it works as a natural alternative to ibuprofen, and is great for achy joints. I make a smoothie in the morning with mango, turmeric and ginger,” says Dr. Miller.

Read more: http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/pain-management-natural-remedies-ease-aches/8-herbal-remedies#ixzz24HxMG7VK

Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural reaction to injury or infection. The affected tissues swell, redden, become warm and tender, and may be painful. Things that can trigger inflammation include drug overuse, environmental toxins, free radical damage, infections, injury, trauma, and bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, to name a few. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to identify the sources of inflammation.
Eat a diet composed of 75 percent raw foods, and drink plenty of herbal teas and juices.
Eat foods high in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants and useful for inflammation reduction. Spinach and blueberries are excellent sources of flavonoids. Strawberries contain smaller amounts. Quercetin, found in onions, is good for inflammation as well.
Consume half of a fresh pineapple or fresh papaya daily. Pineapple contains bromelain and papaya contains papain, both enzymes that reduce swelling and inflammation. It should reduce the pain and swelling in two to six days. Only fresh pineapple or papaya (not canned) is effective. Bromelain is also available in pill form.
Eat coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines, as they are rich sources of essential fatty acids.
Limit saturated fats and salt.
Avoid cola, sugar, white flour products, and junk foods.
Any organ or tissue of the body, internal or external, can become inflamed. Internal inflammation is often caused by bacterial infection, but can also be caused by disorders such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disorders, osteoarthritis, peptic ulcer disease, or ulcerative colitis. External inflammation is most often the result of injury, but can also result from (or be aggravated by) allergies, infection, and other factors.
Alfalfa is a good source of minerals and chlorophyll.
Aloe vera juice is helpful for inflammation.
Bilberry contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation.
Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) help to reduce inflammation.
Cat's claw is good for inflammation and healing.
Echinacea, ginger, goldenseal, pau d'arco, red clover, and yucca are all good for inflammation.

Turmeric

Many clinical studies agree that curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, including a significant beneficial effect in relieving rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Curcumin, which gives this spice its familiar yellow pigment, may also lower cholesterol. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which have been shown to prevent cataracts. Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Thyme

Thyme contains thymol, which increases blood-flow to the skin. The warmth is comforting, and some herbalists believe that the increased blood-flow speeds healing. An anti-spasmodic, Thyme relaxes respiratory muscles and is endorsed for treating bronchitis by Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines for the German government. Aromatherapists say that thyme's scent is a mood lifter.

Sage

The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, so it can help fight infections. Sage is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes, because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins can dry up perspiration. There's also compelling evidence that sage may be of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin's action.

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the richer herbal sources of antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent cataracts, and contains 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that help fight infection. Traditionally used to ease asthma, this common culinary ingredient has volatile oils that can reduce the airway constriction induced by histamine, that chemical culprit of asthma and other allergy symptoms. Herbalists think that rosemary may also help ease breast pain by acting as a natural drying agent to fluid filled cysts.

Parsley

Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our body's plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also relieve bloating during menstruation. Also there's a reason for that parsley on the edge of the diner plate, its not just there for fancy decoration; it's an effective breath freshener because it contains high levels of chlorophyll.

Oregano

Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.

Mint

Herbalists the world over use mint, as a premier stomach tonic, to counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. Menthol, the aromatic oil in peppermint, also relaxes the airways and fights bacteria and viruses. Menthol interferes with the sensation from pain receptors, thus it may be useful in reducing headache pain. Scientific evidence suggests that peppermint can kill many kinds of micro-organisms, and may boost mental alertness. In one study, people who inhaled menthol said they felt as if it relieved their nasal congestion, although it didn't increase their measurable air flow.
I carry peppermint oil and use a drop of it on the temples for headache relief.

Ginger

When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.
Look for my earlier posts regarding my weekly tea preparation including ginger.

Garlic

Intact garlic cloves contain an odorless, sulphur-containing amino acid called alliin. When the garlic is crushed, alliin becomes allicin. Research shows that allicin helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and also helps prevents blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Compounds in this familiar bulb kill many organisms, including bacteria and viruses that cause earaches, flu and colds. Research indicates that garlic is also effective against digestive ailments and diarrhea. What's more, further studies suggest that this common and familiar herb may help prevent the onset of cancers.

Fennel

Rich in volatile oils, fennel is what's known as a carminative herb, meaning that it can ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines. Fennel can also reduce bad breath and body odor that originates in the intestines. Women who are breastfeeding may find that fennel, which works in a way similar to the body's hormones, increases milk flow.

Dill

Dill has been used to soothe the digestive tract and treat heartburn, colic and gas for thousands of years. In fact, the word dill comes from the Old Norse word dilla, meaning to lull or soothe. The herb has an antifoaming action that suggests why it might help break up gas bubbles. Like parsley, dill is rich in chlorophyll, which also makes it useful in treating bad breath.

Clove

Oil of clove is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. A potent pain deadening antimicrobal. Clove has earned the official endorsement of the FDA as an effective stopgap measure for tooth pain. Clove is also among the spices that can help the body use insulin more effectively, thus lowering blood sugar somewhat. In one lab study, clove was also found to speed healing of the dreaded cold sores. On the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale used by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to assess the antioxidant value of foods, clove has the highest ORAC score.
I remember using Oil of clove for Wisdom tooth pain.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon bark contains an oily chemical called cinnamaldehyde that kills a variety of illness causing bacteria, including the dreaded E.coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureas. Research shows that cinnamon is also able to stop the growth of the Asian flu virus. Herbalists report that cinnamon bark also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause. Also cinnamaldehyde has a tranquilizing effect that helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Cinnamon is know to help balance sugar problems.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is a hot red powder made from tropical chili peppers. It contains alkaloid capsaicin, which relieves pain by blocking the chemicals that send pain messages to the brain. If you eat cayenne at the first sign of any type of headache, with plenty of water as a chaser, this spicy herb may be an effective alternative treatment. Added to food, cayenne perks up appetite, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion. The herb also thins phlegm and eases its passage from the lungs, thus helping to prevent and treat coughs, colds and bronchitis.

Every weekend I boil water in the microwave in an enormous 8 cup pyrex mixing cup. Then I slice ginger (anti inflammatory) and fill an enormous tea ball to drop into the boiled water. I have another tea ball (they are about 3 inches) that I fill with hibiscus (blood pressure) to brew. This red tea gets poured into a jar and sits in the fridge all week to use if I make other tea or to add honey (or sweet n low) and drink cold. I just dropped the tea balls in and one wasn't latched right so it opened. Now I have to strain the entire thing before storing. Yuck! I usually spill the red tea and stain everything.
In Hawaii, hibiscus grows wild and is found in home gardens. It is extremely high in vitamin C and some studies show that it may lower high blood pressure and even cholesterol. Hibiscus is high in electrolytes, making it great for replenishing the body after exercise. Electrolytes effect the muscles and water in the body. Hibiscus tea also inhibits enzymes that break down complex sugars and starches. When amylase enzymes are blocked by hibiscus, it slows down the metabolism and absorption of carbohydrates.
Ginger is known to be great for stomach problems, but it also has cholesterol-lowering properties. Ginger controls chronic pain, inflammation, infection, bad breath, reduces dizziness and more.
You could add lemon, mint or honey to your tea. I add a little apple cider vinegar to the glass sometimes for its benefits. I use my mixture to reheat and brew a green tea bag with it.
However you enjoy it, I find this to be a helpful, healthy drink.

Apparently I posted something on or around April 13th that has been removed.
I wish I had been told what it was as to not do it again and to apologize. My content is original or it is quoted and I thank where it comes from. I believe that information on health, diet, and nutrition should be shared.
I do use public images off Google search to brighten the posts. 
 My apologies to whomever I offended.

I just stole these off someplace else cuz I had to share them and hope they get sent to me (MMMM)
Check this out:

Low Carb Flourless PROTEIN COOKIES:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter (or PB2, Powdered Peanut Butter, which is much lower in fat for a lower calorie but slightly less filling cookie — click the link to view or buy PB2).
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (or 1/2 cup for extra chocolatey goodness)
• 2 tbsp Ground Flax Seed
• 1/4 cup Diced Walnuts
• 2 scoops Protein Powder (I used 100% Whey Gold Double Rich Chocolate, available here)

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Scoop onto cookie sheet and flatten with a fork. (Makes 8 large, using an ice cream scoop as a guide. Making 12-14 smaller would also work!)
4. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to brown (my bake time on this was funky. I first baked for 10, then took it out for a few, then put it back in for 5. I also turned the temp up to 375 for the last few minutes. Just watch for browning).

Eat when you’re in need of energy or want to stay full for hours!

(stolen from Frugalgirls .com)

STOP!!!!!!
Now, think about WHY do you want to lose weight?
And for WHO?
Take one of those index cards and write your answers down.

Anxiety? Mood Swings? Stress? Vit C! Folic Acid! Tryptophan!

(I had an image of Dr Oz on here because I learned this from him but I have removed that image out of respect for him. Dr. Oz does not sell any products and I am only trying to give credit when I obtain information from someone.)
For Anxiety:
Drink Kefir Milk
This milk is different from regular milk because it’s fermented with probiotic kefir grains. Kefir milk is also loaded with tryptophan – an amino acid that also helps raise serotonin levels in the brain – which can help reduce anxious feelings. Drinking one cup a day is enough to keep you feeling calm.
For Mood Swings:
Eat Asparagus
If you’re prone to mood swings, asparagus is a must-have vegetable in your diet. It’s packed with folic acid; low levels of this nutrient have been linked to depression. Just one cup of asparagus has 66% of your daily value of folic acid. It’s easy to incorporate this superfood into your diet – you can use it as an ingredient in an omelet or throw some asparagus tips into a salad. Try to work it into at least two meals a day to regulate mood.
For Stress:
Eat Oranges
Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which brings high stress hormones back to normal levels more quickly. Vitamin C also helps lower blood pressure. Blood pressure can rise in response to stressful situations. Eat an orange as a snack on the days when you anticipate extra stress at home or at work. Doing so about an hour before a stressful situation can help you stay calm.
(thanks Dr. Oz )

This looked interesting and I started to read it.
Then, I started to make notes.
Then I just copied the link to post it.
Much easier than all those notes!

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#1

We are overweight for reasons that we cannot always control.
I have learned that it is very hard to stop eating and stop eating what is enjoyed.
Until you reach a point of supernatural control, don't stop eating. Work with it.
Substitute foods you enjoy that are good for you for the ones that aren't.
I gave up bagels, but I never gave up having something cake-like with my morning coffee. I have protein bars instead.
At night I nibble on blueberries or a big plate of veggies of choice.
Find what works for you.

Blueberries

Due to some real life problems lately, I have not been myself.
Actually, I guess I really haven't been my old self. I had that old urge to stuff down the feelings with food. Did I get out the chocolate or the ice cream?
No!!!
I bought very expensive (Godiva?) blueberries!! They aren't in season for awhile yet so I paid $7 for the 2 containers that I have bought in the summer for $4. Nice plump, juicy blueberries the size of small grapes! I can't post a picture of them since I ate all of my blueberries.
I ate 2 pints of blueberries for 120 calories each.
Imagine? And they are so very good for you, too!
I just searched for some pictures and found "ScienceDaily (Apr. 19, 2009) — Could eating blueberries help get rid of belly fat? And could a blueberry-enriched diet stem the conditions that lead to diabetes? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests so."
Hmmm......

My son just sent me this from Lifehacker.com - mmmm - had to share!:
Bake an Egg in an Avocado for a Fast and Healthy Breakfast Treat-
Avocados are amazing things—they're delicious on their own, but they also have a lot of healthy fats, dietary fibers, and vitamins, and despite their high caloric value, they're remarkably easy to prepare.
If you have an avocado that's too firm to use for something else, or you're just in the mood for something new and healthy for breakfast, slice it in half, remove the pit, and carve out a little space in the center.
Crack an egg where the pit was, and bake.
In a few minutes, you'll have a delicious, protein and vitamin-packed breakfast treat that's rich enough to keep you going all morning.

You are making life changes.
That is the beginning.
We can all do it- a diet or a surgery is just a tool, but your life changes are yours forever!!

I am just plain lazy.
I have lost almost 75 pounds this year and I still do not exercise. I need to at least learn to walk regularly in the street or the gym or around the mall, but some place!!! Why walk? The benefits of walking:

1. “Burn” calories, improves the rate of metabolism.
2. Helps strengthen the body, reduce local subcutaneous fat, helps to restore the loose body areas, as a result of the weight loss.
3. Helps to strengthen the bones (something especially important for women).
4. Reduces symptoms of varicose veins, helps the circulatory system.
5. Reduces blood pressure and pulse when you are relaxed
6. Help overcoming headaches.
7. Helps you be calmer with less stress, “intensity”, “nerves” that often cause greed, need for food.

After a good walk you would feel better, more relaxed, less stressed, and less “need” for food.

(info 'borrowed' from http://www.weightlosshelpandtips.net/2009/03/weight-loss-exercise-tips/ )

Are you ready to commit to a life change to lose your weight and keep it off?

Three days ago, I was given a tomato. It was very little colored, more pink than tomato colored.
I placed it in the plant room with the struggling pepper plants. Tomato was rotated every 12 hours, until today.
I have just finished slicing into a very red and delicious tomato. Well worth waiting for and it brought with it reminders of the healthy, good tasting foods not too far off.
Three years ago, this tomato would have rotted in the drawer in my fridge. I would never have enjoyed it since I wouldn't have looked for something fresh to eat.
The closest I came to a tomato was half a pizza. Yes pizza is yummy and healthy. No pizza is not one of the food groups and you cannot eat it daily.
I gave up bagels. I did not give up pizza. I have relocated pizza. It is a no more than once a month treat. When I eat it, I enjoy it.
Any food I eat, I enjoy now. If I feel guilty eating something, then I evaluate why. I stop eating and return to the labels. I read the nutritional values. I determine the food's location: in the good column or the NO! column?
I have developed my anything goes rule. One free bite. Of anything (but a bagel). One bite. After that one free bite, I have to pay. Not with money! Calories are costly. They go in the Bank of Hips and it is very hard to undo that damage.
Are you having trouble joining me?
Is it hard for you to get started?
Don't know where to start?
Add don't subtract.
Don't suffer.
You need to eat not starve.
How to add?
I keep saying add protein. How?
Take 7 empty, disposable 16 oz. water bottles. (You drank all the water yesterday and set them out to dry)
Line them up with a funnel in the first one.
Add a scoop of whey protein powder to each bottle. (I prefer vanilla flavored).
Cap 6 of the bottles.
The 7th bottle is for now.
Add 2 inches of warm, not hot, water. Cap it and shake vigorously to completely dissolve powder.
Now add flavor.
My bottles get Crystal Light. I like the strawberry/banana. Each botttle gets half of a packet before storing. That means I have dissolved this already and just need to add cold water.
Do you like Creamsicles? Add orange juice or other low cal orange drink. I know somebody that uses cranberry juice since she needs to drink it.
Experiment- you have a week's worth of protein drink to try. Every day, early in your day, drink your protein. Make sure you remember to eat 4 hours later.
If you have your protein early for breakfast, try a Greek yogurt for lunch. Fruit goes great with yogurt.
Have a great and healthy day!

CHOICE
The thing or person chosen; that which is approved and selected in preference to others; selection.
The best part; that which is preferable.

Every day You make choices.
Today choose to eat right and to choose your foods.
Choice eliminates the need for willpower.

Do you want me to tell you what to eat every day, every hour?
It didn't work for me. I saw those menus and measurements and I could not follow them.
I needed to learn to make healthy choices.
This is all about my life changes and you can make them your life changes, too.

You have heard the saying, "Eat to live, not to eat".
We are here to reduce the importance of food in our lives. When we suffer through someone else's menus for a week, they might cause us to lose weight but when we stop following those menus, it all comes back.
My weight has been coming off slowly and steadily for almost a year now. I am healthier and stronger than ever before.

You can choose to be also!!

My Winter Shopping Cart:

Chobani (or any) Strawberry Greek Yogurt- any size
Bananas
Damascus Flax Roll-Ups
Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter (better than the healthy brand)
Poland Spring or Nestle 160z water bottles (cases) for no reason other than how they fit in my hands
Tuna-any cheap, water packed type. I prefer Bumble Bee Light packed in a pouch
Kraft Fat free Catalina Dressing
Hellmann's Low Fat Mayonnaise Dressing 15 cals/Tbsp
Popping corn (air popped in microwave in a paper lunch bag)
spray oil/butter buds
Slimfast bottles
Designer Whey Protein Powder
Edy's Fruit Bars 25 cals each in my freezer
Ready cooked rotisserie chicken (I debone it and repack it when I get home)
Zone Protein Bars
Eggs to hard boil
Green tea and others
Salmon
Shrimp
Presliced fresh vegetables
Small amounts of cheese such as string cheese or any other low fat cheeses

(Winter shopping cart because I am a little stricter when the fresh fruit is better)

Please think about your shopping cart. What shouldn't be in there and what do you need to add?
I found out that when I eliminated Big Macs, Whoppers and other items like those, I was able to afford to make large pieces of salmon or handfuls of shrimp at home!

I have been trying to add things to your eating habits. It is so hard to give up the things we like or enjoy-even if they are killing us. We need to learn positive control and instigation.

Mmm, chocolate bars with hot, morning coffee....see how easy that was to put into your head?
Now think of a great big Chef's salad with all the good, healthy things added in that you like. If you can replace the first picture with the second one, you will have no problem losing all the weight you choose. However, if you are like me, then it didn't work.
To begin with, I now have a protein bar with my coffee. I still prefer the ones without the chocolate coating. It is just easier for me to not have any. I don't do well with moderation!
It is best to not allow that first picture to take up space in your mind at all. I have found that I shop with a buffet plan on my mind. I chose many foods that I can enjoy. They are all ready to use or even to eat when I bring them home. Zucchini is a very easy food to cook and I enjoy it. If I buy them whole, lazy me might just leave them till they are watery and rotten in my fridge. I pay a lot more for presliced vegetables-but I cook and eat them all. I save money because there is less rotten food. I don't like giving my food more time and attention then it already gets from me. You need to find what works for you.
Getting back to the evil pictures in my mind, I plan a meal based on those easy foods I have in the fridge. On my way home, I might be thinking about a slice of salmon filet from my freezer with just a splash of soy sauce on it (5 minutes in microwave if frozen) along with some vegetable that also gets quickly cooked in the microwave. No thinking about pizza being easier and faster.
I don't let myself feel hungry and that way, I don't let hunger win.

I have mentioned Protein shakes several times now. They are an essential part of our non-diet. Protein keeps us from feeling hungry.
There are many different whey protein shake recipes that you can try.
Basically, take a scoop of any brand whey protein powder along with other ingredients and mix in your blender. You can add fruit, milk, ice, anything.
My favorite protein shake is simple. I use an empty water bottle for the scoop of vanilla whey protein powder. I add about 2 inches of warm (never hot) water, close and shake. This dissolves everything. I then add strawberry Crystal Light and ice water and shake. Quick, easy, disposable!
If you page back to through the history of this blog, there is a post or more of shakes.

One Day at a Time.
Remember that.
This is your life and you need to take control of it.
I haven't said it before but I don't care how you do this- in other words if you like Weight Watchers or Jenny or Herbalife, that is ok. Get started any way you choose.
I want you to keep going. That is what we are doing here.
Life changes.
It is important to journal your foods (index cards) so that you are aware of when and what you eat.
We have eating problems. Food goes in and it isn't doing the right job. We need to fix that.
It is important to drink water. This is the truth and not just something weightloss centers think up so they can fill your poor, empty, tummy with something other that pizza.
Keep track of your liquids and waters on those index card food journals.
One meal a day is starvation. You have tried that diet, haven't you? It didn't work or you wouldn't be reading this now. Fasts are fine for a day. Actually, mini fasts are fine for a day. They can be used to kick start your weightloss when you have hit a plateau. A fast means focusing on no food for a day and finishing with a particular meal. Maybe a cabbage soup. This will cause you to lose water weight but not real weight.
Food needs to be stretched out over the day. You can try 6 mini meals a day and adjust it to what works for you.
You never want to be hungry. Hungry sabotages your plans. Protein will keep away the hungries. Eating before you feel hungry also keeps you winning.
I have told you before that I do not want you to give up anything. Yet, I want you to abandon the wrong choices.
Let's start your day with a protein drink such as Slimfast (my lazy choice). I use this one because it has protein and vitamins along with a taste I can tolerate. The price is also reasonable. Have a banana or other fruit, also.
An hour or two later, I have my coffee and a protein bar such as the ones made by Atkins or Zone. I choose a high protein low calorie one.
Lunch is next. How about tuna? Or hard boiled eggs? Or the two combined and blended with Hellman's Low Fat Mayo (the one with the green cap)? Add chopped onions and other veggie stuff as you prefer. This is not a time for a sandwich. Use your fork. I have invented many ways of eating this such as rolling spoonfuls in a lettuce leaf for mini wraps or using cucumber slices like crackers.
Another meal in a few hours. Greek yogurt. Any flavor, any amount. Have some fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
Dinner. You know the things we have been taught to eat but just make sure it is high on the protein and low on the fats, calories, carbs. My favorite is a piece of salmon (on a plate in the microwave covered for 3+/- minutes, season as you prefer), along with a ton of veggies. I cook my veggies in the microwave till the are just not hard anymore. Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, green beans....I am lazy. I buy precut vegetables! I keep trying new ones. I google what I buy or see and figure out how to use my microwave or crockpot to invent a low cal lazy food.
Late nights can be hard. I pop popcorn in my microwave and sprinkle butter buds (seasonings aisle in supermarket) or garlic salt or spicey stuff on plain popcorn.
My freezer is filled with 25-50 calorie ice pops. I am really bad at the just one plan so I like the low cal ones so I can have 3!
Read the labels. I found individually wrapped string cheese was a controlled quantity of protein.
I like my cheeses. I have low fat swiss cheese that I only buy a small amount (quarter pound) and I have cheese and tomatoes.
I found flatbread by reading labels. I spread peanut butter on it. I read the labels and found the Healthy Choice brand was not as healthy as my favorite brand!
Have you been keeping track of my calories? My proteins?
Anytime I am hungry I always have my protein powder drink available. Simple mixture using vanilla flavored whey protein powder (Designer Whey) and any sugar free drink such as Crystal Light.
Plan out your food for tomorrow. Keep track of your numbers and make sure you won't be hungry.
You CAN do this. Let's.

Yesterday's lunch:
Any bag of 13 bean soup will do. Try Bob's or the cheap stuff!

13 Bean Soup Mix contains navy, black, red, pinto, baby limas, large limas, garbanzo, red lentils, great northern, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, yellow splits, green splits, and lentils.

2 cups '13 bean soup mix' beans (follow package instructions on soaking & rinsing)

Chicken or Vegetable broth

1/2 red pepper, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp chili powder

pinch red pepper flakes

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried thyme

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp pepper

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Add your seasonings and chopped veggies that you enjoy-these are a suggestion.

Throw it all into the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker . My slow cooker is tiny, for one person, so it takes about 8 hours!!

Delicious, healthy bean soup, high in soluble fibre!
You can enjoy this many ways. Try shredding a small amount of mozzarella cheese and/or chicken on top. Add your little left overs of your 'safe' foods!

My posts include pictures from other places found on the internet. I save all pictures to my computer and then upload them once again. I avoid using other people's bandwidth this way.
If I post a photo of yours and you would like credit added or the photo removed, please just let me know. I will be happy to do so along with my apologies.

I have many online friends in groups for weight loss surgery. I read about the difficulties they have. Some people need the control that is forced by the results of the surgery. When it is life or death that the weight needs to come off, it is a great tool. My point is that the surgery is a tool and not a magic wand.
I was looking for a magic wand.
I was too lazy to follow the outlines of any diet program. I wanted it easy. I still do.
Mmmmm, I would love a bagel. Or two.
That is my problem! I do not eat till I am sick or till I can't move. I do not eat ice cream from morning to night. I do enjoy my food and I love eating in restaurants.
I don't want to get sick every time I eat. Two ounces of food three times a day? Why have surgery? (This is not for discussion since I do realize that there are very good reasons for the weight loss surgery.)
It just isn't for me.
I have learned to do the things I need to CHANGE MY LIFE.
I have different eating habits now. For one, I eat constantly, now, while I ate in bursts before.
My body was ready for starvation. Yes, everything I ate was saved. My body never knew if I would refuel it in 2 hours or 10. It saved and it hoarded every morsel I shared. My jeans just continued to grow.
Three meals a day? Before, I waited all day for a large evening dinner. Now I eat 5 or more meals every day.
I plan my food. Some days I place a bunch of foods on the dining room table and just work away at them all day. I plan my food every day. Some times that plan is in my head but it always exists.
I plan my food when I go to the supermarket. I go often. I buy MY foods.
I do not eat salads in general but I do eat vegetables. I enjoy my vegetables microwaved a short time and then I nibble at them with low fat/low cal dressing. My rare salads are covered in tuna with all its protein goodness. I use low fat Catalina dressing.
When I am in the supermarket, I shop fast and get just what I need. Usually. Other times, I window shop. I wander the aisles and read labels. I think of new things to eat that are safe.
I take my vitamins.
I never thought much of vitamins before but I now have a wide variety that help me. I learned from my WLS friends that there were many supplements they needed to take. Biotin, B-12, D, C, potassium, magnesium.... I will explain what and why I the future.
The most important is protein.
I do not want to comb my hair one morning and find it falling out in clumps. Can you imagine how I felt for my friend when I read that?! The doctor told her that she wasn't getting enough protein. Simple solution. Consume more protein.
How do you consume enough protein with a stomach that holds 2 ounce meals and rejects a lot of them? Not easily. The general idea is to drink protein shakes.
I read a lot about protein shakes. Everyone has a recipe and a favorite brand protein powder. Basically, nobody likes them. I will share mine with you.
My diet is easy, lazy, healthy and works. As of this date, I have lost over 65 pounds in 6 months easily. I have not been hungry.
My posts will focus on different areas of the things I have found work for me. I hope they help you too.
Let's review the things we started in the past posts.
Use Index cards or a small notebook- write down everything you eat.
Track your liquids. Focus on increasing water amounts.
Weigh yourself. Measure yourself. Hide scale, tape measure.
Have you taken some photos for your records?
Increase your protein intake.
Don't worry about the carbs for now. Just don't have them early.
Start your day with protein.
One day at a time. Don't worry about the big picture. We will get there.
We have begun.

Today, you have to do something you don't like.
I don't, anyway.
It is time to weigh in-if you haven't already. Get undressed if you must, but record your weight. Then put the scale away. It goes in the back of the closet until next month. Yes, I said month. The only thing accomplished by weighing more often is that you become depressed and eat chocolate kisses or whatever.
I use my doctor's scale. It is not easy to use that way.
We also need to use one of those evil tape measures. Measure waist, hips, breast, shoulders, arm and thigh circumference... You know the places.
You have the measurements? You have changed them to look better/ worse? All done?
Put the tape measure away. With the scale!!!
Honestly, the day to day measurements are not needed. My jeans tell me more than the scale. I want to look good and feel good. The scale does not understand any of that.

Today is traumatic enough. We will move on tomorrow.

Today is a new day.
No matter what you did or ate yesterday, today is still a new day.
Are you having a hard day? Can't get back on track?
Sit down in front of the clock and watch the numbers change. Begin a new day on the stroke of the new hour. Not all days have to begin at midnight or at 6am.
At the beginning of a new day, you have not eaten or not eaten the right or wrong thing. Not too much or too little of what you believe you should eat. You have a clean slate, actually, a clean plate!
12 Step programs teach One Day at a Time and will tell you that if that is too hard, try one hour at a time. Anything, one minute, just try.
Yes I said TRY.
That is all we have to do for now.
Try.

Did you think I had abandoned you? Not true at all. I gave you a lot to think about last time. I hope you reread all that information!!
The very first days of my dieting changes were very simple. I worked at drinking the water. I set out 6 of those 16 oz water bottles each morning. I had to work hard at all that liquid.
I gave myself credit for my coffee, but gave up the diet cokes.
I slowly started to lose weight. I also began to feel a little better.
There was a required appointment for a nutritionist already scheduled. I saw her. She weighed me and asked what I eat. She did not believe how little I actually ate. I invented some snacks and gorging episodes for her charts to make her happy. It was a better interview that way. She thought she was helping me as she told me how to stop eating things that I really didn't eat.
I was honest about my daily breakfast. I was very good and ate just a bagel with cream cheese.
WHAT? No more bagels? Why? Too many carbs?
I told her she was crazy and left. The next morning I ate a donut with my bagel. An hour later I had something else for a second breakfast.
Maybe she was right? Maybe those early morning carbs were really making me hungry. I substituted a protein bar for the bagel and was satisfied till lunchtime.
I still have a protein bar every morning with my coffee.

Think about what you eat during the first 3 hours of your day. Try to move your foods around so that you start with proteins. If you won't give up your bagel (or its cousin), try having it for lunch with something else like a grilled chicken breast.

I had chosen the LapBand for my weight loss surgery. You can Google it easily if you are not already familiar with it.
I joined an online support group for pre-op and post-op patients. I discussed all sorts of things with my new friends and began to some common threads in their post surgery lives.
I heard about vomiting, gas, indigestion, gastro esophageal reflux, problems with medicines, vitamins, liquids. I heard about friends returning to the hospital with gall bladder issues, pancreatic problems, malnutrition. I read about struggles to drink enough water and to eat enough protein. I quickly saw that the protein shake could solve many problems quickly but many new friends complained about the taste!
Maybe this was not for me?
I had six months to wait.
Hmmm. Is there a weight loss diet regimen that I could use to practice?
This is a suggested diet for post ops:
Week 1-2:
During this time, only thin liquids can be tolerated. It’s important to keep hydrated with lots of water. Other liquids recommended during this phase include: Clear broth or soup (with no vegetables or meat and not creamy) Skim milk Fruit juice No-sugar added popsicles
Week 3-4:
During this phase, you may start having slightly textured foods. Aim for the consistency of baby foods. Eat protein-rich foods first and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods may include: Pureed skinless fish or chicken, Mashed potatoes, Low-fat yogurt or pudding
Week 5:
You may now begin soft foods such as fish and ground turkey. Make it a habit to chew foods well. If you don’t, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have a stoma obstruction.
If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet. Then, slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods.
Solid Foods:
When you are able to eat solid foods without problems, you will need to pay close attention to your diet after lap band surgery. The gastric band system was designed to restrict solids, not liquids.
Liquids will pass through the upper stomach pouch quickly and will not make you feel full. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals tends to flush food through the pouch and you will not get the prolonged feeling of satiety needed to help you eat less.
A lot of patients have difficulty with solid foods in the morning. If this is the case for you, open the gastric band by starting with a couple glasses of liquid before your first meal.
Too much food or big chunks of food can block the stomach pouch outlet. Avoid this by chewing your food thoroughly and eating small bits at a time. Remember, your new stoma opening is the size of a dime.
Eat only three meals a day and make sure these meals contain adequate nutrients. Your stomach can only hold about ¼ cup of food, or 2 ounces, at a time. Stop eating when hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable.

WAIT A SEC!!!!! 2 ounces of food 3 times a day?
I don't need surgery to lose weight on that!
I decided to try an "Act as if" Diet.
More on that next time.

Today we add liquids to our index cards.
Start tracking how much and what you drink each day.
Do you drink at least 64 ounces of water daily? I don't so I work very hard to drink as much as I can.


**I am not saying that weight loss surgery does not work- it is a great tool and needs to be treated as a tool.
(some data has been quoted from http://bmi.ucsd.edu/about-obesity/Pages/default.aspx but I didn't choose one site over another for any reason other than ease of viewing.)

How did you feel today?
Was it easier to eat right?
For now, I am not getting into the right foods and the wrong foods because I always knew what I should be doing, even if I didn't do it. I know that milkshakes and cake are not my best breakfast choices so I am sure you do, too.
This morning I drank a Chocolate Slimfast at 7am.
I had a protein bar (Zone Cinnamon Roll) at 10am with my coffee.
Two hard boiled eggs were next at noon.
I ate 20 grape tomatoes and 8 mini mozzarella cheese balls at 2pm.
If you are a calorie counter, you are seeing that I had over 1000 calories already. The more important part is that I had over 100 grams of protein.

Today I want you to research the protein counts for the foods you ate today (or yesterday).

I know you are anxious to tell me all that you wrote on your index cards and how you managed to not eat everything in sight. You are all ready to tell me how this is the key to losing weight that you have been waiting for......no? You are right. It is just a step, a tool. We need lots of them and we need to remember to use them.
I like to write my daily eating in an online journal. There are so many of them but the one that I am comfortable with is at Fit Click (the link is on this blog, a few posts back.)
I enjoy the convenience of calculating my nutrition at just a click and its library seems to cover everything-even 7-11 snacks!!

We were discussing my weight loss surgery, yesterday?
I went to the orientation program and left with a packet of paperwork. I had questionnaires to complete and doctors to visit....psychologist, nutritionist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, and many more.
I made appointments and started visiting doctors and had blood work done. It was a major process. Everything went well with all of the doctors signing off to get me scheduled. I was finally a success at being fat! Then, the pulmonary doctor said no. I never expected him to be the one. He said come back in 6 months and we will discuss it.
I was heart broken.
I cried to my online friends in the weight loss surgery groups I had joined. I read their posts and felt bad for everyone but awful for myself.
As I made friends, I began to really read about their struggles. I began to realize that there were many things I would need to learn to do after my surgery.
I did not want to fail even after surgery. I read about malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, hair loss,...I started to see that this was not going to be as easy as I had thought.

Today we are going to begin to add to our diets.
You do not have to give up anything yet.
Keep tracking your foods.
And add one thing.
When you wake up in the morning, you have your own routine. That is ok. However, it is time to add just one item. Protein. I do not care if you never eat breakfast. It is time to change. I could answer that you could never lose weight!
We are all about a life change and it is time to begin.

My mornings start with a very cold Slimfast (any protein drink is fine, I just drink this one) -in my hand on the way out the door. A protein bar with a cup of coffee is fine. Protein shakes are more involved but wonderful. A handful of fruit, a scoop of protein powder (brand not important), handful of ice, skim milk or water -all in the blender till ready to drink.
Make it easy so you can do it every day within the first hour you are awake.
Have a wonderful day.

You want to lose weight?
Have you spent your life on diets like I have? Have you tried Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Over Eaters anonymous, The Grapefruit Diet, The Banana Diet, The Cabbage Soup diet, The South Beach Diet, The Atkins Diet,...?
Me too.
I have tried so many different diets and failed at them all. I learned something from all of them and weight did come off. My problem was the weight always came back.
I decided that I am a failure and I will always be fat, unhealthy without nice clothes.
I was ready for the weight loss surgery. My magic had been offered finally. I was nearing 350 pounds and all I had to do was let these wonderful doctors open me up and rearrange my insides. The plan was to recreate me so that I would no longer be able to eat nonstop and gain more weight. I would finally be thin!!!!
Tomorrow I will continue to tell you more of my history.
Now we will start your journey also.
I want you to get index cards or a small notebook. Anything to make this easiest for you to do.
On the first index card, write down everything you have eaten so far today. On another card write everything you ate yesterday. Go back as many days as you can completely remember.
Nobody will be grading you on these and nobody will read them. You never need to look at them again if you choose not to.
From now on everything you eat gets written down. It does not matter what you eat yet. Just be honest with yourself.
You matter.

2012 has arrived.
It is a good time for a clean start.
Join me on a journey for improved health and weight loss.