So, Let's Talk Low-Carb.....

Please bear witness that I've spent the last two and a half decades of my life hungry. 

I take after my mother's side of the family, the only daughter to do so.  That means curvy, large-breasted, and very fleshy.  From puberty on (perhaps even before), I have battled my weight.  And this battle revolved around cycles - see my previous post on female cycles.  I would eat a low-fat, grain-heavy, healthy diet during Weeks 1, 2 and half of Week 3.  Then would come the inevitable downhill slide into Week 4 and I would be absolutely ravenous.  Binge = chips, pizza, ice cream, pasta......

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During these decades, I was Wonder Girl in the gym - high and low impact aerobics (feel the burn, baby!), lifting weights, running occasionally.  Big cardio.

And yet, I held onto 15 or 20 pounds because I couldn't control myself during PMS after being hungry for weeks.  I was convinced that my hormones were off.  That must be what was also causing my acne.  Ya, ya, that must be it!

Something didn't seem right to me.  There MUST be something I could do to find a solution to this problem.  So, I tried to keep an open mind and tried a bunch of different eating programs.  If I could just find a way to stay full, surely I could control my weight better?  And 20 extra pounds is now 40 extra pounds.

Then I read that our bodies need 3 things to feel satiated:  protein, fat and volume.  Hmmmm.......

 

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So, Ess and I tried the Dukan Diet after seeing how gorgeous the Middleton women looked at the Royal Wedding.  FAIL!  The lack of produce killed us. 

Still searching......

A whole lot of reading and surfing later, I decided to try a low-carb, high-fat (relatively), moderate-protein, high-produce diet.  It has been a revelation to me to eat full-fat cheese, mayo, salad dressing, salami, cream, butter, beef and other goodies (nuts!) that have been off the table for decades.  No grains or beans, and easy on the fruit.  Ess, the best of supportive sisters, is coming on this journey with me.  Do you think I'm the only person on the planet who didn't try high-protein back in the '80's?   :-)  I do.

Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!  Can you hear the angels singing?  I haven't been hungry for weeks.  Astonishing.  And my face has cleared up.  That's a happy bonus.

The proof will be in the pudding....oops, sorry, wrong analogy.  The regular Saturday weigh-in is tomorrow morning.  Stay tuned and we'll see if the weight is coming off.  I"m down 5.3 pounds so far and I feel great.  I like this way of eating.  Here's hoping it continues to work......

Photodynamic Therapy - adult acne no more?

Our family was cursed with bad skin.    I don't mean overly dry like some of my friends who tell me how they just can't keep enough moisture in their skin.    Can't imagine this myself.   And I don't mean the kind of skin that tans so easily like some friends who, mid summer, are overly concerned they looked "too tanned".      Also not my problem, although an 1/8 of their tan would be nice.     (Note:  we are Irish descendants and therefore white and freckly is our typical look).

I am talking about acne - adult acne.     While I love my 40's, and specifically my mid-40's, I am challenged with adult acne.    And, not only acne, but wrinkles (of course) and sun spots (gained while on the quest for that 1/8 of a tan).

So I decided to follow in the footsteps of a work friend, who is 54 and has the skin of a 18 year old.    I swoon over this woman's skin.     When we chat, I can't help but stare at her skin.   So, I asked her the girl-to-girl question we are permitted to ask one another:   "how did you get skin like that?"     She proceeded to tell me about Photodynamic Therapy.    So off I went to investigate this therapy she spoke of, which lead me to her Doctor's office.     The doctor explained to me that it is administered for acne and is being touted to change the DNA of your skin.  He also explained that essentially it is being considered the permanent cure for acne.     SOLD.

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Well, I did it.     I made the appointment and had it done yesterday.    Jae called me last night to see how I was doing.  My reply was that it was a cake walk, and that it wasn't half as bad as work-friend explained.     It wasn't - until this morning.    I am scarlet red, like a severe sunburn.   It's not as sore as a sunburn however, but my face is swollen, tight, and has a slight burning sensation.    Now I can see why they recommend not going outside for 3 days.   Ouch - that would not be good to be in the sun.

So, I spend the weekend indoors this weekend - thank goodness it's raining.    I'm looking forward to the forced downtime.  Have a few books in order, will likely blog alot (so come visit often) and maybe do a little cooking.    I"ll keep you posted over the next three days how and when my face falls off.   (apparently it will all peel off to reveal 18 year old skin.   Wish me luck!)

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Happy Friday everyone - have a wonderful weekend.    Rain or shine.

PMS

Didn't you just want to dive into a post on PMS?  How fun!

I have PMS right now.  Today.  This week.  And every month, during Week 4, I marvel at how a woman's body is so....well, hormonal and flow-y.

Here's my experience with cycles:

Week 1:  high estrogen = high energy, low appetite, high optimism.  All good.

Week 2:  still high estrogen = high energy, low appetite, high optimism.  Still all good.

Approaching Day 14:  ovulation!  High libido.  Hello!!!!  Even the postman looks hunky.

Week 3:  progesterone/estrogen dropping....mood dips.  A little hungry.  Don't bug me, OK?

Week 4:  PMS.  Exhaustion.  Starving.  I'm fat, ugly, stupid and tired (said through tears).  And you are the worst boyfriend/husband/friend/parent/sister/pet/teacher/boss/assistant on the planet!!!

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Know what I mean?  I wish someone would have spelled all of this out for me at 20.  I could have saved myself a lot of therapy dough.  Big $$$ in PMS therapy, I'm tellin' ya.  And it gets even more fun during the 40's. 

Now for the surprise:  my journey into the low-carb world has had an interesting effect on my PMS.  No breakouts so far.  A little less cranky, I think.  You'd have to ask my junior finance guy to be sure.  Still exhausted though, which is why this post is short.

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 Go forth with the knowledge that you really don't need therapy because you're not losing your mind.  You're likely just somewhere in Week 3 or 4 in your cycle and this, too, shall pass.

The party that kept me awake till 2:00 a.m.

Recall I had a Stella and Dot party last week.    Recall my last guest left the next morning at 8:00 a.m.    Recall my post from last Saturday where I was socialized out, burning the candle at both ends, and under water.    Ah, yes, a little painful.   I didn't feel human until Sunday (the party was Thursday night).

Alas, the payoff:   when you host a Stella and Dot party, the hostess receives 25% of total sales in jewellery as well as 4 pieces at 50% off.      Ohhhh, how fun was this!!!  (and of course I'm rested now, so I think  a little (alot?) fatigue was all worth it).    These are some (most) of my purchases.

What do yo think?

The Middletons

OK, I admit that I'm slightly obsessed with the Middletons.

Suz would say that I made her get up at 4:30 to watch the Royal Wedding with me, except that she invited herself to my house because Bro-In-Law wouldn't watch it with her.  It wasn't like there were going to be reruns all day or anything!  :-)

MacLeans Magazine

I stalked Kate before she even got engaged to William --  well, if you can stalk someone half way around the world.  I liked checking out her casual (expensive) style.

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What is it about the Middletons that fascinates me?  Oh ya, and the rest of the world too?

For me, plain and simple, it's the fashion.  I want to dress like a Middleton sister.  Not that dressing like a Ryan sister isn't great (hello thrift shops!!), but is there anything better than expensive shoes and gorgeous bags?

(InStyle Mag)

Yaaaa!  Fabulous boots!

And then there's Pippa....

This girl has it going on!  What must it be like to be 20-something, wealthy, beautiful and super fit in her world?  They even named a bag after her.

(HuffingtonPost.com)

Yup, it's definitely the boots.  Oh, how I love boots.  I think it might be time for a little shopping.  It is boot season after all.

Do you have a favorite pair of boots?

First day on the new (protein) mission

Quick recap of the first day of the mission:

Breakfast - Greek yogurt and raspberries
Snack - Apple and 1.5 oz of cheese (yumbo)
Lunch - homemade chicken salad with mayo, almonds, craisens and celery
Snack - not hungry (!)
Dinner - turkey sausage (M&M) and greek salad

Workout - 4km run (2 min run, 1 minute walk) = 30 min / 494 calories burned

You know with  higher protein, I just wasn't hungry today, at all!     Jae can likely comment here as well, as she has been testing this theory for awhile now.    Further, I had energy at the end of the day for the first time in.....I can't even begin to remember.    So much so, I was able to lace up my running shoes and go for that 4km run after work.   This is a first I tell you.    I think carbs really do slow you down and make you want to crawl under your desk for a nap. 

On to Day 2.  

Me - National Capital 10K run, May 2010

So tell us, do you have any tricks to get you through the day, keep your energy up and make sure you're not scarfing down anything not tied down?    Leave us a comment, we'd love to hear from you.

See you tomorrow - Day 2!!

What I Love About Being 50

I’ve just joined a new club – The Fabulous Fifty Year Old Club.  It’s a real organization, honest to God!  They send you a membership card and everything!  Of course, it also comes with a few laugh lines and a wee bit of loose skin under the arm that waves in the slightest breeze, but the benefits far outweigh those minor burdens.  Did Michelle Pfeiffer or Kim Cattrall get these “gifts” when they joined the club?  Just wondering.

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Why, just today, while driving home from errands, I was stopped at a red light.  In the lane next to me was a young man, bristling with testosterone and bravado, in a souped up car, windows down, playing the stereo full blast, the base visibly  rocking his car with the “thump, thump, thump” of some club music.  

It made me smile to myself and think that I am very glad to be 50.  Young men at that age can be very lame.  Not to say that I don’t enjoy the view when a fine young specimen crosses my path (Hello!  Jake Gyllenhaal!! – was that creepy?).  But I’m glad I’m not a young woman engaging in any kind of meaningful social interaction with Stereo Boy (ifyouknowwhatImean). 

Couldn't help myself - creepy again? (source) 

I’m going to post regularly about all the things I love about being 50 – that is to say, a grown-up woman who’s learned a thing or two about people and the world and most importantly, about herself.  So much to celebrate!

I haven’t picked a regular day yet, but you’ve just read the first post.

It’s a glorious day here, with warm autumn sunshine and a light breeze.  I enjoyed an early workout, picked up some groceries and even cut the grass. Now it's time for some relaxation on the deck.  Enjoy the day where you are.

Keeping it real

So it would seem I am accountable for posting my own weight loss - hmmpphhh!  Just kidding of course.   My big sis is just way more organized than I.    Alas, see previous post, I am going to stop partying and get my proverbial **** together.

The weigh in this morning was not all bad. - down 2.3 lbs for the week for a total of 2.1 lbs.   Something a little wonky with the math you say?   (a-hem).   

OK, it's been a busy month (once again, see previous post).

Oh God, Thanksgiving is around the corner!!      Is there a Saint in charge of discipline I can pray to?    Is there a 'Saint Discipline' perhaps?    If not they should canonize one.    It's a good idea, she'd get lots of action.

 

Something's Gotta Give

Today is Saturday.    It started with a weigh in at Jae's (she will post results later - groan)   Of course, I'm not pleased about the results, but it got me thinking - which is always a good thing.    Socializing can swamp you.    And I'm swamped.    There, I said it.    I'm under water.

You see, I lead a very active social life.    I have lots of great girlfriends who I adore and cherish, but it seems I tend to socialize with them one on one, or one on two.    This translates into nights out at restaurants eating sometimes unhealthy food, many cocktails, a lack of sleep, a lack of time planning healthy food menus and workout schedules, and just not enough quiet time required for balance.

I've spent the day today very quite, no radios or tv's - in silence essentially.   I've declined a few suggestions from my husband to run around the city (normally I would do this), I've taken care of some long overdue tasks which feels great, and I filled my fridge with healthy food.

My goal for this coming week is to spend only one evening out, and an early one at that (with no cocktails!).   I will prepare healthy breakfasts and lunches to bring to work full of protein and veggies, and last but not least, will get back to some sort of fitness program.

It's all about balance - and I need to find some pronto!

So tell me - how do you balance work, home, friends, healthy food planning, fitness, chores, and quiet time?   Please let me know if you have the secret - I could use a few hints (clearly!)

Issue #1 about eating out with g-friends:

How I love great dessert - issue #2 yes?

We were raised foodies - is this an issue?  These two fine ladies are my older sisters.   Jae is on the left.  We are in a restaurant in Montreal.   Yes, this is what we do together.     Eat.   Oh, and please ignore all those wine glasses - have no idea whose they are :p

And I wonder..........(yes this is me and that would be cotton candy)

It's a new day today and I feel organized.  I will stay ahead, keep my lip (or maybe my whole head) above water and make good solid sensible choices.   These are my goals for this week.     What are yours?

Saturday Weigh-In and The Sounds of Silence

It's time for a little accountability because its' weigh-in day.

At the end of Week 4:  -1.3 pounds.  Total change so far:  -5.3 pounds

We've had a month of weighing in together, and now we've decided that we're going to weigh in separately on our own scales, in our own bathrooms, in our own pajamas (or whatever!) on Saturdays from now on.  It's just too much trouble to make the trek to each others' house every single weekend.  I prefer to drink my weekend coffee with Dr. Sanjay Gupta over at CNN while on my comfy, cozy couch.  Suz is cute, but he's way cuter.  No offense, Sis.

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And since the week has been spent on the run at 100mph, today is a day for regrouping, winding down and finding some peace and quiet.  Ahhhhhhh.......the sounds of silence.  No TV.  No music (except for the crockpot bubbling away with some chicken for dinner - music to my hungry ears).  No phones.  Just some downtime, reading and surfing.  Recharging the batteries.

I'm sure Susan will post her weigh-in results shortly as well.  It's been a good week for both of us, in spite of going to Vermont.  We were so active that we burned off all the cheese/chocolate/pasta/bread/wine! 

Have a peaceful day.

Happy Fall!

Quick post today as I, myself, am recovering from a Stella and Dot jewellery party last night for 25 of my closest girlfriends. :)     The party was scheduled from 7:00 to 9:00 pm - however the last guest left at 8:30 this morning.   More about that tomorrow.   Ouch!

I'm actually checking in to wish everyone a happy first day of Fall.   

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Have a wonderful fall weekend everyone!

When the shoe fits, but the trousers don't.

Have you ever woke up and suddenly you're up 10 or 20 pounds?      It happens over night, at the blink of an eye.   It happens to us all, right?  Right?!!!    

Let me paint the picture:   you've had an amazing weekend (or a few), say, at the cottage.    A "few" cocktails, some good food, some junk food (namely poutine [for non-Canadians that's french fries, gravy with cheese curds - sounds offensive but it's amazing (and I wonder]).      It's Monday morning, you've slept in because of the amazing weekend (see above), so you scramble to pull something together to wear, and low and behold, nothing fits.    So, you throw the first outfit on the floor and go in search of the next.    And......it doesn't fit either.  This outfit gets thrown on the bed, left inside out, and the frantic search begins.  

You swear you will never eat "poutine"  again.     And "the Monday morning mission" begins.    

So, tell me, does this sound familiar?     What do you do to avoid this happening to you?    And how do you get back on the health and wellness wagon? 

 

French Girl's Wardrobe   by lesleysico via etsy

Vermont Fun

Because our Sisters' Weekend, an annual event, was so much fun, I thought I'd throw up some pictures to share the laughs.  Suz will probably follow with a bunch of her pics too.

We stayed in a funky little guest house that was decorated with groovy colours and very interesting details.  Everything was so coordinated, it was almost scary.  :-)  This was the bedroom area.

 And the dining area.

We had a feast on the living area coffee table.  YUM-O!  A little wine made for some great creative planning for the rest of the trip.

After a Saturday of shopping and dinner out at L'Amante, we began Sunday with brunch at the Inn at Shelburne Farms (formerly a Vanderbilt summer estate).  I wonder if Anderson Cooper ever spent summers there.....

That's Big Sis and Little Sis walking the grounds (look closely).  We followed brunch with hike up Snake Mountain.

And 

This is me taking a picture of Ess taking a picture of Big Sis.  Clever, eh?

 We made it to the top.  Check out that view!

And then we did what all self-respecting women do after a great workout - we ate Ben and Jerry's!

What a great weekend!! 

Beginnings

The genesis of this blog occurred during a birthday dinner.  A shared birthday dinner.  Susan and I share a birthday week.  Exactly 7 days after her birthday is my birthday.  Of course, 6 years also separate us, but I like to think that it's really more than a decade of maturity rather than 6 calendar years.  Ha!  Sorry, sis, but you know it's true!

Anyway, over small plates on a Monday night at Allium, we drank wine, enjoyed fantastic food and talked about how our summer had been filled with friends, patios, lotsa wine, lotsa food, and not nearly enough activity.  This was the summer where power reading a menu was the only exercise I saw.  But hey, I was celebrating my 50th birthday.  So much to enjoy!

 

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I stole the picture from the website - you should see all the yummy selections there.  And the handsome waiters.

We decided to take on a project together.  We are going to get healthier.  We are going to get fitter.  We are going to get stronger.  We call this The Mission.

The Mission is about eating well, ramping up the endurance with some cardio, adding in some strength training, taking vitamins (to make up the slack), getting enough sleep and doing enough yoga to stay flexible (yes, mind and body),

And lest you think we're going all zen-like and godly in our pursuit of health, it's also about our favorite jeans fitting again.  'Cause they don't at the moment.  It's a pretty sad state of affairs when the only fall clothes that fit are shoes and earrings.

'Nuff said.

So, since The Mission started on August 26th with an initial weigh-in, here are the stats so far.  We plan to weigh in every Saturday morning and post our results for all the world (or at least all 5 million of our faithful blog readers) to see.  Accountability.  In the EXTREME!

At the end of Week 1:

Susan:  -4.4 pounds.  Total change so far:  -4.4 pounds

Joyce:  -1.5 pounds.  Total change so far:  -1.5 pounds

At the end of Week 2:

Susan:  +1.4 pounds.  Total change so far:  -3 pounds

Joyce:  -2.8 pounds.  Total change so far:  -4.3 pounds

At the end of Week 3:

Susan:  +3.2 pounds.  Total change so far:  +.2 pounds (PMS!)

Joyce:  +.3 pounds.  Total change so far:  -4 pounds (No excuses.  Just nothing)

We'll document what we're changing in our diets and physical activities as we try different strategies to feel healthy and vibrant.  

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It's a little different in the V2.0 stage in life, I must say.  Thank God for maturity, intelligence and experience.  I love being 50.